Belgrade in 14 Days for Friends - Belgrade Fortress (Kalemegdan) and St. Sava Temple
In Collaboration with VICTOR TOURS . Updated on February 24, 2026.
Start and end in Belgrade. A 14-day small-group overland tour visiting Serbia, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina with accommodation, transport, an English-speaking guide, and entrance fees as listed in the itinerary.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with VICTOR TOURS , inspired by the tour Balkan experience – 7 countries in 14 days. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Belgrade Fortress (Kalemegdan) and St. Sava Temple
- Novi Sad & wine tasting in Sremski Karlovci
- Niš Fortress and the Skull Tower
- Sofia walking tour and St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- Matka Canyon boat ride and Ohrid UNESCO site (Church of St. John at Kaneo, Samuel's Fortress, Roman amphitheatre)
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Belgrade. Meet-and-greet at the airport, assistance with exchange and hotel check-in, short orientation.
Arrival and meet at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport
Guide meets you in the arrivals hall, assists with brief orientation, currency exchange help, and arranges transfer to central Belgrade hotel. Transfer time to city centre is approximately 20 minutes depending on traffic.
Tips from local experts:
- Have your passport easily accessible for border and hotel check-in processes.
- If you need cash on arrival, ask the guide to recommend an airport or city exchange with better rates—avoid airport exchange booths unless necessary.
- If your flight is delayed, keep the guide’s contact on hand; the operator monitors scheduled flights and adjusts pickup accordingly.
Day 2
Full-day Belgrade sightseeing: Belgrade Fortress (Kalemegdan), panoramic drive through New Belgrade, visit to Zemun, Dedinje and Saint Sava Temple. Afternoon and evening free; optional Skadarlija dinner in the evening.
Belgrade sightseeing tour (Fortress, New Belgrade, Zemun, Saint Sava)
Guided city tour that begins at Kalemegdan/Belgrade Fortress, continues with a panoramic drive through New Belgrade, a stop in Zemun for a short walk, then Dedinje and Saint Sava Temple. Afternoon free for independent exploration or museum visits.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable walking shoes—Kalemegdan has uneven cobbles and some short stair sections.
- Bring a light layer for wind along the river, even in late spring; New Belgrade exposures can be breezy.
- If you plan to visit museums after the tour, check opening hours in advance—many close mid-afternoon on certain days.
Day 3
Day trip to Novi Sad with a stop in Sremski Karlovci. Visit Petrovaradin Fortress and Novi Sad city centre; free afternoon before returning to Belgrade.
Novi Sad & Sremski Karlovci day trip
Drive to Sremski Karlovci for a short walking visit including the First Serbian High School and local wineries, then continue to Petrovaradin Fortress and Novi Sad old town (Zmaj Jovina pedestrian zone). Return to Belgrade in the evening.
Tips from local experts:
- Carry a small bottle of water and sun protection for outdoor viewpoints at Petrovaradin Fortress.
- If you want to taste local Bermet wine, notify the guide in advance to coordinate a cellar visit.
- There are cobbled streets in both Sremski Karlovci and Novi Sad—strollers and wheelchairs may find some areas difficult.
Day 4
Morning visit to Niš (Niš Fortress, Skull Tower, Mediana archeological site, Red Cross WWII camp), then transfer to Sofia with hotel check-in and free evening.
Niš sightseeing and transfer to Sofia
Visit Niš Fortress and other key sites including Skull Tower and the Red Cross WWII camp in the morning. After lunch, transfer across the border to Sofia. Evening arrival and quick hotel check-in.
Tips from local experts:
- Carry your passport for border crossing; keep it accessible during the Niš visit and transfer to Bulgaria.
- Niš Fortress has limited shade—use sunscreen and hats in the warmer months.
- There are stairs and uneven surfaces at Mediana and the Skull Tower—allow extra time if mobility is limited.
