Weekend in Belgrade

Day one

-          Arrival in Belgrade, meeting and assistance at the airport. Transfer to the hotel

-          After short rest, we start our panoramic sightseeing of Belgrade

Belgrade is the town at the junction of the rivers Sava & Danube 7000 years old. The Sava coming from the west, and the Danube arriving from the north, join their waters to proceed eastwards. The fortress, built on the high ground is overlooking the confluence of these two rivers. It was laid in ruins some sixty times but always arose from its cinders. For centuries it was a frontier fortress, the apple of content between rivaling invaders, Romans, Goths, Avars, Huns, Byzantines, Crusaders, Hungarians, Turks and others. Its oldest recorded name was Singidunum. In the 9^th century A.D documents call it "Alba Graeca" -"White City" which is precisely what Belgrade means in Serbian. The Belgrade Fortress has a splendid view over New Belgrade, Zemun and Pannonia Plain. It is skirted by the old Serbian quarter of Belgrade Kosancic Crescent with its cobbled road and painters studies and manu elegant old houses worth visiting. They include the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral built in 1837 (dedicated to Archangel Michael) and Patriarchate (the Churchs seat of power). Nearby is Princess Ljubicas House, the most typical building from 19 century, then Belgrades oldest café known simply as "?" (question mark) built in the rare Balkan style. From there the city fans out in all directions: the pedestrian precinct of Prince Mihailo street, central Republic Square dominated by a massive statue of Prince Mihailo on horseback, the National Museum and National Theatre on the same square with many popular cafes and restaurants around.

From Prince Mihailova Street where the atmosphere of the old times is combined with the glamour of modern shops, straight line leads into Terazije square the very center of the town dominated by hotel Moskva, a fine example of Belle Epoque architecture and Terazije Fountain, and then follows the old Palace, now home of the City Assembly, and the New Palace, now the office of the President of Serbia.

Nearby is the monument of the Nobel Prize winner - Ivo Andric. The street ends in Vracar Square with the small Church of St. Sava and Temple of St. Sava one of the biggest orthodox temples.

In the evening hours we will visit old Skadarlia street, one of the rare quarters with original ambience. The pedestrian street has preserved the authentic buildings of the past times together with the spirit of the days when its was the center of bohemian culture. It is well known for its crowded and lively cafes and restaurants which specialize in live music and traditional cuisine. This part of old town is favorite meeting place in summer with an open arena for theatre, exhibitions and other events.

Overnight in the hotel

Day two

After breakfast free day to explore city, visit museums, do some shopping or chose on of many optional excursions in or outside the city.

Day three

-          After breakfast, free time, transfer to Belgrade airport and connecting flight to your home.

NOTE:

1.       Possible extension - one or more days in Belgrade with combination with other sightseeing and excursions

2.       It is also possible to add the excursion to other parts of Serbia and Balkan countries, which are not mentioned here