Mokra Gora Program - 8 days

Mokra Gora Program - 8 days

Brace yourself for a unique Serbian experience! Visit the beautiful mountainside of Western Serbia and enjoy the renowned ethno villages and specialties. Enrich yourselves with a taste of life in the Balkans. Take a piece of Serbia with You.

 Tour highlights:
- scenic landscapes and gentle slopes of Zlatibor,
- Zlatibor Lake,
- scenic hiking routes to Čigota filled with pinewoods, therapeutic for the people with thyroid gland problems,
- mountain and River Tara with its scenic views and crystal clear water,
- monastery and Pension Soko Grad,
- famous scenic railroad Šarganska Osmica,
- "Wooden City" Mećavnik built by Emir Kusturica,
- 200 - year old Ethno Village Sirogojno,
- handmade arts and crafts form Sirogojno, which are the latest fashion trend in the ethno styles,.
- Stopić Cave,

Day 1: Saturday
Arrival at Belgrade Airport. Departure for Zlatibor with quick stop for lunch. Arrival at Zlatibor. Accomodation in Villa "u Lugu". Dinner and rest.

Day 2: Sunday
Breakfast. Sightseeing on Zlatibor with a shuttle with several stops. Lunch and rest. Hiking tour to Cigota. Dinner and rest.

Day 3: Monday [Field Trip 1]
Breakfast. Departure for Mokra Gora. Ride on the scenic railroad Sarganska Osmica, which was the location for the filming of Emir Kusturica movie Life is a Miracle. Arrival at Mecavnik, "Wooden City" which was designed and constructed by the famous director. Departure for Bajina Bašta with a stop for sightseeing of the lake. Return to Zlatibor. Dinner and rest.

Day 4: Tuesday [Field Trip 2]
Breakfast. Departure for Sirogojno. Tour of the Ethno - Village and the museum. Shopping for handmade arts and craft, for which this area is famous for. Ethnic lunch and return to Zlatibor with a stop for the tour of Stopica Cave. Dinner and rest.

Day 5: Wednesday [Field Trip 3]
Breakfast. Departure for Soko Grad near Ljubovija with a visit to the monastery. Lunch. Trip to Kozja Stena, the most scenic view from Mt. Tara. Return to Zlatibor. Dinner and rest.

Day 6: Thursday
Breakfast. Free time before lunch. After the lunch a scenic hiking tour. After the hiking tour some rest and dinner. Good Bye Party and rest.

Day 7: Friday
Return to Belgrade. Lunch in Belgrade. Dinner and Goodbye Party on one of the famous rafts in Belgrade. Rest.

Day 8: Saturday
Early breakfast. Transfer to Belgrade Airport

What else:
- you will eat healthy food and as a souvenir you will take some specialties with you,
- clean and fresh mountain air at high altitudes which is of benefit for the people with respiratory problems,
- participate in health and fitness program on Čigota,
- take a bath or drink water from crystal clear rivers on Tara and Zlatibor,
- have a relaxing holiday in the parts of Serbia where nature is unaffected by industrial development,
- surprise gift.

Tour details:
- 7 Nights with Half Board,
- 8 lunches,
- 2 Transfers,
- 3 Field Trips.

Guide Service: 2 persons, Tickets and Fees for all locations.

A unique Serbian experience awaits you. Unique tours offered by Outdoor open the doors to the hidden treasures of Serbian nature and culture. Visit the crossroads of Western and Eastern civilization and the region that forged much of the European history. Once You leave, take a piece of Serbia in Your heart. Program is based on minimum 6 persons.

Contact: +381-64-555-8581;
Email: guca@booking-hotels.biz;

Grunula je truba

Grunula je truba - Branko V. Radicevic



Sve se izgleda menja. Sabor ostaje isti. Kao element. Zemlja. Vazduh. Voda. Pečenje. Lebac i slanina. Beli lukac. Kolovođa i kec. Prvi i poslednji u kolu. Sabor je čudo. I to čudo nad čudima. Trebalo je, pre trideset i pet godina, promarširati ulicama Guče. U anteriji. Sa šajkačom na glavi. U prisustvu vlasti. U pratnji trubača.

To je čudo. Taj pohod koji traje. Koji ne prestaje. Od Sabora do Sabora. Od grada do grada. U kasno leto. Pred jesen. Dumbara bubanj. Igra kolo. Ali, molim vas, zamislite: kako je to bilo pre trideset i pet godina. U prikradici. U prekorici. Kao inačica. Tek će narasti inat. Tek će se zainatiti pravi inat. U sveopštoj sumnji.

Prikradalo se. I pripremalo veliko kolo. U prikradici. Naizgled naivno i nevešto. Trebalo je imati hrabrosti. I odoleti pokudicama. Šta će vam to tu? I zašto će vam baš tu? I šta će tu Dragačevo? I zar se to sme u Dragačevu? I šta će drugi reći? I kako će se drugi ponašati? I ko će za to odgovarati? I šta ako se to u nešto neprilično izrodi? Opasno je! Nije vreme! Zašto baš trube? I šta će tu trube? Pa to podseća na ratove! I kakvi su to bili ratovi! Ima ratova i ratova. Osvajačkih, napadačkih, tlačiteljskih, nepravedenih, opakih i zlovremenih.

