History of Guča Festival

The traditional Dragačevo trumpet - its cult kept alive for nearly two centuries regardless of political and social considerations - has with time become world-renowned. It is owing to the trumpet that the name of Serbia has resounded worldwide, in all the continents. Some orchestras, when they appear on stage, whether for official competition national dress, the authentic and indigenous dances and other folk inspired elements, coupled with music, have become an integral part of national gathering.

The virtuoso music performers, the trumpet players to the paradox and make the story more authentic - are for the most part fully self-taught. They play by ear and quite spontaneously, relying on their musical memory; they play from the heart and soul, and their music reaches out to listeners precisely for this quality. The Gucha Assembly of Trumpet Players continues to grow year after year: today, this musical feast of recognizable national skills is more popular, more diverse and bigger than ever before.

The first Dragacevo Assembly of Trumpet Players was held on October 16, 1961 in the yard of the Church of Sts. Michael and Gabriel in Gucha. Initially, it was a very modest Assembly - almost subversive for the prevailing political circumstances of that time. However, the Assembly gradually grew and expanded its, one might say, magical influence, and over the past ten or so years has become the folk remained its key symbol and raison detre, it is no longer held solely for the trumpet players. It grew into an Assembly of toastmasters, painters, song "Sa Ovcara I Kablara", marks the beginning of the festival each year. Some church music festivals notwithstanding, the Assembly of Trumpet Players is the best know event of this kind extending uninterruptedly for 43 years and attracting guests and musicians alike from every continent. Trumpet players and folk song and dance groups from around the world deem it a great honor to be invited to the Assembly, and the number of v visitors increases with each coming year. The record was set in 2002, when Gucha hosted in excess of 300.000 visitors.

With considerable experience in organizing Assemblies, today the traditionally hospitable Gucha has earned its place on the map of world music festivals, inviting high interest from ethno music lovers, and deservedly so. As an internationally recognized trumpet capital, and a singular corner of positive energy, a place with accumulated joy, gaiety and spontaneity, coupled with the piercing yet gentle sound of the trumpet, Gucha is a place of catharsis of the heart and soul while the festival lasts. All this is more than enough to attract visitors to Gucha each Mexico, Spain, Greece, Denmark, China and many other close or distant countries. The names of Boban Markovic, Milan Mladenovic, Ekrem Sajdic, Elvis Ajdinovic, Fejat and Zoran Sejdic have carried the glory of the Serbian trumpet across the world. Some 600,000 visitors are expected at the next, and 50th Assembly. That would be very impressive indeed, would it not?

Serbian History of Trumpet Tradition

Dragačevo, which used to be a rural region, experienced strong economic and general educational and cultural development after 1950, and mostly in the first decade of the 21st century, first of all thanks to the Trumpeters Festival.

The capital of modern trumpeting - Guča, is relatively small, and the trumpet was first played as far ago as 1831. Before nearly two centuries Miloš Obrenović ordered the establishment of a "Principle's Serbian band" in Kragujevac, and that the first brass band be led by Josip Šlezinger (1794-1870), a man from Sombor, who in those times was the first musically literate expert in Serbia. "Oberlautar" Mustafa, a man who played the violin and "zurle" (zurna), was until then amusing the Serb ruler and his entourage "and was amusing also even foreigners who did not have much understanding for Turkish music". Immediately upon his arrival in Kragujevac he started to organize the band. Since he lacked in skilled musicians, he asked the Principle to arrange that young man from among the population be found, who have talent and will to do this job. Miloš promptly ordered that each county delegates five young men. And, so it started. Although it did not always run smoothly, they learned to play the new "golden" instruments, by playing the round-dances and songs which they knew and were familiar with them, but learning also everything that maestro J. Šlezinger was teaching them in the then Serbian capital Kragujevac.

Almost two centuries passed by, there were many outstanding military brass bands and band leaders from the regiments and divisions. However, only in the mid 19th century were the foreign musical and cultural influence getting stronger; they can be identified at the beginning of the new era in the folk music of Dragačevo and were particularly strong in regard to trumpet music and homophonic multi-part singing , i.e. in singing "na bas". How the brass bands were emerging we heard from spontaneous statements of modern Dragačevo musicians. It is known in Dljina that their oldest trumpeter "was a guy named Ćebić who was playing before World War I… And he himself inherited it from the past times. "In Goračići the first orchestra was founded by the Davidović brothers from Dragačica "probably sometimes about the times of World War I, and this band included only four musicians". Also, the story goes that "in Rti the band leader and first trumpet was Milisav Kostić–Tralja, and his today's heirs are trumpeters playing in the Srećko Obradović orchestra". And so we come also to the trumpeter Desimir Perišić from Goračići and the winning orchestra at the First Festival in Guča in 1961.

The songs are usually based of two-bar motives and melodies, mainly of two part structure consisting of 4 to 5 tones.

The vigorous folk round-dances from the western regions are characterized by occasional pauses of the leading trumpets, with the basses taking over the leading tune of the leading trumpets, highlighting the basic harmonies.
Also, we will notice that southern folk dances are usually characterized by oriental music, in the so-called "aksak" rhythm. This is especially emphasized with the "performance" of the drummer, who expertly combines larger "čukan" (right hand) strokes with those of the thinner stick (left hand, on the edge of the drum, skillfully stressing the changes of double and triple meter in the specific rhythmical formulas and combinations (8/8; 7/8; 9/8 etc.), especially in the characteristic dances – songs called "chochek". Then, spontaneously and ravishingly, genuinely enjoying in the music, dance only those who truly know how to do it.
In the eastern region a big number of folk dances of the "Batrna" (ancient dance) type and "Stara Vlajna", i.e. "Timočka Rumenka" or "Svrljiški laskavac", are preserving the genetic features of the Vallah or Serb Hora dancing, when the dancers are crossing their hands and holding each other by the belt. And all Serbian songs and dances have up to five tones, while Vallah melodies are more diversified and with an occasional alternation of the slow parts with the usually faster refrain. Singing with trumpet accompaniment is gaining in popularity nowadays here with us. Like the first folk trumpeters from the times of Miloš, contemporary ones are also mainly autodidacts having keen hearing, and are playing a huge repertoire of songs and dances by heart, and by the ear, improvising their interpretation spontaneously and from their soles and hearts.
With the first orchestras, their members evolved as musicians and their number was invreasing. At the beginning the orchestras had five musicians, and the contemporary orchestras usually have up to ten musicians (three to four ''B'' trumpets, three bass flugelhorns, one bass trumpet – helicon or euphonium, and, finally, snare drum and large drum with cymbals. Three regions clearly identified themselves by the style of their music, and are today three famous centers with the best trumpeters in Serbia today.
Although the trumpet is not as deeply rooted in our people like the vocal music tradition, the fact is that those active in the field of culture have four decades ago broke the ground for trumpet music in tiny Guča. Since then, like awakening from a dream, trumpet music grew very quickly in those areas of western, eastern and southern Serbia in which the trumpet seed probably had already been thrown and did exist, and it also woke up during so many decades in the center of Šumadija, where its seed was for the first time thrown in the far away year 1831.

