Invitation: Join the Tesla Science Foundation as we invite you to our second annual tour of the Balkans. Our tour begins in Serbia’s capital Belgrade, with a private reception with our hosts, HRH Prince Alexander and HRH Princess Katherine. Our guests will enjoy an intimate evening at the Royal Palace of Serbia, with wine and light hors d’oeuvres. Guests will mix and mingle, enjoy a tour of the palace interior, and pose for professional group photos with royal couple. Afterward, enjoy the sights, wines and culinary delights of Serbia, and the ancient towns of the Adriatic coastline.
Dates: July 6, 2017 – July 13, 2017
Countries: Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro plus Royal Palace Reception with HRH Prince Alexander and HRH Princess Katherine
Cities: Belgrade, Fruska Gora, Sremski Karlovci, Kotor, Budva, Dubrovnik, Korcula (island).
Summary: 7 Day Land package that includes accommodations, sightseeing, intra-country transport, activities, Royal Palace Reception. Package does NOT include international airfare.
Prices: Subject to Change and fluctuating currency.
Single Room: Euros 1276 plus $725 USD non-refundable deposit
Double Room: Euros 1102 plus $725 USD non- refundable deposit
** Please note deposits are non-refundable, and payable online. Balances are collected manually, along with your travel documentation (passports).
Detailed Itinerary: (Subject to change)
Thursday, 06. July:
Arrival at Belgrade airport. Individual transfer to hotel. Check–in and free time.
Friday, 07. July:
Belgrade. Breakfast at hotel.
• Half Day city walking tour with your host Sherry Kumar (Tesla Science Foundation). The group will pause for lunch (not included).
Saturday, 08. July:
Belgrade. Breakfast at hotel.
• Optional Short walking tour of Belgrade’s St. Sava Orthodox Church.
Free afternoon to get ready for Palace reception.
• 19:00 Transfer to the Royal Palace
-after program finish, return transfer to hotel
Sunday, 09. July:
Belgrade. Breakfast at hotel.
• 09:00 Fruska Gora and Sremski Karlovci tour – monasteries and wines
o After more than one hour ride we reach lush Fruska Gora woodlands, justly named as
“Alma Mons (“Fruitful Mountain”) by the Romans. Our first stop is the monastery of Novo
Hopovo with its unique church spire and dome as well as beautifully decorated interior by
early 17th century fresco paintings.
o A few more minutes up the road lies Irig, a sleepy town famous for its wine production.
Here, we have an opportunity to taste some of best know wine varieties skilfully made by
local experts.
o Continuing on minor roads through picturesque villages we reach Grgeteg monastery. The
existing monastery complex rose from ashes after being demolished and plundered by
Croatian Nazis during World War Two. Nowadays this is a place of serenity and prayer,
highly regarded by local residents. Tourists flock here to see elaborate templon conceived
by Serbia’s famous painter Paja Jovanovic.
– We then visit another remarkable monastery Krušedol, with its beautiful 16th century fresco
and tombs of significant contributors to Serbian history.
o Last but not least, we arrive to the picture-postcard town of Sremski Karlovci which
abounds with old churches and magnificent palaces but even older wine cellars!. After
visiting most important sites there is an optional visit to the Parish Museum boasting a rich collection of vintage books and icons Time permitting we visit the Chapel of Peace, where historic Karlowitz Treaty was agreed back in 1699. We wrap up the day with wine tasting followed by lunch at local wine producers’ estate. After lunch, drive back to Belgrade.
Return to Belgrade until 18:30.
• Free time
• 19:30 Group dinner, typical national cuisine, restaurant in Skadarlija – vintage street, urban neighborhood.
Monday, 10. July:
Belgrade. Breakfast at hotel.
• 07:30 Departure of the guests by a minibus to Belgrade airport.
• Flight to Tivat.
• Transfer to hotel. Check-in.
• Free time.
Tuesday, 11. July:
Montenegro. Breakfast at hotel.
Departure of the guests by a minibus to Dubrovnik.
• Check-in.
• Free time.
Wednesday, 12. July:
Dubrovnik. Breakfast at hotel.
• Excursion to Korcula
o We set off driving along the coast line till we reach Ston. It is the first town to have an
urbanites plan. Famous for 14th century city walls, over 5 km long and the longest city
walls in Europe. The walls were built to protect an old salt factory which is still in use. That
area is especially convenient for growing oysters and mussels. Optionally we can take you
on a degustation of the finest oysters you have tried.
o Afterwards we continue through rich vineyards and olive fields of Pelješac peninsula. We’ll cross from Orebic to the island of Korcula by boat and enter the city walls of old Venetian town Korcula. Guided tour through Korcula reveals its true beauty; we will view its complex architecture, home of Marko Polo, St. Marko’s church, Bishops palace and much more. After the tour you have free time to swim, have lunch and get lost in the little crooked streets of the medieval town.
o On our return we visit a domestic wine cellar for wine tasting of Croatia’s best wines (like
Dingac) and domestic brandies. Pelješac is best known for many days of sun and a long
tradition of good vineyards.
o On the way back we pass the oldest arboretum in this part of the world – Trsteno, in
agreement with the rest of the group a visit can be arranged but additional entrance
payment is required. Arrival to Dubrovnik around 18:30.
• Free time.
Thursday, 13. July:
Dubrovnik. Breakfast at hotel.
Departure of the guests by a minibus to Dubrovnik airport accordingly to flight departure.
INCLUSIONS:
4* and 5* hotels
Reception with HRH Prince Alexander & HRH Princess Katherine of Serbia
Airport transfers
Motorcoach and private guides
Daily breakfasts, one group dinner (alcohol not included)
Sightseeing
Air transfer between Serbia & Montenegro
Wine Tastings
EXCLUSIONS:
International airfare
Visas (US Citizens do not need a Visa)
Ticketing / entry fees to specific museums, venues.
** Itinerary is subject to change, and subject to availability.
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