Šta će tu trube ? Na šta nas podsećaju? Na nekakva knjaževstva i kraljevstva?

Nije Srbin izmislio trubu. Šta će truba u kolu? Ima ona preča posla. Zna se njeno mesto. Ispraća u ratove. I maršira s vojskama. Jedan, dva. Pod komandom. Jedan, dva. Ne može u šest koraka.

I grunula je. U Dragačevu. Kao izazov. I prkos. Prisetila. Podsetila. Promladila. Dahnula vedrinom. I nadom. Jer narod igra. Ima nade. Jer narod igra. Dobro je kad narod igra. Zasvadbariće jesen. Rađaće se deca. Oživeće njive i livade. Biće leba i slanine. Zaratariće zemlja. Neće zaratovati. Ona će zaratariti. Jer bog Perun, vrhovni srpski bog, nije bog ratova, već berićeta, bog plodnosti. On opominje gromovima i munjama. On upravlja zemljom i nebesima. I šalje kišu na žednu zemlju. Oplođuje. Preporađa. Omlađuje. Stvara. Daruje.

Trebalo je lukavo, polako, strpljivo, uz neophodne dodvorice i nepotrebne pristanke, očuvati saborovinu, koja je postala dadž, napajala ljude verom i nadom da još ima zdravlja i da nije sve prošlo i da će se živeti i ploditi.

Zaigralo je veliko saborsko kolo. I porodio se veliki, opštenarodni inat. Truba se pretvorila u čudo. Oslušnite je. Drma. Čućete što nikad niste čuli. Čućete ako ste posustali. Čućete ako ste posumljali. Ima spasa. Ima nade. Čućete ako ste se odrodili. Čućete ako se još niste porodili. Čućete ako ste se zaplodili.

Moj glas je slab. Nemam snage da nadvičem trubu. Sve što sam govorim, kazaće vam truba. Ona neprestano samo o tome trubi. Treba je čuti, slušati i razumeti. Ona umesto nas progovara. Jednog dana, ko zna kada, došla je među nas iz dalekog belog sveta. I progovorila je našim glasom. Baš kao da je svirala. Kao da se usvirala. I uguslila. Videli smo je na slikama posvećenim Božijim prostorima. Anđeli navešćuju dolazak. Strašnog suda. Ona se potpuno pripitomila u Dragačevu. Ne poziva na juriš. Neće u rat. Ne navešćuje propast sveta. Dolazak Strašnog suda. Započinje kolo. Svetkuje. I razastire radost. I zato je dobrodošla. Kao preporoditeljka. Na radost. I veselje.

Branko V. Radičević, pesnik, jedan od osnivača Sabora
Slovo domaćina na otvaranju 30. Sabora 1990.

Cudo zvano Guca by Momo Kapor

Momo Kapor

Ko je mogao i da pomisli da će zov trube uspeti da okupi, ni manje ni više, šesto hiljada ljudi i da će na pustim poljanama Guče nići, kao u kakvom ratnom pohodu, polje šatora? A svi su zaboravili, niko ni da pomene, da je čitavu tu priču pre četrdeset devet goina, 1960. godine, započeo jedan pesnik, Branko V. Radičević, zvani Mačista, koji je proslavio Srbiju, a posebno Čačak, odakle je rodom, svojim pesmama i poemama.

Niko da se seti Mača, koji je sa nekolicinom prijatelja sakupio tri-četiri sirota duvačka orkestra koji su se potucali po Srbiji po svadbama i sahranama, više gladni nego siti, i da ih je doveo u portu ispred crkve Svetih arhangela Mihaila i Gavrila u Guči da tu sviraju ceo letnji dan do podne, a onda, bogami, i uveče, i sve tako, puna tri dana.

Vraćajući se u Beograd, Mač je natovario u kola i teški krajputaš iz okoline Čačka, prvi koji je ikada videla prestonica, uvevši tako u modu staru tradicionalnu skulpturu, i to obojenu, dok su se intelektualci divili rupama Engleza Henrija Mura. E, pa lepo bi bilo da je bilo ko od zvaničnika makar i pomenuo Mačistu, Branka V. Radičevića, ali Srbija je to: ona lako zaboravlja. Uostalom, pokojni Mačista ima vremena da čeka da ga pomenu.

Sva muka i bes, sva lepota i tuga, sva radost i muzika, koje se sakupe za godinu dana u Srbiji, prve nedelje avgusta šiknu u nebo kroz blistava grla truba na Saboru u Guči. To je događaj na koji seljačka Srbija nestrpljivo čeka punih godinu dana. Tada Guča, varošica u brdima, postaje svetska prestonica trube.

