Stage 3: Journey through the Balkans.
Introduction
In our next stage, we were fortunate to have a Serbian fellow traveller drive us through the country. We explored Western Serbia, right on the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, and explored some of its main cities and towns. This leg of our journey took two days and one night.
Western Serbia
Our journey commenced with an early morning drive toward Western Serbia, a region that shares its borders with Bosnia and Herzegovina. Our first stop was at the Drina River, where we were welcomed by the quiet surroundings of Zelenika Resort & Spa. This idyllic complex, inspired by the beauty of nature, provided us with the perfect retreat. Surrounded by charming alpine houses, it offered a haven of relaxation, allowing us to disconnect from the world. We spent the afternoon and evening just relaxing by the swimming pool, and I must say, this place comes highly recommended for its affordability.
Sremska Mitrovica: A Coffee Break
The next morning, we left our accommodation at the Zelenika resort and we continued our journey. We made a pit stop in Sremska Mitrovica, a city with a rich historical heritage. Our visit just involved having a snack in one of the cafes in the main square adjacent to Gradski Park. After our break we just headed to our next stop in Serbia.
Sremski Karlovci: Where History Meets the Danube
Our next destination was Sremski Karlovci, a town that sits on the banks of the Danube River. This charming town is steeped in history and has some beautiful architectural buildings such as the St. Nicholas Cathedral and Karlovci Gymnasium. Note that it was here that the first gymnasium in Serbia was founded, right in the heart of the city. We were also lucky to witness a wedding in town and caught a glimpse of the ceremony inside the St. Nicholas Cathedral.
For wine enthusiasts, Sremski Karlovci is a true paradise, renowned for its vineyards. One particular gem is the Wine Cellar Bajilo, where we had the opportunity to step inside and visit it.
Novi Sad: The Jewel on the Danube
As our journey continued, we finally stopped in our desired destination, Novi Sad, a city that sits proudly on the banks of the Danube River. Our exploration began with a visit to the Name of Mary Catholic Church, a magnificent architectural masterpiece. From here, we walked through the historic streets of Novi Sad, we discovered Zmaj Jovina Street and Dunavska Street, the oldest street in the city and ended in the Danube Park.
Then we decided that for lunch in Novi Sad we will try a traditional fish stew/soup at Čarda Aqua Doria restaurant, a really nice restaurant under the Petrovaradin Fortress and next to the Danube River where you can have lunch with views to the River.
Petrovaradin Fortress: A Tale of Time and History
However, No visit to Novi Sad would be complete without exploring the iconic Petrovaradin Fortress. It stands as a symbol of the city’s resilience and history. With its roots stretching back to Roman, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian occupations. As a curious note, the clock tower within the fortress has a unique feature. Its minute and hour hands were reversed, a clever design that allowed fishermen on the Danube River to read the time from a distance.
Conclusion: Our time in Serbia
Our journey through Serbia, guided by our fellow Serbian traveller, was an unforgettable experience. I wish I had more time to spend exploring this country. After having spent five days visiting the capital, Belgrade, and other parts of the country, it became evident that Serbia has much more to offer. You could easily spend one week just in Serbia and visit some other cities and landscapes apart from the capital. I will totally come back to this country to see the missing parts during my travel. Our journey through the balkans took us to our next country, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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