Visit Serbian Monasteries

Day 1th: Arrival to Belgrade. Meeting of passengers and representatives of the agency at the airport Nikola Tesla - Belgrade. Transfer to the hotel. Spare time. Overnight.

Day 2nd: Breakfast. Route: Belgrade - Vrnjačka Banja [spa]
Sanctum places of Serbian capital [St. Petka Chapel and Church Ružica, Orthodox Church and Patriarch's residence, St. Sava's Temple, the biggest Orthodox Temple in the Balkans]. Departure to Vrnajčka banja. Visit to the Monasteries Pokajnica, Manasija, and Ravanica; lunch in the monastery. Arrival to Vrnajčka banja. Accommodation. Overnight.

Day 3rd: Breakfast. Route: Vrnajčka banja - Monasteries Žiča, Ljubostinja, Kalenić - Vrnjačka Banja. Lunch is planned in Monastery Kalenić. Visit to the open - air Museum "Kalenić" and familiarizing with the old Serbian crafts: weaving, spinning, knitting, basket weaving. Presentation of the national architecture and traditional usable objects.
Return to Vrnjačka Banja. Accommodation. Overnight.

Day 4th: Breakfast. Spare time. Route: Vrnjačka Banja - Monastery Studenica.
Visit to Monasteries Djurdjevi Stupovi, Sopoćani. Arrival to Monastery Studenica. Lunch. Accommodation in the Monastery's residential building and presence to the evening prayer. Overnight

Day 5th: Breakfast in the Monastery residential building. Route: Studenica - Ovčar banja [spa] - Ovčarsko - Kablarska Gorge - Valjevo

Visit to Monastery Gradac [long hiking tour] and St. Peter's Church on the way to Ovčar Banja. Arrival to Ovčar banja. Lunch in the national restaurant. Visit to the Monasteries of Ovčarsko - Kablarska Gorge: Vavedenje [Presentation of the Virgin], Vaznesenje [Resurrection], Sretenje [Meeting of Our Lord in the Temple], Svete Trojice Blagovestenje [Annunciation of Holy Trinity], Ilinje, Savinje, Nikolje, Jovanje i Uspenje [Dormition]. Departure to Valjevo. Accommodation. Overnight.

Day 6th: Breakfast. Route: Valjevo - village Sitarice - Valjevo.
Petnica cave, Research Center in Petnica. Visit to the old city center Tešnjar, Muselin's konak [hist. castle, palace], the monument of the greatest Serbian army commander Živojin Mišić, and the monument of poetess Desanka Maksimović]. Visit of the Monasteries Ćelije and Lelić in which are the relics of the Bishop Nikolaj Velimirović, the Orthodox theologian and writer from 20th century. Visit to the Monastery Pustinja from 14th century, built during the rule of the Nemanjić royal family.

Visit to the village Sitarice on the hillsides of Medvednik Mountain. This is the place with traditional, old Serbian houses, outbuildings, folklore, customs and traditional dishes of Serbian cuisine are preserved and cherished. In the yard of an old authentic village house, Serbian dining table brimming with national dishes and drinks, traditional Serbian host, songs and dancing typical for this part of Serbia, welcomes guests. Return to the hotel. Overnight.

Day 7th Breakfast. Route: Valjevo - Soko Grad - Monastery Tronoša - Tršić - Belgrade
Departure from Valjevo. Arrival to Soko Grad and visit to the Monastery Complex of "Soko Grad". Short break. Departure to Monastery Tronoša and Trsić. Visit to the Monastery Tronoša and monastery residential building. Visit to the Ethnographic Commemorative Park and Commemorative House dedicated to the father of Serbian literacy Vuk Stefanović Karadžić in Tršić. Lunch break and individual activities. Departure to Belgrade in the evening. Accommodation in the hotel. Overnight.

Day 8th: Breakfast. Transfer to the airport; departure.

Gledičke Mountains

Description: In the hearth of Šumadija, on the slopes of the Gledičke Mountains, there is one of the most pleasant parts of Central Serbia, hilly landscape full of clear springs, rivers, gorges, medical herbs, game... It is a grove decorated with picturesque natural attractions, better known as Levac. It can also be recognized by the Kalenić Monastery, spiritual and cultural center, of which protected area we care. Open - air Museum "Kalenić" acquaints visitors with authentic experience and tradition, customs, history and culture of Levac, national kitchen, correlates with domestic and wild animals in nature. Youngest devotees of nature and healthy life can express their creativity and research spirit within the educational workshops in healthy and attractive natural environment:

Leaving Belgrade at 7:00 AM Arrival at Kalenic at 11:00 AM from 11:00h until 17:00h

- familiarizing with the old handycrafts and participating in making toys and souvenirs of natural materials [weaving, spinning, knitting, basket weaving…],
- visit to the Monastery; a lesson about Despot Stefan Lazarević,
- presentation of the folk architecture and traditional usable things [visit to the households],
- participating in the workshop of fine arts [presentation of Janko Baršić naïve art school],
- recreation in nature, learning old children's games, familiarizing with natural lair of animals, plants, bird watching…
- familiarizing with domestic animals and ways of cultivating land, planting and growing, cereals, fruits and vegetables,
- enjoying honey and its products,
- visit to a watermill and manifestation of grinding wheat,
- participating in the production of homemade dishes and products [bred baking, curdling, making jam, drying fruit, making soaps…].

