A river cruise is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable ways to see a new city or country. You can sit back and admire the scenery as you float down the river, stopping occasionally to explore the banks. What’s more, river cruises often offer a more intimate experience than cruise liners, with smaller vessels and more personal service. Even better, they can last for one day only, so in the evening, you can sleep comfortably in your hotel room or rented flat. Whether you’re looking for an adventure-filled trip or a leisurely getaway, the East Serbia river cruise could be the perfect option for you. So why not start planning your next river cruise today?
Highlights of your east Serbia river cruise?
If you’re looking for an action-packed river cruise, the East Serbia river cruise is definitely for you. And our History tour along the Danube has the itinerary that you need. This region is known for its dramatic scenery and rich history, so there’s plenty to see and do.
The trip starts in the capital, Belgrade. You will most likely arrive there one or two days before and have time to explore the city’s many sights and attractions.
Then, you will board the comfortable boat, which will sail on the Danube towards our first stop – Smederevo. This city is located on the right bank of the Danube, about 40 km downstream from Belgrade. Smederevo was first mentioned in writing in 839 AD, and since then it has had a turbulent history. It was the capital of Serbia from 1459 to 1462, and it changed hands several times over the centuries that followed. In 1867 it finally became part of Serbia as it is today.
As a modern-day city, Smederevo is an industrial town with a strong agricultural tradition. It is the home of one of the most impressive fortresses on the Danube – the Smederevo fortress! You will see this UNESCO tentative list site, and hear the legends about its constructions and mysterious despotess, the Damned Jerina. You will have some free time to explore the town on your own before we board the boat again and sail on to our next destination.
Viminacium
In the days of the mighty Roman empire, Viminacium, the provincial capital of the Roman province of Moesia, was a big and thriving city. It had a population of over 30,000 people at that time. Today, it is one of the most important archeological sites in Serbia. Viminacium was declared a Monument of Culture of Exceptional Importance in 1948. It has been on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List since 1999.
The archeological site of Viminacium covers an area of over 150 hectares. It is one of the biggest and most important Roman sites in Serbia. The ruins of Viminacium include a military camp, a palace, temples, a theater, an amphitheater, and even a necropolis. Furthermore, you can see a completely preserved, 5 million years old skeleton of a mammoth Vika.
East Serbia river cruise then slowly continues towards Golubac, a lovely town with some of the most beautiful sceneries in Serbia. Golubac fortress is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe, and it is certainly a sight to behold. Recently reconstructed, this almost-forgotten site is now a popular tourist place, attracting people not just from Serbia, but from Europe as well.
This is also the location of the Danube’s widest point. In the vicinity of Golubac, it is whooping is 5,5 km wide. And on the East Serbia river cruise, you will see and feel the real power of one of the biggest European rivers. It looks almost like a sea! You will have the unforgettable experience of being in the middle of it, beholding the sights from the deck.
Customize your east Serbia river cruise
The good news about our east Serbia river cruise is that it can be personalized. So, you can let us know what you want to see, where and when would you prefer to have lunch, and other details. We want you to have the best possible time on our east Serbia river cruise, so we will work with you to make sure that everything is just perfect. We know that when you’re on vacation, it’s all about relaxing and enjoying yourself. And that’s exactly what we want you to do on our cruise.
For instance, you can decide to extend your cruise to visit some other impressive sites. In case that is too much for a day trip, we can help you find affordable overnight accommodation in the area.
Then, we can slowly continue along the Danube. Soon, we will enter the Đerdap gorge, the largest gorge in Europe. The Danube flows through this gorge for about 100 kilometers. It is a part of Đerdap National Park. We will make a few stops along the way to watch the stunning scenery and local flora and fauna. During your east Serbia river cruise, on our left side, we will be looking at the shores of the neighboring country, Romania. The monumental rock sculpture of Decebalus, the last king of Dacia, used to be the largest rock sculpture in Europe (35 m high). The relief depicts Decebalus in a heroic pose, overlooking the Danube and protecting his land and people against the enemies.
Natural and cultural heritage
We suggest stopping for lunch in the city of Donji Milanovac. Then, you will have the opportunity to visit Lepenski Vir. This archaeological site is believed to have been a human settlement dating back to around 7,000 BC. It is notable for its unique architectural style and for the numerous artifacts that have been found there. These artifacts provide insight into the daily life of the people who lived at the site. The houses at the site were built with stone foundations and wooden ceilings. They had an oval or rectangular shape and were arranged in a horseshoe-shaped cluster. Each house had a hearth in the center and a small niche for storage. Decorative stones depict animals, humans, and geometric shapes. They most likely had religious or spiritual significance for the people who lived at the site.
Lepenski Vir culture remains one of the mysteries of prehistory. The community was thriving for hundreds of years. But around 6500 BC, the culture suddenly disappeared. The reason for this is unknown, but it is possible that the people had to leave due to a change in the climate or the rise of a more powerful group in the region. Still, we have the remains of their rich heritage, so even you can see the figurines that are one of the most representative prehistoric artworks in Europe.
After a day – or two – of sightseeing and enjoying nature, food, and local hospitality, it is time to head to the starting point. We will slowly take you back to Belgrade, so you can enjoy the scenic route again. Or, you can stay in the area and continue your Serbia tour. Either way, we guarantee an unforgettable experience!
