Sarajevo to/from Belgrade 2-Day Transfer Tour via East Bosnia and West Serbia (1-Night stay at Mokra Gora)

Borak UNESCO Necropolis:After departing Sarajevo in the morning, we’ll take approx.45-minute ride to reach Rogatica and the first stop of the day, Borak Stećci necropolis near the Burati village. This hidden gem deep in the misty forests of East Bosnia was recently inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage. We will discover the unique history of the Medieval Bosnian Kingdom and figure out why these blocks of limestone are scattered all around Bosnia and Herzegovina. The cemetery is hidden in the forest, so hiking is required to find them. Read more about the Stećci phenomenon in a BBC article.

Višegrad – UNESCO site of Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge & Andrićgrad:Višegrad, with its Ottoman-era Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a testament to architectural grandeur and historical significance. The bridge, built in 1577, is celebrated for its harmonious proportions and monumental elegance.

The town gained fame through the Nobel Prize-winning novel “Bridge Over Drina” by Ivo Andrić, a recommendation for understanding the region’s rich history. On this tour, you’ll marvel at the bridge, enjoy a river cruise on the verdant Drina, and explore Andrićgrad, a stone town honoring Andrić’s legacy and Yugoslavian cinema, envisioned by filmmaker Emir Kusturica.

Dobrun Orthodox Monastery:As soon as we finish the story of Višegrad, we’ll continue driving towards the east Bosnian border and, on the way, will pay a visit to one of the most important Serbian Orthodox monasteries, Dobrun Monastery.

Initially built in 1343 with frescoes preserved until today, it is the ideal stop to learn more about local history and enjoy the fantastic nature surrounding it.

Mećavnik / Drvengrad:Later on, it is time to cross the Bosnia to Serbia border, and as soon as we do, we will enter the fantastic area of the nature park of “Šargan-Mokra Gora.”
The first stop (for lunch possibly) will be the ethno village of Drvengrad (eng. Timber Town), also known as Küstendorf and Mećavnik. Director Emir Kusturica designed a village-town for his movie “Life is Miracle” The design won the “Philippe Rotthier European Architecture Award” from the Brussels Foundation for Architecture.
Why does the place look out of this world? Why has it won one of the most prestigious awards in architecture? The best is to come with us and see it for yourself.

Šargan Eight Train:After lunch, at Drvengrad, we are about to take a train ride, but not just any train ride; we will do the famous “Šargan Eight.

The Šargan Eight is a narrow gauge (760mm) steam railway built in 1925., famously called Ćira (Chira). Once, it was used to connect Sarajevo and Belgrade, and the name “eight” originates from the pure shape of the track, which, if looked at from the sky, looks like the number 8.

It was famous for its impressive engineering, which enabled it to rapidly climb a height of 300m over a short distance of 3.500m, whereas the total length of the railway today is 15.440m. Stunningly, all of that was achieved by passing through 22 tunnels and five bridges. It was pretty fantastic stuff, even on the global scale of rail and train engineering at the time, but the most amazing for us is that we will experience this story. Today, after it was closed in 1974, the train is again reopened for tourist reasons and faithful lovers of old-school steam train engineering. It’s simply exciting and stunning.

Read more about Bosnian Gauge, or “Bosnaspur” or “Bosnische Spurweite”.

National Park Tara and Viewpoint Banjska Stena:As soon as we end the fantastic train ride, we’ll continue toward Belgrade. On the way, we will stop to explore the tremendous region of one of Serbia’s most beautiful National Parks – National Park Tara.

National Park Tara (declared in 1981.), with its biological diversity, is one of the most amazing areas in the whole of Serbia, offering great nature experiences, stunning views, hiking and trekking opportunities, unique Picea Omorica, vast animal diversity, and many other ways to fully enjoy life.

One of the most important stops will be the stunning viewpoint of “Banjska Stena,” which offers a fantastic panorama of Perućac Lake on the Drina River, which naturally borders Bosnia, Herzegovina, and Serbia.

House on Drina:The house on the Drina at Bajina Bašta is a famous and picturesque attraction in Serbia. This tiny house, perched on a rock in the middle of the Drina River, has become a symbol of resilience and an iconic sight for photographers and travelers alike. It reflects a unique blend of natural beauty and human determination, creating a serene yet striking image against the backdrop of the river and surrounding landscape. Its unusual location and charming appearance make it a must-see for the region.

Overnight at Mokra Gora:We plan to serve an overnight stay at Mokra Gora Nature Park. Our recommended stay style would be a private luxury 3* accommodation (Vacation Home Nana or similar) in the beautiful rural setting of Mokra Gora. For those interested in an upgrade to 4* accommodation, we recommend Mećavnik Resort.

There is free time in the evening, and dinner is at Drvengrad on your own.

Kadinjača Memorial:As soon as you grab your breakfast and soak up the beauty of Mokra Gora, it is time to continue our journey. The first stop of the day is Kadinjača Memorial.
The Kadinjača Memorial Complex, near Užice, Serbia, is a poignant tribute to the soldiers of the Workers’ Battalion who made a bold stand against German forces during World War II.

Erected on the site of their last battle in November 1941, this memorial commemorates their ultimate sacrifice for freedom.
It’s a stark reminder of the harsh realities of war and heroism. The complex, with its striking architecture and somber atmosphere, invites visitors to reflect on the costs of conflict and the bravery of those who resist oppression. It’s a significant site for understanding Serbia’s role and experiences in WWII.

Stopića Cave:Stopića Cave, a natural wonder near Sirogojno, is famed for its impressive geological formations, including large halls and unique features like the rare “bigrene kade” tubs – cascading pools formed by mineral deposits. The cave’s interior, with its mysterious and ancient ambiance, offers a fascinating journey through time and nature. Both locations are not just stops on a trip but immersive experiences into Serbia’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty.

Sirogojno Village:In Sirogojno Village, you’ll step back into an open-air museum that vividly recreates traditional Serbian rural life. The “Old Village Museum” features authentically reconstructed wooden houses with furnishings and tools from the 19th century, offering a unique window into historical lifestyle and customs.

Gostilje Waterfall:Gostilje Waterfall, located near the village of Gostilje in Western Serbia, is a picturesque natural attraction. The waterfall, part of the Gostilje River, is about 20 meters high and cascades beautifully over lush, green moss-covered rocks, creating a serene and photogenic landscape.
The area around the waterfall is peaceful and idyllic, making it an ideal spot for relaxation, picnics, and nature walks. The sound of the water and the cool, misty air provide a refreshing escape from the bustle of everyday life. This location is prevalent among nature photographers and those seeking a tranquil natural setting.

Gostilje Waterfall:The last part of the day would be a 3-hour transfer to Belgrade.