Workshops are adjusted to juvenile; a lot of games, songs and careless socializing in pure nature.

Arrival at Belgrade around 09:00 PM

Bogdan Dundjerski

A picturesque castle in the Vojvodina plain near Bečej, nowadays hotel "Fantast". The pre - war landowner and wealthy heir, Bogdan Dundjerski built the castle between 1919 and 1923 together with a church and chapel the latter of which was decorated by the owner's close friend, the famous Uros Predic. Dundjerski, a passionate lover of horses set up a stud farm with 1. 400 thoroughbred horses which still exists today on a somewhat smaller scale.

Spa Banja Koviljaca

Day 1th: Arrival Arrival to Belgrade. Accommodation in three star hotel. Dinner. Overnight.

Day 2nd: Breakfast. Checkout. Route: Belgrade - Banja Koviljača. Belgrade sightseeing with a professional tourist guide [City Parliament, Federal Parliament, Terazije Square, Republic Square, Students' Square, Belgrade Fortress, City Gate ["Varoš kapija"], New Belgrade, Topčider Hill, Dedinje, Oslobodjenje Square, Slavija Square, Nikola Pašić Square. Departure to Koviljača Spa.

Visit to Zasavica Swamp, Natural Reservation as we pass along. In this beautiful natural reservation you can enjoy shipping on the tourist boat [without engine], photo - safari and richness of natural and animal world - 200 species of plants, 120 species of birds, more than 20 species of fish… Lunch in the national restaurant "Čardak". Arrival to the Koviljača Spa in the evening. Accommodation and dinner.
Overnight.

Day 3rd: to 9th Full board [FB] arrangement in Spa. The use of wellness program in health resort or sanitary and therapy services under the professional medical control is planned for the guests.

Every day in the afternoon, an excursion is planned for visiting cultural, historical and natural sights in the area.

Day 10th: Breakfast. Departure to Belgrade.

Šarganska Osmica

1st day: Belgrade - Pustinja and Rača monasteries - Vrelo site - Perućac lake - Bajina Bašta
08:00 - Departure from Belgrade; a ride on Ibar high - way in the direction of Valjevo [90km from Belgrade].
10:00 - Visit to Pustinja monastery.
12:00 - Continuing journey to Bajina Bašta and Perućac.
13:30 - Bajina Bašta - Arrival; accommodation in "Drina" 3* hotel
14:00 - Lunch.
16:00 - Visit to Rača monastery.
17:00 - Arrival to HE Bajina Bašta dam. Short walk by the lake and a visit to Vrelo site.
20:30 - Dinner.

2nd day: Bajina Bašta - Kremna - Mokra Gora-a ride by famous "Šarganska osmica" train - return to Belgrade
07:00 - Breakfast in"Drina" hotel; leaving the hotel.
08:30 - Departure for Kremna over the Tara Mountain. Short stop by the place where once was the house of famous Kreman's profets Tarabićs.
10:15 - Arrival to Mokra Gora, the leaving station of "Šarganska osmica"; refreshment.
A ride on a narrow railroad - ''ćira'' - throught beautiful lanscapes.
13:00 - Lunch at the "Jatare" station.
15:00 - Visit to Kusturica's ethnic village - Drvengrad.
17:30 - Departure for Belgrade, with short stop an refreshment in "Livade" motel - Preljina by the Čačak.
Arrival in Belgrade in the late evening hours.

Price of the arrangement does not include: Reservation costs. In a case of cancelation of journey these costs will not be refunded.

Price of the arrangement includes:
- Accommodation based on full service [classic menu]
- transportation by tourist bus [TV/CD player and air - condition]
- Lunch on "Jatare" station
- Visits to Pustinja and Rača monasteries
- Visit to Perućac and Vrelo site
- Visit to Tarabićs' house site
- Ride on Šarganska osmica
- Visit to ethnic village - Drvengrad
- Excursion organization and guidance
- Services of the local tourist guide

Minimal number of passengers for the arrangement is 35.

Carska Bara - Specialn natural reservation

Carska bara, spacious and clear blue mirror, dressed in a cane and grass streaks, steppes and willow trees, is placed between three cities: Belgrade, Novi Sad and Zrenjanin. Its rich water network is made of rivers, canals, lakes and puddles, so colors vary from blue lakes, green and brown forests to yellow and white pastures. This area was once filled with swamps. Today, a number of river meanders are turned into sloping bogs.

One of ten "perfect places" in Serbia, kingdom of birds and oasis of peace and untouched nature, is placed between two rivers - Begej and Tisa - and occupies around 1700 ha. Mosaic character of the reservation comes from interlacing different ecosystems [rivers, puddles, swamps, meadows, pastures and forests] and major parts of it are: old river banks of the Begej and Perleska Bara, Tiganjica and Carska bara, the jewel of the nature.
Every one of the eight European heron species nests here, so this bird is our trade mark. 250 different bird species [140 nonmigratory and 110 migratory species] represent the greatest treasure of the reservation. Many of these birds can be found in the Red Book of endangered species. Concerning the mammal fauna, importance of this region lies in the presence of the otter and the wild cat, very rare and endangered species in Europe.

because of these natural values, and mainly as the significant habitat of swamp birds, this reservation is acclaimed Ramsar and IBA region and it's under the protection of UNESCO. The sound of silence and the song of the nature are being heard here.

Program:
- 08.00h Deprture from the assigned terminal.
- Leaving for Carska bara. A visit to Carska bara, a well known natural reservation, where over 300 bird species nests.
- A motor boat ride throught Carska bara, with the professional tourist guide.
- A walk on the Wellness path [with the possibility of renting a bike].
- Lunch in the hotel restaurant Sibila ** [high quality hotel conformed with natural surrounding, restaurant with terrace, air condition in the whole object]
- Free time.
- Return in the afternoon hours.

Transportation:
- Transportation by Minivan tourist class minivan [CD player]
- Transportation by bus tourist class bus [high floor, TV/CD player, air condition].

Price of the arrangement includes:
- transportatioon [bus or minivan]
-a visit to reservation
- lunch in the Sibila hotel restaurant
- services of the local guide
- trip organization and guidance

Price of the arrangement does not include: bike rental

Minimal number of passengers is 35 for bus and 14 for mini-van.

Tito`s Blue Train, Serbia

Blue train is a popular name for a special train used for the needs of Josip Broz Tito, defunct President of the Socialistic Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Today, transport facilities of the Blue Train, completely authentic, are capable of exploitation within Serbia as well as on the international railways.

Subotica - Palic - Karadjordjevo / One-day excursions

Subotica, the economic and cultural centre of North Vojvodina, near the Hungarian border. Its beauty is enhanced by numerous hotels, restaurants and beaches. Karadjordjevo, near Subotica is a famous stud farm established as far back as 1885 as a property of the Austro - Hungarian empire. It still today breeds race horses. It is set within a hunting reservation whose stags, wild boars and moufflons attract hunters from around Europe.

Kovacica, Naïve Painters’ Village / One-day excursions

In 1802 the village of Kovacica with a Slovak ethnic minority was established fifty kilometres from Belgrade. In this village of numerous crafts especially developed were naive arts which have been made famous throughout the world, in the first place, by Zuzana Halupova and Martin Jonas. The international ethno centre Babka promotes unique artistic features of the region.

Nemanjic's Monasteries / One-day excursions

Nemanjic's Monasteries - The monastery of Zica, a foundation of King Stefan the First - Crowned from the beginning of 13 century. It used to be the seat of the first Serbian archbishopric and archbishop Sava Nemanjic. Here was crowned Stefan the First - Crowned, the first Serbian ruler "wreathed by the royal crown" in 1217.

Studenica monastery, a foundation of Stefan Nemanja which the creator of the Serbian state and church built at the peak of his power toward the end of 12 century was the seat of creation of first Serbian literary works and early Serbian fresco painting. The Church of the Virgin served also as the mausoleum of the dynasty and its founder.

Jeep Tour - Eastern & Western Serbia - 7 days

Day 1: Monday Arrival at Belgrade Airport at 05:20h. Bus transfer to Dimitrovgrad which is about 340km away. Lunch in Nis. Arrival at hotel Balkan. Dinner and rest.

Attractions:
- NATO bombing ruins in Belgrade
- Lunch in Niš at the famous "Amerikanac" Restaurant
- Scenic tour of the city and visit to unique monument Cele Kula.

Day 2: Tuesday
Breakfast. Departure at 9:00h with jeeps. Route: Dimitrovgrad - Smilovci - Izatovci - Slavinja - Rosomacki Kamen - Rsovci - Visocka Rzana - Dojkinci - Topli Do - Babin Zub. The route is around 100km. Ethnic lunch during one of the breaks.

Accommodation in hotel Babin Zub. Dinner and rest.

Attractions:
- Rosomaca - visit to Rosomaki Kazani,
- Visit to the Cave Church in Rsovci [famous icon Bald Jesus],
- Visocica and Dojkinacka River delta,
- Sveta Bogorodica Monastery,
- Photo Safari with several scenic peaks,
- Visit to Topli Do village,
- Babin Zub Peak.

Day 3: Wednesday
Breakfast. Route: Babin Zub - Midzor [2, 170m] - Temska River Canyon - Visocica River Canyon - Zavojsko Lake - Nisor - Pirot - Sicevacka Gorge - Niš [175km]. Lunch is in Pirot. Accommodation in hotel Aleksandar in Nis. Welcome Pool Party, dinner and rest.

Attractions:
- Midzor - Jeep climb and hiking tour,
- Zavojsko Lake,
- St. George Monastery in Temska,
- Pirot - famous Pirot rug shopping,
- Ethnic lunch in "Mali Pevac" restaurant,
- Sicevacka Gorge,
- Night bath with a coctail party.

Note: The tour during the second and third day is performed by the professional drivers.

Day 4: Thursday
Breakfast. Bus transfer to Zabljak on Durmitor Mountain in Montenegro. Road stop in Novi Pazar [optional shopping]. Lunch upon leaving Novi Pazar in a restaurant with a private fish hatchery. Arrival on Durmitor in late afternoon. Sightseeing of Black Lake. Dinner and rest.

Day 5: Friday
Breakfast. Departure with jeeps to the peek Curevac [1, 625m]. Arrival at the entry point for rafting on Tara River. Rafting on Tara River 2 - 3 hours. Ethnic lunch in the nature. Return with jeeps to Zabljak and then a bust transfer to Zlatibor.

Accommodation in Villa "U Lugu". Dinner in the restaurant "Knjeginja" and rest.

Attractions:
- Curevac Peak. Scenic View to Tara River Canyon,
- Suspended bridge on Djurdjevica Tara [140m],
- Rafting on River Tara,
- Photo Safari,
- Ethnic Lunch in the Nature,
- Scenic Rout around Zlatibor [around 240km].

Note: professional drivers from Durmitor National Park perform 5th day of the jeep tour.

Day 6: Saturday
Breakfast. Independent jeep tour [participants driving. Departure for Mokra Gora. Ride on the attractive railroad Sarganska Osmica. This is the location of filming for Emir Kusturica film "Life is a Miracle". Arrival at Mecavnik A. K. A. "Wooden

City" which was designed and constructed by Emir Kusturica. Departure for Bajina Bašta on river Drina. Lunch. Visit to a lake and return to Zlatibor. Dinner and rest.

Option:
After the visit to Mecavnik instead of departure for Bajina Bašta, the tour goes to Sirogojno. Visit to the ethno museum. Organized shopping of famous hand - crafted souvenirs and clothing. Ethnic lunch and visit to Stopica Cave on the return route to Zlatibor. Dinner and rest.

Attractions:
- Šarganska Osmica Railroad Ride
- Mečavnik - Wooden City of the famous film director Emir Kusturica.
- Lake of River Drina [or optional village Sirogojno with shopping]
- Ethnich Lunch

Day 7: Sunday
Breakfast. Bus transfer to Belgrade and Surcin Airport with a lunch break.
Departure for Tel Aviv at 16:55h.

What else:
You will eat healthy food and as a souvenir you will take some specialties with you. Clean and fresh mountain air at high altitudes which is of benefit for the people with respiratory problems. Participate in health and fitness program on Čigota. Take a bath or drink water from crystal clear rivers on Tara and Zlatibor. Have a relaxing holiday in the parts of Serbia where nature is unaffected by industrial development. Surprise gift.

Tour details:
- 6 Nights with dinners,
- 7 Lunches and Breakfasts,
- 4 Bus Transfers [Belgrade - Dimitrovgrad, Niš - Durmitor, Durmitor - Zlatibor, Zlatibor - Belgrade],
- 3 Days of Jeep Touring with Professional Drivers on Durmitor and Eastern Serbia,
- 1 Day of Jeep Touring on Zlatibor with participants driving
- 2 + 2 + 2 Guide Service,
- Passes for all the sites that will be visited on the tour.

Eastern Serbia Program - 8 days

Experience the wild beauty of the unspoiled mountain regions of Eastern Serbia. Follow the trails where adventure awaits at every step. Have a unique experience on the mountain slopes of Eastern Serbia, as you admire the scenic views and routes of the region. Enrich yourselves with a taste of life in the Balkans. Take a piece of Serbia with You.

Tour highlights:
- wonderful Mountainside of Suva and Stara Planina,
- Zavojsko and Smilevsko Lake,
- zaskoci Waterfalls,
- wild nature with phenomenal scenic routes,
- climb to the peak of Mt. Midžor,
- poganovo and St. George Monasteries,
- niška and Zvonačka Banja Spas, who specialize in the treatment of cardio, rheumatic and stress related diseases,
- prolom Banja Spa with mineral springs which improve the digestive system,
- Rajac breweries and wine cellars from 19th century,
- Romuliana Residency of the Roman Emperor Maximilian,
- visit to the Roman Imperial City Naissus [Niš], where Emperor Constantine was born and a visit to the unique historical monument Ćele Kula,
- sightseeing of Belgrade and NATO bombing ruins,
- unforgettable Goodbye Party on one of the rafts in Belgrade.

Day 1: Friday
Arrival at the Belgrade Airport. Transfer to Niška Banja Spa. During the transfer panoramic sightseeing of Niš and a visit to "Ćele Kula". Dinner in the famous restaurant "Amerikanac". Rest.

Day 2: Saturday
Breakfast and sightseeing in Niška Banja. Departure for Kuršumlija. Visit to the unique natural phenomenon called "Devil's City". Lunch in Prolom Banja [Spa]. Departure for Zvonačka Banja [Spa] via Sićevačka Klisura and canyon of River Nišava. Visit to Ethno Center for Pirot Rugs and Souvenirs. Arrival at Zvonačka Banja via canyon of river Jerma. Dinner and rest.

Day 3: Sunday
Breakfast. Departure for Poganovo Monastery built in 1395. Hiking Tour. Bath and massage treatment in the Spa. Dinner and rest.

Day 4: Monday
Breakfast. Departure for Stara Planina. Sightseeing around Zavojsko Lake. Ethnic lunch in the village. Sightseeing of the canyon, waterfalls and undisturbed nature [optional bath]. Arrival at Babin Zub [1, 757m], accommodation, dinner and rest.

Day 5: Tuesday
Breakfast. Hiking tour to Midžor [2,170m] in total 12 kilometers. Lunch, rest and a free afternoon. Dinner and Rest.

Day 6: Wednesday
Breakfast. Departure for Knjaževac and Zaječar. Fresh fish lunch by the lake. Arrival at Rajac and tour of breweries and wine cellars. Return to Zaječar. Accommodation, dinner and rest.

Day 7: Thursday
Breakfast. Departure for Belgrade. Along the way a visit to roman ruins "Romuliana" from the Roman Emperor Maximilian [3rd century]. Lunch on the outskirts of Belgrade. Sightseeing tour of Belgrade and NATO bombing ruins with a local guide. Accommodation. Goodbye Party with dinner and music on one of the rafts in Belgrade. Rest.

Day 8: Friday
Early breakfast. Transfer to Belgrade Airport.

Option:
- Instead of Devil's City we have an option for Duplex Paragliding from Koritnjak above Niška Banja Spa,
- Program is based on the minimum of 6 participants but the group should not exceed 15 persons,
- Program is available for booking from January 1st, 2006 but the tours start on April 21st 2006 and are executed every 7 Days.

What else:
- you will eat healthy ethnic food and as a souvenir you will take homemade wines from Rajac wine cellars,
- spend time on clean and fresh mountain air at high altitudes, which is of benefit for the people with respiratory problems,
- treatments for stress relief in the Zvonačka Banja Spa,
- have a relaxing holiday in Eastern Serbia where nature has remained unaffected by industrial development and
- surprise gift.

Tour details:
- 7 Nights with Half Board and
- 6 lunches.

A number of transfers:
Guide Service: 2 + 1.

Passes for all the sites that will be visited on the tour.
A unique Serbian experience awaits You. Unique tours offered by Outdoor open the doors to the hidden treasures of Serbian nature and culture. Visit the crossroads of Western and Eastern civilization and the region that forged much of the European history. Once You leave, take a piece of Serbia in Your heart.

Program is based on minimum 6 persons.

Belegrade Experience

Provedite nezaboravan vikend u Beogradu, gradu u kome se spajaju Istocna i Zapadna kultura. Specifcina atmosfera megapolisa koja nije izgubila svoje autenticne cari. Skriveni kutci, zanimljivi i topli ljudi, domaca hrana, kulturni i socijalni zivot. All - inclusive paket [prevoz, smestaj, lokalni vodic, domaca hrana, osiguranje]

Prvi dan: centar Beograda
Dolazak na Beogradski Aerodrom - gde ce vas ekipa Discover Serbia sacekati i kombijem prebaciti do hotela "Royal". Kao uvod u Vas vikend u Beogradu, preporucujemo razgledanje centra grada. Setnja Knez Mihajlovom ulicom [setackom zonom] dovesce vas do tvrdjave Kalemegdan stare preko 2000 godina. Sa tvrdjave pruza se velicanstven panoramni pogled na Beograd kao i na usce dveju reka, Save u Dunav. Nakon toga krecemo u obilazak Skadarlije - jedne od najstarijih ulica Beograda, poznato boemsko mesto u kome jos zivi duh Beograda iz proslosti. Ulicni sviraci, kockasta kaldrma, restorani i umetnicke galerije samo su deo autenticne atmosfere ove ulice. Vecera dobrodoslice u restoranu sa starinskim dekorom, domacom hranom i zivom muzikom.

Drugi dan: Beograd na vodi Vodeni svet megapolisa!
U nezaboravan dan na rekama zaplovicemo brodom Discover Serbia i uploviti u jedan poseban originalan zivot grada. Ono sto je karkateristicno je da su reke aktivne jer se na njenim obalama usidrilo stotine malih splavova - kucica u kojima zive ljudi recnim stilom zivota. Dozivljavanje ove skrivene i neobicne intimne sredine ostavice vam impresije koje ce prevazici vasa ocekivanja. Iz velikog Dunava koji tece ispod same tvrdjave Kalemegdan, ulazimo u manju i intimniju Savu gde cemo zakoraciti u svet recnih ljudi. Odmor i osvezenje na splavu kod nasih recnih prijatelja. Nakon toga plovidbu, uz ručak na brodu, nastavljamo do Ostruznickog mosta odakle se vracamo ka pocetnoj destinaciji polvidbe, Zemunu. Popodnevne casove uzbudljivog dana ostavicemo da budu po Vasem izboru. Naravno, tu smo da preporucimo i cujemo vasa interesovanja.

Treći dan: Na krovu grada Oaza u srcu grada!
Novo dozivljavanje Beograda zapocinjemo voznjom kroz ulicu Kneza Milosa gde se nalaze zgrade bombardovane u 1999 godini. Nastavljamo ka brdu Kostunjak, najvecom oazom u Beogradu. Voznju ogromnom sumom zavrsicemo u kafeu koji se nalazi na vrhu brda odakle sirokim pogledom dobijate jos bolju sliku o gradu koji obilazite. U kafeu nas ceka osvezenje, predah i sumiranje stecenih utisaka Vaseg vikenda u Beogradu. Nakon posete Kostunjaku, goste sa ranim letovima otpraticemo na aerodrom i pobrinuti se da zajedno sa svojim prtljagom budu na svojim letovima. Gostima sa popodnevnim letovima, nakon odmora na Kosutnjaku, organizovacemo jos jednu posetu centru grada, gde svoje vreme mogu provesti po slobodnom izboru, a po nasoj preporuci.

Bus Tour Belgrade, Serbia

Starting point in front of the hotel. Going away by bus for sightseeing Belgrade: Federal Assembly, City Hall, " ivo Andric" Museum [Nobel Prize winner for literature], St. Marko Church, St. Sava's Temple [one the biggest orthodox churches on the world], "Josip Broz Tito" Museum, "Slavija" Square, Kralja Milana street, Terazije Square with fountain, Square of the Republic - National Theatre and National Museum, Kalemegdan Fortress, Cathedral Church, Princess Ljubica's Pansion, Restaurant "?", Footbal Stadiums of "Crvena Zvezda" [Red Star] and "Partizan".

New Belgrade: "Sava" Congress Center, Museum of Modern Art. Lunch in someone of the restaurants in Gardos or on Danube.

Extreme sports - Rafting along Tara

One day tour along most exciting and most attractive part of the River Tara total length 14km:
- starting from Belgrade early in the morning and traveling via Uzice, Višegrad and Foca to the camp. Meeting with our hosts and surroundings.
- breakfast till 10: 30 - specialty of domestic kitchen,
- changing of wardrobe into rafting equipment. Each participant gets neoprene suit, neoprene boots, life jacket and adventure starts,
- transportation by jeeps and vans to Brštenovica starting point of our friendship with River Tara till 11:30h,
- formation of the rafting teams, introduction to the skipper and basics of rafting and team work. Capacity of the boats in 10 - 12 persons and it is very important to obey skipper's instruction,
- on board to 12:00h rs and rafting starts on the most attractive part of the River Tara total length 14km where are a lot of exciting experience is expected as rapids Celije, Vjernovice grade 5, Borovi, Varda, Cegrlo grade 4, and other 17 which aren't to be underestimated.
- rafting lasts around 3, 5 hours with brakes for swimming and rest in Kulina, Manita vrela, Šipcanica streams,
- arrival at Camp Sastavci around 16:00h and change of wardrobe,
- lunch - specialties of domestic and oriental kitchen, Rafting soup, rousted lamb,
- rest after lunch and departure of Rafters.

In the empire of "Ethnos" - Zlatibor, Serbia

Day 1th: Arrival in Belgrade. Accommodation in the hotel; Dinner; Spare time; Overnight.

Day 2nd: Belgrade - Valjevo - National Park Tara - Belgrade: Breakfast. Sightseeing with a professional tourist guide. Route: the City Parliament, the Federal Parliament, Terazije Square, Republic Square, Students' Square, Belgrade Fortress, City Gate ["Varos kapija"], New Belgrade, Topcider Hill, Dedinje, Oslobodjenje Square, Slavija Square, Nikola Pasic Square.

Trip continues towards Valjevo. Sight - seeing: Old Serbian town Tesnjar, Muselin's Residential House, Poetry Square ["Trg Pesnistva"] - a monument dedicated to a Serbian poet Desanka Maksimovic, Vojvoda Misic Square [a Serbian field marshal]; visit to the monasteries Celije and Lelic. Lunch in Serbian national restaurant [facultative]. Trip continues towards National Park Tara. Arrival in the hotel Omorika is planned in afternoon; accommodation; dinner.

Day 3rd: Tara Mountain. Breakfast in the hotel. Departure to Perucac; visit to the river Vrelo with beautiful waterfalls, and the river godina [365m long; godina: year]. Continuing our trip, we visit Mitrovac and "carpet meadow" and observation deck "Banjska stena". Return to hotel; dinner; overnight.

Day 4th Mountains Tara - Zlatibor - Mokra Gora. Mountain Tara: Breakfast in the hotel; checkout. Excursion to the Rača Monastery and the spring of thermal water "Ladjevac" located near the monastery. Trip with beautiful panorama sight - seeing continues towards Zlatibor Mountain. Arrival to Mokra Gora.

Visit to the Drvengrad, film city of Emir Kusturica. Watching the projection of the latest documentary film by Emir Kusturica. Lunch is planned [optionally] in the ethno restaurant of this unique film city.

Boarding the old type train "Cira" and driving along the famous "Sarganska osmica" - the narrow - gage railroad, shaped in number eight, long 15km with 22 tunnels, many viaducts and bridges and it represents the greatest tourist attraction in Europe at the moment. Stops are on the places with spectacular views, and also on the place where film "Zivot je čudo" [Life is a miracle] by Emir Kusturica is made. Return to Zlatibor and accommodation in the hotel. Dinner; Overnight.

Day 5th: Mountain Zlatibor - Belgrade. Breakfast. Checkout.
Visit to the Ovcarsko - kablarska Gorge, called "Serbian Mount Athos" for its unique monasteries. Arrival in Belgrade in the afternoon.

The Danube Secrets - National Park “Djerdap”

Day 1th: Meeting of passengers and representatives of the agency at the airport Nikola Tesla - Belgrade. Transfer to the hotel. Free time. Overnight.

Day 2nd: Breakfast. Sightseeing of Belgrade by cruising the Danube and Sava Rivers. Along the 18 kilometres sail, enjoy the beauty of the city, lunch on a boat with Serbian wine and brandy [rakija].

After compliancy tour continues with Belgrade panorama sightseeing which includes sites of City Parliament, Federal Parliament, Terazije Square, Republic Square, Students' Square, Belgrade Fortress, City Gate ["Varoš kapija"], New Belgrade, Topčider Hill, Dedinje, Oslobodjenje Square, Slavija Square, Nikola Pašić Square. Return to the hotel. Overnight.

Day 3rd: Breakfast. Departure to Eastern Serbia and Djerdap Gorge.
Short break is planned on the Srebrno jezero [Silver Lake]. Continuing voyage towards Golubac, a town where Danube is 6 kilometres wide and for that reason called "Serbian sea". Danube is on its widest part decorated by Golubac Fortress, one of the most beautiful fortresses on its whole course. After visiting the fortress and break for taking photos, along the valley of Djerdap Gorge group arrives at the hotel "Lepenski Vir". Spare time. Visit to the museum "Lepenski Vir" and going on Captains Miša Hill for dinner. From this hill there is the best view of the Danube in its entire course, and art lovers can enjoy seeing open - air wood gallery. Accommodation in the hotel on the Danube bank. Spare time in the afternoon and in the evening.

Day 4th: Breakfast. Photo Safari tour in National Park with viewing the inhabitants and amazing natural sights. After hunting, lunch with music and party under the open sky is prepared. Those without these ambitions can visit the observation hills of the National Park and enjoy the unique Djerdap view. From there we move to Kladovo to visit the Archeological Museum of the town. Trip continues towards Vratna and visiting of its attractions: Monastery Vratna, farm of mouflons, and the unique wonder of nature, Vratanjske Kapije [Vratanjske Gates], rocks which made rare and odd forms hanging over the Gorge of the little Vratna River. Departure to Negotin. Visit of a birth house of a famous Serbian composer Stevan Stojanović Mokranjac.
Accommodation in the hotel. Spare time. Overnight.

Day 5th: Breakfast. Setting off from Negotin to the village Rajac along the narrow way, above which a village of wine cellars under the name "Rajačke pimnice" is rising. This is the small town built of trimmed stone and logs. After visiting wine cellars ["Pimnice"] and wine tasting, lunch is planned in the St. Trifun restaurant, and the specialties of the national cuisine of Negotin area are served. We leave "Pimnice" late in the afternoon, when return to Belgrade is planned.
Accommodation in the hotel in Belgrade. Spare time in the evening. Overnight.

Day 6th: Breakfast. Transfer to the airport; Departure.Day 1th: Arrival to Belgrade. Meeting of passengers and representatives of the agency at the airport Nikola Tesla - Belgrade. Transfer to the hotel. Spare time. Overnight.

Day 2nd: Breakfast. Route: Belgrade - Vrnjačka Banja [spa]
Sanctum places of Serbian capital [St. Petka Chapel and Church Ružica, Orthodox Church and Patriarch's residence, St. Sava's Temple, the biggest Orthodox Temple in the Balkans]. Departure to Vrnajčka banja. Visit to the Monasteries Pokajnica, Manasija, and Ravanica; lunch in the monastery. Arrival to Vrnajčka banja. Accommodation. Overnight.

Day 3rd: Breakfast. Route: Vrnajčka banja - Monasteries Žiča, Ljubostinja, Kalenić - Vrnjačka Banja. Lunch is planned in Monastery Kalenić. Visit to the open - air Museum "Kalenić" and familiarizing with the old Serbian crafts: weaving, spinning, knitting, basket weaving. Presentation of the national architecture and traditional usable objects.
Return to Vrnjačka Banja. Accommodation. Overnight.

Day 4th: Breakfast. Spare time. Route: Vrnjačka Banja - Monastery Studenica.
Visit to Monasteries Djurdjevi Stupovi, Sopoćani. Arrival to Monastery Studenica. Lunch. Accommodation in the Monastery's residential building and presence to the evening prayer. Overnight

Day 5th: Breakfast in the Monastery residential building. Route: Studenica - Ovčar banja [spa] - Ovčarsko - Kablarska Gorge - Valjevo

Visit to Monastery Gradac [long hiking tour] and St. Peter's Church on the way to Ovčar Banja. Arrival to Ovčar banja. Lunch in the national restaurant. Visit to the Monasteries of Ovčarsko - Kablarska Gorge: Vavedenje [Presentation of the Virgin], Vaznesenje [Resurrection], Sretenje [Meeting of Our Lord in the Temple], Svete Trojice Blagovestenje [Annunciation of Holy Trinity], Ilinje, Savinje, Nikolje, Jovanje i Uspenje [Dormition]. Departure to Valjevo. Accommodation. Overnight.

