Šargan Eight Railway, Wooden Town & House on Drina River Day Trip From Belgrade

Escape the bustle of Belgrade and uncover the natural wonders and cultural gems of western Serbia. This captivating day trip promises an unforgettable journey, from the engineering marvel of the Šargan Eight Scenic Train to the charming Mecavnik Wooden Town. But the real highlight? A visit to the enigmatic House on the Drina, a structure that defies gravity and sparks the imagination. Prepare to be enchanted by the region’s singular blend of stunning landscapes and time-honored traditions. Where will this adventure lead you next?

Key Points

• This 12-hour day trip from Belgrade showcases Western Serbia’s natural and cultural wonders, including the Kapija Podrinja viewpoint, House on the Drina, Sargan Eight Train, and Mecavnik Wooden Town.
• The Kapija Podrinja viewpoint offers breathtaking vistas of the Drina River and surrounding mountains, setting the stage for the region’s exploration.
• The House on the Drina is a unique architectural marvel, perched on a rocky outcrop and showcasing human ingenuity and resilience in construction.
• The historic Sargan Eight narrow-gauge railway provides an unforgettable journey through Western Serbia’s landscapes, featuring tunnels, bridges, and stunning views.
• Mecavnik Wooden Town is a living museum that offers a glimpse into the region’s cultural heritage, with its traditional architecture, local artisans, and quaint streets.

Tour Overview

This 12-hour day trip from Belgrade to Western Serbia takes visitors to overlooked and underrated sights, with transportation provided in an air-conditioned minivan or private car, and a professional, English-speaking guide leading the way.

The tour highlights include the Kapija Podrinja viewpoint, the unique House on the Drina, the scenic Sargan Eight Train, and the wooden town of Mecavnik, built as a film set.

Included in the tour are hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees for the private option, a traditional Serbian lunch, the Sargan Eight train ticket, and admission to the Wooden Town.

The tour can be booked as a shared or private experience, with the private tour offering the added convenience of airport pickup.

Highlights of the Day

The Kapija Podrinja viewpoint offers breathtaking vistas overlooking the Drina River and the surrounding mountains, setting the stage for an immersive day of exploring Western Serbia’s natural and cultural wonders. Next, guests will visit the iconic House on the Drina, an intriguing structure perched precariously on the river’s edge. The highlight of the day is a journey aboard the Sargan Eight Scenic Train, which winds through the picturesque Mokra Gora valley. The tour culminates in Mecavnik, a charming wooden town built as a film set, where visitors can enjoy the region’s rich heritage.

Highlights	Description
Kapija Podrinja Viewpoint	Breathtaking vistas of the Drina River and mountains
House on the Drina	An iconic structure on the river’s edge
Sargan Eight Scenic Train	A scenic journey through the Mokra Gora valley
Mecavnik Wooden Town	A charming film set town showcasing regional heritage
Drina River	A central feature of the day’s exploration

Kapija Podrinja Viewpoint

The Kapija Podrinja viewpoint offers breathtaking vistas overlooking the Drina River and the surrounding mountains, setting the stage for the day’s immersive exploration of Western Serbia’s natural and cultural wonders.

From this scenic overlook, visitors can take in the stunning panorama of the rugged landscape, where the Drina snakes its way through the valleys. It’s the perfect starting point to get a sense of the region’s captivating beauty and to whet the appetite for the incredible sights that lie ahead on the tour.

With its sweeping views and serene atmosphere, the Kapija Podrinja viewpoint sets the tone for a day of discovery in this lesser-known corner of Serbia.

The House on the Drina

After taking in the breathtaking views at the Kapija Podrinja viewpoint, the tour moves on to explore the iconic House on the Drina, a unique architectural wonder perched precariously on the banks of the winding river.

This historic home, built in the late 19th century, seems to defy gravity as it clings to the rocky outcrop. Visitors can marvel at its ingenious construction and picturesque setting, surrounded by the serene Drina River.

