Destinations

Serbia may not instantly spring to mind when considering where to visit on a river cruise, but we’re confident we can change that perspective. Nestled between eight countries, Serbia has so many beautiful sites and landscapes to explore. Cruise the through the incredible Iron Gates Gorge on the north-eastern border, and dock in historic towns and cosmopolitan cities.

Read this handy Serbia travel guide to find out more about why you should cruise to Serbia.

Where is Serbia?

Serbia is a landlocked country in the west-central Balkans and shares a border with eight different countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Romania. Serbia sits in both the Balkan peninsula and the Pannonian Plain and offers a rich ecosystem with 380 protected areas. Look forward to cruising through beautiful scenery and exploring cities with a long and varied history.

Where can you visit in Serbia?

Donji Milanovac

Donji Milanovac is a pretty town in eastern Serbia overlooked by lush deciduous forests, located on the bank of Lake Djerdap on the Danube. On your journey to Donji Milanovac, admire the Danube’s scenery and watch as your skilful Captain manoeuvres through two locks by the Djerdap power stations.

Golubac

Golubac sits on the Danube’s widest point and its main attraction is the Golubac Fortress, which is believed to date back to the 14th century. From the Fortress you can enjoy an incredible view of the entrance to the Iron Gates Gorge, which forms part of the boundary between Serbia and Romania. Select river cruises include a visit to the Golubac Fortress.

Novi Sad

Novi Sad is where European and Balkan cultures meet, with the Danube acting as a natural border. The city sits between Budapest and Belgrade, so it has an interesting mix of culture. Perhaps join a tour of Novi Sad, admiring its beautiful 18th and 19th-century architecture, before visiting a traditional family wine cellar, where you can sample local wine and honey.

Iron Gates Gorge

One of the greatest joys of river cruising is the opportunity to admire landscapes and scenery you wouldn’t see on a traditional holiday, and there’s nowhere better for scenic cruising than the Iron Gates Gorge. This striking stretch of river is framed by sheer cliffs and looked upon by lush greenery. Take your spot on deck as you cruise through this dramatic vista and be sure to look out for the Decebalus Face, a huge carving in the cliff face depicting the last king of Dacia – it’s hard to miss.

And of course, you can’t miss a trip to Belgrade

Best things to do in Belgrade

The capital city of Serbia, Belgrade is known as the gateway to East Europe and sits on the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers. There is plenty of history to learn about here, as the city has been destroyed and rebuilt 20 times over the last 2,000 years! An excursion is a great way to see some of the city’s highlights…

Begin with a visit to the Kalemegdan Fortress, which was built over 1600 years ago, completing in the 18th century. However, the first settlement for the site is believed to date back to the Neolithic period, so you’ll be standing on over 12000 years of history! Stroll through the expansive park surrounding the fortress and perhaps join a guided tour of this fascinating site.

Following your visit to the Kalemegdan Fortress, take a panoramic bus ride past the old Belgrade Orthodox Cathedral, which is richly decorated with 18th and 20th-century gold fixings. Discover the history of two of Serbia’s most memorable figures, Dositej Obradovic and Vuk Stefanovic Karadzic, who are buried in the churchyard here. Continue past the Town Hall, the ‘White House’ and Tito’s Tomb, which rests in the House of Flowers Museum.

Take the opportunity to explore one of the best-known orthodox cathedrals in the world: St Sava Temple. Built in 1894, learn how the cathedral is built on the same spot where the relics of Syeti Sava were brought from Mileseva Monastery.

Why Cruise with Saga?

When you choose to river cruise with us, you’ll be amazed by how much is included in the price. From our return travel service, optional travel insurance and flights or Eurostar tickets before you even reach your ship, drinks, dining and gratuities on board, and included excursions ashore, we offer unbeatable value. Why not discover the Saga Difference for yourself this year with a Danube river cruise to Serbia?