Ne zna se pouzdano kada su se i kako trube primile u Srbiji, koja je odvajkada poznavala uglavnom gusle, pastirske svirale, frule i dvojnice, ali je to verovatno bilo posle srpsko-turskih ratova potkraj devetnaestog veka, kada su se četni i pukovski trubači vratili u svoja sela, donevši sa sobom olupane, ulubljene i izubijane, a često i kuršumima probijene trube, kojima su, do tada, pozivali na juriše i svirali povečerja. Ratovi koji su usledili početkom novog veka znatno su povećavali, sem mrtvih, i broj truba. Zbog toga je u njihovom tonu još uvek najizrazitiji ratnički zvuk, poklič na pobedu ili smrt – tanki, mesingani lim, naliven melanholičnom mrenom povečerja.

Donosili su ih kao dragocenosti, pažljivo uvijene u krpe i futrole, sašivene od uvoštenih šatorskih krila, u svoja zabita sela. Odmotane i pažljivo izglancane blesnule bi, usred bode siromašnih izbi, sjajem zlatnog roga. Čuvali su ih brižljivo i negovali, zasviravši katkad u sutonu kolce ili posmrtni marš, sve dok ne postadoše pravi virtuozi, ravni, ako ne i bolji, od meksičkih marijačija. Svojim instrumentima postizali su i najviše, gotovo nemoguće tonove, ali su bili u stanju i da nežno, trubama, bekrijama šapuću u uvo uspavanke. I kao što je šljiva madžarka u ovom delu Srbije pronašla najpogodnije tlo za svoje sokove, isto tako se primila i truba, do tada nepoznata srpskim muzičarima. Pokazalo se da se nijednim muzičkim instrumentom, čak ni violinom, za koju su bili majstori Cigani, ne može bolje izraziti suština bića ovog naroda, ponekad kroz krik, često kroz suze, jecaje ili promukli smeh, a najčešće kroz obesne taktove narodnih kola, punih razuzdane radosti.

I sada su se, sa svih strana Srbije, sjatili svi u Guču. I oni koji su tek nedavno prvi put dunuli u pisak, i oni što su živeli od sviranja po svadbama, sahranama, vašarima i zabitim krčmama. Bilo je među njima svakojakih; onih u seljačkim gunjevima i opancima-šiljkanima, sa šajkačama na glavama, i drugih, što su već stekli ime, pa se odenuli u svilene košulje jarkih boja i širokih rukava, prsluke i lakovane cipele. Došli su tu odršani orkestri bez sluha i imalo muzikalnosti, uvežbani ansambli, koji su već nastupali na televiziji i igrali po filmovima, ciganski orkestri sa rumunske i bugarske granice i družine sa imenima nagrada ispisanim na bubnjevima pozlaćenih činela – čak i ansambl američkih marinaca! u Guču su se sjatilii rojevi domaćih i stranih filmskih i televizijskih ekipa da zabeleže kamerama još jedan potpuno nepredvidljivi uzlet srpskog duha. Već prve noći, podanici prestonice trube, zaplitali su jezicima i provlačili se kroz stolove pod šatrama u osmicama, opijeni raskošnim zvukom i pićem što se nemilice točilo na svakom koraku. Najbrojniji među njima došli su iz obližnjih gradova i Beograda, a nije bilo malo ni onih što su stigli čak iz Evrope i Amerike, da nedelju dana traže i pronalaze svoje zaboravljene korene. Samo na ovom mestu mogle su da se susretnu leptir-mašne sa šajkačama, mlade lepotice sa slavnim, pijanim starcima, dame, odevene po poslednjoj pariskoj modi, sa zabrađenim seljankama; pod šatrama koje su bazdile po rakiji, pečenom mesu i duvanskom dimu što je naprosto kuljao iz njih. Svaka šatra postala je improvizovana gostionica sa rasparenim stolicama i sastavljenim stolovima prekrivenim čaršavima, u kojoj su se smenjivala i nadmetala, naizmenično, po dva-tri orkestra duvača. Pred jutro, iskolačenih očiju, okrenuli bi svoje trube jedni naspram drugih, poput tromblonskih bacača zvuka, izduvavajući svu svoju nagomilanu snagu i bes kroz njih, nadmećući se ko će koga da nadjača i otera sa poprišta. Lepotice su se pele na stolove i igrale po njima (zvali su ih stolovače), a muškarci padali u dert, razvezivali kravate i opuštali kaiševe ispod nabreklih trbuha. Ništa se, naime, ne slaže i ne prožima tako dobro kao šljivovica iz tog kraja i svirka duvača-Dragačevaca.

Oko šatri su se okretali danonoćno ražnjevi sa prasićima i jaganjcima a na nekoliko mesta i teški volovi, sa kojih su vešti majstori noževima odsecali ispečeni sloj, i dok se pekao novi, prodavali još vrele režnjeve volujskog mesa u rasečenim lepinjama.

