Many times, during its centuries-long history, Serbia has been at the centre of the world’s attention. It lies at the heart of the Balkan Peninsula, which has long been a meeting place for diverse cultures, trading caravans and armies on the march to war. It is landlocked but as a Danube country is connected to distant seas and oceans. Extending from the meeting point of the Serbian, Hungarian and Croatian borders to its confluence with the Timok, where the borders of Serbia,
Bulgaria and
Romania meet,
the River Danube’s 365-mile course through this extraordinary country promises a fascinating river cruise experience.
Serbian territory was a land of Neolithic settlements, Roman emperors and medieval rulers and many sites of cultural and historical value lie along the banks of the Danube. Roman archaeological sites are a reminder that the river was for a long time the north-eastern border of the mighty Roman Empire. Unique in their architecture, sculpture, ornamentation, frescoes and icons, Serbia’s monasteries have long been pillars of the Serbian culture. The Danube flows through the national park of Fruška Gora, which has been rich in religious sites since ancient times. Serbia’s two most important cities both lie on the Danube. Its capital Belgrade is the perfect blend of contemporary and vintage, and Novi Sad, the capital of the province of Vojvodina, has both architecture and a spirit that’s been shaped by many a nation.
From the picturesque Vojvodina flatlands to the impressive Djerdap Gorge, known as the Iron Gate, the River Danube takes in some of the country’s most impressive natural beauty.