Scientific tours
You are kindly requested to register for these tours. Registration is possible via email smarttravelpco4@smarttravelpco4.rs or at the local registration desk.
As the number of persons for each tour is limited, we shall list the participants according to the date of registering for the tours.
Tour 1: THE TOP OF BELGRADE – AVALA MOUNTAIN
(3.5-hour tour by private car or minibus from the hotel)
Explore the Monument to the Unknown Hero, the Avala Tower, and enjoy panoramic views of Belgrade and its surroundings.
Avala Mountain, standing 511 meters above sea level, is a key landmark and a popular retreat for Belgrade residents. Located approximately 45 minutes by car from the city center, the mountain is composed of serpentinite, limestone, and magmatic rocks and is known for its deposits of lead and mercury ore. As a protected natural area, Avala is home to a variety of plant and animal species.
In 1915, during World War I, the Germans buried an unknown Serbian soldier here and placed a cross with the inscription “The Unknown Serbian Soldier.” The Monument to the Unknown Hero, initiated by King Aleksandar I, a member of the Masonic order, is one of the most significant monuments in the world of masonry. It serves as a memorial to the victims of World War I.
The Avala Tower, which stands around 200 meters above ground, offers spectacular views of Belgrade, the autonomous province of Vojvodina, and the Šumadija region. Once the tallest structure in the former Yugoslavia and the Balkans, the tower was originally built in 1965 but was destroyed during NATO bombing in 1999. Following a campaign by citizens and the Radio Television of Serbia, the tower was rebuilt using modern technology and reopened to visitors in 2010.
Price: €70 per person
The price includes: Transportation by minibus or private car, tickets to the TV tower, services of a local guide, and organization of the excursion.
Tour 2: ZEMUN – THE MOST CHARISMATIC AND AUTHENTIC PART OF BELGRADE: A CITY WITHIN A CITY
(3-hour tour by private car or minibus from the hotel)
Discover Zemun, a district that retains its old-world charm with narrow, cobblestoned streets and rustic facades. Known for its Central European character, Zemun is adorned with small houses, cobblestone streets, and delightful fish restaurants along the banks of the Danube River. Situated on the right bank of the Danube, upstream from downtown Belgrade, Zemun boasts a distinct history from that of Belgrade.
Uncover the layers of history that shaped Zemun, from its origins as the Celtic and Roman settlement of Taurunum. Explore modern boulevards, meander through old narrow streets, and take in the panoramic views from Gardoš Hill, home to the iconic Millennium Tower. Don’t miss a stroll through the lively market in the town square.
Zemun’s history stretches back to the early Neolithic period, with influences from Celtic, Roman, Byzantine, Bulgarian, Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Serbian cultures. Taurunum, a key military outpost on the Roman frontier or “limes,” was an important port and a trading hub on the route to Constantinople. Over time, it evolved from a medieval settlement into what the Franks called Malevilla, meaning “evil place,” and was later known as Zemlyn, meaning “earthy town” in Slavic.
The town was a battleground between the Austrian and Ottoman empires until it became a border town in 1739. In 1746, it was administratively unified with Belgrade, becoming a part of the city in 1934. Since 1945, Zemun has been a municipality of Belgrade, with much of its old town preserved, reflecting its 19th-century Austro-Hungarian heritage.
Visit the top landmark, Gardoš Hill, the highest point in town, offering spectacular views of Zemun, the Danube, and Belgrade. Enjoy the serene and nearly untouched oasis of the Lido sandy beach on Great War Island, where the Sava River meets the Danube.
Price: €50 per person
The price includes: Transportation by minibus or private car, access to Gardoš Hill, services of a local guide, and organization of the excursion.
Tour 3: ROYAL TOWN TOPOLA AND OPLENAC TOUR
(Half-day trip to the royal complex Karađorđević by private car or minibus from the hotel)
Explore Oplenac, located in the town of Topola, 80 km from Belgrade, where Karađorđe, the founder of the Karađorđević dynasty, orchestrated the Serbian uprising against the Ottomans in 1804. This tour includes visits to several significant sites:
- King Peter’s House: View the royal family’s portrait gallery.
- Karađorđe’s Fort: Now a museum, it houses period artifacts and personal effects.
- Karađorđe’s Church: The highlight of the tour, this white-marble church is adorned with stunning mosaics made from 40 million pieces of colored glass. Its crypt serves as the mausoleum for 27 members of the Karađorđević family.
- Winegrower’s House: Currently a gallery showcasing the region’s wine culture.
Additional sights include Karađorđe’s Barracks, the King’s Villa, and the Queen’s Villa. A short drive will take you to the King’s Winery, featuring a small permanent exhibition of original winemaking equipment.
The tour also includes a visit to the nearby village of Vinča, which the ancient Romans named after wine, Vincea. Enjoy a tasting at the Aleksandrović Winery, one of the best in Serbia, and sample some of the finest wines in the region.
Price: €100 per person
The price includes: Transportation by minibus or private car, entry tickets to the royal complex, wine tasting, services of a local guide, and organization of the excursion.