With the Blessing of His Eminence Peter, Archbishop of Chicago and Mid-America, a Diocesan pilgrim group will visit some of the most beautiful and important Holy sites of the Balkans. Starting with the Medieval Venetian ports on the shore of the Adriatic Sea, to the Monasteries of Kosovo and Metohija, we will visit a multitude of sites along our route and will learn about the complex history of the Balkans. Those of you who wanted to venerate St. Basil of Ostrog, St. Nicholas of Zhica, St. Sava the Enlightener, along with many other Serbian Saints, or to pray at the largest Orthodox functioning church in the world, will certainly be able to do so during our pilgrim trip. Of special interest are the sites associated with the post-revolution Russian refugees in Serbia. We will visit Miljkov Monastery, the Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox church in Belgrade and the Seminary in Sremski Karlovtsi, all directly linked to the Metropolitan Anthony (Khrapovistsky) and the first generation of the Russian clerics in exile. 

On arrival in Podgorica, Montenegro you will  be transferred by coach to the hotel. Our guide  will host a welcome dinner near the majestic  Old Town, with a beautiful view of the sea and  harbor. Overnight. 

There is one word to describe the Boka  Kotorska (the Bay of Kotor) – unmissable!  Discover the Old Town of Kotor, a perfect  destination for history lovers, with stunning  medieval architecture and an unmatched  atmospheric charm. The first records from this  town date to the 1st century AD. Enjoy its  asymmetrical squares, dozens of historic  churches and the ramparts that were one of  the reasons for the inclusion of Kotor on the  Worlds Heritage List. Visit the church of Saint  Nicholas, recognizable by its two towers.  Continue the drive to picturesque Perast. No  tour of the Boka Kotorska would be complete  without a scenic boat ride to visit the church of  Our Lady of the Rocks located on a man-made island where, according to the local  legend, in the 15th century, two sailors found the icon of Madonna and Child which kept miraculously returning to the rock.  

We will drive up some steep hills to visit the  Ostrog monastery, the most important  Orthodox sanctuary of Montenegro, built in  the 1600s by literally being carved into the  face of a cliff. One doesn’t have to be a  believer to appreciate this true masterpiece of  nature and mankind. It is dedicated to Saint  Basil of Ostrog and we will be able to  venerate his whole and healing body,  uncorrupt and wonderworking to the present  day. The subtle splendor of the monastery lies  in the fact that all three major religions,  Orthodox Christian, Roman Catholic, and Muslim consider this a sacred place. They all believe that bowing  down before the holy relics of Saint Basil brings miracles for all who believe and have faith. Next, we will  drive to Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro and considered one of Europe’s greenest cities, located at  the confluence of two major rivers. We will visit the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ where we will  see magnificent interior murals on the walls and roof 

This morning, we will leave Montenegro and cross the  border into Serbia. Our first stop is Our first stop is  at the Moraca Monastery is a Orthodox Monastery  located in the valley of the Moraca river near  Kolashin. It was founded in 1252 by Stefan  Vukanovic of the Nemanjic Dinasty. It is one of the  best preserved medieval monuments of Montenegro.  Beside the architecture, its frescoes are of special  importance; the oldest fresco depicting eleven  compositions from the life of the prophet Elias date  to the 13th century. The onto another 13th century  Milesheva monastery, the guardian of medieval  frescoes of timeless beauty. The most famous, “Beli  Anđeo” (“White Angel”) fresco, one of the  finest examples of European medieval art, was  sent as a message in the first satellite  broadcast signal from Europe to America in  1963. Milesheva also holds the only remaining  relics of St. Sava, the patron saint of Serbia. In  the monastery we will remain for the Vigil,  dinner and overnight. Overnight in Milesheva 

After the Festive Liturgy in Milesheva the road  will  lead us  to the Ovcar-Kablar gorge, known as the “Serbian Mount Athos”,  with unforgettable landscapes and monasteries clustered together.  Peace and tranquility prevail over 11 monasteries where the West  Morava River boldly broke through the cliffs and left three unique  meanders behind. Get to know the region of Valjevo city and the  beauties that surround it, together with its spiritual centers – the  uniquely shaped Lelić monastery and time permitting 13th century  monastery Ćelije. The Lelic Monastery is the endowment of Bishop  Nikolaj Velimirovic, a world-class scholar, an internationally  recognized statesman, prolific writer and gifted spiritual leader.  You won’t be able to stay unimpressed in front of its Doomsday  scene that dominates other biblical events. The Celije monastery is  known for its former inhabitant, St. Iustin of Celije, one of the most  notable theologians of Orthodoxy. His grave is next to the altar  For dinner and overnight arrive to Belgrade, capital of Serbia. 

Belgrade is the capital and largest city of Serbia whose history dates back to the 4th century BC. Located  at the confluence of the rivers Sava and Danube, it was fought over in 115 wars and it has been destroyed  and rebuilt more than 44 times during its history. Meet this city rich with culture, wildly varying architecture,  and an easy-going Mediterranean pace. We will visit Saint Sava Church, the biggest Orthodox Church  within the monumental Balkans, that will leave you speechless. Here you will learn more about the first  Serbian Archbishop, his influence, and why he  became the most important saint in the  Serbian Orthodox Church. Next stop - the  National Museum with some 5000 sq meters  of exhibition space spanning three floors. Visit  the Belgrade fortress (aka Kalemegdan)  founded in the 3rd century; entering from  Knez Mihailova and passing through  Kalemegdan Park, we’ll first reach the Upper  Town whose attractions include the Military  Museum, Clock Tower, Roman Well and Victor  Monument. In the Lower Town, which slopes  down towards the river, look out for the  Ružica church (one of the most beautiful  Belgrade churches), Saint Petka Chapel (with  its sacred spring) and Nebojša Tower. We’ll  attend a Vigil at one of Belgrade’s churches. 

