During this trip we will visit some of the most beautiful and important sites in the Balkans. From 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 learn about the complex history of the Balkans. Those of you who expressed a desire to venerate the relics of Saint. Basil of Ostrog, among many other Serbian saints, or to pray at the largest functioning Orthodox Church in the world, the St. Sava Cathedral in Belgrade, will certainly be able to do so during our Balkan trip. The UNESCO sites of Dubrovnik, Split and Trogir are also on our itinerary and come as an additional historical, cultural and aesthetical bonus. 

Arrival in Belgrade (Nikola Tesla Airport [BEG]), Serbia. Transfer to the. Welcome dinner. Overnight.

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.  

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 denominations, 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 taste some local honey and wine in the Bee-craft Honey Museum, Živanovic. Overnight in Belgrade. 

Next we’ll visit the Ethnographic Museum, a place that provides insight into Balkan culture from the 19th century. 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 in Belgrade.

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 architectural 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 Oplenac Royal Complex. Everything here is impressive, but the most breathtaking is the white marble Church of St. George, adorned with magnificent mosaics made from 40 million pieces of colored glass and whose crypt is a mausoleum for the Karađorđević royal family. 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 

After Divine Liturgy 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.   

Continue to Skadar. Cross the border to Albania. Dinner and overnight.

Drive and cross the border to Montenegro. 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. Lunch. Drive to Cetinje, the old Royal Capital. Today, the main attraction in Cetinje, is the Cetinje Monastery. A center of historical and cultural importance, it was founded around 1484 by Prince Ivan Crnojević of Zeta and designated as the cathedral monastery of the Eparchy. It was devastated in 1692, but was rebuilt between 1701 and 1704 by Metropolitan Danilo on the site of the former court of Ivan Crnojević. After the visit to the monastery, drive to Budva. Dinner and 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 World's 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. Crossing the border to Croatia. Arrival in Cavtat. Dinner and overnight. 

Dubrovnik makes a part of any itinerary of every first-time visitor to Croatia for a reason. It’s the chance to discover the culture of this ancient republic whose history goes back to the 7th century. Encircled by 2.000 m long town walls, old town Dubrovnik abounds in lovely Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque palaces, churches and monasteries, narrow cobbled streets, passages and alleys and endless sea views. Stradun, the main square, a Baroque Church of Saint Blaise, the Clock Tower dating from the 15th century, the Pile gate with its beautiful stone bridge, the 137 steps of Jesuit stairs are just a few of the attractions we’ll admire during our walking tour. Drive to Neum. Dinner and overnight. 

Split is one of the Mediterranean’s most compelling cities, with its unique historical heritage, having grown out of the labyrinthine palace built here by the Roman Emperor Diocletian in 295AD. We’ll marvel at Saint Domnius Cathedral, regarded as the oldest Catholic cathedral in the world that remains in use in its original structure. We’ll see the famous 24-hour "sun" clock at the City Square and walk down the famous Riva promenade, the busiest street in Split. While visiting the famous Pjaca square we’ll learn about the importance it once had. Next, Trogir, a little gem of a town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed to the brim with charm and character. Trogir’s historic center is located on a small island which is connected by bridges to mainland Croatia. As soon as you see those little bridges that welcome you to the Old Town you’ll understand why it is often cited as “Little Venice”. We’ll visit the 14th century Town Hall, admire the 13th century Cathedral of St. Lawrence and its magnificent bell tower and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Trogir Square. Dinner and overnight in Kaštela. 

Breakfast at the hotel and departure from the Saint Jerome Airport [SPU] in Split.