Magnificent natural and historical marvels of Eastern Serbia
The mighty Danube carved its way through the rock and created the biggest gorge in Europe-The Iron Gates (Djerdap). The story of human civilization in this place begins around the 7th millennium BC when the Lepenski Vir culture started to flourish. The entrance to the gorge and the National Park is guarded by the impregnable medieval fortification - Golubac Fortress. Just outside the National Park, hidden in the forest near Vratna monastery stand the biggest stone gates in Europe representing eye-catching gifts of nature. One of the best-preserved monuments of Roman court architecture in Europe is definitely Felix Romuliana.
Expect a tour for all your senses, incredible nature combined with more than 9000 years of history, through the remains from the Stone Age, Roman, Ottoman, and Serbian historical architecture and culture. Lots of interesting stories to cover and amazing sights to visit, so let’s check it day by day.
DAY 1
Our guide will pick you up from your hotel or any other desired place in Belgrade. After a 2 hour drive, we will approach the widest point of the Danube river bed and medieval Golubac fortress- the vigilant overseer of the Djerdap Gorge and the Iron Gates. Built on the cliffs above the river, the fortress was a place from which the passage through the gorge was controlled. The road leads to the entrance of the Djerdap National Park-park with the longest geological history in Europe.
For less than an hour, we will drive along the Danube until we reach Lepenski Vir. This place is known as the cradle of the Danube civilizations. We will visit the complex and get to know some interesting stories about people who lived on the Danube bank 9000 years ago; about their religion, art, housing, anatomy, and everyday life. It is lunchtime, and our next stop is Kapetan Mišin Breg. This household stands on a steep hill with the most magnificent viewpoint and open-air kitchen where different local dishes are prepared.
After lunch, we continue to Kladovo, a small city on the Danube bank. You will have enough time to wander around or enjoy the spa in the hotel. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 2
We will have breakfast at the hotel and depart for Vratna. After one hour, we will arrive at Vratna monastery, behind which lies the unique natural curiosity of this area- Vratna canyon. After a short walk through the forest, we will soon see the first stone gate- an intriguing act of nature. The gates are actually arches of a cave system that fell down ages ago.
From Vratna, we continue our way to a city called Zaječar. The National Museum houses ancient Roman, ethnographic, and local crafts exhibits. After the visit, we will have a lunch break in the city center.
Our next stop is the Gamzigrad archaeological site and Felix Romuliana roman palace complex, built by the order of Roman emperor Galerius. We will see the remains of the fortifications, palace spas, temples, fine mosaics, and other remains luxuriously decorated by marvel, porphyry, and frescos. From here you will see a nearby hill called Magura where the mausoleums of Emperor Galerius and his mother stand and where the last apotheosis was performed.
From here, we will head back to Belgrade.
