Belgrade: Studenica Monastery & Zica Monastery Full-Day Tour — An In-Depth Look
Traveling to Serbia offers a chance to step back in time and explore a landscape dotted with centuries-old monasteries, castles, and stories of resilience. This full-day tour from Belgrade, operated by Strange World Tour, takes you into the heart of the Zlatibor District, where you’ll visit some of the country’s most significant religious and historical sites: Zica Monastery, Maglic Fortress (currently under repair), and Studenica Monastery. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply craving a scenic escape from the city, this trip offers a well-balanced mix of culture, scenery, and history.
What makes this tour particularly appealing is its focus on authentic Serbian landmarks. You’ll get to see Zica’s 13th-century frescoes and learn about the crowning of Stefan the First-Crowned, along with wandering through the majestic Studenica Monastery, with its white marble churches showcasing priceless Byzantine art. Plus, the visit to Maglic Fortress offers a glimpse into medieval military architecture (even if it’s currently undergoing repairs). The tour’s compact size — limited to 8 participants — promises a more personal experience, avoiding the busier group tours often found elsewhere.
However, it’s worth noting that the itinerary involves a lot of driving, with about seven hours of transit in a comfortable van. While this allows you to cover multiple sites in one day, it means long periods of sitting and some busy schedules. Also, entrance fees are not included, so your experience might be more enriching if you’re prepared for additional costs. This trip suits travelers who value history, religious art, and scenic drives, and who are comfortable with a physically moderate day.
Key Points
- Authentic sites: Visit two of Serbia’s most significant monasteries, rich with centuries-old frescoes and Byzantine art.
- Historical insights: Learn about the crowning of Stefan the First-Crowned at Zica and the defensive role of Maglic Fortress.
- Scenic drives: Enjoy a 10-hour journey through Serbia’s picturesque landscapes.
- Small group: Limited to 8 participants, offering a more personal and engaging experience.
- Cost considerations: Tour price covers transportation and parking; entrance fees and lunch are not included.
- Physical requirements: Moderate fitness needed; tour not suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility or heart issues.
An In-Depth Review of the Full-Day Tour
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Mokra Gora.
The Journey Begins: Pickup in Belgrade
Your day starts with a pick-up outside your hotel in Belgrade, usually in the morning — though check the availability for exact starting times. The vehicle is a comfortable van, designed for small groups, which makes the journey more intimate and allows for easier conversation with your guide. Once onboard, you’ll begin the roughly 3-hour drive toward the first stop, Zica Monastery. Along the way, you’ll get snippets of Serbian history and perhaps some local stories, making the long drive part of the experience rather than just transit.
Zica Monastery: A 13th-Century Gem
The first stop is Zica Monastery, built in the 13th century. This site is notable for being the place where Stefan the First-Crowned was crowned, cementing its importance in Serbian history. You’ll love the way the monastery’s red exterior contrasts with the greenery around it, and the quiet atmosphere invites reflection. Inside, you’ll marvel at the exquisite religious murals that date back centuries, still vibrant despite their age.
Several reviews mention how impactful it is to stand in a place where Serbian kings were crowned. One traveler noted, “Seeing the frescoes up close was a highlight — you can really feel the spiritual weight of this place.” Be mindful that the visit here lasts about an hour, giving you enough time to admire the murals and take photos without feeling rushed.
The Fortress of Maglic: A Medieval Stronghold
Next, you’ll visit the site of Maglic Fortress, a structure built to defend vital monasteries and Serbia from Mongolian invasions. Although currently under repair, the fortress remains impressive from the outside. From the vantage point, you’ll get a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, which is just as captivating as the history. It’s a brief stop, but one that adds a layer of medieval military history to your trip.
A reviewer mentioned, “While the fortress isn’t fully accessible right now, the view alone makes it worth the stop.” It’s a reminder of Serbia’s turbulent past and the importance of these fortifications in guarding the country’s spiritual and cultural assets.
More Great Tours NearbyStudenica Monastery: The Crown Jewel
The final destination is the famed Studenica Monastery, established in the 12th century. This UNESCO-listed site is the largest and most significant Serbian Orthodox monastery. As you walk through the grounds, you’ll see the Church of the Virgin and the Church of the King, both constructed from white marble, their intricate carvings and Byzantine art reflecting centuries of religious devotion.