Što se tiče ovogodišnje Guče, zapanjile su me dve stvari: prva, da nije bilo nijednog slučaja svinjskog gripa, koji hara planetom, a to iz dva razloga – najpre, zbog toga što su gosti pojeli svu raspoloživu svinjetinu, tako da grip nije stigao da se zapati u njoj, a i to je najzad dokazano, da bacili gripa umiru na metar i sedamdeset pet centimetara udaljenosti od onoga koji je popio tri litra vina ili gajbu piva. Tako je slučajno i pronađen najbolji serum protiv gripa. Druga stvar koja me zapanjuje, po ko zna koji put, jesu pijani Slovenci, koji dokazuju da nema šta da tražimo u Evropskoj uniji, jer da je tamo dobro, ne bi dolazili kod nas u Guču da se provedu pod sloganom ''Samo jednom se živi!'' Kako im je tamo, najbolje se vidi iz načina na koji piju: oni se opijaju mračno i depresivno, bilo čim što im dođe do ruku, samo da pobegnu od načina života kojim žive.

Ono što je potpuno nelogično u Guči kuva se u velikim zemljanim loncima, i zove se svadbarski kupus. Kiseo kupus u avgustu, to me zaprepašćuje. Da li je to onaj poplesnivili kupus, preostao od zimus, ili su ga zakiselili na brzu ruku, ostaće zauvek tajna. Zaista ga je perverzno jesti usred leta.

Primetio sam još da Guča, i pored svoje popularnosti, polako ali sigurno gubi svoju izvornu dušu, približavajući se američkom Vudstoku ili novosadskom Egzitu. Njena buduća propast počela je prisustvom u orkestrima saksofona, koji je do tada bio nepoznat instrument u srpskoj narodnoj muzici, a nastavlja se sa sve prisutnijim klavijaturama. Još samo nedostaju orgulje i harfistkinja sa šajkačom, pa da stvar bude potpuna. Još nešto: u repertoar se sve više uvlače belosvetski šlageri od Maj veja do Kondorovog leta – kao , možemo i to. Za iduću godinu Guča je najavila takmičenje za prvu trubu sveta. Šteta što su umrli Dizi Gilespi i Majls Dejvis – oni bi sigurno došli da se takmiče sa Salijevićima.

Kao što je ono prase pitalo, ima li života posle Đurđevdana, tako se i mi pitamo, ima li ga posle Guče?

Momo KAPOR, književnik i slikar

Nin, Beograd, 20. avgust 2009.

Nikola Tesla Arrangement

Nikola Tesla Arrangement

Day 1th: Meeting of passengers and representatives of the agency at the airport Nikola Tesla Belgrade. Transfer to the hotel. Free time. Overnight.

Day 2nd: Breakfast. Sight - seeing of the city with a professional tourist guide in the English / German / French Language.

Itinerary: the City Parliament, the Federal Parliament, Terazije Street, Republic Square, Students' Square, Belgrade Fortress, City Gate ["Varos kapija"], New Belgrade, Topcider Hill, Dedinje, Oslobodjenje Square, Slavija Square, Nikola Pasic Square. Free afternoon. In the evening organized visit to the Belgrade Bohemian Quarter - Skadarlija. Dinner in the national restaurant with live music. Overnight.

Day 3rd: Breakfast. One - day excursion in the Central Serbia, Valjevo City and its surroundings.

Itinerary: Belgrade, the Kolubara River valley, Petnica cave, Research Center in Petnica, Valjevo [old city lake Tesnjar, Muselin's overnight stay inn, the monument of the greatest Serbian army commander Zivojin Misic, the monument of poetess Desanka Maksimovic]. Visit of Monasteries Celije and Lelic with relics of the Bishoup Nikolaj Velimirovic, the Orthodox theologian and writer from 20th century, visit to the monastery of Pustinja ["The Desert"] from 14th century built during the rule of the Nemanjic royal family.

Visit to the village Sitarice on the hillsides of Medvednik Mountain. This is the place where the tradition of old Serbian houses, outbuildings, folklore, customs and traditional dishes of Serbian cuisine are preserved and cherished. Here in the yard of an old authentic village house, Serbian dining table brimming with national dishes and drinks, with welcome of a Serbian host, song and dance typical for this part of Serbia are waiting for us.

Return to Belgrade in the evening hours. Overnight.

Day 4th: One - day program with Nikola Tesla

The day with Tesla begins on the catamaran boat, where Tesla's breakfast is planned, as well as a public lecture with the works of a composer Stevan Mokranjac in a way Tesla saw and experienced them. The program will be preformed by the national song and dance ensemble under the name of "Nikola Tesla" and under the original flag which Tesla presented them. There you will take active part in the program and learn to dance traditional Serbian "kolo".

