All recommended sites & everything else can be located & checked out with a few clicks - most have 10 photos showing views, food, beds, scenery, facilities, goods - everything you need to make an informed decision & links to all of them.
Just click on any marker, then on the traffic arrow and a 2nd location for instant detailed public & private travel information including routes, distances, times, frequency, transfers & stop locations.
Your holiday - Your way
Country Guide
COUNTRY GUIDE
The secret with road trips is short driving days with plenty of time to enjoy the highlights and unique local experiences along the way. You should be parked up, checked in and enjoying a drink and a snack in time for sunset. Stress free and safety first.
If you want to shorten the trip you could take a week off of Belgrade.
BEST TIME TO GO - April to June and September through October is good.
Can be hot and crowded in Summer - late June to August.
Ski season is December to March. Cold Arctic winds come through in Winter, December to February is verrry cold.
STAY -Most hotels are available onBooking.comunless otherwise stated. It's best to get bookings with free cancellation and pay on site when you get there. Hotels chosen are usually 3*** or 4 or 5 if they are good value. They are chosen firstly for their location, value for money, positive testimonials regarding cleanliness and service and features like rooftop terraces and great views.
Since the end of Covid a lot of prices have gone through the roof. So if the selected hotel is out of your price range click on the location map and choose something cheaper nearby. Or you might prefer something else but try to stay in the same area.
Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG) - has direct flights to 102 destinations in 38 countries. Including New York, Chicago, Europe, the Middle East and Beijing. You will need to connect to one of these areas.
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Once you have bought your airline tickets don't forget to get some travel insurance to protect yourself
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Being Europe it's never going to be cheap. Having said that it is Eastern Europe and most costs will be quite reasonable and probably cheaper than home.
UNESCO World Heritage Listed Durmitor National Park
The only hot spring in the World the exact same temperature as the human body 36.5 degrees
1 - 4 Belgrade - 4N
Start and finish the trip in Belgrade the world's party capital. Known as the White City it's location is rated the world's third most beautiful after Rio and Istanbul. During the NATO bombings in the late nineties they used outdoor parties and concerts to save bridges and city squares. It wasn't the first time the city has been attacked. In fact it has been battled over 115 times and razed to the ground 44 times. The city has been known by 15 different names. It's nickname is the White Fenix. The city sits on both sides of the Sava River and actually used to be two towns both at the outer boundaries of their empires with their respective forts facing off across the river from each other. Zemun (now a suburb of Belgrade) on the west bank was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire which crumbled after World War l. Belgrade had been free from the Ottoman Empire since 1867 and incorporated Zemun into the city after WWl. New Belgrade was built between the two towns.
As you can see there is a lot of history here and we've barely scratched the surface. Yugoslavia hasn't even been mentioned yet. People have been living in this area for 7000 years. In more recent times Belgrade was Tito's capital of Yugoslavia which fell apart after he died.
You will spend the first stint here in the old quarter and when you come back it will be across the river (actually floating on the River Danube) in the old area of Zemun. You'll be near the historical sites first up and closer to the Party Barges the second time. That's right party barges, they're called Splavs and the river is full of them. You'll have a busy time trying to cram it all in and might have to make a return visit or stay a little longer. For a place that isn't really that well known it sure has a lot of highlights. People are starting to discover it however so don't leave it too long.
STAY
Stay in the old bohemian quarter of Skardalija centred around Skardaska Street. It is from the 19th century and is filled with old style taverns, restaurants, art galleries and shops. This lively cobblestone street will transport you back in time when this was an important meeting place for writers, artists and poets. It is also a great place to try local food and drink while listening to traditional music.
Stay at or near Garni Hotel Piaf Le Petit *** - perfect location near taverns and restaurants, fully renovated in 2015, renowned Mali Vrabac Restaurant, bar, parking available for €15 per day (reservation required), garden with furniture
SEE
The Nikola Tesla Museum - You may not have heard of him but Tesla was a genius who changed the world and still affects your life everyday
Belgrade Fortress - a major attraction and with good reason. Spend a bit of time here and it's worth being around for sunset and when they fire the cannons.
