Soul & Mountains: Serbia Beyond the Guidebooks

Get ready to uncover hidden gems and untold stories of Serbia in a unique event that goes beyond the typical guidebooks.

HOW DO I JOIN THIS TRIP?
For more detailed info & to get entry for this trip, click on link below 👇🏽:

https://serbia-mountains-apr2026.eventbrite.de

WHY GO?
This trip takes you through the heart of the Balkans, offering a mix of stunning natural landscapes, local culture, and a taste of real Serbian life. You’ll hike through the open mountain slopes of Zlatibor to the peak Tornik, take a boat cruise through the winding Uvac Canyon, explore hidden caves like the icy chambers of Ledenica, and walk forest trails in Tara National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Along the way, you’ll visit remote monasteries, scenic viewpoints, and mountain villages. The journey ends in Belgrade, where you’ll uncover the city’s layered history, explore its underground tunnels, and experience its lively nightlife and bohemian charm. This is the kind of trip that blends nature, culture, and community and leaves you with a whole new perspective on the Balkans.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS?

• Uvac Canyon: is one of the most striking natural landmarks in Serbia, famous for its dramatic, snake-like river bends and towering white limestone cliffs. On this day, we’ll experience the canyon from every angle, starting with a scenic river cruise through the meanders. Then, with a local guide, we’ll hike up to one of Serbia’s most iconic viewpoints, where the canyon unfolds in a series of sweeping curves that seem almost unreal from above. It’s also one of the last remaining habitats of the rare griffon vulture, and part of a protected Special Nature Reserve known for its unique geological formations and biodiversity.
• Tara National Park: often called the lungs of Serbia, is a beautiful and well-preserved natural area known for its dense forests, deep river canyons, and rich biodiversity. This protected park is recognized for its unique ecological and geological features and is included on UNESCO’s List for World Heritage Sites. Exploring Tara means immersing yourself in peaceful mountain landscapes, breathing fresh air, and discovering some of Serbia’s most stunning natural scenery.
• Discover Zlatibor: one of Serbia’s premier mountain destinations, renowned for its vast, pristine wilderness and diverse natural beauty. Dominated by Tornik Peak, the highest summit in the region at 1,496 meters, Zlatibor offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding Dinaric Alps and lush valleys below.
• Ledenica Cave: located in the Uvac Special Nature Reserve, is a captivating underground wonder featuring impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and seasonal ice formations. Accessible after a scenic boat cruise through the winding Uvac River, the cave offers a unique glimpse into Serbia’s dramatic karst landscape. Exploring Ledenica adds a thrilling and mysterious element to the Uvac canyon experience.
• Belgrade is a city full of life and contrasts, where rich history blends effortlessly with a buzzing modern energy. At its core stands Kalemegdan Fortress, a majestic landmark overlooking the meeting point of the Danube and Sava rivers, offering breathtaking views and a peaceful escape surrounded by lush parks. Just a short walk away, you’ll find Skadarlija, the city’s bohemian quarter, alive with the soulful rhythms of traditional music, cozy taverns, and vibrant street life that captures the true spirit of Belgrade. As the sun sets, the city transforms.. lively bars, rooftop lounges, and world-class clubs invite you to dive into one of Europe’s most exciting nightlife scenes.
• EXIT Musical Festival (Optional Add-on & Based on ticket availability): Enhance your Balkans adventure with an optional add-on to the world-famous Exit Music Festival. Held annually within the historic 18th-century Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, this award-winning festival offers a unique and atmospheric setting. It's celebrated for its diverse music lineup, featuring major international artists across electronic, rock, indie, and hip-hop genres. Experience the vibrant atmosphere, friendly crowd, and inclusive vibe that draws attendees from all over the world.

WHAT IS THE PLAN ?