Landing from the boata and following the way once Tesla went along, when he visited Belgrade. Lunch "Tesla's Menu" in a well - known Belgrade café restaurant. The afternoon rest and preparation for Tesla's night. Departure on the drama performance at the "Madlenianum" theatre, dedicated to Tesla.
Since it is known that the great genius worked late at night, in his honour, we will spend the night in the heart of Belgrade, Nikola Tesla Museum, performing experiments which made him famous.

Day 5th: Breakfast. Transfer from the hotel to the airport. Departure of the group.

Arrangement includes:- transfers by high tourist class buses during the travel,
- accommodation in the hotel. Type of service: Bed & breakfast [BB],
- 3 lunches, 1 dinner, no drink included during the travel,
- all tickets included in the program,
- a guide speaking the native language of the group provided during the trip,
- organization and running the trip.

Contact: +381-64-555-8581;

Email: guca@booking-hotels.biz

Serbia-Montenegro Tour

Serbia-Montenegro Tour

Day 1th: Meeting of passengers and representatives of the agency at the Belgrade airport "Nikola Tesla". Transfer to the hotel after which sightseeing of the city with a professional tour guide is planned.

Walking tour route: Oldest Orthodox Church in Belgrade - Ružica [XVI century], St. Petka Chapel, old Belgrade core, Patriarch's residence, Orthodox Cathedral.

Sightseeing route by bus: The City Parliament, The Federal Parliament, Terazije Square, Republic Square, Students' Square, New Belgrade, Slavija Square Nikola Pasic Square.

In the evening, we will visit old bohemian quarter Skadarlija and have dinner in the national restaurant with program which includes actors and musician. With this experience you will feel the spirit of Belgrade from its old times.

Day 2nd: Route: Belgrade - Topola [Oplenac] - Mountain Rudnik. Breakfast is in the hotel. Departure of a group to Southern Serbia.

First we will visit St. Sava's Temple in Belgrade, the largest Orthodox temple on the Balkans. It is located at the place where in 1594 the relics of great Serbian saint Sava had been burned.

The road leads us to the South, in the interior of Serbia. First to Oplenac and to the Museum and St. George's Church, the charitable foundation of King Petar i Karadjordjevic, where there is also a family crypt of Serbian royal family Karadjordjevic. Here we will also visit king's wine cellar with the wine tasting and gourmet offer.

Departure to Rudnik Mountain where we will be accommodated and have lunch or dinner, depending on arrival. The Rudnik Mountain, which dominates Serbia's central region Sumadija was declared a climate spa in 1922 because of its superb climate conditions - great number of sunny Days per year, air currents, high level of air ionization, unspoiled nature… Overnight.

Day 3rd: Route: Rudnik Mountain - Kragujevac - Kraljevo - Monastery Zica - Monastery Ljubostinja - Vrnjačka Banja. Breakfast and departure towards Vrnjačka Banja. On the way to Vrnjačka Banja, you can't overlook the monastery Zica [the 18th century], charitable foundation of Stefan Prvovencani, where in accordance with tradition the keeper of the Seal of old Serbian state is; then in the direction of Krusevac - female monastery Ljubostinja [the 15th century], charitable foundation of Empress Milica [the wife of Serbian prince Lazar] which is one of the most important monuments of the Morava school.

We will continue our trip to Vrnjačka Banja, spa where you will be accommodated in hotel. First, we will have lunch and in the evening you will have some spare time and time for rest. Vrnjačka Banja, well known Serbian tourist spot, is situated below Mountain Goc and nearby spa there are many natural beauties, cultural and historical heritage of old Serbia, from the regency of Dynasty Nemanjic. Dinner. Overnight.

Day 4th: Route: Vrnjačka Banja - Monastery Studenica - Monastery Djurdjevi Stupovi - Mountain Bjelasica [Montenegro]. After breakfast group leaves hotel and continues trip to Montenegro. On our way, we will visit one of the most important monasteries from 12th century - Monastery Studenica [80km]. This Monastery is one of the UNECO World Heritage Sites. Trustee of Monastery Studenica is Stefan Nemanja and Dynasty Nemanjic. Also, this is the birthplace of Serbian art and literature, and founder stone of Serbian culture. In Monastery compound there are Church of Our Blessed Lady, Church of St. Nikola, King's Church, monastery treasury, and dinning room where you will take a brake and try monastery wine, honey and meals from monastery kitchen.

Since we chose this way, we will find ourselves in another fairy tale from Kopaonik area, named Stari Ras [Old Ras] which is made of jewels of Serbian spirituality. You can start meeting the temples of Nemanjic's Serbia from the monastery Sopocani, the charitable foundation of king Uros i [the second half of the 13th century] which is located in the valley of the River Raska, by the ancient town Ras - the center of Serbian medieval state. Some members of the royal Nemanjic family found their eternal peace here. On a hill above Novi Pazar, there is a monastery Djurdjevi Stupovi, charitable foundation of Stefan Nemanja. The oldest building of this block is St Geogije's Church.

Petar's church in Novi Pazar is even older and it is one of the oldest Serbian Orthodox churches. It was built in the 11th century and is famous for being the oldest spiritual centre in Raska area. Sopocani and Petar's church are the part of the world cultural heritage and they are under protection of UNESCO organization.

