Capitals of Eastern Europe

Immerse yourself in the fascinating culture of Novi Sad during a walking tour. Meet your guide at the pier and set off on foot to explore the stunning architecture of the city. Marvel at the varied baroque, neoclassicism and seccession styles as your guide regales you with stories of its time, when the city was ruled by the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Savor the sweet and salty delight, uštipci(fried dough balls), at Novi Sad’s green market and continue through the main walking street, pausing for stops at the statue of famed Serbian poet Jovan Jovanović Zmaj and the Grand Cathedral. Visit the historic Novi Sad Synagogue, where you will enjoy a short concert performed by members of the local Jewish community. Afterward, stroll back to your awaiting ship along the famed Danube River and admire views of the imposing Petrovaradin Fortress.

Learn how to bake your own strudel with a minced poppy seed filling and sample traditional food. Journey to Brkin Salaš, a traditional Serbian farm situated in a quaint village near the city of Novi Sad. Your talented chef will warmly greet you and welcome you to step inside a traditional kitchen and take a seat to watch a demonstration of this baked treat. Depending on the season, you may also get the chance to see how traditional ajvar, a roasted red pepper sauce—or sauerkraut—are made. While the strudel bakes in the oven, sample a taste of plum brandy, the national spirit made from the plum trees that grow throughout the region, paired with various delicious treats, such as dried plum filled with cheese and wrapped in bacon, or savory cheese pie. Cap your tour with a serving of warm strudel, before returning to your ship.

Hike the Fruška Gora National Park and visit the Velika Remeta and Grgeteg monasteries. Located near Novi Sad, the park was recognized as Serbia’s first national park in 1960. Meet your guide and transfer by motor coach to the park’s entrance, where you will find the 14th-century Velika Remeta Monastery. Here, you will join your guide for a visit inside and observe its stunning paintings. Then, take the trail known as the “Monastery Road,” which connects Velika Remeta to a second historic monastery. Enjoy a hike along the beautiful forest path to the Grgeteg Monastery. Upon arrival, you will have an opportunity to view the significant icons, including the most famous likeness, the Virgin Mary “Of Three Hands.” Enjoy a selection of Serbian refreshments, including local meats, cheeses and wines, at a nearby guest house, before returning to your ship.

Discover the vibrant art scene of Novi Sad while viewing the works of talented Slavic artists. Transfer to the Art Gallery of Matica Srpska to admire its collection of paintings by Serbian and Yugoslav artists spanning the 18th to 20th century. Continue to the right bank of the Danube River and the Petrovaradin Fortress, one of Europe’s largest fortifications and now home to many artist studios and galleries. Take in sweeping views over Novi Sad from the “Gibraltar of the Danube,” then spend time exploring the works of the artists in residence. Afterward, you will visit the studio of photographer and art collector Dragan Kurucic. His intriguing work is displayed on part of the fortress walls—which were donated to him—making for a unique exhibit. Enjoy a glass of wine, accompanied by a pastry, before returning to your ship.

Indulge in an unforgettable evening with a home-hosted dinner at a historic family home in Sremski Karlovci. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach to this charming town along the Danube River, renowned for its baroque architecture, vineyards and wine production—particularly the bermet dessert wine. Upon arrival, walk to a 16th-century house, where you will be warmly welcomed by your hosts with a traditional rakija drink in the wine cellar. Enjoy a delicious three-course dinner featuring homemade local favorites, accompanied by your choice of wine or soft drinks. As you dine, engage in lively conversations with your hosts, learning about their home’s storied past and the region’s winemaking traditions. After dinner, bid farewell to your new friends and return to your ship with a deeper insight into the local culture and warm memories of Serbian hospitality.