Serbia's Secret North

Day 1

Pick up at airport by a Travel The Unknown representative, transfer to comfortable hotel in Belgrade city centre. Overnight in Belgrade. Meal plan: n/a.

Day 2

Breakfast, then short walking tour of Belgrade before driving to the picturesque village of Sremski Karlovici. Wander the streets, and stop off for lunch. Head on to Northern Serbia’s fairytale city, Novi Sad. Absorb the multicultural influences and history of this enchanting city. Visit the impressive Petrovaradin fort. Rest of afternoon free to explore. Overnight in Novi Sad. Meal plan: B, L

Belgrade has been the capital of Serbia since 1403, when Despot Stefan, son of Tsar Lazar, moved his palace here. The elegant Republic Square boasts architectonic monuments such as the National Theatre and the National Museum. Knez Mihajlova Street is the main shopping and meeting place, and contains a few other masterpieces of Belgrade's architecture such as the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, and nearby in a 19th century quarter you will find the 'Question mark sign' Inn, Princess Ljubica's Residence (now housing a permanent exhibition of original furniture), the Patriarchy and the Orthodox Cathedral. A cosmopolitan and historic city sitting at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers Belgrade also sits comfortably between the past and the future. From the medieval fortress of Kalemegdan and its intriguing history on the frontier between East and West, to the city’s teeming cafés, excellent food and the best nightlife in the Balkans, Belgrade has something for everyone. Learn about life under Tito and Milosovic and how modern Serbia is preparing itself for a new era.

Sremski Karlovici is in the Vojvodina province on the bank of the Danube river. 8km north-west lies the charming Novi Sad, the second largest city in Serbia. It was founded in the late 17th century and became an important merchant and manufacturing centre during the following 200 years. Its focal point is the Petrovaradin fortress which was built between 1692 and 1790 and has 16km of underground corridors on four different levels. The fortress offers spectacular views of the city.

Day 3

Breakfast. Continue with short tour of Novi Sad and then move on to Subotica, close to the Hungarian border. Enjoy lunch in a salas - sample Hungarian-style cuisine (goulash, paprika) in these traditional farm estates. Explore the brightly coloured village of Subotica and note the Hungarian architecture. Evening free to relax. Overnight in Subotica. Meal plan: B, L

Day 4

Early breakfast. Drive through the flatland of Northern Serbia back to Belgrade for return flight. Meal plan: B