On our way to Montenegro, we will take a break and accommodated on Bjelasica Mountain in Mojkovac and have dinner. Overnight.

Day 5th: Route: Bjelasica Mountain - Monastery Moraca - Podgorica - Budva. Breakfast in hotel and departure to Montenegrin coast of Adriatic sea.

On our way we will visit monastery Moraca. The Moraca Monastery is one of the most majestic medieval monuments in Montenegro that is influenced in architecture and fresco painting by the Byzantine Empire.

We will pass by Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, and soon we will find ourselves on a beautiful coast of Adriatic sea. We will accommodated in hotel in Budva and have lunch in some of famous fish restaurants in Budva.

In the afternoon, we will visit Monastery Rezevici near Petrovac. The Monastery Rezevici is situated on a picturesque hillside not far from the sea, near Petrovac and in the immediate vicinity of the famous tourist complex Sveti Stefan. According to tradition pagan temples and ancient graves existed here, some of which can still be seen. The Serbian king Stefan the First - Crowned spent some time of his life in Rezevici. There we will also visit Sveti Stefan [St. Stefan] a former fishermen's village, today a famous city - Hotel situated in the most beautiful part of the Montenegrin coast. Sveti Stefan hosted many celebrities, such as Sofia Loren, Monica Vitti, Willie Brandt, Bobby Fisher, Silvester Stallone, Claudia Schiffer, Ingemar Stenmark...
Return to Budva. Dinner. Spare time. Overnight.

Day 6th: Route: Budva - Kotor Bay - Monastery Ostrog - Zabljak Mountain. Breakfast in hotel and departure to Kotor Bay. If you have not fallen in love at first sight with any town before, you will certainly fall in love with Kotor! This small medieval town on the beautiful Kotor Bay is both charming and seductive. Narrow streets, contiguous houses, bulwarks, churches, cathedrals, squares, carnivals and feasts, create an environment that one can not resist. After a short break in this beautiful area we will continue our trip to Monastery Ostrog.

The orthodox Monastery Ostrog is the most frequent visited one on the Balkans. It is visited by believers from all parts of the world, either individually or in groups. It represents the meeting place of all three confessions: the Orthodox, the Catholics and the Muslims because it is believed that the enshrined body of Saint Vasilije Ostroski makes miracles. According to the stories of pilgrims, by praying by his body many have been cured and helped in lessening the difficulties in their lives.

On our way back to Serbia, we will take a break on Zabljak Mountain and accommodated in hotel. Lunch. Spare time. Overnight.

Day 7th: Route: Zabljak Mountain - Prijepolje - Monastery Mileseva - Zlatar Mountain.
After breakfast group leaves hotel and continues trip back to Serbia. First treasury that we will find is famous known monastery Mileseva.

The Mileseva monastery was founded between 1234 and 1236 by Serbian King Vladislav. The monastery is situated in a valley of the Mileseva river, near Prijepolje. The church's most famous fresco is the White Angel, now regarded as a symbol of Serbia and recently adopted as an emblem for the United Nations.

Further on, in beautiful nature of Mountain Zlatar, we will find unique ethno village and this will be an opportunity to meet Serbian old tradition, tasting real Serbian food and spending a night in old traditional houses of this village.

Day 8th: Route: Zlatar Mountain - Zlatibor Mountain - ethno village Sirogojno - Mecavnik - Zlatibor. After breakfast, we will continue exploring Serbian tradition and values from its old times on Zlatibor Mountain in unique open - air museum "Old Village Sirogojno".

This open - air museum represents the village dwelling culture on mountain Zlatibor. To save at least a part of this cultural heritage, a number of authentic objects and buildings have been transferred to the present site of the Museum and conserved in order to be used for further research and to be exhibited for the public.

We continue our trip towards Mokra Gora. Here you will enjoy in "Sarganska Osmica", narrow - gage railroad, shaped in number eight, 15km long, with 22 tunnels, many viaducts and bridges which represents the greatest tourist attraction in Europe at the moment. You will board the old type train "Cira" and drive along spectacular places and views. Also, you will visit film village Drvengrad [Wooden town] where our famous film director Emir Kusturica made his film "Zivot je cudo" [Life is a miracle], and watch the projection of his latest documentary film. Lunch is planned in the ethno restaurant of this unique film village and maybe, during lunch, Emir Kusturica will personally come to welcomes you. In the evening, we will return to Zlatibor to be accommodated in hotel. Overnight.

Day 9th: Route: Zlatibor Mountain - Ovcarsko - kablarska Gorge - Kostunici village - Belgrade. Departure to Belgrade is planned after breakfast. Way leads us to Ovčarsko - Kablarska Gorge, Serbian Holy Mountain [66 km].