The House on the Drina is a testament to human ingenuity and resilience, showcasing the skill of its builders who managed to construct a livable dwelling in such a challenging location. It’s a must-see stop on this captivating tour of Western Serbia’s hidden gems.

Sargan Eight Scenic Train

Next, the tour takes visitors aboard the iconic Sargan Eight Scenic Train, a marvel of engineering that winds its way through the stunning mountain landscapes of Western Serbia.

This historic narrow-gauge railway, built in the 1920s, features a unique figure-eight configuration that allows the train to ascend and descend steep inclines with ease. Travelers can sit back and enjoy the breathtaking views as the train navigates a series of:

1. Tunnels
2. Bridges
3. Switchbacks
4. Rugged terrain

This unforgettable journey offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history and natural beauty, making it a must-see attraction for anyone exploring Western Serbia.

Mecavnik Wooden Town

Often, the tour then takes visitors to Mecavnik, a unique wooden town built as a film set in the Mokra Gora region of Western Serbia.

Constructed in the traditional architectural style of the area, this charming village serves as a living museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can stroll through the quaint streets, admiring the carefully crafted wooden buildings that house local artisans, craftsmen, and restaurants.

The town was originally built as a set for a film about the life of famous Serbian filmmaker Emir Kusturica, but it has since become a popular tourist attraction in its own right. Exploring Mecavnik provides a delightful and immersive experience, allowing travelers to step back in time and experience the essence of rural Serbian life.

Inclusions and Pricing

The tour includes several key inclusions, such as hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees for the private tour option, a traditional Serbian lunch, and a ticket for the Sargan Eight scenic train. Admission to The Wooden Town is also included.

The tour pricing varies depending on the option chosen, with the private tour being more expensive than the shared tour. The private tour includes all entrance fees, while the shared tour price does not. Guests have the option to add a traditional Serbian lunch for an additional cost.

The tour’s overall cost is reasonable, considering the transportation, guided services, and unique sights visited throughout the day.

Meeting and Pickup

For the day trip, guests can be picked up from their hotels, Airbnbs, or pensions within 5 km of Republic Square in Belgrade.

Those booking the private tour option can also arrange for pickup from the Belgrade airport for an additional supplement.

Shared tour you will be picked up 15-30 minutes before the tour’s scheduled departure time.

The default departure time for the private tour is 8 AM.

Guests can expect confirmation of their booking at the time of reservation.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller accessible, and infants can sit on laps, with infant seats available.

A minimum physical fitness level is required to fully enjoy the day’s activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Any COVID-19 Safety Measures in Place for the Tour?

The tour operator follows COVID-19 safety protocols, including sanitizing vehicles, requiring masks, and enforcing social distancing. Guests are also advised to bring their own face masks and hand sanitizer.

Can We Make Any Changes to the Itinerary During the Tour?

The tour allows for some flexibility in the itinerary, but major changes would need to be discussed with the guide. Guests can provide input, but the guide has final say to ensure the trip runs smoothly and safely.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?

The cancellation policy allows full refunds for cancellations made at least 48 hours prior to the tour. Cancellations within 48 hours are subject to a cancellation fee. Additional conditions may apply depending on the tour booking.

Is There Wi-Fi Available on the Sargan Eight Scenic Train?

The Sargan Eight Scenic Train does not offer Wi-Fi during the journey. Passengers should expect a tranquil, off-the-grid experience while taking in the scenic mountain views along the historic narrow-gauge railway line.

Can We Purchase Additional Food or Drinks During the Tour?

Yes, travelers can purchase additional food and drinks during the tour. The tour includes a traditional Serbian lunch, but participants are welcome to buy extra snacks or beverages at the various stops along the way.

Recap

This day trip from Belgrade offers a captivating journey through Serbia’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage.

Visitors can marvel at the ingenious House on the Drina, ride the iconic Šargan Eight Scenic Train, and explore the charming Mecavnik Wooden Town.

With stunning vistas and immersive historical experiences, this tour provides a well-rounded glimpse into the captivating beauty and rich traditions of Western Serbia.