Page 109 - Eastern Europe

Downtown
Providing Fascinating Travel Experiences
Serbia: Between Danube and mountains, you will be amazed by the hidden beauty of the Serbian landscapes where the Orthodox monas- teries are scattered. The capital, Belgrade, old for its history but young and dynamic for its population, is ideal for night owls as is Novi Sad and its EXIT festival which brings together half a million revelers every year. The many-sided Serbia may not be as harsh and dangerous as you might think. Let yourself be tempted by this destination.
Belgrade: The fortress of Belgrade, in the Kalemegdan Park overlook- ing the Sava, the Cathedral of Saint-Sava, the largest Orthodox church in the world, the shops and cafes of the street of Prince Michel (Ulica Knez Mihailova), or the bohemian district of Skadarlija Street, are the unmissable spots of the White City.
Novi Sad: The second largest city in the country can appear a bit disappointing at first glance. But located only 1 hour from Belgrade, still on the banks of the Danube, Novi Sad has prime attractions: the Petrovaradin fortress, its city center and its buildings with different architectural styles, its cathedrals, its Strand beach... Novi Sad every year in mid-July hosts the EXIT Festival bringing together 400 con- certs of various styles which young people from all over Europe come to attend.
The shores of the Danube: While sailing on the Danube, you will have the opportunity to make stops along your way at remarkable sites like Vinca and the military camp of Viminacium dating from Ancient Rome. Along the border with Romania, you will find Les Portes de Fer (name given to the 80-mile stretch which sees the Danube narrowing) with the Fortress of Golubacla, the Table of Trajan, near Tekija and the Roman remains around, the Derdap National Park, the village of Dobra and its cemetery, and the archaeological site of Lepenski Vir. Western Serbia: The western region of the country does not resemble the Danube border at all. To the southwest of Novi Sad, you can approach this region by that of Vojvodina and the Fruska gora National Park, mountainous and full of monasteries dating between the 15th and the 18th centuries. Continue by visiting Oplenac, a historic and cultural town, and pass through Kraljevo to set off on the Valley of the Kings to discover the Zica and Studenica monasteries classified by UNESCO, as well as that of Gradac.
Nis: Not to be confused with Nice, Nis is the third largest city in the country, in the south, and was the birthplace of Emperor Constantine. From here, go to Leskovac further south, renowned for its gastronomy, or to the mountain of Stara planina in the heart of Serbian nature. Finally, Lake Vlasina can be considered as a stopover nearby.
Spas: Serbia is famous for its many spas, particularly used by top athletes. You can choose from all over the country, but the best known are those of Banja Kanjiza, Sokobanja, Banja Koviljaca, Palic and Vrnjacka Banja.
Why Serbia?
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