European Sojourn

See Belgrade’s monuments and architectural splendor during this enlightening tour of Europe’s most resilient city. The Serbian capital of Belgrade overlooks the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers. Ravaged and rebuilt 20 times in its history, many of the city’s finest buildings have been gloriously restored. Take a guided walk around the famed Kalemegdan Fortress. Its stalwart walls loom over the Old Town; impressive medieval gates enclose Orthodox churches, Turkish baths, a soaring monument to “The Victor” and more. Enjoy a stroll in the park around the fortress, taking in vistas of the river. Later, witness modern-day Belgrade during a panoramic drive and visit the Church of St. Sava, one of the world’s largest Orthodox churches. Stop in the Square of the Republic to admire the statue of Prince Michael and enjoy free time to browse stores in the adjacent pedestrian shopping area.

Journey into the Pannonian Basin to learn about the Naïve Art movement and to visit a violin-making studio. In the 1950s, Kovačica residents Martin Paluska and Jan Soko took brushes to canvas without formal training, and began to paint daily life around them. Perspective was not a concern for them, nor was realism. But the Naïve Art style that they created stuck and became a movement. Journey into the Carpathian Basin, past soybean and sunflower fields, where Slovaks, Serbs, Hungarians, Romanians and Slavs live in harmony side by side. Here, you will learn about the Naïve Art movement from an expert and browse the village collection. Some of the finest violins are made in Kovačica, too, as you will see when you visit the studio and home of violin maker Jan Nemček. The master will demonstrate some of his techniques and play a tune on a violin that he constructed.

Explore the rich history and culture of Serbia’s capital and head underground for a lunch paired with wine. Once the center of a civil war, Belgrade today is an exuberant, forward-looking city. Drive with your guide to the ancient Kalemegdan Fortress, the pinnacle of the city. Enjoy a guided walk through the surrounding park. Then, during a panoramic drive, see the imposing Town Hall, once home of the Obrenović dynasty and Republic Square, before stopping to visit the Church of St. Sava, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. You will also tour the Tito Memorial, a moving tribute dedicated to the “Father of Yugoslavia,” Marshal Josip Tito. Later, descend underground into a vast labyrinth owned by the wine-making Panajotović family. Within the cool walls of these fascinating Roman-era cellars, savor a delicious lunch paired with a selection of their wines.

Stroll the historic streets of Belgrade and see the city’s architectural highlights on a walking tour. At Kalemegdan Park, marvel at the landscape dominated by the imposing fortress. Built in the 3rd century BC by the Romans, the fortress guarded the border separating the ruling Roman Empire from barbarian lands across the Danube, later the divider between the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian Empires. Explore the grounds as you learn of its dramatic storied past. Next, walk along the Grand Boulevard to Knez Mihailova Street where you will enjoy free time to stroll the pedestrian area and indulge in some shopping. Stop for coffee and cake at the historic Moscow Hotel and take a bus ride to the Church of St. Sava, one of the largest orthodox churches in the world. Return to your ship by tram.

Join locals on a leisurely exploration of a popular urban outdoor escape along the banks of the Sava River. Begin your electric bike tour near the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, where the city of Belgrade has its roots. Pass Belgrade’s new waterfront complex, located on the right bank of river Sava, with its modern buildings and wide promenade. Surprisingly soon, you leave the bustle of Belgrade behind as you wind your way through parklands and quiet residential neighborhoods toward Ada Lake, located on an island in the river. This small idyll, lined with cozy cafés and sunny beaches, provides the perfect urban oasis and is very popular with the people of Belgrade. Spend some time taking in the tranquil surroundings and enjoy a refreshing drink before heading back to your ship.

Stroll the vintage streets of Belgrade and savor an authentic Serbian meal at a local restaurant. Meet your guide and embark on a guided walk through Skadarlija, the bohemian quarter of Belgrade known for its many cafes, art galleries and taverns. Stroll the cobblestoned streets of the Old Town and admire notable architecture, dating back to the 19th century. Soak up the atmosphere of the city’s quaint squares as you watch people amble by. At a local restaurant, sit down to a tasty meal of local fare and enjoy a lively toe-tapping performance. You will enjoy urnebes, a popular Serbian paprika spread; a tasty meat selection including ćevapi; grilled Serbian beef sausages; and a selection of traditional desserts. You will also enjoy some local Serbian wine. Your appetite sated, return to your awaiting ship.

Get a glimpse into the mind of scientist and inventor Nikola Tesla at a museum dedicated to his life and work. You will embark on a panoramic drive by motor coach through Belgrade en route to Tesla’s namesake museum. Located in a residential villa, the museum is home to the world’s largest collection of documents, photos and technical exhibits related to Tesla, as well as a golden sphere containing his ashes. Upon arrival, enjoy a one-hour Privileged Access tour. View a short video about Tesla, browse the historic documents and various personal items on display, and observe authentic working models of his machines. Then, admire Tesla’s ingenuity during an interactive demonstration of the famed Tesla Coil, a device that produces high-voltage, low-current, high-frequency AC electricity. Afterward, you will return to your ship.