Ovcarsko - Kablarska Gorge is recognized for its natural beauties as well as for its cultural - historical monuments. The monasteries played an important role, not only in spiritual sense, but also in development of the national conscience, in acquiring knowledge and in teaching illiterates how to read and write, throughout the history of Serbia and Serbian people who lived on this territory for centuries. Monasteries of Ovcarsko - Kablarska Gorge represent the evidence of the past times and each of these monasteries [there are 10 of them] has its own story related to the period of its foundation and existence on this territory.

Next stop is Kostunici village where we will visit the local museum and ethno gallery. Lunch is planned in an authentic national restaurant where you will taste Serbian cuisine followed by sljivovica [plum brandy]. Arrival in Belgrade in the evening hours. Accommodation in hotel. Spare time. Overnight.

Day 10th: Route: Belgrade - Fruska Gora - Sremski Karlovci - Novi Sad - Belgrade. After breakfast in a hotel, you will be taken to one - day jaunt to Fruska Gora, Sremski Karlovci and Novi Sad.

Fruska Gora - Serbian Sacred hill with 12 monasteries among which the monastery Krusedol is the most famous [the 16th century] and it used to be the residence of Serbian archbishops. Further on, the road leads us to Sremski Karlovci where Patriarch's Court is, as well as St. Nicola's Church and lots of art monuments. All treasuries of this city are reasons for calling it Serbian St. Andreja on the Danube! Here, you can find famous known wine cellars and in one of the oldest, we will have wine tasting.

The great finale of this trip is in Novi Sad. Sightseeing of central area and Petrovaradin Fortress which has a good 'memory' and 'knows'.

Spending a time in Serbia and not tasting fish specialties would be such a shame! We will have lunch in fish restaurant on the Danube coast with national music "tamburasi", after which we will return to Belgrade. Spare time. Overnight.

Day 11th: Route: Belgrade. Breakfast. Free time until transfer to the airport. Departure.

Arrangement includes:
- transfers by high tourist class bus / mini bus during the travel,
- accommodation & type of service,
- 3 nights in hotel "Majestic" 4**** Belgrade [BB],
- 1 night in hotel "Neda" 3*** Rudnik Mountain; [HB],
- 1 night in hotel "Fontana" 3*** Vrnjačka Banja [FB],
- 1 night in hotel "Palas" 3*** on Bjelasica Mountain [HB],
- 1 night in hotel "Obala" 3*** in Budva [HB],
- 1 night in hotel "Jezera "3***, Zabljak Mountain [HB],
- 1 night in ethno village3*** on Zlatar Mounatin [HB],
- 1 night in hotel " Zelenkada "4**** on Zlatibor Mountain [BB],
- All meals included in program, no drink included during the travel,
- All tickets and sightseeing included in the program,
- A guide speaking native language of the group provided during the trip,
- Organization and running the trip.

Arrangement - The Danube Secrets

Arrangement - The Danube Secrets

Day 1th: Meeting of passengers and representatives of the agency at the airport Nikola Tesla - Belgrade. Transfer to the hotel. Free time. Overnight.

Day 2nd: Breakfast. Sightseeing of Belgrade by cruising the Danube and Sava Rivers. Along the 18 kilometres sail, enjoy the beauty of the city, lunch on a boat with Serbian wine and brandy [rakija].

After compliance tour continues with Belgrade panorama sightseeing which includes sites of City Parliament, Federal Parliament, Terazije Square, Republic Square, Students' Square, Belgrade Fortress, City Gate ["Varoš kapija"], New Belgrade, Topčider Hill, Dedinje, Oslobodjenje Square, Slavija Square, Nikola Pašić Square. Return to the hotel. Overnight.

Day 3rd: Breakfast. Departure to Eastern Serbia and Djerdap Gorge.
Short break is planned on the Srebrno jezero [Silver Lake]. Continuing voyage towards Golubac, a town where Danube is 6 kilometers wide and for that reason called "Serbian sea". Danube is on its widest part decorated by Golubac Fortress, one of the most beautiful fortresses on its whole course. After visiting the fortress and break for taking photos, along the valley of Djerdap Gorge group arrives at the hotel "Lepenski Vir". Spare time. Visit to the museum "Lepenski Vir" and going on Captains Miša Hill for dinner. From this hill there is the best view of the Danube in its entire course, and art lovers can enjoy seeing open - air wood gallery. Accommodation in the hotel on the Danube bank. Spare time in the afternoon and in the evening.

Day 4th: Breakfast. Photo Safari tour in National Park with viewing the inhabitants and amazing natural sights. After hunting, lunch with music and party under the open sky is prepared. Those without these ambitions can visit the observation hills of the National Park and enjoy the unique Djerdap view. From there we move to Kladovo to visit the Archeological Museum of the town. Trip continues towards Vratna and visiting of its attractions: Monastery Vratna, farm of mouflons, and the unique wonder of nature, Vratanjske Kapije [Vratanjske Gates], rocks which made rare and odd forms hanging over the Gorge of the little Vratna River. Departure to Negotin. Visit of a birth house of a famous Serbian composer Stevan Stojanović Mokranjac. Accommodation in the hotel. Spare time. Overnight.

