Eastern Serbia Experience: Monasteries, Resava Cave and History Tour

Embark on a full-day tour of Eastern Serbia, exploring ancient monasteries, the breathtaking Resava Cave, and delving into the rich history of the region. Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere and savor traditional local delicacies.

Duration: 10 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Belgrade - Your tour starts at your accommodation, and we head towards Pomoravlje District, known as the center of the last Serbian Medieval Kingdom, where monasteries still keep the enormous cultural and historical legacy and wealth.
  • Ravanica Monastery - Our first stop is Ravanica monastery. It was the endowment of Prince Lazar built during the period between 1375 and 1377, with its frescoes painted in the years preceding the Battle of Kosovo. Due to its architectural and artistic features, the Ravanica church can be called the birthplace of the new creative movement called the Morava school. The church is original in its architectural style, which is a blend of the Mount Athos tradition of the trefoil base and the cross-in-square five-domed model which became standard in the time of King Milutin.
    Our guide will give you essential information about the interior and the exterior of the monastery, as well as about the life of the nuns and Orthodox Christianity in general.
  • Resavska Cave - Next, we are set for an extraordinary experience. We will visit the Resava cave, one of the oldest in Serbia, some 80 million years old, with some of the older formations dating back around 45 million years. The interior of the cave abounds in numerous and varied halls, channels, galleries, columns, stalactites, stalagmites, draperies and flowstone waterfalls.
  • Vodopad Veliki Buk - Our next stop is Veliki Buk (also called Lisine), a beautiful waterfall, approximately 20-25 high, which makes it one of the highest waterfalls in Serbia. The surrounding is scenic and perfect for relaxation. This karstic waterfall is protected as a natural monument, and it’s most impressive during the autumn. In the summertime, there’s less water, but it’s still lovely to visit, very refreshing.
    Further on, you will enjoy a traditional Serbian lunch in a unique atmosphere. (not included in the price)
  • Manasija Monastery - Continue your ride to the Manasija monastery. Manasija monastery is one of the last monuments to Serbian medieval culture, raised by Despot Stefan Lazarević, son of Prince Lazar. The construction of the church, an extravagant fortification, and a large refectory took from 1406 to 1418. The impressive walls with 11 towers, surrounded by a trench, would at that time have been a modern system for the defense of the monastery. The most dominant and most imposing tower – the keep – is known as Despotova Kula (Despot’s Tower).

The Church of the Holy Trinity is considered a prime example of Morava architecture.

Frescoes in Manasija are among the most beautiful of the Morava properties and old Serbian art in general. Besides the monumental depictions of warriors in the choir transept, prophets pictured in the dome are exceptionally beautiful, as well as the idealized representation of Despot Stefan Lazarević presenting a model of the church to the Holy Trinity. Besides monastery churches and fortifications, Manasija partially preserves the remains of the old refectory and library. The library housed a scriptorium in which numerous books were copied. The so-called ‘Resava orthography’ was much valued and was to influence later scribes for some time to come.

After an unforgettable day, you will head back to Belgrade.

  • Belgrade - Your tour concludes with transportation back to your hotel/accommodation in Belgrade, where we’ll arrive in the afernoon. End of services.
What's Included
  • Professional guide
  • Entrance fees (only if the private option is selected)
  • Transport by air-conditioned minivan or private car
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
What's Not Included
  • Full traditional Serbian lunch (optional) = 1,000 - 1,500 RSD per person (payable only in cash)
  • Entrance fee for Resava Cave = 500 RSD per person (payable only in cash)
  • Entrance fee for Veliki Buk waterfall = 120 RSD per person (payable only in cash)
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Experience the full spectrum of Eastern Serbia in one day with this 9-hour tour. Accompanied by a professional guide, travel in a small group in a climate-controlled vehicle to explore renowned Orthodox monasteries Ravanica and Manasija, the 80 million-year-old Resava Cave, and delve into the rich history of Serbia during the 14th and 15th centuries.

