SERBIA - Internet izdanje Karlovci Nestled between the majestic Danube and the National Park of Fruska Gora, the charming baroque town of Sremski Karlovci is a must

S E R B I AExperience it with all your senses

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

Welcome toSerbia“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.

BelgradeFor centuries, Serbia’s capital city, Belgrade, has shaped itself on the banks of the Danube and Sava rivers, meandering aroundits jewel, the Kalemegdan Fortress.

www.tob.co.yu

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.

Belgrade by Night

Whether it be a night out having dinner with livemusic in the Bohemian Skadarlija district or relaxing at one of the city’s antique cafes or in a houseboat singing and dancing to traditional folk music or enjoying the city’s burgeoning club scene of international repute, two things are guaranteed – style and relaxation with friends.

What is more, Belgrade like the rest of Serbia, offers a range of restaurants and hotels that compared to most European cities offer great value and will not make a dent in the wallet!

www.tob.co.yu

Belgrade boasts some of the greatest nightlife to be found anywhere in Europe, which includes a variety of performance arts including world-class operas, concerts and theatre performances– in essence there’s something for everyone’s tastes.

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.

Novi Sad

www.novisadtourism.com

Stretching along the banks of the Danube, Novi Sad is the elegant capital of Vojvodina.

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.

Fruska GoraNational Park

www.serbia-tourism.org ; www.fruskagora.co.yu

This forested mountain in the vicinity of Novi Sad boasts exceptional wildlife and flora diversity.

SremskiKarlovci

www.serbia-tourism.org

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 theAustro-Hungarian Empire’s rule.

Here the social nobility remains and cordiality and hospitality reign in a restful environment.

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.

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.

Palic Lake

Subotica

www.serbia-tourism.org ; www.subotica.co.yu

Only a few minutes drive away from Subotica, it is the largest and most beautiful lake in the Vojvodina region.

DanubeThe 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.

visit www.kopaonik.net

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.

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 toventure too far to get started.

www.kopaonik.net

In winter

Mount Kopaonik

In summer

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.

The mountain of Kopaonik, nicknamed the “roof of Serbia” is not only the highest peak in Serbia but also the country’s topski resort of European repute.

Today, it is a highly developed resort with all the necessary facilities while the surrounding villages of Sirogojno and Gostilje are more involved inethno tourism.

An excursion to the Sirogojno open-air ethno museum is a visit you don’t want to miss!

Mount Zlatibor

www.zlatibor.co.yu; www.serbia-tourism.org

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.

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 perceived the future in the early 19th century and that events have since revealed.

Sargan, 8-shaped railway road and the old no. 82 steam-locomotive are now renovated and ready to welcome you for a 13.5km long and incredible merry-go-round through 20 tunnels and above

breathtaking views. After the journey, don`t miss a stop at the magic springs and the waterfalls or a visit to the surrounding village households.

The fairy tale atmosphere charmed the world famous film director Emir Kusturica. This is where he shot his last movie and built an ethno village – a must for all visitors!

www.zlatibor.co.yu; www.serbia-tourism.org

Tara was awarded National Park status in 1981 and is widely regarded as one of Serbia’s best preserved wooded mountains.

Mount Tara National Park


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.

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.

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.

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.

SmederevoThe 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.

OplenacChurch of Saint George, a unique monument to Serbia’s cultural and historical heritage, stands on its peak. This white marbled five-domed mausoleum of Karadjordjevic dynasty, is decorated with an impres-sive 15,000 pieces mosaic, depicting biblical scenes copied from medieval frescoes from more than 70 Serbian Orthodox Monasteries. Oplenac is also home to the “Triumph” white wine, once produced exclusively for King Aleksandar Kar-adjordjevic, based on an original recipe of German winemakers. A taste you don’t want to miss!


The hill of Oplenac, in the heart of the picturesque Sumadija region, is a foundation of the modern Serbian State. This is where the first rebellion against the Ottoman Empire took place, 200 years ago, when Serbia started building a modern State.