Day 5
Sofia walking tour covering St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. George Rotunda, the National Theatre and ruins of Serdica. After a coffee break, depart to Skopje for check-in and a guided Skopje walking tour.
Sofia walking tour and transfer to Skopje
90-minute walking tour of Sofia's central sights in the morning. Short break and onward transfer to North Macedonia. Afternoon check-in and 90-minute walking tour of Skopje: Macedonia Square, Stone Bridge, Skopje Fortress and Čaršija.
Tips from local experts:
- Walking surfaces in Sofia and Skopje city centres include cobbles—sturdy shoes recommended.
- If you want a coffee during the short Sofia break, try a local pastry shop near St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
- Keep small local currency coins for small purchases and tram/bus transfers if you choose to explore more independently.
Day 6
Check-out, stop at Matka Canyon for a one-hour boat ride, then continue to Ohrid for check-in and an Old Town walking tour including St John at Kaneo, Church of St. Sophia, Roman amphitheatre and Samuel's Fortress.
Matka Canyon boat ride and Ohrid walking tour
Morning Matka Canyon visit with approximately a 60-minute traditional boat ride through the canyon. Afternoon transfer to Ohrid with a guided Old Town walk and hilltop visit to Church of St John at Kaneo for panoramic lake views.
Tips from local experts:
- At Matka Canyon, bring a light jacket—the canyon can be noticeably cooler than nearby plains.
- Boat rides can be weather-dependent; the guide will confirm the schedule on the morning of the visit.
- For the Kaneo viewpoint in Ohrid, there are steps to reach the best vantage points—allow time and wear slip-resistant shoes.
Day 7
Short transfer into Albania with a stop at Elbasan, then continue to Tirana for hotel check-in and city exploration including Et'hem Bey Mosque and the Mosaic.
Tirana city visit with stop in Elbasan
Drive to Elbasan for a brief visit to the castle and key landmarks, then continue to Tirana for hotel check-in and a guided walking tour of central Tirana including Skanderbeg Square, Et'hem Bey Mosque and nearby Roman mosaic remains.
Tips from local experts:
- When visiting mosques like Et'hem Bey, dressing modestly is appreciated—cover shoulders and knees; women may be asked to cover hair.
- Tirana terrain is mostly flat in the centre, suitable for walking; bring comfortable shoes for cobbles near older sites.
- If planning to visit Bunk'Art or take the Dajti Cable Car later, tell your guide so they can advise timing and logistics.
Day 8
Drive north with a stop in Shkodër to visit Rozafa Castle and city sights, then continue along the Adriatic coast into Montenegro and finish the day in Budva with free time.
Shkodër (Rozafa) and transfer to Budva
Visit Rozafa Castle and main sights in Shkodër including the cathedral and mosques. After a short refreshment, scenic coastal drive to Budva with hotel check-in and evening free to explore Budva's Old Town or coastline.
Tips from local experts:
- Rozafa Castle is on a hill—expect short uphill walks and panoramic viewpoints; bring water for warm days.
- There may be border formalities entering Montenegro—keep documents handy and expect short waits.
- Budva Old Town has many narrow streets—arrive before sunset for easier navigation and better evening atmosphere.
Day 9
Full-day in the Bay of Kotor: visit Perast, boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks, guided walking tour of Kotor (Cathedral of St. Tryphon, Maritime Museum, Old Square), then return to Budva.
Bay of Kotor: Perast, Our Lady of the Rocks and Kotor
Morning transfer to Perast, walk along the promenade and take a short boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks. Proceed to Kotor for a guided walking tour of the medieval old town, including the Cathedral of St. Tryphon and Maritime Museum. Lunch in Kotor before returning to Budva.
Tips from local experts:
- Boat rides in the bay are short but can be affected by wind—wear a light outer layer and secure loose items.
- Kotor's old town is largely car-free with uneven paving; keep valuables secure and be prepared for narrow passages.
- If you plan to climb Kotor's fortress walls, bring water and wear sturdy shoes; allow an extra hour for the climb if desired.