You’ll get the opportunity to soak up the unique ambiance of Eastern Serbia and sample the region’s traditional products.

  • Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.
  • Remember to bring a jacket, as it gets cold in the cave even during the summer months.
  • The tour includes an entrance to places of worship, and so will be asked to wear appropriate clothing.
  • The child rate applies only when sharing with two paying adults.
  • Please bring some cash as you can pay for the Resava cave & Veliki Buk waterfall entrance fees and lunch only in Serbian dinars. Resava cave = 500 RSD per person Veliki Buk waterfall = 120 RSD per person Full traditional Serbian lunch (optional, 10-13€ per person)
  • The minimum number for a shared tour to operate is three guests.
  • At least 16 hours before the trip, we will inform you in case there are not enough guests on tour, and we will offer a choice between: 1) canceling the tour with no fees applied; 2) changing the tour date; 3) moving to another available tour.
Location
Belgrade
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(101 Ratings)
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Thomas_c
Aug 29, 2024
Really good - Terrific tour, our guide was very knowledgeable. The monasteries and caves were amazing and she explained them all to us very well.
Review provided by Viator
Thierry_e
Aug 27, 2024
A wonderful tour in Est Serbia - It was a great excursion !! Our guide, Marco was an excellent driver and an excellent guide !! The different visits were very interesting !! The place for the lunch was really amazing !! A perfect tour !!
Review provided by Viator
Anna_a
Aug 26, 2024
Money well spent - We had amazing day, Marko was a great guide and the places we visited were really stunning, especially the cave. The car was comfortable, it was a pleasure 😊
Review provided by Viator
Brandon
Jul 1, 2024
Fun tour - The guide was friendly and knowledgeable. It was a perfect tour on a hot day. The cave was pretty chilly, so I recommend bringing something long-sleeved while in the cave. The restaurant had tasty barbecued food.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anders_t
Jun 23, 2024
Great city escape to Eastern Serbia - Wonderful daytrip out of Belgrade, with Dragana as our great guide. Some really nice introduction to Serbian history, which helped put the monastery visits into a larger, historical picture. The Resava cave was impressive as well, never seen anything like it. A very nice mix between culture and nature, and a perfect, calm escape from the busy city of Belgrade. The trip never felt rushed, and I did not mind at all that we arrived back in the city a bit later than expected. It was well worth it. I also particularly appreciated that the group was kept small. Meant you got a chance to chat to the other people on the trip as well, and it turned the entire trip into a more personal experience. I'd book a trip with Victor Tours again anytime. Also worth mentioning that the pickup time was spot on.
Review provided by Viator
Colette_k
Jun 3, 2024
Great tour, beautiful sites, friendly guide - Marko was an excellent tour guide. He was friendly and taught us many things about the history of the sites visited. It was well worth a day outside the city. Lunch was lovely as well.
Review provided by Viator
Hannamari_r
Apr 13, 2024
Great tour - Thank you so much for a great tour! Alexandar was a good guide and he told us very interesting stories about the history in this area and also about today’s Serbian life. I learned a lot!
Review provided by Viator
Peter_s
Apr 12, 2024
Incredible - Guide Jovin was amazing! Great history, beautiful day! I will definitely recommend this trip. Cave and waterfall very unique
Review provided by Viator
Jodie_s
Aug 21, 2024
Lovely little day trip - This was a lovely day trip and worth the time. The monasteries were beautiful & charming. The guide was very knowledgeable & was considerate of how hot it was & made sure we were all good. The cave was worth a look & lunch was delicious as well! It’s worth the trip!
Review provided by Viator
Patrick_l
Aug 13, 2024
Great way to explore Serbia - Our guide, Nevena, was very knowledgeable, friendly, and spoke excellent English. Comfortable, air conditioned van. Admission fees and lunch were not included, but none were huge additional costs.
Review provided by Viator
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1 Adult
September 2024
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