You’ll love the grandeur of the monasteries’ architecture and the peaceful atmosphere that has remained largely unchanged over the centuries. According to reviews, “The collection of Byzantine art inside is priceless,” and “The white marble churches are even more stunning in person.” You’ll spend about two hours here, giving ample time to explore, take photos, and absorb the spiritual history.
Return Journey: Reflecting on a Day of Discovery
After a full morning and early afternoon of sightseeing, you’ll board the van for the roughly four-hour return trip to Belgrade. This stretch allows for reflection, sharing impressions, and perhaps planning your next visit to Serbia. The tour concludes with you being dropped back at your hotel, tired but enriched by the day’s experiences.
Analyzing the Value and Practicalities
The tour’s value lies in its ability to efficiently cover important cultural sites in a single day. The cost includes the transportation, parking fees, and fuel surcharges, which is convenient and straightforward. But remember, entrance fees to the monasteries are not included, so you should budget additionally for admission.
The small group size (up to 8 participants) ensures a more personalized experience, with ample opportunity to ask questions and get insider insights. The driver speaks English, making communication smooth, and the schedule is designed to maximize sightseeing without feeling overly rushed.
However, the long hours of transit — about 7 hours in total — mean this tour is best suited for those who don’t mind a lot of driving in a day. The itinerary is quite full, so patience and moderate physical fitness are advisable. The tour is also not wheelchair accessible, and not recommended for pregnant women or those with significant mobility or heart issues.
What to Bring and Wear
Since footwear is checked at booking (no sandals, flip-flops, shorts, or short skirts), comfortable shoes are a must. Sunscreen, a hat, and water are advisable, especially if visiting in warmer months. Also, bring extra cash for optional entrance fees or souvenirs.
Who Would Love This Tour?
Travelers with an interest in religious art, medieval history, or Serbian culture will find much to enjoy. It’s ideal for those who appreciate thoughtful travel experiences over just ticking sites off a list. If you’re comfortable with a fair amount of sitting and traveling, you’ll find this tour rewarding.
It’s particularly suited for those who want an immersive look at Serbia’s spiritual heartland without the hassle of organizing separate visits. But don’t expect luxury — this is a practical, well-organized day with a focus on authentic sights and stories.
The Sum Up
This Belgrade to Studenica and Zica Monasteries tour offers a solid, engaging option for travelers eager to explore Serbia’s religious and historical highlights in one day. It balances scenic drives, meaningful cultural visits, and small-group intimacy, delivering a well-rounded experience at a reasonable price.
It’s best suited for history buffs, art lovers, and those curious about Serbian heritage. While the long transit times might not appeal to everyone, the opportunity to see UNESCO sites and medieval fortresses makes it worth considering. If you’re looking for a meaningful, authentic taste of Serbia’s past, this tour could very well be a highlight of your trip.
FAQ
Is transportation provided during the tour?
Yes, transportation in a comfortable van is included throughout the tour, making it easy to cover long distances without stress.
How long do we spend at each site?
You’ll spend about an hour at Zica Monastery, around an hour at Maglic Fortress (from outside), and approximately two hours at Studenica Monastery.
Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees are not included in the tour price. You should prepare to pay these separately at each site.
What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a small group of no more than 8 participants, fostering a more personal experience.
Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, so you might want to bring snacks or plan to buy something locally.
Is the tour suitable for children or families?
While not explicitly marketed for families, the moderate pace and cultural focus make it suitable for older children and teenagers comfortable with a full day of sightseeing.
What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are required, and modest clothing (no shorts or short skirts) is recommended, especially when visiting religious sites.
Can pregnant women or those with health issues join?
This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant women or individuals with heart problems or mobility issues due to the physical demands and nature of the sites.
Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
No, it is not wheelchair accessible.
What if the tour is canceled?
If canceled due to insufficient participants, you can reschedule, select another experience, or receive a full refund.
This full-day adventure provides a meaningful glimpse into Serbia’s spiritual and medieval past, making it a rewarding choice for curious, culturally-minded travelers eager to explore beyond Belgrade’s city streets.
You can check availability for your dates here: