S ERBIA Experience it with all your senses
Welcome to Serbia “A land of contrasts with cities that rock”
Serbia is a land full of surprising con- trasts that offers tourists a truly warm and hospitable welcome catering for everyody.
One of the last undiscovered tourist destinations in Europe, Serbia is now on the up, charming visitors with its bustling cities, beautiful countryside and friendly, passionate people.
Still unspoiled by mass-tourism, Serbia is now an exceptional destination at incredibly good value. This brochure presents highligts of Serbia’s tourist offer. It is a guide to the best destinations and most interesting attractions in Serbia, including food, wines, culture and activities.
National Tourism Organization of Serbia Belgrade
For centuries, Serbia’s capital city, Belgrade, has shaped itself on the banks of the Danube and Sava rivers, meandering around its jewel, the Kalemegdan Fortress.
It is a city where living with charm and hedonism is a way of life. You will be hooked by the capital’s unique atmosphere. Belgrade’s culture is a mix of oriental passion combined with European finesse, which produces a unique experience for the visitor. Belgrade combines arts and culture with great architecture – both classic and modern.
The city has a range of museums and galleries for those seeking to enjoy a more cultural experience: the Museum of Contemporary Art, the National Museum and the Ethnographic Museum, the Gal- lery of Frescoes and the Palace of Princess Ljubica.
www.tob.co.yu
Belgrade by Night
Belgrade boasts some of Whether it be a night out having dinner with live music in the Bohemian Skadarlija district or relaxing the greatest nightlife to be found at one of the city’s antique cafes or in a houseboat anywhere in Europe, which includes a singing and dancing to traditional folk music or variety of performance arts enjoying the city’s burgeoning club scene of international repute, two things are guaranteed including world-class operas, – style and relaxation with friends. concerts and theatre performances – in essence there’s something What is more, Belgrade like the rest of Serbia, offers a range of restaurants and hotels that compared to for everyone’s tastes. most European cities offer great value and will not make a dent in the wallet!
www.tob.co.yu
Novi Sad
Stretching along the banks of the Danube, Novi Sad is the elegant capital of Vojvodina.
Also known as the “Serbian Athens” Novi Sad flour- ishes in education, culture, museums, galleries, libraries and theatres.
Known for being a heaven of tranquillity and toler- ance, as such, the city has attracted a myriad of communities through its turbulent history.
Its architectural jewel is the Petrovaradin fortress perched above the Danube. It hosts museums and art galleries, and in the summer, “Exit”, the largest music festival in southeast Europe.
In Novi Sad, hedonists will enjoy immensely the Vojvodinian gourmet specialities served to the accompaniment of tamburitza orchestras playing in the background.
www.novisadtourism.com
Fruska Gora National Park
This forested mountain in the vicinity of Novi Sad boasts exceptional wildlife and flora diversity.
In the shadow of its oak and hornbeam trees, there are 17 Orthodox monasteries dating from the 15th to the 18th century. Each is a masterpiece in its own right. Hence, Fruska Gora is also known as the “Serbian Holy Mountain”.
On the slopes of the Fruska Gora, orchards and vineyards delightfully stretch out providing deli- cious organically grown apples, cherries, pears, apricots, honey and some of the best tasting Ries- ling wine to be found in the country.
www.serbia-tourism.org ; www.fruskagora.co.yu Sremski Karlovci
Nestled between the majestic Danube and the National Park of Fruska Gora, the charming baroque town of Sremski Karlovci is a must.
It has remained a spiritual and cultural centre for Serbs as it used to be under the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s rule.
Here the social nobility remains and cordiality and hospitality reign in a restful environment.
www.serbia-tourism.org
Subotica
Located at the extreme north of Ser- bia, Subotica is the Serbian gate to Middle Europe.
The town is known for its multi-ethnic mix which influences its diverse cultural life today.
This panonian ‘Saint Moritz’once used to attract the rich and famous from Vienna, Budapest and other European capitals.
Visitors will be delighted by its numerous historical buildings in the Secession style and its charming atmosphere, in the shade of its many trees. Palic Lake
Only a few minutes drive away from Subotica, it is the largest and most beautiful lake in the Vojvodina region.
You will be charmed by its Belle Epoque architecture, dating from the times when it was a chic spa visited by Europe’s rich and wealthy.
Horseback riding, cycling, sailing, a carriage ride through the centennial forest, a visit to the zoo or a farm in the vicinity, are some of the activities available when visiting the area.
