Centuries ago, the area of what is now Serbia sat at the crossroads between the Roman and Byzantine Empires. These imposing forces left their indelible mark and nowhere is it more evident than in Belgrade and its surrounding regions. Feel history come alive as you stroll cobblestoned streets and revel at the sight of well-preserved ancient ruins.
Set on the banks of the Danube River, Lepenski Vir is one of Serbia’s largest and most significant archeological sites, dating back 12,000 years. Fast forward to the Roman era with a visit to Trajan’s Plaque, erected to commemorate the road Emperor Trajan built in 103 A.D. Rising majestically from the Danube, Golubac Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Europe.
Influenced by centuries of Byzantine-Greek, Mediterranean, Turkish, and Slavic occupation, Serbian cuisine is a hearty banquet of rich meats, breads, cheeses, and desserts. Sarma, Serbia’s national dish, is a mix of ground pork or beef with rice rolled in cabbage leaves. The most popular street food is pljeskavica, which is similar to an American hamburger. You might want to tempt your taste buds with a dessert like torta sa višnjama, a fluffy sponge cake with a rich cherry filling topped whipped cream and fresh cherries.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a complete novice, Serbian wines are worth exploring. With a mild and comfortable climate, the country produces 700 different wines. While visiting Belgrade, try a glass of rokupac, a medium-bodied red wine, best served with pork dishes, or krstač, a dry white paired best with spicy fish stew.
The rugged beauty of Mother Nature is on display during a cruise through the breathtaking Djerdap National Park. Cradled between the Danube and the Carpathian Mountains, the park is home to the Iron Gates, a series of gorges that act as a natural border between Serbia and Romania. The riverscapes here feature towering granite walls, rolling green hills, and some of the most dramatic and beautiful scenery in all of Europe.
When to go: We sail all of our Serbia cruises between the months of March and September for the best weather. Our itineraries operate during this time frame to give you the best experience possible of this incredible destination.
How to pack: We suggest comfortable, sporty, smart-casual daywear both onshore and onboard. Depending on your travel season, the weather can range from cool to quite hot. Check the weather before you go and pack accordingly. Layering clothing items is always your best bet, allowing you to adjust to most temperatures. Pack a lightweight waterproof jacket (preferably hooded) in case of rain, though we will also have umbrellas onboard. You may participate in a significant amount of walking over uneven terrain during your time ashore, so please bring comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support. Sturdy sandals are another good option.
Avg. Temp. 64º F / 17º C
Avg. Temp. 81º F / 27º C
Avg. Temp. 64º F / 17º C
Avg. Temp. 37º F / 3º C
Serbian dinar (RSD, РСД)
Central European Time (CET)
Central European Summer Time (CEST)
Serbian
European 220-230V
Plug types C and F
Verified reviews by 
“The local guides were knowledgeable and included a touch of humor in their presentations. Ibi made things happen and gave useful advice about which tours were the right fit. The Serbian lecturer was super. Also the visits to Vuchedol and Lepinski Vir were eye opening. I began to see the Danube over millennia rather than the last century or so. The Danube itself becomes the story as we travel down its waters.”
– Janet Yoder (Highlights of Eastern Europe)
“Great location in a less traveled area. No crowds. Danube is beautiful and this ship’s captain is one of the best.”
– Joseph Ruf (Highlights of Eastern Europe)
“We found our cruise experience unforgettable, especially the friends we made, the places we explored and the simple pleasure of a beautiful river tableau in parts of the world we've never experienced.”
– Robert Witeck (Highlights of Eastern Europe)
Belgrade to Prague | 17 days
This itinerary is a love-letter to Europe’s grandest river, traversing 7 unique nations in all-inclusive luxury. From Germany to the Czech Republic, you’ll admire the breathtaking...
Ship: S.S. Emilie
Countries: Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Serbia, Slovakia
River: Danube
From £8,499 per person
Prague to Bucharest | 19 days
Beautifully preserved Prague has enchanted visitors for ages, but it is only a tiny part of this extraordinary voyage through eight nations. Sail past quaint villages and great cities on the glorious ...
Ships: S.S. Beatrice, S.S. Marlene
Countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Serbia
River: Danube
4/5 (83 reviews)
From £6,524 per person
Budapest to Bucharest | 10 days
Immerse yourself in new cultures as you travel from splendid Budapest to dynamic Bucharest, discovering the best that the revitalized nations of Eastern Europe have to offer along the way.
