Drvengrad - Mećavnik

Prepare yourself for an exciting and unforgettable adventure set in Western Serbia, the most vivid region in the country that can easily be described in just two words: unimaginable nature! With a morning departure from Belgrade, this unforgettable day will start with a drive to wild and almost untouched nature, tasty cuisine and friendly and hospitable people. The route leads us to drive along the gorgeous Drina River where we will have a unique opportunity to see the world-famous attraction, “The House on the Drina” an isolated house made of logs on a river stone. The cherry on top will be the breathtaking view from the viewpoint positioned above the stunning landscape composed of high mountains and the Drina River itself. Our first goal on the tour is a unique retro “Šargan 8 Railway”. The unique drive with the retro-train called “Nostalgy” will bring you back to times passed and let you fully enjoy the scenery and numerous tunnels. While you are enjoying amazing landscapes you will learn how this project was a huge victory of technology over nature, why it is named by a number and how it became Europe’s most attractive narrow gauge railway. After this “time travel” ride, something equally fabulous awaits us in the continuation of the tour. Film fans will be overjoyed to visit the breathtaking Ethno-village “Wooden Town” that famous director Emir Kusturica built. All the objects at this charming complex are made from natural materials, mostly wood. An especially interesting and glamorous event happening in this town is the film festival “Kustendorf”, a highly respected annual celebration of motion picture. We will treat you like our special guest and make a lunch break, giving you the opportunity to enjoy traditional Serbian food. Our ride back to Belgrade will be equally exciting. We will drive through the picturesque Ovčar-Kablar Canyon that extends above the meanders of the Western Morava River giving you the opportunity to enjoy more of the beautiful Western Serbia scenery. With head and soul full of impressions, you will be safely driven back to Belgrade.

Go off the beaten path and explore the best of western Serbia. Photograph the peculiar Drina River house – the only Serbian landmark posted on the cover of National Geographic Magazine, and travel back in time on a scenic ride on the Sargan 8 train. Explore a wooden town created as a movie set and enjoy spectacular views along the way on this private or small-group tour.  The tour starts at 7:00 AM from your accommodation in Belgrade. Travel for 2.5 hours in an air-conditioned car or minivan and arrive at the Gate of Podrinje viewpoint, marking the entrance to the magical Drina River Valley. Continue to Bajina Basta, a small city famous for being the home of the Drina River house. This unusual house was built in 1968 by local students and was made famous by National Geographic Magazine. Take a quick break to explore the area and enjoy a coffee or tea.  Next, drive 45 minutes towards Mokra Gora Railway Station, where you will start the Sargan 8 railroad ride. Authentic cars with wooden seats will take you back to 1925 when this railroad connected Belgrade with the Adriatic Sea. Hop on the train "Nostalgia" and ride up to the cliff at Jatare Station where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. After a 2.5-hour ride, you will return to the starting point.  The last stop is in Drvengrad or "Woodentown," an ethno village developed by the well-known movie director, Emir Kusturica, as a set for his movie Life is Miracle. All the objects including the hotel, shops, church, and cinema are made of natural materials. Before starting the return trip, break for lunch and try some regional specialties. Drop-off will be provided at your accommodation in Belgrade at approximately 8:00 PM.

Start with pickup from your hotel in Sarajevo. Begin the journey towards the eastern region of Bosnia, taking in views of beautiful mountains and small villages throughout the journey. First, stop at the town of Visegrad and walk across the Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, enjoy a scenic boat ride on the Drina River, with exceptional views of the bridge and the surrounding landscapes.  Continue towards the nearby town of Andric, recently built in honor of Nobel Prize winner and writer, Ivo Andric. Cross the border into Serbia and discover Sargan Eight, a narrow-gauge heritage railway line built shortly after WWI. Ride the Ciro locomotive along this scenic route through 22 tunnels, and capture panoramic views of a picturesque region.  After the train ride, travel to Kurstendorf. Also known as Drvengrad, discover a village that was purpose-built for the 2004 film "Life is a Miracle" directed by Emir Kusturica. Explore this charming replica of a traditional Serbian village, which has a hotel, cinema, chapel gallery, and restaurants. Enjoy some time for lunch, at your own expense, before returning to Sarajevo.

Explore the beauty, culture, and heritage of Western Serbia on a full-day guided tour from Belgrade to Sarajevo. Experience the unique Timbertown, the scenic Sargan Eight Railway, and authentic traditional lunch. Starting from Belgrade, the first stop is Mećavnik-Drvengrad or Timbertown. It was built by the famous Serbian director Emir Kusturica (two times Palme D’Or winner) during the shooting of his film Life Is a Miracle. See unique wooden architecture and sites where vintage cars are parked on twisting streets named after celebrities such as Bruce Lee and Diego Maradona. Next up, stop for a delicious traditional lunch made of local specialties (cost not included). Enjoy a train ride on the historic Sargan Eight Railway. Authentic cars with wooden seats, wood-burning stoves, and characteristic rattling sounds will take you back to 1925 when this train was started, connecting Belgrade to the Adriatic Sea. Soak in the ethereal views of the Mokra Gora as you pass through and stop at several viewpoints throughout the two-and-a-half-hour ride. Return to the departing station and arrive at Sarajevo by car or van in the evening.