Eastern Serbia Experience: Monasteries, Resava Cave and History Tour
4.9
91 Ratings
Belgrade
Embark on a full-day tour of Eastern Serbia, exploring ancient monasteries, the breathtaking Resava Cave, and delving into the rich history of the region. Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere and savor traditional local delicacies.
Duration: 10 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Belgrade - Your tour starts at your accommodation, and we head towards Pomoravlje District, known as the center of the last Serbian Medieval Kingdom, where monasteries still keep the enormous cultural and historical legacy and wealth.
  • Ravanica Monastery - Our first stop is Ravanica monastery. It was the endowment of Prince Lazar built during the period between 1375 and 1377, with its frescoes painted in the years preceding the Battle of Kosovo. Due to its architectural and artistic features, the Ravanica church can be called the birthplace of the new creative movement called the Morava school. The church is original in its architectural style, which is a blend of the Mount Athos tradition of the trefoil base and the cross-in-square five-domed model which became standard in the time of King Milutin.
    Our guide will give you essential information about the interior and the exterior of the monastery, as well as about the life of the nuns and Orthodox Christianity in general.
  • Resavska Cave - Next, we are set for an extraordinary experience. We will visit the Resava cave, one of the oldest in Serbia, some 80 million years old, with some of the older formations dating back around 45 million years. The interior of the cave abounds in numerous and varied halls, channels, galleries, columns, stalactites, stalagmites, draperies and flowstone waterfalls.
  • Vodopad Veliki Buk - Our next stop is Veliki Buk (also called Lisine), a beautiful waterfall, approximately 20-25 high, which makes it one of the highest waterfalls in Serbia. The surrounding is scenic and perfect for relaxation. This karstic waterfall is protected as a natural monument, and it’s most impressive during the autumn. In the summertime, there’s less water, but it’s still lovely to visit, very refreshing.
    Further on, you will enjoy a traditional Serbian lunch in a unique atmosphere. (not included in the price)
  • Manasija Monastery - Continue your ride to the Manasija monastery. Manasija monastery is one of the last monuments to Serbian medieval culture, raised by Despot Stefan Lazarević, son of Prince Lazar. The construction of the church, an extravagant fortification, and a large refectory took from 1406 to 1418. The impressive walls with 11 towers, surrounded by a trench, would at that time have been a modern system for the defense of the monastery. The most dominant and most imposing tower – the keep – is known as Despotova Kula (Despot’s Tower).

The Church of the Holy Trinity is considered a prime example of Morava architecture.

Frescoes in Manasija are among the most beautiful of the Morava properties and old Serbian art in general. Besides the monumental depictions of warriors in the choir transept, prophets pictured in the dome are exceptionally beautiful, as well as the idealized representation of Despot Stefan Lazarević presenting a model of the church to the Holy Trinity. Besides monastery churches and fortifications, Manasija partially preserves the remains of the old refectory and library. The library housed a scriptorium in which numerous books were copied. The so-called ‘Resava orthography’ was much valued and was to influence later scribes for some time to come.

After an unforgettable day, you will head back to Belgrade.

  • Belgrade - Your tour concludes with transportation back to your hotel/accommodation in Belgrade, where we’ll arrive in the afernoon. End of services.
What's Included
  • Professional guide
  • Transport by air-conditioned minivan or private car
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
What's Not Included
  • Full traditional Serbian lunch (optional) = 1,000 - 1,500 RSD per person (payable only in cash)
  • Entrance fee for Resava Cave = 500 RSD per person (payable only in cash)
  • Entrance fee for Veliki Buk waterfall = 120 RSD per person (payable only in cash)
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Experience the full spectrum of Eastern Serbia in one day with this 9-hour tour. Accompanied by a professional guide, travel in a small group in a climate-controlled vehicle to explore renowned Orthodox monasteries Ravanica and Manasija, the 80 million-year-old Resava Cave, and delve into the rich history of Serbia during the 14th and 15th centuries.

You’ll get the opportunity to soak up the unique ambiance of Eastern Serbia and sample the region’s traditional products.

  • Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.
  • Remember to bring a jacket, as it gets cold in the cave even during the summer months.
  • The tour includes an entrance to places of worship, and so will be asked to wear appropriate clothing.
  • The child rate applies only when sharing with two paying adults.
  • Please bring some cash as you can pay for the Resava cave & Veliki Buk waterfall entrance fees and lunch only in Serbian dinars. Resava cave = 500 RSD per person Veliki Buk waterfall = 120 RSD per person Full traditional Serbian lunch (optional, 10-13€ per person)
  • The minimum number for a shared tour to operate is three guests.
  • At least 16 hours before the trip, we will inform you in case there are not enough guests on tour, and we will offer a choice between: 1) canceling the tour with no fees applied; 2) changing the tour date; 3) moving to another available tour.
Location
Belgrade
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(91 Ratings)
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Hannamari_r
Apr 13, 2024
Great tour - Thank you so much for a great tour! Alexandar was a good guide and he told us very interesting stories about the history in this area and also about today’s Serbian life. I learned a lot!
Review provided by Viator
Peter_s
Apr 12, 2024
Incredible - Guide Jovin was amazing! Great history, beautiful day! I will definitely recommend this trip. Cave and waterfall very unique
Review provided by Viator
Cara_s
Apr 4, 2024
Great journey with a very... - Great journey with a very knowledgeable guide! He shared meaningful insights and helped give us a great feel for Serbian history.
Review provided by Viator
Bramnz
Feb 14, 2024
Very nice experience, absolutely not an impersonal (hurried) tour. - I enjoyed this day and tour very much. The communication is clear and does not leave you in doubt. The guide was at my accommodation at the agreed time and guided us very well. The atmosphere was very relaxed and open and I felt very comfortable from the start. The tour was not stressful and enough time was taken to experience the highlights. I have gained a good experience and enjoyed this part of Serbia. Thank you very much for making this day so wonderful!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Love_travel_ea
Feb 11, 2024
Excelent!!!! - It was a great experience. Uros, the guide, was very kind, he knows a lot about geography, history and he also explains very well. He is dedicated and also gave time to take pictures, and helped with the best spots. We had lunch at a very tradicional place, explained the different kind of foods and suggested what to eat. Highly recommended!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Devanand_s
Jan 15, 2024
This tour is highly recommended - This tour is highly recommended and covers very nice places of interest mentioned in this trip. The tour guide was good and very informative.
Review provided by Viator
Alinav1
Nov 24, 2023
Great time exploring Serbia - Our guide, Konstantin, was excellent, knowledgeable and attentive; we thoroughly enjoyed this day trip and would highly recommend it to anyone
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nicole_d
Oct 26, 2023
Fully recommend! - This was a wonderful trip. Our guide Konstantin was amazing. He provided us with a super interesting overview of the history and culture served with passion and humour. He took us to a fantastic restaurant with absolutely delicious food. This tour was a highlight of my trip to Belgrade
Review provided by Viator
Daniil
Oct 25, 2023
Everything was great - The excursion program was very rich and varied. Our guide (his name was Konstantin) was polite, helpful and told a lot of interesting things during the tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Edward_c
Apr 6, 2024
Beautiful monasteries and impressive cave system - The trip was good, we have been to 2 nice monasteries and the cave was very impressive! The tour guide was friendly (I think his name is Alex) and is very knowledgeable. However like the tour guide already know and said, he is a patriot and his comment on the recent conflict post Yugoslavia era between Serbia and its neighbours might made few tour participants uncomfortable. I can understand his passion for his country, and he sounds like a nice guy; but for us the tourists, we want to have a relax and enjoyable holiday in your country.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 8 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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