Day 10
Transfer to Dubrovnik with a guided Old Town walking tour (Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace, Luža Square). Afternoon free in Dubrovnik, then continue to Trebinje for overnight.
Dubrovnik Old Town visit and transfer to Trebinje
Morning drive to Dubrovnik and a guided walking tour of the walled Old Town with highlights such as Rector's Palace and Sponza Palace. Free time for lunch and optional independent activities (city walls walk or cable car) before driving to Trebinje for evening arrival.
Tips from local experts:
- If you plan to walk the Dubrovnik city walls, arrive early in the free time to avoid later crowds and heat.
- Bring a hat and water for the Old Town—limited shaded stretches along the walls and streets in high season.
- Cross-border transfer times vary—keep passports handy and allow buffer time for the evening check-in in Trebinje.
Day 11
Visit Blagaj Tekke and Mostar (Old Bridge, Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, Čaršija), free lunch in Mostar, then travel to Sarajevo for overnight.
Blagaj and Mostar sightseeing, transfer to Sarajevo
Morning visit to the Blagaj Tekke (Dervish house) at the Buna spring. Continue to Mostar for a guided walk including the reconstructed Old Bridge and local streets; afternoon transfer to Sarajevo with evening at leisure.
Tips from local experts:
- At Blagaj, paths near the river can be damp—wear non-slip shoes and be cautious on steps.
- Mostar's Stari Most area can be busy at midday—if you want photos of the bridge without crowds, plan your free time accordingly.
- Local restaurants in Mostar near the river often have terrace seating—ask the guide for recommended spots with bridge views.
Day 12
Sarajevo city tour (Baščaršija, Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, Sarajevo Roses, Gavrilo Princip Museum), then drive to Višegrad to see the Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge and Stone Town; continue to Zlatibor for overnight and dinner.
Sarajevo sights, Višegrad visit and transfer to Zlatibor
Morning guided tour of Sarajevo's historic core including the Turkish Bazaar (Baščaršija) and Ottoman architecture. After lunch, transfer to Višegrad to visit the Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge, followed by onward transfer into Serbia to Zlatibor for dinner and overnight.
Tips from local experts:
- Sarajevo's Baščaršija has many artisan shops—carry small bills for purchases and be prepared for stepped/paved alleys.
- The road to Višegrad includes mountain driving—bring a light jacket as temperatures can change quickly.
- Zlatibor evenings can be cooler than lowland cities—pack a warmer layer for the night.
Day 13
Western Serbia excursion: Šargan Eight train ride, Wooden City (Drvengrad) visit and lunch, photo stop at the House on the Drina, then return to Belgrade for check-in and farewell evening.
Šargan Eight train, Wooden City (Drvengrad) and House on the Drina
Daytrip from Zlatibor to Mokra Gora for the Šargan Eight heritage narrow-gauge train ride with viewpoint stops. Visit Drvengrad (Wooden City) for lunch and exploration, then a photo stop at the House on the Drina before driving back to Belgrade for the final night.
Tips from local experts:
- Train carriages are historic and may have limited accessibility—those with reduced mobility should advise the operator in advance.
- Wooden City (Drvengrad) has uneven wooden surfaces; wear closed shoes suitable for outdoor walking.
- The House on the Drina is a photo stop with limited facilities—bring water and plan restrooms during the Drvengrad visit.
Day 14
Breakfast, free time until departure, and transfer to Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport. End of services.
Transfer to Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport and departure
Hotel check-out and organized transfer to Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport according to your flight schedule. Service ends after airport drop-off.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your flight time with the guide the evening before and allow recommended airport check-in time for international departures.
- Pack passports and boarding passes in an easily reachable place for the transfer and airport formalities.
- If you require a late checkout or extra hotel nights after the tour, request this from the operator in advance as stated in the tour notes.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 14 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 3 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 11 |
| Total Places | 11 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Culture, Outdoor, Experience |
