In the morning, we set off to Western Serbia, and on our way we’ll pass through Užice – the biggest town and the center of Western Serbia. A brief stop in Užice allows us to explore Stari Grad, a 14th-century fortress perched on a cliff high above the Djetinja River valley, providing stunning views of the town. Uzice was a center of Uzice Republic, the only free state in occupied Europe during WWII, so here we’ll also get familiar with the story about partisans liberation movement and dark chapter of world’s history.After a short stop we head to Zlatibor, arriving approximately 25 minutes later.
Starting from the tourist center of Zlatibor, we’ll take a ride on Gold Gondola panoramic cable car. This extraordinary 9km-long cable car, the longest in the world, links the tourist center with Tornik, Zlatibor's highest peak (1496m) and a renowned ski center. Over a 30-minute panoramic ride, we'll enjoy the view over the sprawling slopes and meadows of Zlatibor, and Ribnica Lake, a Zlatibor gem popular for swimming during the hot summer months.
Returning to the Zlatibor center, we continue our journey to Stopica Cave, a natural wonder famous for its "siga" or limestone pools, subterranean water slopes, and cave formations. After delving into the cave's depths, we head to our next destination—Sirogojno village.
The Old Village museum awaits, preserving traditional architecture, ways of life, and customs of Western Serbia's people. Original wooden houses, transported from surrounding villages, stand as a testament to ancestral heritage.
After getting familiar with the culture of Western Serbia we will go to Ljubiš village. Here, cuisine takes center stage, and we'll indulge in the flavors of the region at a family-owned traditional restaurant. Experience the simplicity and incredible taste of local dishes, accompanied by a sampling of rakija, a traditional Serbian drink.
Late in the afternoon we’ll go back to Užice. Short tour in Užice.
Overnight in Užice.
After tasting traditional breakfast of Western Serbia (komplet lepinja) and after approximately 1 hour of driving, we'll arrive at Zlatar Lake. As the largest of three lakes created by dams on the Uvac river, Zlatar Lake is a picturesque setting with dense evergreen forests reflecting in its crystal-clear waters, offering a perfect photo opportunity to start the day.
After a brief stop at Zlatar Lake, our journey continues to the Uvac Special Nature Reserve. Nestled between the Zlatar and Javor mountains, as well as the Sjenica and Nova Varoš municipalities, this protected natural park is our next destination. Here, we'll embark on a boat cruise along the meanders of the Uvac canyon. During the cruise, our guide will share stories about the canyon's most famous inhabitants, the griffon vultures, as well as tales of the traditional way of life of the shepherds who have lived here for centuries. We'll also learn about the Imperial Road that once ran through this area, connecting Dubrovnik and Constantinople.
After the boat ride, we'll have the opportunity to visit the Ice Cave, named for its constant temperature of 8 degrees Celsius throughout the year. This 2.5km-long cave showcases stunning formations formed over millions of years, resembling ice-like sculptures.
Next, we'll begin a hike up the canyon, lasting approximately 30 minutes, to reach the top and Veliki Vrh viewpoint. The hike is steep, so comfortable and sturdy footwear is recommended. From the viewpoint, we'll marvel at the panoramic views of the canyon and witness the majestic flight of griffon vultures. We'll take a break to refresh and indulge in a local delicacy—pancakes made of buckwheat flour filled with kajmak.
Descending back to the boat, we'll cruise back to our starting point and return to our vehicle. On the way back we’ll make lunch break at one of the local restaurants serving delicious Western Serbian cuisine.
Overnight in Užice.
Price
1pax
$100
2pax
$100