2013 marks the 1700th anniversary of the Edict of Milan that granted religious freedom for Christianity in the Roman Empire and was proclaimed by one of 17 Serbian-born Roman Emperors, Constantine the Great. In this jubilee year we therefore offer the opportunity to celebrate an Orthodox Easter in Serbia at the breathtaking Jazak Monastery in the stunning Fruska Gora of Vojvodina. Some of Central Europe’s greatest unsung treasures can be found in Serbia – immense fortresses on the Danube River that bravely challenged the invading Turks, and splendid Orthodox monasteries in remote forests that symbolised Serbia’s spiritual and cultural identity throughout the dark centuries of Ottoman occupation. This intriguing and carefully-crafted 7-day small-group tour explores Serbia’s rich and turbulent past whilst offering visitors the opportunity to savour her landscapes, villages and vineyards, staying in comfortable guesthouse accommodation with all meals included. The highlight may well be Midnight Mass at one of the region’s finest Orthodox monasteries on Easter Sunday.
Thursday 2 May 2013 Belgrade On arrival at Belgrade’s Nikola Tesla Airport you will be met and transferred to your guesthouse for an overnight stay.
Friday 3 May Silver Lake Depart from Belgrade and drive along the course of the Danube to Viminacium,a Roman city where you can see the largestamphitheatre in the Balkans, seating 12,000. Continue to Golubac, and tour the dramatic 14th century fortress constructed on a rocky outcrop over the Danube River at the border between Hungary and the Ottoman Empire, nowadays the border between Romania and Serbia. Cruise on the Danubeas it narrows between 1000ft-high limestone cliffs that form the stunning ‘Iron Gate’ Gorge before continuing by road to the enchanting Silver Lake nearby for an overnight stay in guesthouse accommodation.
Saturday 4 May Vrdnik Head to the city of Smederevo and visit the impressive medieval fortress – when it was conquered by the Turks the entire region capitulated and 350 years of Ottoman occupation began. Drive on to Vrsac, a small town in Vojvodina, famous for its fine churches and civic buildings as well as its vineyards. A short distance away is the village of Kovacica well-known for its ‘naive’ art – local farms, families, houses, harvests, weddings and wheatfields – that represent the traditional values and culture of which the local population is fiercely proud. After visiting the art gallery continue to Vrdnik in the heart of the Fruska Gora National Park, to stay 3 nights in a local bed and breakfast. Tonight attend midnight mass at the magnificent Jazak Monastery.
Sunday 5 May Vrdnik This morning walk to one of the most significant Serbian Orthodox churches of the region, Vrdnik-Ravanica, with its ornately carved and gilded iconostasis featuring the Serbian saints, one of 16 in Fruska Gora founded by monks who fled the Turkish invasion in the middle ages and found refuge in the densely wooded hills of the region. These monasteries became beacons of spiritual hope and nationalism during the long centuries of Ottoman occupation. The afternoon is free to relax in Vrdnik, perhaps to enjoy its famous thermal waters at the spa, or to trek up to the medieval tower.
Monday 6 May Vrdnik Today’s tour uncovers two more beautiful 16th century monasteries, Novo Hopovo and Velika Remeta, both with fine frescoes, and enjoy the delightful landscapes of the ‘holy mountain’.
Tuesday 7 May Belgrade Depart Vrdnik for Sremski Karlovci, a handsome town, to visit the seminary, the Residence of the Patriarch where there is a breathtaking array of icons in the chapel, and the rich interior of the Orthodox Cathedral with its magnificent iconostasis. Visit a local winery for awine tasting then continue to Novi Sad. This is Serbia’s second largest city and is overlooked by the impressive Petrovaradin fortress with panoramic views of the town and Danube River. Stroll through the charming old quarter, Stari Grad, and see some of its numerous churches and its grand architecture, reminiscent of many more famous central European cities, before returning to Belgrade for a final night. Extra nights in Belgrade with sightseeing are available.
Wednesday 8 May Depart Transfer from the city to the airport for your flight.
Easter in Serbia
Price per person in twin room £650 Single supplement on request
Price includes 6 nights in comfortable guesthouse accommodation with ensuite bathroom, all meals (continental breakfast, two course lunch and two course dinner) from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7, transport and all excursions and relevant entrance fees as described, English-speaking local guide, all local taxes and tolls. Please note that your guesthouse may be self-catering accommodation, in which case a fresh breakfast will be delivered to you in the mornings, or the kitchen stocked for you to prepare your own.
Not included international flights, travel insurance, drinks with meals, hotel services such as laundry or telephone, expenses of a personal nature.
For enquiries and bookings please ring Tara on 01494 461234 or email Tara@ReadyClickAndGo.com
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