Vrsac

It is the business center of the region and spiritual center of the Banat Episcopacy; it is town of culture, art ad entertainment. There are great old cultural institutions in Vrsac, such as City LIbrary, City Museum and National Theater. Although it is in fact a small town, Vrsac is rich in diversity of religion and cultures. It is town of green parks and promenades, with numerous holiday resorts

The old Central European town, Vrsac is wrapped up in spiritual and creative energy.

throughout the Vrsac Mountains and surrounding places. Vrsac is also home to a well known flight academy, and several airborne sportsclubs for parashooting, gliding, and paragliding. Today, the entire area where Vrsac Mountains meet gentle Banat plains is planted with grapevine, making it one of the most important viticultural regions in Serbia.


Hotel Villa Breg

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!

Vineyards


Wine growing has been common in the region since Roman times.

Bird Watching

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 arethe places to go.


Serbia is home to an astonishing 270 spe-cies of birds or 80 per cent of all bird species to be found in Europe.

There are many spas in Serbia that are highly respected for their unique medicinal and vitality programs.

Spas


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.

Rural Tourism

www.serbia-tourism.org ; www.selo.co.yu

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?

visit www.serbia-tourism.org

HorsebackRiding

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.

An hour and a half drive away from Bel-grade you will find the Zobnatica eques-trian centre.

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 experienceto remember.

Fantast Castle


This famous castle was home of the Dundjerski family – one of the richest Serbian families of 19th century.

Serbian Food


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.

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.

Events

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.


Numerous events are organized in Serbia throughout the year, reflecting creative force and spiritual wealth of the country.

TOUR OPERATORS DIRECTORY / UK TOUR OPERATORS OFFERING TOURS TO SERBIA

AMADEUS WATERWAYS

21625 Prairie Drive, ChatsworthCalifornia USA 91311-5833Tel: + 1 818-428-6198Fax: +1 818-772-7335 www.amadeuswaterways.com

AVALON WATERWAYS

5301 S. Federal CircleLittleton CO 80123 Tel: +1 877-797-8797www.avalonwaterways.com

DANUBE RIVER CRUISES

1502 Augusta DriveSuite 415Houston, TX 77057Tel: +1 [email protected]

ADVENTURE DISCOVERY

Sterling House, 27 Hatchlands RoadRedhill, Surrey, RH1 6RW Tel: 0870 794 1009Fax: 01420 [email protected]

VIKING RIVER CRUISES

Inc. Noble Caledonia Ltd.Tel: +44 (0) 207 752 0000Travel Rennaissance Holidays Ltd.Tel: + 44 01372 744455www.vikingrivers.com

BALKAN HOLIDAYS

Sofia House 19 Conduit StreetW1S 2BH, LondonTel: +44 (0) 207543 555, 020 7543 5596/82www.balkanholidays.co.uk

CITY VACATIONS

Vacation House374 Cranbrook RoadGants Hill, Essex, IG2 6HWTel: +44 (0)208518 1010http://www.cityvacations.co.uk/

REGENT HOLIDAYS

15 John StreetBristol, BS1 2HRTel: +44 (0) 970 499 0911Fax: +44 (0) 7125 [email protected]

ABERCROMBIE & KENT

Sloane Square HouseHolbein Place London, SW1W 8NSTel: +44 (0) 845 070 0610Fax: +44 (0) 845 070 [email protected]

CRYSTAL SKI

King’s Place, 12-42 Wood StKingston-upon-ThamesSurrey, KT1 1JYTel: +44 (0) 870 405 [email protected]

THOMSON

12 42 Wood StreetKingstone Upon Thames Surrey, KT1 1JKTel: +44 (0) 870 606 1470 Fax: +44 (0) 870 848 [email protected]

PROSPECT MUSIC AND ARTS TOUR

94-104 Jonh Wilson ParkWhitsable, Kent, CT5 3QZTel: +44 (0)1227 773 545Fax: +44 (0)1227 273 [email protected]