Day 5th: Breakfast. Setting off from Negotin to the village Rajac along the narrow way, above which a village of wine cellars under the name "Rajačke pimnice" is rising. This is the small town built of trimmed stone and logs. After visiting wine cellars ["Pimnice"] and wine tasting, lunch is planned in the St. Trifun restaurant, and the specialties of the national cuisine of Negotin area are served. We leave "Pimnice" late in the afternoon, when return to Belgrade is planned. Accommodation in the hotel in Belgrade. Spare time in the evening. Overnight.

Day 6th: Breakfast. Transfer to the airport; Departure.Day 1th: Arrival to Belgrade. Meeting of passengers and representatives of the agency at the airport Nikola Tesla - Belgrade. Transfer to the hotel. Spare time. Overnight.

Contact: +381-64-555-8581;
Email: guca@booking-hotels.biz

Serbian Monasteries Tours

Serbian Monasteries Tours

Day 1th: Arrival to Belgrade. Meeting of passengers and representatives of the agency at the airport Nikola Tesla - Belgrade. Transfer to the hotel. Spare time. Overnight.

Day 2nd: Breakfast. Route: Belgrade - Vrnjačka Banja [spa]
Sanctum places of Serbian capital [St. Petka Chapel and Church Ružica, Orthodox Church and Patriarch's residence, St. Sava's Temple, the biggest Orthodox Temple in the Balkans]. Departure to Vrnajčka banja. Visit to the Monasteries Pokajnica, Manasija, and Ravanica; lunch in the monastery. Arrival to Vrnajčka banja. Accommodation. Overnight.

Day 3rd: Breakfast. Route: Vrnajčka banja - Monasteries Žiča, Ljubostinja, Kalenić - Vrnjačka Banja. Lunch is planned in Monastery Kalenić. Visit to the open - air Museum "Kalenić" and familiarizing with the old Serbian crafts: weaving, spinning, knitting, basket weaving. Presentation of the national architecture and traditional usable objects. Return to Vrnjačka Banja. Accommodation. Overnight.

Day 4th: Breakfast. Spare time. Route: Vrnjačka Banja - Monastery Studenica.
Visit to Monasteries Djurdjevi Stupovi, Sopoćani. Arrival to Monastery Studenica. Lunch. Accommodation in the Monastery's residential building and presence to the evening prayer. Overnight

Day 5th: Breakfast in the Monastery residential building. Route: Studenica - Ovčar banja [spa] - Ovčarsko - Kablarska Gorge - Valjevo

Visit to Monastery Gradac [long hiking tour] and St. Peter's Church on the way to Ovčar Banja. Arrival to Ovčar banja. Lunch in the national restaurant. Visit to the Monasteries of Ovčarsko - Kablarska Gorge: Vavedenje [Presentation of the Virgin], Vaznesenje [Resurrection], Sretenje [Meeting of Our Lord in the Temple], Svete Trojice Blagovestenje [Annunciation of Holy Trinity], Ilinje, Savinje, Nikolje, Jovanje i Uspenje [Dormition]. Departure to Valjevo. Accommodation. Overnight.

Day 6th: Breakfast. Route: Valjevo - village Sitarice - Valjevo.
Petnica cave, Research Center in Petnica. Visit to the old city center Tešnjar, Muselin's konak [hist. castle, palace], the monument of the greatest Serbian army commander Živojin Mišić, and the monument of poetess Desanka Maksimović]. Visit of the Monasteries Ćelije and Lelić in which are the relics of the Bishop Nikolaj Velimirović, the Orthodox theologian and writer from 20th century. Visit to the Monastery Pustinja from 14th century, built during the rule of the Nemanjić royal family.

Visit to the village Sitarice on the hillsides of Medvednik Mountain. This is the place with traditional, old Serbian houses, outbuildings, folklore, customs and traditional dishes of Serbian cuisine are preserved and cherished. In the yard of an old authentic village house, Serbian dining table brimming with national dishes and drinks, traditional Serbian host, songs and dancing typical for this part of Serbia, welcomes guests. Return to the hotel. Overnight.

Day 7th: Breakfast. Route: Valjevo - Soko Grad - Monastery Tronoša - Tršić - Belgrade
Departure from Valjevo. Arrival to Soko Grad and visit to the Monastery Complex of "Soko Grad". Short break. Departure to Monastery Tronoša and Trsić. Visit to the Monastery Tronoša and monastery residential building. Visit to the Ethnographic Commemorative Park and Commemorative House dedicated to the father of Serbian literacy Vuk Stefanović Karadžić in Tršić. Lunch break and individual activities. Departure to Belgrade in the evening. Accommodation in the hotel. Overnight.

Day 8th: Breakfast. Transfer to the airport; departure.


Contact: +381-64-555-8581;
Email: guca@booking-hotels.biz