Local food is influenced by traditional Hungarian cuisine that is often served with a locally produced wine, grown in the sandy terrain near the lake.
www.serbia-tourism.org ; www.subotica.co.yu Danube
The second longest European waterway brings together East and West as it majestically flows through Serbia.
Cruising down the Danube’s 588km, you will be enchanted by the variety of landscapes: fields of sunflowers and wheat, orchards, vineyards, bays, islands, sandbanks with lush vegetation, dense forests and fishing spots.
Some of the most impressive sights are the cities of Novi Sad and Belgrade, the medieval fortresses of Smederevo and Golubac and the Trayan’s tabula marking the spot where the Roman Emperor crossed the Danube.
The scenery becomes truly breathtaking as you cruise through the Iron Gate, a narrow gorge between the Carpathian and the Balkan Mountains.
www.serbia-tourism.org visit www.kopaonik.net Mount Kopaonik In winter
The mountain of Kopaonik, nicknamed the “roof of Serbia” is not only the highest peak in Serbia but also the country’s top ski resort of European repute.
Skiing and snowboarding in Kopaonik will suit skiers of every skill level, from the beginner to the most experienced. With 21 ski runs and good dumps of snow skiing season on Kopaonik often starts as early as December and finishes as late as April.
Most of the hotels have direct access to the slopes and chair lifts, which means skiers don’t have to venture too far to get started.
In summer
Listed as a National park in 1981, Kopaonik is famous for its natural beauty – flourishing meadows, fir tree forests, rich flora and fauna, river valleys and water-springs.
It makes an ideal environment for mountaineering, hiking, mountain biking, rafting, paragliding and all kinds of open air activities.
Located about four hours drive or 280 km from Belgrade and 120 km from the nearest airport in Nis, the resort hosts a series of hotels and apartments that can cater for up to 3,000 people.
It is more than a tourist resort. It is a small town with a lively atmosphere, many restaurants, bars, nightclubs, casinos, shops and a convention centre.
www.kopaonik.net Mount Zlatibor
Zlatibor – “mountain of golden pine trees” and its resort Kraljeve Vode were once favourite destinations for the Serbian aristocracy enjoying ideal climate, romantic atmosphere, and endless fragrant meadows with medicinal herbs and pastures.
Today, it is a highly developed resort with all the necessary facilities while the surrounding villages of Sirogojno and Gostilje are more involved in ethno tourism.
An excursion to the Sirogojno open-air ethno museum is a visit you don’t want to miss!
www.zlatibor.co.yu; www.serbia-tourism.org
Sargan
“An iron road with a flaring iron car carrying passengers will run across Sargan”...
It is exactly the way the prophet Mitar Tarabic had breathtaking views. After the journey, don`t miss a perceived the future in the early 19th century and stop at the magic springs and the waterfalls or a visit that events have since revealed. to the surrounding village households.
Sargan, 8-shaped railway road and the old no. 82 The fairy tale atmosphere charmed the world steam-locomotive are now renovated and ready to famous film director Emir Kusturica. This is where welcome you for a 13.5km long and incredible he shot his last movie and built an ethno village merry-go-round through 20 tunnels and above – a must for all visitors!
www.zlatibor.co.yu; www.serbia-tourism.org
Mount Tara National Park
Tara was awarded National Park status in 1981 and is widely regarded as one of Serbia’s best preserved wooded mountains.
The mountain is home to over 153 bird species and some of the rarest trees, including the Panciceva Omorika, the “Queen of all endemic species in Europe”. The mountain offers many leisure opportunities for visitors, including hiking and mountain biking across its four canyons whilst the Perucac and Zaovine lakes provide great sailing, fishing and swimming. Visitors to the park also have the chance to experience the famous ‘Gorusica Rainforest’ – lush rare vegetation – the only one of its kind to be found anywhere in Europe.
www.serbia-tourism.org
Monasteries
Medieval Serbian rulers built many fine monasteries throughout Serbia, often located in the most majestic terrain – some even hidden in the mountains. In the past, Serbian monasteries were often the only refuge of Serbian spirituality.
Popular among many visitors, the monasteries are a testament to the orthodox religion through the centuries.
The monastery of Studenica was listed in 1986 by UNESCO as World Heritage. Zica, Sopocani, Mileseva, Ravanica, Ljubostinja, Rudenci, Kalenic, Manasija are architectural beauties.