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Time to pick up a vehicle🚗, (see tips above) head out of the city, take a deep breath and hit the countryside. You'll need to get it for 20 days, pick up and drop off in Belgrade. If you're feeling a bit stressed from the city that's good, because your first stop is at the Spa Town of Banja Vrdnik. It's about an hour away so stop for a soak,a coffee and a look around. On the way to lunch you might want to have a look at the colourful Velika Remeta Monastery. Continue on to the famous Sremski Karlovci for a meal. This town is famous for wine and if you would like to buy some head to the Museum of Bee Keeping and Wine Cellar Zivanovic. When you're ready it's a quick 20 minute drive to tonight's stop and one of the major highlights of Serbia, Novi Sad. There's plenty here to fill out your day.
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Known as the Athens of the South it is a very picturesque city and has a very impressive fortress as well as. Loads of cafes, restaurants, bars and a lively cultural scene means you should have a pretty good night. Try some of the local specialties.
For something special and not to be missed stay across the River Danube at the Hotel Leopold I ****, you'll feel like you're staying in a castle / palace - it's situated in the heart of Petrovaradin Fortress, free secured parking, make sure you get a river view, Spa and Wellness Centre with Jacuzzi and Finnish Sauna, it's still only a short walk into the centre of town, several bars and restaurants including one on the river terrace, very good breakfast included free, BBQ facilities and sun terrace. Click on the hotelon google maps and check the prices as there was a big difference between the online booking companies.
If you want to stay in the heart of the action and save a few dollars stay at or near the Hotel Putnik *** - great location in the heart of all the action, free breakfast, free private parking onsite - reservation needed, refurbished in 2010, restaurant, bar, terrace.
6 Palic - 1N - 115 KM - 1.5 H
After breakfast keep heading north up to Serbia's nicest city Subotica, just over 100 kilometers away. Subotica is famous for it's art nouveau buildings, parks and food. Spend the morning wandering around the city centre enjoying the colour and style of the place. Have lunch here before moving onto quaint lakeside Palic which is known for it's good food. Possibly due to the fact that many Hungarians live here.
Check into your hotel - have a look at these 3 which are all close to the lake
Hotel Prezident **** - free parking, 2 swimming pools, Spa and Wellness Centre, restaurant, bar, cafe, free breakfast
Guest House Vila Alexandar * - free parking, swimming pool, Spa and Wellness Centre, restaurant, bar, free BBQ facilities, free bike rental, free buffet breakfast, cafe
Garni Hotel Park **** - free street parking, 2 restaurants, bar, free breakfast included.
Explore the lake and the town. Go for a bike ride or hire a boat. Go for a soak in the thermal pool. And relax. Head down the Yacht Club for a drink and a feed. Or try one of the restaurants in the park.
7 - 8 (Romania) timisoara / 2N / 200KM / 3H
Early start today as you wake up and have breakfast in Serbia, followed by morning coffee in Szeged, the Paprika Capital of Hungary and then lunch in Arad, Romania. Szeged is a very appealing town that is world famous for it's Rose Paprika andPick Salami so you should pick some up while you are here. It's worth spending a few hours looking around and you can have a soak at the Anna Thermal Baths. Head into the pedestrian streets for al fresco coffee and strudel. There is a 45 minute "train ride" that takes in the major sights. You might want to pick up a bottle or two of Palinka to go with your paprika and salami while you're here.
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Then it's off for a riverside lunch at a place called Ratio Beach and a look around in Arad, Romania. You will finish up tonight in revolutionary Timisoara also in Romania.
Stay at or near the Lucky Home Timisoara 1 apartment - free parking reservation needed, perfect location in the city centre, kitchen and washing machine.
This city sparked off the revolution in 1989 the ended up with the overthrow of the socialist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu who ruled the country from 1965 until his execution in December 1989. He and his wife Elena were tried and shot by a military tribunal. There are some interesting museums about the revolution and the communist days. You've got a couple of days to relax, explore and soak up the Romanian culture. Head out to the open air Banat Village Museum. Timisoara is the perfect place to discover on two wheels. Get out on the Bega River for a boat ride. Wine lovers should take the half hour drive out to the Cramele Recas Vinyard
Five hour drive today with three stops along the way for morning smoko, lunch and afternoon smoko. There are wineries, monasteries, castles, cafes, restaurants, museums and meat.
First stop on the way will be the small city of Vrsac and it's castle on the hill. you can drive or hike up for great views of the city. There is a bar half way up also with good views. For your coffee and cake head to the Grand Cafe or the other cafes nearby the Svetog Teodora Vrsackog Square.
Smederevo will be your lunch stop. Turn right after you cross the Danube, drive through town and pick a restaurant overlooking the river. There is Brod on a splav and if you keep heading further out you will come across Restoran Pogled, Restoran Kod bivka and Restoran Oresac also on a splav. Try to make it a light lunch and spend a bit of time looking around town because a big feast awaits you 2 hours down the road. Head back into town to see the fortress and the town square. Smederevo is surrounded by wineries if you want to visit a few on the way out.
Vegetarians may want to skip the next stop which serves up some of the best meat in Serbia. Brazilian churrasco style. Kafana Marjan is located in the village of Drazevac about 20 kms north of Nis where you'll be staying. Try to time it so you get there for an early dinner.
Pre Roman - Nis will be your home for the next two nights. It has a lively music scene and a large student population. Lot's to see here, including some dark tourism. Constantine the Great who founded Istanbul was born here.
Stay at or near the Garni Hotel Eter *** - free parking out the front, perfect location by Tinkers Alley and Republik Square, free fabulous breakfast, bar.
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The main attraction in Nis is Skull Tower which came about in the Ottoman era. More recently is the Nazi Concentration Camp which was run by the gestapo. It is one of the best preserved camps in Europe and was used mainly as a transit camp. The old Nis Fortress is a popular spot with restaurants, an art gallery as well as historical monuments.
This walking tour is a great way to see the sights and hear the stories and history at the same time.
If you feel like a drive in the countryside there are a few day trips worth thinking about. You will be stopping in Leskovac on your way to Skopje anyway. Also you could go white water rafting.
South Eastern Serbia and especially the area around Nis is known for having the best food in Serbia. Here are a few restaurants to test out that theory. After hours there's plenty going on thanks to the many students living here. Just around the corner from the hotel is the wonderful Tinker's Alley, full of outdoor eating and drinking places.
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Another international road trip today to Skopje the capital of North Macedonia which was founded in 4,000 BC. Previously known as FYROM (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) which is a bit of a mouthful. Once they split away from Yugoslavia, Greece had a problem with them calling themselves Macedonia as they have an area also called Macedonia. So North Macedonia is the solution. If you're coming through in Autumn you'll be able to enjoy the spectacle of the Red Pepper Kingdom. You'll be able to pick up some top grade pepper either way. There are a couple more stops before you leave the country again. You will notice that everything starts looking Turkish thanks to the Ottoman influence. Plenty of cultural and historical attractions along the way and one town famous for it's food.
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First stop Donja Lokosnica, another world paprika capital. If it's harvest season in autumn you will have the spectacle of paprika peppers being strung out to dry all over town. Otherwise you can use the opportunity to buy some more top class paprika.
Not much further on is Leskovac, famous for it's BBQ / Grill festival in August / September where you can find the world's largest hamburger. It would be a good spot to stop for morning smoko and have a look around.
Lunch stop at Vranje a town with a lot of history and a reputation for fun and good food. Gradska Meana would be a good choice for a meal. Vranjska Banja (spa) is nearby if you'd like a soak as well.
Skopje is a different sort of place so it's only fitting to stay in a different sort of hotel. Stay at or near the good ship Hotel Senigallia **** - perfectly located on the river near Macedonia Square and Alexander the Great, parking options available, breakfast on the sunny deck, bar, 2 open terraces, restaurant and it looks like a ship.
If you're a landlubber try theSkopje Arch Residence - great location with a view of Porta Macedonia, parking for € 8 per day, ATM, minimarket on site.
Known as Europe's most unusual capital there's a lot to get out and see in this whacky city that you had probably never heard of before. A free walking tour is always a good way to start. Then maybe a Segway tour. The city has a weird and wonderful population of statues thanks to a recent government initiative. This unusual and eclectic collection of statues and monuments has become the canvas for what is called the Colourful Revolution. The water in the fountain (which is covered up) in the picture above featuring Alexander the Great now runs blood red. There is a building style called brutalist architecture. Mother Theresa was born here. You can visit a memorial to her which is also rather unusual. The Old Bazaar is another good place to visit. You'll love the friendly and welcoming locals, the Ottoman Old Town the nightlife and the shopping.
If you want to get out and see the countryside and some monasteries there are a few day trips you can go on.
More good news about this unique place is the food and nightlife are great and also some of the cheapest in Europe. If you're wondering what they eat in North Macedonia have a look at this guide. For something a bit special try the Old City House a 10 minute walk from the boatel. Here's a few more to think about.
Like most of the countries on this trip Rakija is the national tipple. Here is some information about it and a couple of places you can go for a tasting. A bar crawl is always a good way to meet people and have a fun night out. There is a good live music scene in Skopje. There are numerous areas around town for pubs and clubs, small and large and if you have the energy you can party until the sun comes up.
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Skopje Tours
Skopje ToursSkopje Tours
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13 - 14 (Kosovo) prizren - 2N / 180 KM / 2.5H
Prizren is the prettiest town in Europe's newest country. Local legend says that if you drink from the communal water fountain in the cobble stone town square you may fall in love and never leave. Make your way to the nation's capital, Pristina. On the way there is a bear sanctuary. Another 30 minutes north you will find theCountry House Restaurant which has a terrace set on the side of a hill with spectacular views. It would make a good spot for lunch. There are a few other restaurants along the road too.
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Have a look around Pristina. Enjoy a coffee and some people watching at Half and Half. When you're ready it's just an hour down the road to Prizren
Stay at or nearHotel Cleon *** - free secured parking onsite - reservation needed, great spot overlooking the river and close to all of the action, free breakfast, balcony (make sure to book a river view room), dining hall with a summer terrace, Restoran Cleon, Bar, ATM
If you want something traditional try the Hani I Vjeter Boutique Hotel - parking costs € 0.50 per hour, superb breakfast included, restaurant, bar, BBQ, each room has a terrace view, ATM, cafe
Wander around town, find some scenic places to sit down and have a few drinks and a spot of people watching. See the sights. Walk up to Prizren Fortress for sunset. Shatervan Square is the place to go for a meal and have a drink in the evening.
On day 2 head over to Kukes in Albania for lunch. Waterside Bar Restorant "Kulla e Lumes" is the place to go. Have a look around town before lunch and after if you're feeling adventurous and want to see more of the country the notorious Spac Prison is a further hour down the road. When you're ready head back to wonderful Prizren and think how lucky you are to be there.
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15 - 16 (Montenegro)CrnoJezero/2N /275K /5.5H
Gjakova the most charming town in Kosovo is the first stop today. It is 40 kilometers away. Have a look around and find a nice cafe for morning smoko. The Old Bazaar has a lot of cafes. Then start making your way to Crno Jezero or Black Lake in Montenegro. You might want to get a few groceries for the next couple of days as you will have kitchen and BBQ facilities.
There is a lot of accommodation in this area, here's a couple to have a look at. Etno selo Zminica - it's about a half hour drive from the lakes but it is on it's own lake, free private parking, restaurant, bar, lake views, BBQ, 24 hour desk, sun terrace, buffet or a la carte breakfast.
Or closer to the lake is ŠIBALIĆ APARTMANI - free parking, entire apartment, kitchen, BBQ facilities, 2km walk to the lake & bicycle rental.
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Montenegro
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17 - 19 (Serbia)Mokra GORA / Drvengrad/3N /230KM /4.5H
Back to Serbia today. Enroute in Sirogojino is an open air museum and a good stop for lunch. You can pick up a few local specialties here including home made Plum Brandy. In a few days you'll be out on a lake house for a couple of days so pick up some treats as you come across them.
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While you're in the area keep an eye out for the local specialty Komplet lepinja. The best ones come from Zlatibor. Make your way to your hotel next to the magical village of Dvengrad. In early May the Kustendorf Film and Music Festival is held here and room prices are multiplied by ten. You'll want to spend time hanging around the village, lazing and gazing by the pool, riding Cira the old steam train, there is rafting - skydiving and paragliding for the adventurous and visiting Tara National Park.
Stay at or near Holiday Home Ella - Apartman Ella- A frame, free parking, walking distance to the steam train, on the edge of the forest, full kitchen and outdoor seating with BBQ facilities, veru close to the old wooden village of Drvengrad
Mecavnik Resort **** - free street parking, located inside Drvengrad, 2 swimming pools - one outdoor one indoor, and spa centre, great views, 2 restaurants, bar, fitness centre, tennis and basketball courts, sun terrace, cafe, beauty / barber shop
20 - 21Lake perucac / 2N / 45KM / 1.5H
Time to hit the water and your lake house retreat. Some of them provide some food and free minibar including soft drinks and beer. So if you drink enough the lake house will be free😃 They also have BBQ facilities so you'll want to stop by the butchers and pick up some sausages and stuff. You might also be able to catch a few meals on a fishing rod. Some have restaurants within a 2 km walk. Stop off and get provisions on the way. You'll be able to go kayaking, hiking and enjoy water sports.
