Šargan Eight

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: On 18th and 25th May instead of Sargan 8 train we will visit Tara National Park and Banjska Stena viewpoint. Note: From November 12th to April 1st, the Sargan 8 railroad is closed for visits. Instead of the train ride, you'll have the opportunity to explore the Tara National Park, specifically the Banjska Stena viewpoint (easy hiking activity). In case of rain or snow, we will visit Zlatibor center area, renowned as one of Serbia's most beloved leisure destinations.

Prepare yourself for an exciting and unforgettable adventure set in Western Serbia, the most naturally vibrant region in the country. With a morning departure from Belgrade, this unforgettable day will start with a drive to wild and almost untouched nature, tasty cuisine, and friendly and hospitable people. The route leads us to drive along the gorgeous Drina River where we will have a unique opportunity to see the world-famous attraction, “The House on the Drina” an isolated house made of logs on a river stone. The cherry on top will be the breathtaking view from the viewpoint positioned above the stunning landscape composed of high mountains and the Drina River itself. Our first goal on the tour is a unique retro “Šargan 8 Railway”. The unique drive with the retro-train called “Nostalgy” will bring you back to times passed and let you fully enjoy the scenery and numerous tunnels. While enjoying amazing landscapes you will learn how this project was a huge victory of technology over nature, why it is named by a number, and how it became Europe’s most attractive narrow gauge railway. After this “time travel” ride, something equally fabulous awaits us in the continuation of the tour. Film fans will be overjoyed to visit the breathtaking Ethno-village “Wooden Town” that famous director Emir Kusturica built. All the objects at this charming complex are made from natural materials, mostly wood. An especially interesting and glamorous event happening in this town is the film festival “Kustendorf”, a highly respected annual celebration of motion pictures. Drive through the picturesque Ovčar-Kablar Canyon that extends above the meanders of the Western Morava River. Enjoy more of the beautiful Western Serbia scenery before heading back to Belgrade.

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.

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.

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.

Day 1: Our first stop is a world-famous attraction, “The House on Drina” – an isolated house made of logs on a river stone. After a photo stop and refreshments, we will continue our trip to the famous Šargan Eight. A unique narrow-gauge railway nowadays serves only for amusement. We will pass and stop at several viewpoints during our ride, from which one can see fabulous views over Mokra Gora. Authentic cars with wooden seats, wood-burning stoves, and characteristic rattling sounds will take us back to 1925 when this railway was put into operation. The next stop is Wooden Town. The famous director Emir Kusturica (two times Palme d’Or in Cannes winner) decided to build it during the shooting of his film “Life is a Miracle.” He chose to convey ruined wooden chalets from the mountain’s slopes, restore them, and form a new settlement. Overnight: Zlatibor Day 2: Breakfast. Departure from Zlatibor in the morning and transfer to Uvac Special Natural Reserve. After only one hour of driving, we’ll find ourselves in the pure beauty of Uvac Canyon. For centuries, the Uvac River has been making its way through the mountains, leaving deep meanders and creating caves that attract many tourists. If we’re lucky, we’ll get a chance to see the mighty griffon vulture, whose population in Uvac is the largest in Europe. The bird’s wingspan is about 3 m, and it can weigh up to 11 kg, thus making it the largest bird in Serbia. We will take a boat trip and follow the river as it twists and turns through the impressive landscape. We’ll not leave the Reserve before taking some fantastic photos from the viewpoints overlooking the canyon. After the stunning Uvac Canyon experience, it is time for lunch at a local restaurant (not included). Transfer to Belgrade, where we will arrive in the evening. Hotel drop-offs. End of the tour. Important note 1: If you want to see the viewpoints, there are around 25 minutes of hiking uphill. So, it’s not recommended for older, overweight, or people with any walking disability. Another option is to sit in the boat while the rest of the group returns from the photo session at the viewpoints. Important note 2: In case of bad weather or insufficient water level for the cruise to be conducted, we’ll replace the cruise with a jeep ride to the beautiful viewpoints.

Explore the beauty, culture, and heritage of Western Serbia on a full-day guided tour from Belgrade to Sarajevo. Experience the unique Timbertown, the scenic Sargan Eight Railway, and authentic traditional lunch. Starting from Belgrade, the first stop is Mećavnik-Drvengrad or Timbertown. It was built by the famous Serbian director Emir Kusturica (two times Palme D’Or winner) during the shooting of his film Life Is a Miracle. See unique wooden architecture and sites where vintage cars are parked on twisting streets named after celebrities such as Bruce Lee and Diego Maradona. Next up, stop for a delicious traditional lunch made of local specialties (cost not included). Enjoy a train ride on the historic Sargan Eight Railway. Authentic cars with wooden seats, wood-burning stoves, and characteristic rattling sounds will take you back to 1925 when this train was started, connecting Belgrade to the Adriatic Sea. Soak in the ethereal views of the Mokra Gora as you pass through and stop at several viewpoints throughout the two-and-a-half-hour ride. Return to the departing station and arrive at Sarajevo by car or van in the evening.