Speeding down the Danube

The border between Serbia and Romania

International border for the countries & the EU

This day was a packed day of amazing sights and adventures. We started at 8:00 a.m. from my accommodation in Belgrade…well technically because I live on a pedestrian street I arranged to meet them at the most famous popular pizza place in Belgrade.

We made several stops along the journey today, all which were positioned along the Danube.

Golubac Fortress

Our first stop was at Golubac Fortress, about a 2 hour drive from Belgrade. The fortress is located at the entrance of the Iron Gate Gorge where the Danube is the widest and nature is the greenest. This spectacular Fort was built at the beginning of the 14th century as a border stronghold of strategic importance. Hat Tower, formerly used as a pier of the Fortress, nowadays is the main symbol and trademark of Golubac Fort. This Fortress was recently opened for the public because previously the highway went through the fortress and it was deteriorating so they moved the highway to preserve the historical location.

If you visit the fortress, watch out for the vipers.  The staff canvas the grounds before they open to clear any vipers.

Lepenski Vir

Next we took a short drive to Lepenski vir. An archeological site which represents one of the oldest urban settlements in Europe, populated 8000 years ago. We also made a short stop to see the Boljetin river Canyon, significant from the aspect of the geoheritage protection, since the complete geological history of Serbia from Paleozoic to Cenozoic, can be observed in it. So amazing!!!

The Last King of Dacia

Our speed boat tour started from Tekija and we cruised up the Danube for about 30 minutes to the narrowest point of the Danube, which also happens to be the deepest. 200 meters wide and almost 100 meters deep. We saw the remains of Trajan’s Plaque (Tabula Traiana) dating back to Romans, a relic honoring the construction of a Roman military road in the 2nd century. This unique monument can be seen only from waterof the Danube.

As well, on the speedboat tour you saw Mrakonija Monastery, Balloon Stations: Pena and Varnica, Stone Statue of Decebal Rex, last king of Dacia, which represents the tallest rock sculpture (40m) in Europe. (Fun fact, the stone statue was completed in 10 years from 1994 – 2004)

When our boat adventure finished we had a break for a delicious lunch/dinner and headed back to Belgrade.

That was a GREAT day with Serbia Inspired Tours.  My guide was Nina and Bogdan our navigator behind the wheel. Hands down, amazing guides. If you are in Serbia, take this Blue Danube Tour and request Nina and Bogdan.  You won’t be disappointed.

Jackelyn Approved