Abstract:
Three-Day Danube Cruise Through History – A Journey Through Serbia’s Cultural and Natural Treasures Embark on an unforgettable cruise along the Danube, taking you through some of Serbia’s most stunning historical and natural landmarks. This unique adventure begins in Belgrade, sails past the mighty fortresses of Smederevo and Golubac, and enters the spectacular Djerdap Gorge (Iron Gates) – the longest and deepest river gorge in Europe. Along the way, you’ll discover the secrets of Lepenski Vir, one of Europe’s oldest urban settlements, as well as Trajan’s Plaque, a lasting Roman legacy carved into the rock. Enjoy panoramic sailing on the Danube, accommodation in a 4-star hotel, and a rich program that includes expert-guided tours, archaeological excursions, wine tastings, and wellness treatments. Whether you're a history buff, nature enthusiast, or adventure seeker, this Danube cruise offers the perfect blend of culture, relaxation, and discovery.Activities:
Boat cruise from Belgrade to Tekija (Djerdap Gorge), including breakfast and lunchAccommodation in Kladovo at a 4-star hotel with Spa & Wellness center (Aquastar Danube)
Visit to the Lepenski Vir archaeological site
Guided tour of the Golubac Fortress
Sightseeing of natural landmarks and scenic viewpoints
Optional excursion on the second day (choose one of the two):
1. Archaeological Tour: Djerdap Archaeological Museum, Roman site Diana, Trajan’s Bridge, and the Iron Gate Hydroelectric Power Plant
2. Nature & Wine Tour: Vratna Monastery and stone wine cellars of Rajac (Rajačke Pimnice)
Optional excursions are organized with a minimum of 15 registered participants from the group.
Tour description:
Day 1: Belgrade – Smederevo – Ram – Veliko Gradište – Golubac – Djerdap Gorge – Donji Milanovac – Tekija – Kladovo (240 km)
Gathering of passengers at Belgrade Port (Karađorđeva Street, near Branko’s Bridge) at 07:15 AM for check-in and boarding. The cruise begins along the Danube from Belgrade Fortress, passing the medieval Smederevo Fortress, then the confluence of the Morava River, and continuing towards Ram Fortress, located in the widest section of the Danube in Serbia. As we sail further, we pass Silver Lake and Veliko Gradište, followed by Golubac Fortress, the gateway to the Djerdap National Park, known as the Iron Gates.
This journey takes us through Europe’s longest and deepest gorge, an area rich in unique flora and fauna, and home to Lepenski Vir, one of the oldest settlements in Europe. We continue past Donji Milanovac and enter the most dramatic part of the Djerdap Gorge, known as the Great and Small Kazan, sailing beneath the monument of Decebalus, the last Dacian king, and Trajan’s Plaque, an ancient Roman inscription left by Emperor Trajan.
After approximately 9.5 hours of cruising, we arrive in Tekija, where a short bus transfer takes us to Kladovo. Check-in at the Aquastar Danube Hotel, followed by dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 2: Kladovo – Optional Excursions or Spa & Wellness
After breakfast at the hotel, guests have free time to enjoy the Spa & Wellness Center (swimming pools, sauna, jacuzzi) or join one of the optional excursions:
- Roman and Archaeological Tour (3.5h)
This excursion begins with a visit to the Djerdap Archaeological Museum, which preserves significant evidence of various cultures that thrived along the Danube, from prehistoric times through the Roman and medieval periods. The tour continues with a short visit to the Roman fortress Diana, followed by a visit to the Iron Gate Hydroelectric Dam, built in 1974 as the largest infrastructure project of its time in Europe. The construction of the dam dramatically altered the course of the Danube, affecting local villages and several cultural and historical monuments.After visiting the dam, the excursion proceeds to Fetislam Fortress, an Ottoman stronghold built in the first half of the 16th century, when Kladovo became a strategically important location along the Danube.The final stop is at the remains of Trajan’s Bridge, which, for over a thousand years, was considered the longest bridge in the world. Built by the Roman Emperor Trajan in the early 2nd century AD, the bridge was a key structure for the Roman conquest of Dacia.The excursion concludes at the hotel, where guests will enjoy local wine tasting and refreshments.
Minimum for realization: 15 adult participants.
- Excursion to Vratna and Rajac Wine Cellars
A visit to Vratna, home to three of Europe’s tallest natural stone bridges, as well as the Vratna Monastery, dating back to the 14th century. The journey continues to Rajac, a famous wine region, where we explore the Rajac Wine Cellars, a unique complex of over 160 underground wine cellars, still in use today for producing high-quality wines. The excursion includes wine tasting and a traditional lunch.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 3: Kladovo – Lepenski Vir – Captain Miša’s Hill – Golubac Fortress – Belgrade (240 km)
After breakfast, we depart by bus at 09:30 AM, following the Danube’s scenic route with a photo stop at the Kazan viewpoint. Our first visit is to Lepenski Vir, an archaeological site dating back to 6,500 BC, considered one of the oldest urban settlements in Europe.
After exploring Lepenski Vir, we stop for lunch at the ethno restaurant Captain Miša’s Hill, a charming location with a panoramic view of the Danube. We continue to Golubac Fortress, a medieval stronghold from the 14th century, strategically positioned at the entrance of the Djerdap Gorge.
Arrival in Belgrade in the evening.
If you are interested in one-day excursion please check the following link: http://www.serbianadventures.com/en/adventure/view/70