Lake Houses
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VICTORIA RICH-FREE Mini Bar & Sup boards - free parking, BBQ, free minibar - snacks and fruit, 65 sq/m, sound system with blue tooth speakers, outdoor furniture.
You should be fully relaxed by now and hopefully the muscles are a bit sore because there are some hot springs coming up. Stop by the iconic Drina River House for coffee and a photo at the Studenac restaurant.
You will find those hot springs in the idyllic spa town of Vrnjacka Banja. Stay next to the park in the centre of town where you will find all of the action happening. Spend a couple of nights in this magical place. The waters here have been used for thousands of years and are famous because they are the only ones in the world that are exactly the same temperature as the human body. There are many different treatments available so you can have a real spa day. Don't forget to leave a little something at the Bridge of Love. One of Serbia's most important wine regions is only an hour away. Maybe a nice long lunch at one of those wineries. You may decide to spend a few more days here as it is a very pleasant area with a lot to offer.
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Stay at or near Vila Emilia **** - free private parking - reservation needed, perfect location in the middle of the park a 2 minute walk from the most popular spring - Topla Voda, restaurant, bar, spa and wellness centre, sauna, terrace, a la carte breakfast and a hammam (Turkish Bath).
You will find places to eat and drink all along the park that runs north - south through the town as well as street vendors.
24 - 27 Belgrade - 4N - 200KM - 3H
Another 200 kms north will see you back where it all began. Belgrade and Zemun used to be two cities, each at the outer frontier of their empires facing off against each other. So it only seems fair you give the other side a go.
Once again were going for the nautical theme. All are in a similar good location with riverside terraces to sit, take in the scenery, have a drink and make friends. Book in and drop your luggage off before taking the car back.
San Art Floating Hostel and Apartments - fantastic views of the fortress, Great War Island and Zemun, bar, bike rental - city centre is 3 km away, all rooms have private bathrooms, free exceptional breakfast, BBQ facilities, Airport drop off - charged, some rooms have balconies and terraces
B&B Botel Charlie - fishing gear, BBQ, airport shuttle - charged, bar, cafe
ArkaBarka Floating Hostel - great view of the fortress especially at night when it is lit up, snack bar, BBQ facilities, free bikes, boat tours arranged, bar, cafe, airport shuttle - charged, very good free breakfast
Joy 5 Hotel & SPA **** - restaurant, bar, spa and wellness centre, terrace, sauna, jacuzzi, free parking,
For something completely different a hotel with a bit of history The Hotel Yugoslavia aka Garni Hotel Yugoslavija *** - located on the Danube River bank, 4 restaurants, various shops and a hairdresser, night club, hookah bar, hotel bar, casino, plenty of night life around with splavs out the front on the Danube, bus stop to the city centre 3 km away out the front, cafe, snack bar, minimart, shuttle service - charged
If you didn't get around to everything you wanted to last time, this is your chance to get there. Also there are things to see on this side of the Sava River as well. You will find a lot of restaurants and splavs if you walk either direction along the river.
Iconic Drina River House
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Head down to the old cobblestone area along the riverfront and Cafeteria Gardoš and the Gardoš Tower aka the Millennium Tower. Head over to Lido Beach on Great War Island in the middle of the Danube for a swim and some beach time. There is a pontoon bridge so you can walk over (free) and there is a restaurant over there. You will find a lot of restaurants at Zemun Quay. There are many places to find a drink. Here are three that are quite different to each other you might find interesting - Gradska Kafana (good live music) - Hot Mess (splav) and Boho (next to the fortress)
All to soon it will be time to head out to the airport. I think you'll agree that the former Yugoslavia must have been one hell of a country. If you want to see a bit more of it why not carry on to the amazing towns of Sarajevo and Mostar in #7 Bosnia and Herzegovina or #15 Croatia is just next door. Or catch the train down to #9 Bulgaria another (cheap) up and comer that will soon be drawing the crowds. This route was once used by the Orient Express.