Drvengrad - Mećavnik

Be collected from your accommodation in Belgrade and head to the countryside of Western Serbia, which is known for wild and untouched nature. For just over two hours, you can relax and enjoy the beautiful landscapes. Listen to interesting stories about this part of the country from your guide.  You will stop at an amazing viewpoint then head to Bajina Bašta, which is a small town in the foothill of Mt. Tara. Here, you will see the world-famous attraction The House on the Drina. This is an isolated house made of logs, which is perched precariously on a river stone. Next, head to the Sargan Eight train and ride this narrow railway. You will pass several viewpoints of the stunning Mokra Gora along the way. The authentic cars with wooden seats, wood burning stoves, and characteristic rattling sound will take you back to 1925, which is when this railway was put in operation. After the ride, continue your journey to the nearby Mećavnik, which is known as the Wooden City. The famous director Emir Kusturica decided to build it during the shooting of his film Life is a Miracle. Here, you will stop to enjoy a traditional lunch. After the meal, you will head back to Belgrade where you will arrive late in the afternoon.

Join a day trip from Belgrade to explore the beautiful landscapes of Western Serbia's countryside. Gaze at the unusual Drina River House, explore the Mokra Gora Wooden Village, and discover the historic Sargan 8 Railroad in the company of your guide. Our first stop is Drina River House, a unique house built on a rock in the middle of the Drina River. Take in the stunning scenery and snap some unforgettable photos of this specific sight. This part of Serbia is known for growing raspberries and we recommend that you try the homemade raspberry juice here. Next, we'll head to Mokra Gora Wooden Village, a picturesque village located in the mountains. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and explore the charming wooden houses and streets. The village was built as a filming location by the famous director Emir Kusturica. Our final stop will be at the Sargan 8 Railroad, a narrow-gauge heritage railway that winds through the stunning mountain landscapes. We'll board the train and embark on a journey of breathtaking views, including tunnels, bridges, and impressive curves, all while enjoying the cozy atmosphere of the historic train. After the train ride we will have some time for late lunch and we suggest you to try some local specialties, such as roasted lamb or "komplet lepinja" - bread that is filled with kajmak (a type of Balkan cream cheese) and two fried eggs. Throughout the day, you'll have a knowledgeable and friendly guide at your disposal, who will share with you interesting facts and stories about the history, culture, and people of Serbia. Our mini vans for tours are comfortable, well-maintained, ensuring a pleasant and reliable travel experience. IMPORTANT: From November 17th to April 1st (except December 21st to January 19th), the Šargan 8 Railroad is closed for visits. During this period, instead of the train ride, you'll have the chance to explore Tara National Park (3 Eur per person) with a visit to the scenic Banjska Stena viewpoint, an easy hiking activity. In case of rain or snow, we’ll take you to the center of Zlatibor, one of Serbia's most beloved destinations for leisure.

In this compact yet captivating nation adorned with breathtaking landscapes, every corner reveals something noteworthy and a tale waiting to be shared. Embark on a full-day journey from Sarajevo to explore Visegrad, Andricgrad, and Drvengrad, immersing yourself in wonders and natural beauty. As you traverse the scenic route during the two-hour drive, be captivated by the lush, green landscapes unfolding before you, leading to the picturesque Drina. Upon reaching this quaint yet significant town, anticipate tranquil moments amidst splendid natural surroundings. Indulge in a serene lunch at a waterside restaurant, enhancing the overall experience. Proceed to uncover the highlights of Visegrad, including the iconic Mehmed Pasa Sokolovic Bridge, an Ottoman-era marvel recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and immortalized by the Nobel Prize-winning author Ivo Andric. Next, explore Andricgrad, a stone town inspired by the literary works and characters of Ivo Andric, boasting a diverse array of architectural styles. Concluding the tour, venture to the enchanting village of Drvengrad, adding a picturesque finale to your exploration.