Gaze in...
Ships: River Duchess, S.S. Beatrice, S.S. Marlene
Countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Serbia
River: Danube
4.4/5 (516 reviews)
From £3,194 per person
Amsterdam to Bucharest | 24 days
Prepare for the cruise of a lifetime as you travel the length of Europe through eight nations, exploring wonders of the Old World and the New, the East and the West.
Sail the romantic Rhine, the...
Ships: River Duchess, S.S. Beatrice, S.S. Marlene
Countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Netherlands
Rivers: Danube, Main, Rhine
4.4/5 (114 reviews)
From £9,549 per person
Belgrade to Nuremberg | 15 days
Traversing 6 unique nations in all-inclusive luxury, this itinerary is a love-letter to Europe’s grandest river. From Germany to Serbia, you’ll admire the breathtaking architectural...
Ship: S.S. Emilie
Countries: Austria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Serbia, Slovakia
River: Danube
From £5,489 per person
Belgrade to Vienna | 10 days
The great Danube River, once the lifeblood of empires, has been home to Europe’s greatest cities for eons. Begin or end your journey at a five-star hotel in the glittering city of Vienna, a...
Ship: S.S. Emilie
Countries: Austria, Croatia, Hungary, Serbia, Slovakia
River: Danube
4.5/5 (2 reviews)
Belgrade to Vienna | 8 days
The great Danube River, once the lifeblood of empires, has been home to Europe’s greatest cities for eons. Join us on a journey spanning the four capital cities that sit along the banks of the...
Ship: S.S. Emilie
Countries: Austria, Croatia, Hungary, Serbia, Slovakia
River: Danube
4.6/5 (13 reviews)
Ljubljana to Istanbul | 20 days
Begin with a stay in Ljubljana, Slovenia, an underrated beauty just waiting to be discovered by the masses. Take in the quiet charisma of the city and the stunning nature of Lake Bled before joining...
Ship: S.S. La Venezia
Countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy, Serbia, Slovenia, Turkey
River: Venice Lagoon
From £21,448 per person
Paris to Istanbul | 14 days
Romantic Paris, imperial Vienna, majestic Istanbul ... we’ve composed an exceptional journey by luxury river cruise and private train to highlight these legendary cities and a plethora of...
Ship: S.S. Joie de Vivre
Countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Turkey, France, Switzerland, Slovenia, Serbia
River: Seine
4.9/5 (8 reviews)
Istanbul to Paris | 15 days
Majestic Istanbul, imperial Vienna, romantic Paris ... we’ve composed an exceptional journey by private train and luxury river cruise to highlight these legendary cities and a plethora of...
Ship: S.S. Joie de Vivre
Countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Turkey, France, Switzerland, Slovenia, Serbia
River: Seine
5/5 (2 reviews)
Ljubljana to Istanbul | 20 days
Begin with a stay in Ljubljana, Slovenia, an underrated beauty just waiting to be discovered by the masses. Take in the quiet charisma of the city and the stunning nature of Lake Bled before joining...
Ship: S.S. La Venezia
Countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy, Serbia, Slovenia, Turkey
River: Venice Lagoon
From £23,174 per person
Istanbul to Paris | 15 days
Majestic Istanbul, imperial Vienna, romantic Paris ... we’ve composed an exceptional journey by private train and luxury river cruise to highlight these legendary cities and a plethora of...
Ship: S.S. Joie de Vivre
Countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Turkey, France, Switzerland, Slovenia, Serbia
River: Seine
From £22,634 per person
Paris to Istanbul | 14 days
Romantic Paris, imperial Vienna, majestic Istanbul ... we’ve composed an exceptional journey by luxury river cruise and private train to highlight these legendary cities and a plethora of...
Ship: S.S. Joie de Vivre
Countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Turkey, France, Switzerland, Slovenia, Serbia
River: Seine
From £21,914 per person
Passau to Bucharest | 17 days
Become an expert on the Danube River’s many wonders as you admire the swirling colors of Passau’s famous confluence, pedal past the vineyard-lined banks of the Wachau Valley, and listen...
Ship: S.S. Marlene
Countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia
River: Danube
From £6,524 per person