Belgrade • Manasija (Resava) • Ravanica • Ljubostinja • Kopaonik • Sopoćani • Đurđevi stupovi • Church of Sts. Peter and Paul in Ras • Gradac • Rudno • Studenica • Žiča • Belgrade

On this three-day journey, we take you through the heart of Serbia’s spiritual and cultural heritage, along paths once walked by rulers, monks, and master builders of one of the most important medieval legacies of the Balkans. By visiting the monasteries of the Raška and Morava architectural schools, we will encounter masterpieces of architecture, fresco painting, and spirituality that testify to the strength, faith, and artistic expression of the Serbian state from the 12th to the 15th century.

The itinerary has been carefully designed to combine visits to the most significant sacred sites with enjoyment of the natural beauty of central and southwestern Serbia—from the Resava region and the Morava Valley, across the slopes of Kopaonik, to the gentle landscapes of Golija and the Ibar Valley. At a relaxed pace and with expert guidance, this journey brings together history, spirituality, and an authentic sense of place, creating a powerful and lasting impression.

Tour plan:

Day 1: BELGRADE – MANASIJA MONASTERY – RAVANICA MONASTERY – LJUBOSTINJA MONASTERY – KOPAONIK NATIONAL PARK

Driving distance: 370 km

Departure from Belgrade at 8 a.m. from a pre-arranged meeting point. Drive along the highway to the Svilajnac exit. Arrival at the Resava monastery complex. Visit to Manasija Monastery, one of the most important monuments of medieval Serbian culture, built between 1407 and 1418. After the visit to Manasija, the journey continues to Ravanica, a Serbian medieval monastery built between 1375 and 1377. The monastery was a spiritual, cultural, artistic, and literary center of medieval Serbia. Lunch break. Continuation to Trstenik and Ljubostinja Monastery, a masterpiece of the Morava School. Ljubostinja was founded by Princess Milica between 1388 and 1405. After completing the visits on the first day, the route continues through the Aleksandrovac Župa region to Kopaonik, one of Serbia’s national parks. Accommodation. Dinner. Overnight stay.

Day 2: KOPAONIK NATIONAL PARK – SOPOĆANI MONASTERY – ĐURĐEVI STUPOVI MONASTERY – ST. PETER AND PAUL’S CHURCH – GRADAC MONASTERY – RUDNO

Driving distance: 145 km

Breakfast. Transfer to Sopoćani Monastery, the mausoleum of King Uroš I and his endowment, built in the seventh decade of the 13th century following the tradition of his ancestors. Return to Novi Pazar. Visit to Đurđevi Stupovi Monastery, dedicated to St. George, located in Old Ras on a hill overlooking the city. It is one of the oldest monasteries in Serbia. Visit to the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, the oldest monument of church architecture in Serbia and the original seat of the Raška bishopric. At the end of the second day, we will visit Gradac Monastery, the endowment of Queen Helen of Anjou, wife of King Uroš I, who was buried here in 1314. The church was built in the Raška architectural style with Gothic elements. Accommodation in the village of Rudno, in a private household. Dinner. Overnight stay.

Day 3: RUDNO – STUDENICA MONASTERY – ŽIČA MONASTERY – MATARUŠKA BANJA – BELGRADE

Driving distance: 254 km

Breakfast. Continuation of the journey according to the program. Visit to Studenica Monastery, the most important endowment of Grand Prince Stefan Nemanja, built between 1186 and 1196. Tour of the monastery complex: the Church of the Virgin, the King’s Church, St. Nicholas’ Church, St. Sava’s Hospital, the refectory, and the souvenir shop. Continuation through the Ibar Valley to Kraljevo and a visit to Žiča Monastery, unique as the former seat of the Serbian archbishopric and the place where Serbian kings of the Nemanjić dynasty were crowned. Lunch break in Mataruška Banja. Return journey to Belgrade. Arrival in Belgrade in the evening hours. End of program.

Details:

Price include

  • Transportation by tourist-class bus/minibus according to the program,,
  • One overnight stay in private apartment-type accommodation in Kopaonik National Park,
  • One overnight stay in a private household in the village of Rudno (double and triple rooms),
  • Visits to all monasteries according to the program,
  • Services of a licensed tour guide,
  • Organization and tour management costs.

Price not include

  • Meals,
  • Additional accommodation services (optional),
  • Personal expenses.

It is necessary to take

Comfortable sneakers or walking shoes, several pairs of socks, short-sleeved T-shirts, a lightweight hooded jacket (preferably waterproof), a fleece or sweatshirt, spare clothing, sunglasses, a hat, gloves. Optionally, bring sweets, snacks, refreshing drinks, and water. Pack everything in a small backpack.

Accommodation

Our offer includes comfortable and attractive apartments and bungalows provided by local hosts at the listed locations.

Method of payment

A 50% advance payment of the total arrangement price is required at the time of booking. The remaining amount must be paid no later than 20 days before the start of the trip (with the option of installment payments). This program is based on a minimum of 8 registered participants. In case of changes in the monetary market (or the market of goods and services) or an insufficient number of registered participants, the tour organizer reserves the right to adjust prices, modify the program, or cancel the trip no later than 5 days before the scheduled departure.

Note

The tour can also be organized with departures from other cities in Serbia. Please feel free to contact us for more information.

The early booking promo price is valid for reservations made 45+ days before the departure date.

Travel organizer

The organizer of the trip is travel agency Nature Travel Office, licence number OTP 38/2025 issued by the Business Register Agency as of May 06, 2025. Nature Travel Office is insured by an insurance policy against responsibility for travel agencies in case of insolvency and liability in case of damage to the traveller, number 30000049351, by the insurer MILENIJUM OSIGURANJE ADO Belgrade. The policy is valid from April 01, 2025 to April 01, 2026. In this program, travel agency Nature Travel Office applies their general terms and conditions of traveling, which are included in signing up for the trip.