EXPLORE WORLDWIDE

1 Frederick StreetAldershot, HampshireGU11 1LQTel: +44 (0) 870 333 [email protected]

INBOUND TOUR OPERATORS

ARGUS TOURS

11000 BelgradeBalkanska 51Tel/fax: +381 11 361 88 66e-mail: [email protected]

FAMILY TOURIST

11000 Belgrade Bulevar Nikole Tesle 42aTel: +381 11 3013 747, 301 3835 Fax: +381 11 3031 923e-mail: [email protected]

MAGELAN CORPORATION

21000 Novi SadZmaj Jovina 23Tel/fax: +381 21 420 680e-mail: office@magelancorp.co.yuwww.magelancorp.co.yuwww.visitvojvodina.com

KON TIKI TRAVEL

11000 BelgradeBeogradska 71Tel: +381 11 3233 501Fax: +381 11 3345 857 e-mail: [email protected]

PUTNIK

11000 BelgradeDragoslava Jovanovica 1Tel: +381 11 3247 139Fax: +381 11 3239 063e-mail: [email protected] www.toptours.co.yu

TOURIST CENTRE KOPAONIK

11000 BelgradeVladimira Popovica 8Tel: +381 11 311 1166Fax: +381 11 311 1803e-mail: [email protected] www.kopaonik-genex.com

ZEPTER PASSPORT PCO/TRAVEL COMPANY

11000 BelgradeKralja Petra 32Tel: +381 11 328 3137Fax: +381 11 328 3368e-mail: [email protected]

TOP TOURS

11000 BelgradeBulevar Kralja Aleksandra 130Tel: +381 11 2450 452Fax: +381 11 2452 590e-mail: [email protected]

Publisher: National Tourism Organisation of SerbiaDecanska 8/5, tel: 381 11 3342 521, 3232 586, fax: 381 11 3221 068e-mail: [email protected], www.serbia-tourism.org

For Publisher: Miodrag Popović, directorEditor: Jelena GrudićConcept, Design and Prepress: Coba&associates/BelgradePhotos: Dragan Bosnić, Dragoljub Zamurović, Milan Simić, TOB Archive, Jovan Eraković, Zoran Veresić, Nemanja Jovanov, Patric Lages, Rade Krstenić,TOS Archive, ExitText: Milica ČubriloText refined by Millenium PR – London U.K.Printed by: Publikum – BelgradeCirculation: 3.0003rd edited edition

ISBN 86-86307-25-6

CIP - Каталогизација у ПубликацијиНародна библиотека Србије, Београд

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE OF SERBIA

11000 Belgrade, Decanska 8/VTel: +381 11 323 2586Fax: +381 11 322 1068e-mail: [email protected]

Tourism organisations Airlines

TOURISM ORGANISATION OF BELGRADE

11000 Belgrade, Decanska 1Tel: +381 11 3248 404Fax: +381 11 3248 770e-mail: [email protected] www.belgradetourism.org.yu

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER NOVI SAD

21000 Novi Sad,Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 9 Tel/fax: +381 21 421 811, 421 812e-mail: [email protected]

JAT LONDON

Town Office Customer Service Department 7 Dering StreetLondonW1S 1AE

JAT HEATHROW AIRPORT

Terminal 2Ticket Desk 33-34Hounslow MiddlesexTW6 1RG

BRITISH AIRWAYS U.K

Customer Relations P.O. Box 5619, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 2PGTel: 0 870 850 9850 (from the UK)Tel: +44 191 490 7901 (from outside the UK)Fax: +44 20 8759 4314

BRITISH AIRWAYS, SERBIA

11000 Belgrade, Knez Mihajlova 30/1VTel: +381 11 328 1303

S E R B I ANational Tourism Organization of Serbia


Documents

SERBIA - Internet izdanje Karlovci Nestled between the majestic Danube and the National Park of Fruska Gora, the charming baroque town of Sremski Karlovci is a must