Along the Danube: Golubac Fortress & Iron Gate Gorge day trip from Belgrade
Active
12h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Travel along the Danube from Belgrade to the Iron Gates to see the area’s most famous sights, accompanied by live, professional guidance and in an air-conditioned vehicle. You will visit the famous Golubac Fortress and hear interesting stories about its turbulent history. You will also see the stunning beauty of the longest composite valley in Europe. And of course, we will take a boat ride through the Iron Gate, one of the most dramatic natural wonders of Europe, dividing the Carpathian and Balkan mountains. You will have the opportunity to experience the unique atmosphere of Eastern Serbia and savor the region’s traditional products.
Available options
PRIVATE TOUR Winter Season
PRIVATE TOUR: 01.11. - 31.03. WINTER SEASON: boat rides and visits to the Kapetan Mišin Breg restaurant are not available. 01.11. - 31.03. <br/>Pickup included
Shared - Winter season
Winter Season Small-Group Tour: The winter period included visits:
Golubac Fortress
Archaeological Site Lepenski Vir
Lunch break at a local restaurant<br/>Pickup included
SHARED TOUR - SMALL GROUP
Maximum 16 passengers, but usually 6 - 10.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Services of a professional, English-speaking tour guide
1-hour boat ride trough the Iron Gates
Entrance fee for Golubac Fortress
Transport by air-conditioned van or a minibus
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Detailed itinerary
1
Our tour starts from your accommodation, and we will head toward Eastern Serbia. Two hours of the ride we’ll spend enjoying the beautiful landscapes and listening to interesting stories about this part of the country.
2
Our first stop is the Golubac fortress, a defensive complex used to defend many kingdoms through the centuries. Golubac is the perfect fairy-tale castle, wonderfully set off by its location in the rugged landscape at the head of Đerdap Gorge. There are nine towers in all, each between 20 and 25m high, combined with the interesting position of the fortress leaning over the Danube; they make Golubac undoubtedly one of the most beautiful castles along the 2850km Danube odyssey from source to the Black Sea.
3
After visiting the mighty fortress, we will continue our ride along the Danube River, and for the next 40 minutes, you will enjoy the scenic views while learning about the history and present-day aspects of Djerdap National Park. Next, we will stop at a unique, authentic restaurant with a fantastic view overlooking the Danube to enjoy a traditional lunch featuring specialties of Eastern Serbian cuisine (not included).
4
After a pleasant ride, we will make a stop in a unique, authentic restaurant with a fantastic view overlooking the Danube to enjoy a traditional lunch made with specialties of Eastern Serbian cuisine (not included).
5
After we’ve fed our stomachs with good food and our eyes with nice views, we’ll head for the last attraction on our tour. After around 30 minutes of driving, we will reach the most beautiful part of the Iron Gates – The Great Boilers. Here we will hop onto our boat, and in the next 60 minutes, you will enjoy some of the most spectacular views in this part of Europe. Cruising through the breathtaking natural marvel where the Danube River winds through towering cliffs and lush forests, we will visit the most famous sights in the gorge: Tabula Triana – a memorial plaque erected to commemorate the construction of a military road by Roman Emperor Trajan, the rock sculpture of Decebalus, the Dacian king and the rival of the Romans, Mraconia Monastery on the Romanian side of the river and the historic signal balloon stations of Varnica and Pena.
Here we will end this river journey where history, nature, and legends meet.
6
After taking in so many impressions, we’ll get back into our vehicle, and after roughly three hours (with one coffee and toilet break), you’ll be back in Belgrade. We believe that, after finishing the tour, you will have a completely different perspective.
What's not included
Full traditional Serbian lunch (optional) = 1,700 rsd (15€) per person (payable only in cash)
Gratuities (optional)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.6
100 reviews
5★
76
4★
12
3★
8
2★
2
1★
2
Tripadvisor
4.8
84 reviews
5★
75
4★
5
3★
3
2★
1
1★
0
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Specialized infant seats are available
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.
The restaurant doesn't accept credit cards, so payment is possible only with cash.
On a shared tour, the entrance ticket for “Zone 1” (the green zone) of Golubac Fortress is included. The other zones are available only on a private tour, moderate to extremely challenging, and require visitors to be in excellent physical condition. Also, appropriate clothing and footwear are mandatory (tracksuit, trousers, capris, trainers, hiking shoes).
We kindly ask you to bring your passports (just in case), as the fortress is located very close to the Romanian border, and the border police in that area occasionally request documents from tourists.
The minimum number for a shared tour to operate is three guests.
At least 16 hours before the trip, we will inform you in case there are not enough guests on tour, and we will offer a choice between: 1) canceling the tour with no fees applied; 2) changing the tour date; 3) moving to another available tour.
In the event of unfavorable weather conditions for sailing (which occur extremely rarely), we will substitute the boat ride with a drive to one of the scenic viewpoints and a visit to the Lepenski Vir Museum.
About Belgrade
Belgrade, the vibrant capital of Serbia, is a city where ancient history and modern life intersect. Known for its lively nightlife, rich cultural heritage, and strategic location at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, Belgrade offers a unique blend of Eastern and Western European influences. Its resilient spirit and diverse attractions make it a captivating destination for travelers.
Top Attractions
Belgrade Fortress
The Belgrade Fortress is one of the city's most iconic landmarks, offering stunning views of the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. The fortress has a rich history dating back to the Roman era and has been the site of numerous battles and sieges.
Historical/Architecture
1-2 hours
Free
Knez Mihailova Street
Knez Mihailova Street is one of the most famous pedestrian streets in Belgrade, lined with historic buildings, shops, and cafes. It's a great place to experience the city's vibrant atmosphere and do some shopping.
Shopping/Cultural
1-2 hours
Free to explore
Saint Sava Temple
Saint Sava Temple is one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world and a significant religious and cultural landmark in Belgrade. The temple is dedicated to Saint Sava, the founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church, and features stunning Byzantine-style architecture and intricate mosaics.
Religious/Architecture
1-2 hours
Free
Skadarlija
Skadarlija is a charming, bohemian street in the heart of Belgrade, known for its traditional restaurants, live music, and artistic atmosphere. It's a great place to experience the city's vibrant nightlife and sample some delicious Serbian cuisine.
Cultural/Entertainment
1-2 hours
Moderate (for dining and drinks)
Ada Ciganlija
Ada Ciganlija is a popular recreational area and artificial lake in Belgrade, often referred to as the 'Belgrade Sea'. It's a great place to escape the city's hustle and bustle, with numerous beaches, sports facilities, and picnic areas.
Nature/Recreation
Half day to full day
Free (some activities may have fees)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Ćevapi
Ćevapi are small, grilled sausages made from a mixture of minced meats, usually beef and pork. They are typically served with flatbread, onions, and ajvar (a red pepper and eggplant spread).
Main course
Contains meat
Pljeskavica
Pljeskavica is a Serbian-style burger made from a mixture of minced meats, usually beef and pork, and seasoned with various spices. It is typically served with flatbread, onions, and ajvar.
Main course
Contains meat
Sarma
Sarma is a traditional Serbian dish made from cabbage leaves stuffed with a mixture of minced meat, rice, and spices. It is usually served with mashed potatoes and ajvar.
Main course
Contains meat
Burek
Burek is a flaky, layered pastry filled with a variety of ingredients, such as minced meat, cheese, or spinach. It is a popular street food and can be found in bakeries and fast-food restaurants throughout the city.
Snack/Dessert
Can be vegetarian or vegan (cheese or spinach filling)
Popular Activities
Hiking in Tara National Park
Boat tours on the Danube River
Skiing in Zlatibor
Picnicking in Ada Ciganlija
Spa treatments in luxury hotels
Wine tasting in Oplenac
Visiting museums and galleries
Attending traditional music and dance performances
Best Time to Visit
May to September
This period offers warm weather and numerous outdoor festivals, making it the most popular time to visit. However, it can be crowded, especially in July and August.
15°C to 30°C
59°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Serbian
- Widely spoken: English, Russian, German
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Serbian Dinar (RSD)
Time Zone
CET (GMT+1) / CEST (GMT+2, during daylight saving time)
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Belgrade is generally a safe city for travelers, with low levels of violent crime. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in crowded areas and on public transportation. It's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services, and insist on the meter being turned on
- • Check the menu and prices before ordering in restaurants and bars
Getting there
By air
- Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport • 18 km (11 miles) from city center
By train
Belgrade Central Station
By bus
Lasta Bus Terminal, Lasta Bus Terminal 2
Getting around
Public transport
Belgrade's bus network is extensive and covers most of the city. Buses are generally reliable and affordable, but can be crowded during peak hours.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Yandex.Taxi, Bolt
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Stari Grad (Old Town)
Savski Venac
Palilula
Zvezdara
New Belgrade
Day trips
Novi Sad
90 km (56 miles) from Belgrade • Full day
Novi Sad is a charming city in northern Serbia, known for its historic architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and proximity to the Danube River. It's a great destination for a day trip from Belgrade, offering a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Golubac Fortress
100 km (62 miles) from Belgrade • Half day to full day
Golubac Fortress is a stunning medieval fortress located on the banks of the Danube River, near the town of Golubac. It's a great destination for a day trip from Belgrade, offering a mix of history, architecture, and natural beauty.
Oplenac
130 km (81 miles) from Belgrade • Full day
Oplenac is a small town in central Serbia, known for its stunning Byzantine-style churches and royal mausoleums. It's a great destination for a day trip from Belgrade, offering a mix of history, architecture, and natural beauty.
Festivals
Belgrade Beer Fest • Late August to early September
Belgrade International Theatre Festival (BITEF) • September
Belgrade Jazz Festival • October
Pro tips
- Visit the Belgrade Fortress at sunset for a romantic and breathtaking view of the city
- Explore the city's vibrant nightlife in Skadarlija, a charming, bohemian street lined with traditional restaurants and live music venues
- Try some local delicacies, such as ćevapi, pljeskavica, and burek, at one of the city's many street food stalls and markets
- Take a day trip to Novi Sad, a charming city in northern Serbia known for its historic architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and proximity to the Danube River
- Visit the Ada Ciganlija, a popular recreational area and artificial lake in Belgrade, offering a variety of beaches, sports facilities, and picnic areas.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