Day 6th: Breakfast. Route: Valjevo - village Sitarice - Valjevo.
Petnica cave, Research Center in Petnica. Visit to the old city center Tešnjar, Muselin's konak [hist. castle, palace], the monument of the greatest Serbian army commander Živojin Mišić, and the monument of poetess Desanka Maksimović]. Visit of the Monasteries Ćelije and Lelić in which are the relics of the Bishop Nikolaj Velimirović, the Orthodox theologian and writer from 20th century. Visit to the Monastery Pustinja from 14th century, built during the rule of the Nemanjić royal family.

Visit to the village Sitarice on the hillsides of Medvednik Mountain. This is the place with traditional, old Serbian houses, outbuildings, folklore, customs and traditional dishes of Serbian cuisine are preserved and cherished. In the yard of an old authentic village house, Serbian dining table brimming with national dishes and drinks, traditional Serbian host, songs and dancing typical for this part of Serbia, welcomes guests.
Return to the hotel. Overnight.

Day 7th Breakfast. Route: Valjevo - Soko Grad - Monastery Tronoša - Tršić - Belgrade
Departure from Valjevo. Arrival to Soko Grad and visit to the Monastery Complex of "Soko Grad". Short break. Departure to Monastery Tronoša and Trsić. Visit to the Monastery Tronoša and monastery residential building. Visit to the Ethnographic Commemorative Park and Commemorative House dedicated to the father of Serbian literacy Vuk Stefanović Karadžić in Tršić. Lunch break and individual activities.
Departure to Belgrade in the evening. Accommodation in the hotel. Overnight.

Day 8th: Breakfast. Transfer to the airport; departure.

Meet Serbian Highlights

Day 1th: Meeting of passengers and representatives of the agency at the airport Nikola Tesla - Belgrade. Transfer to the hotel. Sight - seeing of the city with a professional tourist guide.

Itinerary: the City Parliament, the Federal Parliament, Terazije Street, Republic Square, Students' Square, Belgrade Fortress - Kalemegdan, City Gate ["Varos kapija"], New Belgrade, Topcider Hill, Dedinje, Oslobodjenje Square, Slavija Square, Nikola Pasic Square.

In the evening organized visit to the Belgrade Bohemian Quarter - Skadarlija. Dinner in the national restaurant with live music. Overnight..

Day 2nd: Breakfast. One - day excursion - "Reveal romance". Itinerary: Belgrade - Novi Sad - Petrovaradin Fortress - Sremski Karlovci - Salash 137 - Belgrade.
Visit to the old city lake of Novi Sad [Sloboda Square, Orthodox Church, Vladicinski Palace, City Hall, Cathedral, Dunavska Street, Nikolajevska Church, Serbian National Theatre, Mladenacki [Newlyweds] Square, bridges on the Danube, Sahat Tower], Petrovaradin Fortress.

Sremski Karlovci, the center of Serbian spiritual and secular power. Visit to Orthodox Church, Patriarchate Court, Main Square and Gymnasium of Karlovci. Visit to the one of famous wine cellars in this town.
Visit to " Salas 137 " and lunch with good dining table of Vojvodina.
Return to Belgrade. In the evening, dinner is organized on the boat restaurant
on Sava and Danube rivers. Overnight.

Day 3rd: Breakfast. Check out from the hotel. Departure to Zlatibor and Mokra Gora.
Itinerary: Belgrade, Zlatibor Mountain, Mokra Gora - Ethno village Sirogojno.
Visit to the film city of Emir Kusturica - Drvengrad. Watching the projection of the latest documentary film by Emir Kusturica, after which lunch is planned in the ethno restaurant of this unique film city. Boarding the train "Cira" and driving along the famous "Sarganska osmica" - the narrowest narrow - gage railroad which has on its 15km long route 22 tunnels, many viaducts and bridges and it represents the greatest tourist attraction in Europe at the moment. Breaks on the places with pretty views and on the place where film "Zivot je cudo" ["Life is a miracle"] by Emir Kusturica is made. Departure to ethno village " Sirogojno ". Accommodation in ethno houses and dinner in national restaurant of this unique village.

Day 4th: Breakfast. Check out and departure to tourist center " Vrnjačka Banja" [Vrnjacka Spa]. Itinerary: Village Sirogojno - Ovcarsko-kablarska Gorge - Kraljevo - Vrnjacka Spa. Visit to few of the ten monasteries of the Ovcarsko - Kablarska Gorge which are referred to as the Serb Athos. Over centuries these ten monasteries safeguarded the ancient manuscripts, out of which some were also written there. Continuing the trip and visit to monastery Zica and Ljubostinja near Kraljevo which are some of the holiest sites in Serbia. Lunch in national restaurant. Arrival at tourist center " Vrnjačka Banja ". Accommodation in hotel. Sightseeing of tourist center and dinner. Overnight.

Day 5th Breakfast. Check out from the hotel and departure to Belgrade.
Itinerary: Vrnjačka Banja - Kraljevo - Kragujevac - Oplenac - Country Club hotel Babe - Belgrade. Visit to the Memorial park "Sumarice" with Museum of the Genocide in Kragujevac town. This is the place where in World War II, Germans killed 7000 citizens of Kragujevac. Among them were three hundred pupils.

Continuing trip to Topola - Oplenac were we will visit Memorial complex of the Karadjordjevic royal family.
Lunch is planned in the exclusive vacation area " Country Club hotel Babe " at the foothill of the nearby mountain Kosmaj, where you will be specially attracted by the herd of thoroughbred horses and many else. Arrival at Belgrade. Accommodation in hotel. Dinner. Overnight..

Day 6th: Breakfast. Transfer to the airport and departure of the group.

Arrangement includes:
- transfers by high tourist class bus / mini bus during the travel,
- accommodation [3 nights in Belgrade hotel, 1 night in ethno houses of the village Sirogojno 1 night in hotel in Vrnjačka Banja tourist center,]. Type of service: Bed & breakfast [BB],
- 4 lunches, 5 dinners, no drink included during the travel,
- all tickets and sightseeing included in the program,
- a guide speaking the native language of the group provided during the trip,
- organization and running the trip.