In the morning, your #destinationserbia tour guide will pick you up from your accommodation. We will set off for Mokra Gora village, acclaimed “The Best Tourism Village in the World” by World Tourism Organization. After approximately 45 minutes of driving, we will reach our first stop – Wooden Town (Drvengrad) village. This complex represents a proper small town, with all the amenities one town needs, and it looks like it has stood in the same place for centuries – except it hasn't! The whole place was built in the last 20 years but still represents the traditional architecture of Western Serbia and is a meeting place for artists and guests from all over the world, especially during the Kustendorf film and music festival in January. After visiting Wooden Town, we will proceed to the Shargan Eight railroad. This historic railway once formed part of the route connecting Belgrade to Dubrovnik on the Adriatic coast via Sarajevo. Passengers traversed the rugged Balkan landscapes aboard these vintage carriages, immersing themselves in the natural splendor of the region. While the railway was eventually overshadowed by modernization, a 15km stretch of the line has been meticulously restored and is now one of Serbia's premier tourist attractions. Here, we embark on a nostalgic journey aboard a century-old train, marveling at the pristine beauty of Shargan and Tara National Park. Prepare to be transported back in time as we traverse this engineering marvel, soaking in the unspoiled wilderness and rich history of the region. After ride, we resume our journey, heading towards the majestic slopes of Tara mountain. Renowned as one of Serbia's five national parks, Tara stands out for its untamed wilderness, offering a glimpse into nature's unspoiled beauty. Here, the landscape remains largely untouched by human intervention, boasting lush evergreen forests that cloak its slopes and provide sanctuary to a diverse array of wildlife. Tara's biodiversity is truly remarkable, with brown bears being among its most celebrated inhabitants. With a bit of luck, we might even catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Our exploration of Tara continues as we visit the Zmajevac viewpoint, Zaovine and Spajići lakes, and, of course, Banjska Stena, the most famous viewpoint on Tara mountain. We'll also have the opportunity to see Pančićeva Omorika, a type of spruce tree unique to Tara mountain. After visiting Mitrovac village, we'll descend to Perućac lake and the Drina river. Along the way, we'll visit Vrelo river – 365m long, one for every day of the year. Finally, we'll arrive at the world-famous House on the Rock, situated in the middle of the Drina river. The photo of this house was even featured as Photo of the Month in National Geographic magazine, bringing fame to this unique place. As our journey comes to an end, we'll take you back to your accommodation.

If you don’t believe that time travel is possible, think again. You will have a unique opportunity to experience train ride that goes through inaccessible terrain in a narrow eight-shaped railway track. The route is from the base of Tara mountain to a village called Šargan. Take a ride on the “Ćira”, a one-of-a-kind tourist museum railway. Drvengrad is our next stop where you will see enchanting ethno village made by Emir Kusturica, famous film director. In this gorgeous oasis just beside Mokra Gora, you can see authentic log cabins and enjoy traditional Serbian cuisine with a view from a hilltop "Mećavnik" Take a deep breath while visiting Zlatibor mountain. Enjoy nature next to the lake and drink coffee in one of may restaurants surrounding it. Taste local food in traditional open air market and try out typical food from western Serbia area.

The Sargan Eight railroad, hailed as Europe’s most captivating narrow gauge museum railway, is a true masterpiece that deserves a top spot on every traveler’s bucket list. Constructed during the early 20th century, the Sargan Eight railway served as a vital link between three prominent cities: Belgrade, Sarajevo, and Dubrovnik. Its operation spanned from 1925 to 1974, leaving a rich historical legacy. In the summer of 2003, the inaugural train traversed the newly restored line, reestablishing the connection between Mokra Gora and Šargan Vitasi. Further extending its reach, the railway line was expanded in 2010 to include Visegrad in Bosnia and Herzegovina. There is no words that can describe this train ride, step aboard and immerse yourself in the spirit of the past as you traverse the picturesque landscapes. Following this unforgettable train ride, we will venture to the Wooden Town, a unique tourism resort nestled upon one of the hills of Mokra Gora, entirely crafted from wood. Serbian film director Emir Kusturica, the visionary behind this remarkable attraction, meticulously planned every detail to ensure an awe-inspiring experience. Our path will then lead us to the majestic peaks of Mokra Gora and Tara, where we will bear witness to the unparalleled beauty of this national park and brown bear county. Tara National Park is one of the most stunning places to visit in Serbia – from the magnificent viewpoints to the hidden recesses rich in flora and fauna, fairy-tale lakes, religious buildings, many wonders of nature and of course brown bears! As we descend from Tara, you will be taken to breathtaking vistas from various viewpoints along the way. Tara has the most iconic viewpoint in Serbia, Banjska Stena is the biggest photo attraction of Tara mountain. After reaching the banks of the Drina River, you will have the opportunity to witness the famous Drina Riverhouse, an iconic sight that was immortalized with a photograph featured in National Geographic magazine, earning it the prestigious title of “Photo of the Year.” By evening, we will return to Belgrade and escort you to your hotel, marking the end of this extraordinary journey through time and nature.

Go off the beaten path and explore the best of western Serbia. Photograph the peculiar Drina River house – the only Serbian landmark posted on the cover of National Geographic Magazine, and travel back in time on a scenic ride on the Sargan 8 train. Explore a wooden town created as a movie set and enjoy spectacular views along the way on this private or small-group tour.  The tour starts at 7:00 AM from your accommodation in Belgrade. Travel for 2.5 hours in an air-conditioned car or minivan and arrive at the Gate of Podrinje viewpoint, marking the entrance to the magical Drina River Valley. Continue to Bajina Basta, a small city famous for being the home of the Drina River house. This unusual house was built in 1968 by local students and was made famous by National Geographic Magazine. Take a quick break to explore the area and enjoy a coffee or tea.  Next, drive 45 minutes towards Mokra Gora Railway Station, where you will start the Sargan 8 railroad ride. Authentic cars with wooden seats will take you back to 1925 when this railroad connected Belgrade with the Adriatic Sea. Hop on the train "Nostalgia" and ride up to the cliff at Jatare Station where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. After a 2.5-hour ride, you will return to the starting point.  The last stop is in Drvengrad or "Woodentown," an ethno village developed by the well-known movie director, Emir Kusturica, as a set for his movie Life is Miracle. All the objects including the hotel, shops, church, and cinema are made of natural materials. Before starting the return trip, break for lunch and try some regional specialties. Drop-off will be provided at your accommodation in Belgrade at approximately 8:00 PM.

Start with pickup from your hotel in Sarajevo. Begin the journey towards the eastern region of Bosnia, taking in views of beautiful mountains and small villages throughout the journey. First, stop at the town of Visegrad and walk across the Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, enjoy a scenic boat ride on the Drina River, with exceptional views of the bridge and the surrounding landscapes.  Continue towards the nearby town of Andric, recently built in honor of Nobel Prize winner and writer, Ivo Andric. Cross the border into Serbia and discover Sargan Eight, a narrow-gauge heritage railway line built shortly after WWI. Ride the Ciro locomotive along this scenic route through 22 tunnels, and capture panoramic views of a picturesque region.  After the train ride, travel to Kurstendorf. Also known as Drvengrad, discover a village that was purpose-built for the 2004 film "Life is a Miracle" directed by Emir Kusturica. Explore this charming replica of a traditional Serbian village, which has a hotel, cinema, chapel gallery, and restaurants. Enjoy some time for lunch, at your own expense, before returning to Sarajevo.

Experience the highlights of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as some of Serbia's attractions, on a captivating day trip filled with sights. Eliminate the stress of renting a car or navigating unfamiliar roads as you journey through three distinct villages with the guidance of a knowledgeable local. Whether traveling from Sarajevo to Belgrade or vice versa, consider exploring the must-see attractions of Eastern Bosnia and Western Serbia along the way, including Visegrad, Andricgrad, and Drvengrad. Begin your adventure in Visegrad, a place steeped in a long and rich history. What sets it apart is the renowned UNESCO-protected Old Stone Bridge, a testament to the generosity of Grand Vizier Mehmed Pasha Sokolovic. Your next destination is Andricgrad, also known as Kamengrad or Stone City. This visionary project is the brainchild of the renowned film director Emir Kusturica, inspired by Nobel Prize winner Ivo Andric. As part of your journey, you'll explore the enchanting Ethno Village Drvengrad, or Wooden City, whose beauty will undoubtedly leave you breathless. Additionally, don't miss the opportunity to experience the unique Sargan Eight ride in Mokra Gora, an old-fashioned narrow-gauge railway. Finally, your tour concludes in the vibrant city of Belgrade. Should you prefer, the itinerary can be customized to start in Belgrade and conclude in Sarajevo, based on your request. Keep in mind that a valid passport is required to cross the border during this memorable excursion. What to bring: Sturdy and comfortable footwear A waterproof jacket for rainy weather Insulating jacket for colder seasons

This tour starts with pickup from your accommodation and then heads toward Western Serbia. After a 2.5-hour ride, you’ll reach “The House on the Drina,” an isolated house made of logs on a river stone. Then, depart on the famous Sargan 8 scenic train. During your ride, pass and stop at several viewpoints, where you can see fabulous views over Mokra Gora.   After an almost 2.5-hour ride, return to the station and continue your journey to the nearby Mećavnik, or Drvengrad (Wooden City). The famous director Emir Kusturica, a two-time Palme D'Or award winner at the Cannes Film Festival, built it during the shooting of his film, Life is a Miracle. After a meal, head back to Belgrade, arriving in the late afternoon. Sargan 8 scenic train only operates from April 1st to October 31st each year, you'll not be able to take the train at other times. Instead, you'll be taken on a tour of Rača Monastery, the oldest in the Tara Mountains, and learn about the ancient history of the area while admiring the scenery along the way.