• Day 0 – Meet & Greet: Arrive to Belgrade, settle in the Belgrade accommodation and meet with the local guide for a relaxed evening in the city.
• Day 1 – Zlatibor & Hike to Tornik Peak: After breakfast, we travel to the scenic mountain town of Zlatibor. Our first hike leads us through rolling pastures, dense pine forests, and rugged terrain as we make our way to Tornik, Zlatibor’s highest peak at 1,496 meters. After soaking in panoramic views, we descend and check into our local accommodation for the night.
• Day 2 – Uvac Canyon: Cruise, Hike & Ice Cave: Today we explore one of Serbia’s most iconic natural wonders – the Uvac Canyon. We begin with a peaceful boat cruise through the winding emerald waters before hiking up to the spectacular viewpoint overlooking the meanders. Along the way, we also visit Ledenica (Ice) Cave, an underground marvel accessible only by boat. This is a day filled with jaw-dropping scenery and hidden natural gems.
• Day 3 – Tara National Park & Return to Belgrade: We continue our journey through Serbia with a visit to Tara National Park, one of the country’s most pristine and ecologically important regions. We’ll explore lush meadows, ancient forests, and visit Rača Monastery, a 13th-century cultural landmark. In the late afternoon, we begin our return journey to Belgrade, arriving in the evening. We will wrap up the day with an optional night out in Skadarlija, Belgrade’s bohemian quarter known for its soul, music, and buzzing atmosphere. For everyone who wants a taste of the Belgrade nightlife, we will head out to the famous river-nightclubs.
• Day 4 – Belgrade Tour: History & City Charm: Our final full day is reserved for discovering the vibrant capital. We’ll tour the Kalemegdan Fortress and learn about the city’s layered history, explore the underground tunnels beneath Belgrade, and visit Sveti Sava, the largest Orthodox church in the Balkans. We’ll wrap up the day with a group dinner to end the trip.
• Day 5 – Goodbyes or Optional Avala Day Trip: We say our goodbyes in Belgrade. For those with extra time, there’s the option to join a relaxed half-day excursion to Avala, a forested hill just outside the city offering panoramic views and home to Serbia’s iconic monument to the Unknown Hero.

Hiking / Walking Distance:

• Day 0 : - Arrive in Belgrade
• Day 1: 10 km – Travel to Zlatibor and hike to the peak - Tornik at 1496m height (elevation gain: 400m)
• Day 2: Uvac Canyon – cruise and hike to the Uvac viewpoint, visit to a cave (elevation gain: 250m)
• Day 3: Tara National Park with a visit to monastery Rača (elevation gain: 400m)
• Day 4: Tour of Belgrade, including Belgrade underground, Kalemegdan Fortress and largest Orthodox Church – Sveti Sava
• Day 5: Saying our Goodbyes in Belgrade (optional day-trip to Avala, the highest point near Belgrade, Serbia)

Difficulty: Easy/Intermediate – hiking at relaxed pace on well-marked paths, moderate elevation, sure-footedness & good fitness required
What is Included?

• Community leader & Local guide for the entire duration
• 3 x nights shared hotel accommodation in Belgrade (Mix of twin-share & triple share rooms). Note: Additional accommodation upgrade are available as an add-on
• 2 x nights shared hotel accommodation in Zlatibor(Mix of twin-share & triple share rooms). Note: Additional accommodation upgrade are available as an add-on
• Hotel breakfast on all days.
• Transportation for the entire trip starting from the meeting location to the finishing location.
• Cruise on the Uvac Canyon with entry to the Ice Cave
• Visit to monasteries Dubnica and Rača
• Underground Belgrade Tour
• Guided walking tour of Belgrade
• Access to a dedicated WhatsaApp group for this event to connect with other trip mates, coordinate arrival options & stay in touch (link to WhatsApp group in the ticket).
• Access to a shared Google photo album where you can share & view all amazing pictures & videos from the trip (link to google photos album in the WhatsApp group description)

Optional Activities:

• Entry to other clubs if you wish to party more and this can be organized closer to the trip date.

Please do join our WhatsApp / Telegram channel for updates about our future trips including possible early bird discounts, contests etc.

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