These prominent monasteries tell the story of the last ten centuries of Serbian history.
www.serbia-tourism.org
Oplenac
Church of Saint George, a unique monument to The hill of Oplenac, in the heart of Serbia’s cultural and historical heritage, stands on its the picturesque Sumadija region, is a peak. This white marbled five-domed mausoleum of foundation of the modern Serbian State. Karadjordjevic dynasty, is decorated with an impres- sive 15,000 pieces mosaic, depicting biblical scenes This is where the first rebellion against copied from medieval frescoes from more than 70 the Ottoman Empire took place, 200 Serbian Orthodox Monasteries. years ago, when Serbia started building Oplenac is also home to the “Triumph” white wine, once produced exclusively for King Aleksandar Kar- a modern State. adjordjevic, based on an original recipe of German winemakers. A taste you don’t want to miss!
Smederevo
The town of grapes and wine, the town of youth, the town worth seeing. It spreads on the slopes of the hilly region of Sumadija, descending to the banks of the Danube.
Apart from traditional hospitality, for which the town has been famous from ancient times, Smederevo offers its guests many cultural and historical monuments including the town’s impressive fortress – the largest to be found in Serbia. Also popular with visitors is the recreational playground on the banks of the Danube - Jugovo, in addition to wine cellars and many popular restaurants all offering local dishes.
www.serbia-tourism.org Vrsac
The old Central European town, Vrsac is wrapped up in spiritual and creative energy.
It is the business center of the region and spiritual throughout the Vrsac Mountains and surrounding center of the Banat Episcopacy; it is town of places. Vrsac is also home to a well known flight culture, art ad entertainment. There are great old academy, and several airborne sportsclubs for cultural institutions in Vrsac, such as City LIbrary, parashooting, gliding, and paragliding. Today, the City Museum and National Theater. Although it entire area where Vrsac Mountains meet gentle is in fact a small town, Vrsac is rich in diversity Banat plains is planted with grapevine, making it one of religion and cultures. It is town of green parks of the most important viticultural regions in Serbia. and promenades, with numerous holiday resorts
Hotel Villa Breg
www.serbia-tourism.org
Vineyards
Wine growing has been common in the region since Roman times.
Riesling, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon, Cabernet and Merlot are some of the enchanting varieties grown in Oplenac, Fruska Gora, Vrsac and Palic regions. “Ausbruch” and “Bermet”, the official wines of Austrian and German Courts are still grown in Sremski Karlovci.
So, roll up your sleeves and be prepared for a pleasant surprise as you tour family owned wine estates.
This is wine making like it used to be – grapes from old family root stock, barrels, bottles, cork – and of course, time. In an age of mass production, sometimes it is good to get back to good old fashioned basics!
www.serbia-tourism.org Bird Watching
Serbia is home to an astonishing 270 spe- cies of birds or 80 per cent of all bird species to be found in Europe.
One of the best places to see them is Carska Bara Bird Sanctuary.
You could also try the lush Ludas Lake Nature Reserve, one of Europe’s pristine wetland areas and a national treasure of bio-diversity. Don’t forget the camera, as there are numerous rare plants and animal species to complete the picture.
Whether you’re a seasoned bird watcher or just interested in something truly unique, these are the places to go.
www.serbia-tourism.org
Spas
There are many spas in Serbia that are highly respected for their unique medicinal and vitality programs.
Unlike most spas, the emphasis is placed on treating specific ailments and devising on-going treatments to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul. The most visited spas are: Vrnjacka banja, Soko banja, Kanjiza, Koviljaca and Zlatibor spa.
www.serbia-tourism.org Rural Tourism
Way of life in many Serbian villages remains unchanged and untainted with modern ways.
Serbian villages offer laid back pace and warm welcome to visitors. Touring through Serbia’s countryside, you can enjoy diverse eco-systems, rich flora and fauna, and a wildlife that ranges from rare birds to many animals still found in the wild. Rivers, lakes and ‘clean air’ all contribute to the perfect escape from 21st century living allowing time for reflection, tranquillity and relaxation.
For the more active, the Serbian countryside also provides a rich cultural experience reflected in traditional architecture, numerous monasteries and traditional arts and crafts still widely practised today.
Hiking, bird watching, fishing, horseback riding, and mountaineering are some of the popular activities to be found in rural Serbia – so why not discover it for yourself?
www.serbia-tourism.org ; www.selo.co.yu visit www.serbia-tourism.org Horseback Riding
An hour and a half drive away from Bel- grade you will find the Zobnatica eques- trian centre.