Start your day with the Divine Liturgy. Next  we’ll visit the Russian Church, a place  associated with the post-Revolution Russian  Community in Belgrade. After lunch, onwards  to the neoclassical Cathedral Church of St.  Michael The Archangel, following a boat ride on the Sava and Danube Rivers. Explore the sights of  Belgrade from the water on a 1.5-hour cruise  where you will get stellar views of the  Belgrade Fortress at the rivers confluence,  pass under bridges, see the lush Ada Ciganlija island and the protected wetlands  of the Great War Island, known for their rich  birdlife. Dinner in the Bohemian quarter  Skadarlija with a folklore show. Overnight. 

This day is reserved for exploring the  northern part of Serbia – Vojvodina. In the  morning, we will travel to Fruška Gora, the  oldest national park in Serbia and the home of 16 Orthodox monasteries. Our first stop is the Novo Hopovo monastery, established during the 16th century as one of the most important spiritual and  educational seats of the Serbian Church (Saint  Theodor Tiron). Drive to Novi Sad, the 2nd  largest city in Serbia. From the imposing fortress  to the churches representing numerous  denomination, to the old town's pedestrian zone,  Novi Sad has much to boast about! Next, we’ll  explore Sremski Karlovci, a charming town  where it feels as though time had stopped in the  18th century. We’ll admire the baroque  iconostasis in the Saint Nicholas Cathedral and  will visit the local Seminary associated with  Metropolitan Anthony (Khrapovitsky) and many  other important Russian clergymen. Return to  Belgrade and overnight

Right after breakfast, we are heading to  Central Serbia. Our first stop is Žiča  Monastery. Declared a Cultural monument  of exceptional importance, Žiča celebrated  800 years of existence a few years ago.  The seven rulers of the Serbian Nemanjić  lineage were crowned under the seal of  Žiča. The remarkable red color of the  exterior walls is a symbol of the blood of  the martyrs of the early Christian church.  Certainly, we won’t skip the Studenica  Monastery either. This UNESCO list site, a  real architectonical masterpiece from the  late 12th century, built “to connect Heaven and Earth”, is a memorial and sepulchral church to the first  Serbian ruler of the Nemanjić Dynasty. Аs the cradle of literature, spirituality, and arts, Studenica is an  institution for all time embedded into the very foundations of Serbian statehood, as well as the cultural  history of Europe. Next, we’ll visit the Miljkov  monastery, built in 14th century, influenced  historical and cultural occurrences, while being a  strong spiritual and enlightening center where  many well-known Serbs studied. In 1926,  monastery opens the doors to the Russian  emigrants – monks. The pride of the monastery is  a Russian wonderworking icon of Saint Mother of  God - "Ahtirska" from 1739. Overnight in Novi  Pazar 

In the morning, a minibus will take us to the Crna Reka (Black River) Monastery, tucked away in the mountains. The monastery is build into a steep stone  cliff and located inside a cave. Its greatest treasure is the holy and incorruptible relics of St. Peter of  Korisha. Afterwards we will proceed to the Sopoćani Monastery, a world-class beauty. Built at the very  source of the Serbian state in 13th century, this monastery is a treasury of unique frescoes and a  mausoleum of the royal family. Sopoćani’s frescoes, painted in the classic antique style by the most famous  artists of Constantinople, are considered to be the greatest painting achievements of that time. We’ll visit  the archeological site Pazarište. Drive to the Djurdjevi  Stupovi Monastery, one of the royal monasteries from  the 13th century. For 300 years it was in ruins, but during  the last 40 years the monastery has undergone a  complex restoration process. Our last stop is the Church  of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, also known as  Peter’s Church. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is  among the oldest medieval religious properties in  Serbia, dating back to the 4th century. Surrounded by  an old cemetery in a tranquil setting, it provides an  unforgettable experience. Overnight in Gracanica 

This we will start our exploration of Kosovo  and Metohija, with a visit to the Visoki Decani  Monastery, the undisputed highlight and a real  must for any visitor to the area. Dečani possesses a unique church - a mixture of  Romanic, Gothic and Byzantine styles, with  more than 1000 original frescoes preserved.  The monastery is currently under guard from  KFOR. After a short drive, we will admire the  Patriarchate of Pec. You’ll get a walk through  time in this medieval monastery complex  consisting of several small churches, located at  the outskirts of the town of Pec, along the  Bistrica river. The Pec Patriarchate is the seat  of Serbian Archbishops and Patriarchs. In 2006 it was granted a protected status as part of UNESCO  cultural heritage of exceptional importance in danger. Overnight near Gracanica Monastery 

We will start the day by visiting the Gracanica Monastery, one of the pearls of medieval Serbian culture  and one of the most significant places in Serbian history and spirituality, built in the second decade of the  14th century as an endowment from the  Serbian King Milutin. Gračanica’s  outstanding architectural exterior with  patterned brickwork is matched by its  equally valuable frescoes. Inside it is a  treasure house of Serbian medieval art,  with exquisite wall murals covering the  narthex, nave, and domes. Next, we’ll  visit beautiful Prizren. This unique historic  town lies on the slopes of Mt. Šara where  series of bridges span the cold waters of  the Bistrica River. Prizren is the city-museum with the remains of three ancient  cities. Its Bogorodica Ljeviška church was included on the UNESCO World  Heritage Sites List. Overnight near  Gracanica Monastery. . 

Departure from the airport in Prishtina