It has a history dating back 200 years for breeding thoroughbred horses. Riders are offered the choice of riding thoroughbred or pure-bred horses, with classes for children and adults of all skill levels in addition to authentic carriage rides.
In the heart of the Panonian plain, you can watch some of the most prized horses of the region gallop and race. There is also a unique equestrian museum, art gallery, a hippodrome and the blacksmith’s museum that will make your stay an unforgettable experience. Fantast Castle
This famous castle was home of the Dundjerski family – one of the richest Serbian families of 19th century.
Today this majestic building inspired by medieval times is a luxurious hotel where guests can indulge themselves in a perfect retreat.
Also within the grounds is an internationally acclaimed horse stables offering horse-riding to the visitors.
The locals here take pride in telling the love story of Bogdan Dundjerski and his beautiful wife Mara. An experience not to be rushed and an experience to remember.
www.serbia-tourism.org
Serbian Food
Serbia is quickly becoming the food Capital of Eastern Europe with its array of many fine restaurants offering something to tempt every palate. From international cuisine to more traditional local dishes – the gourmet traveller will not be disappointed.
The cities have many fine restaurants all offering great value when compared to other European eateries. Local speciality dishes include fish, stews, grilled meats, fine cheeses and vegetables are for the most part locally and organically grown.
Serbian food is best enjoyed with fine local wines, local beers and excellent local brandies.
www.serbia-tourism.org
Events
Numerous events are organized in Serbia throughout the year, reflecting creative force and spiritual wealth of the country.
Events popular with tourists that are embracing authentic folk creativity include “Dragacevo Trumpet Festival” in Guca, “Homolje Motifs” in Kucevo, “Shepherd Days” in Kosjeric, and the Grape harvesting festivals in Vrsac, Topola, Smederevo, Aleksandrovac and Sremski Karlovci.
The most prominent contemporary arts and culture events include festivals in Belgrade such as BITEF - International Theatre Festival, FEST – International Film Festival, BELEF – Summer Multimedia Festival and BEMUS – the International Musical Festival. Attracting many international artists and a growing international attention is EXIT – the summer Music Festival in Novi Sad that has become the most important festival of its kind in Southeastern Europe.
There are many communities of artists scattered throughout Serbia and one of particular prominence is in the small town of Kovacica, near Belgrade, home to Slovakian naive art.
Sports events are also extremely popular, like the Belgrade Marathon, the Ljubicevo Equestrian Games, the Merry Raft down the Ibar river.
www.serbia-tourism.org TOUR OPERATORS DIRECTORY / UK TOUR OPERATORS OFFERING TOURS TO SERBIA
AMADEUS WATERWAYS AVALON WATERWAYS Danube River Cruises
21625 Prairie Drive, Chatsworth 5301 S. Federal Circle 1502 Augusta Drive California USA 91311-5833 Littleton Suite 415 Tel: + 1 818-428-6198 CO 80123 Houston, TX 77057 Fax: +1 818-772-7335 Tel: +1 877-797-8797 Tel: +1 800-680-2858 www.amadeuswaterways.com www.avalonwaterways.com www.danuberivercruise.com [email protected]
Adventure Discovery Viking River Cruises Balkan Holidays
Sterling House, 27 Hatchlands Road Inc. Noble Caledonia Ltd. Sofia House Redhill, Surrey, RH1 6RW Tel: +44 (0) 207 752 0000 19 Conduit Street Tel: 0870 794 1009 Travel Rennaissance Holidays Ltd. W1S 2BH, London Fax: 01420 541022 Tel: + 44 01372 744455 Tel: +44 (0) 207543 555, [email protected] www.vikingrivers.com 020 7543 5596/82 www.adventurecompany.co.uk www.balkanholidays.co.uk
City Vacations Crystal Ski Explore Worldwide
Vacation House King’s Place, 12-42 Wood St 1 Frederick Street 374 Cranbrook Road Kingston-upon-Thames Aldershot, Hampshire Gants Hill, Essex, IG2 6HW Surrey, KT1 1JY GU11 1LQ Tel: +44 (0)208518 1010 Tel: +44 (0) 870 405 5047 Tel: +44 (0) 870 333 4001 http://www.cityvacations.co.uk/ [email protected] [email protected] www.crystalski.co.uk www.exploreworldwide.com
Regent Holidays Abercrombie & Kent Thomson
15 John Street Sloane Square House 12 42 Wood Street Bristol, BS1 2HR Holbein Place London, SW1W 8NS Kingstone Upon Thames Tel: +44 (0) 970 499 0911 Tel: +44 (0) 845 070 0610 Surrey, KT1 1JK Fax: +44 (0) 7125 4866 Fax: +44 (0) 845 070 0607 Tel: +44 (0) 870 606 1470 [email protected] [email protected] Fax: +44 (0) 870 848 7031 www.regent-holidays.co.uk www.abercrombiekent.co.uk [email protected] www.thomsonski.co.uk
Prospect Music and Arts Tour
94-104 Jonh Wilson Park Whitsable, Kent, CT5 3QZ Tel: +44 (0)1227 773 545 Fax: +44 (0)1227 273 263 [email protected] www.prospecttours.com
INBOUND TOUR OPERATORS
Argus Tours Family Tourist Magelan Corporation
11000 Belgrade 11000 Belgrade 21000 Novi Sad Balkanska 51 Bulevar Nikole Tesle 42a Zmaj Jovina 23 Tel/fax: +381 11 361 88 66 Tel: +381 11 3013 747, 301 3835 Tel/fax: +381 21 420 680 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Fax: +381 11 3031 923 e-mail: [email protected] www.magelancorp.co.yu www.argus.co.yu www.familytourist.co.yu www.visitvojvodina.com
Kon Tiki Travel Putnik Tourist Centre Kopaonik
11000 Belgrade 11000 Belgrade 11000 Belgrade Beogradska 71 Dragoslava Jovanovica 1 Vladimira Popovica 8 Tel: +381 11 3233 501 Tel: +381 11 3247 139 Tel: +381 11 311 1166 Fax: +381 11 311 1803 Fax: +381 11 3345 857 Fax: +381 11 3239 063 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] www.genex.co.yu www.kontiki.co.yu www.toptours.co.yu www.kopaonik-genex.com
Zepter Passport PCO/Travel Company Top Tours
11000 Belgrade 11000 Belgrade Kralja Petra 32 Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra 130 Tel: +381 11 328 3137 Tel: +381 11 2450 452 Fax: +381 11 328 3368 Fax: +381 11 2452 590 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] www.toptours.co.yu Tourism organisations Airlines
TourisT INFORMATION CENTRE of Serbia JAT London British Airways, Serbia
11000 Belgrade, Decanska 8/V Town Office Customer Service Department 11000 Belgrade, Knez Mihajlova 30/1V Tel: +381 11 323 2586 7 Dering Street Tel: +381 11 328 1303 Fax: +381 11 322 1068 London e-mail: [email protected] W1S 1AE www.serbia-tourism.org
Tourism Organisation of Belgrade JAT Heathrow Airport British Airways U.K
11000 Belgrade, Decanska 1 Terminal 2 Customer Relations Tel: +381 11 3248 404 Ticket Desk 33-34 P.O. Box 5619, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 2PG Fax: +381 11 3248 770 Hounslow Middlesex Tel: 0 870 850 9850 (from the UK) e-mail: [email protected] TW6 1RG Tel: +44 191 490 7901 (from outside the UK) www.tob.co.yu Fax: +44 20 8759 4314 www.belgradetourism.org.yu
Tourist Information Center Novi Sad
21000 Novi Sad, Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 9 Tel/fax: +381 21 421 811, 421 812 e-mail: [email protected] www.novisadtourism.com
Publisher: National Tourism Organisation of Serbia Decanska 8/5, tel: 381 11 3342 521, 3232 586, fax: 381 11 3221 068 CIP - Каталогизација у Публикацији e-mail: [email protected], www.serbia-tourism.org Народна библиотека Србије, Београд For Publisher: Miodrag Popović, director Editor: Jelena Grudić Concept, Design and Prepress: Coba&associates/Belgrade Photos: Dragan Bosnić, Dragoljub Zamurović, Milan Simić, TOB Archive, Jovan Eraković, Zoran Veresić, Nemanja Jovanov, Patric Lages, Rade Krstenić,TOS Archive, Exit Text: Milica Čubrilo Text refined by Millenium PR – London U.K. Printed by: Publikum – Belgrade Circulation: 3.000 3rd edited edition
ISBN 86-86307-25-6 S ERBIA
National Tourism Organization of Serbia www.serbia-tourism.org