From Belgrade: Best of West (Drina House, Drvengrad & Sargan 8)

Explore the Stunning Highlights of Western Serbia from Belgrade

The From Belgrade: Best of West tour offers an engaging 12-hour journey through some of Serbia’s most captivating landscapes and cultural sites. Priced at $104.50 per person, this private roundtrip experience is ideal for those wanting to see the Drina River House, the charming Mokra Gora Wooden Village, and enjoy the famous Sargan 8 train ride. The tour departs early at 7:00 am from Belgrade and is designed for small groups, ensuring personalized attention from your English-speaking guide.

This tour is highly recommended by 99% of participants and boasts a perfect 5.0/5 rating from 96 reviews. Expect a well-paced day filled with natural beauty, film history, and a cozy heritage railway. Keep in mind that additional costs apply for certain stops, including the Sargan 8 train ticket and Mokra Gora Wooden Village entry fee, and that the tour relies on good weather for the train ride in winter.

Key Points

• Full-day private tour from Belgrade with transportation included
• Visit the Drina River House, a house built on a rock, famous for its national geographic photo
• Ride the Sargan 8 narrow-gauge railway, winding through mountain tunnels and bridges
• Explore Mokra Gora Wooden Village, built as a film set by Emir Kusturica
• Small group size for more personalized guide attention
• Tour departs at 7:00 am, with pickup from accommodations within 5 km of Republic Square

From Belgrade to the Gate of Podrinje for Scenic Views

The tour begins with a pickup from Belgrade, making it easy to start your adventure hassle-free. The first stop is the Gate of Podrinje, a viewpoint in Western Serbia. Here, a brief 5-minute photo stop offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. This viewpoint provides a great introduction to the natural beauty of the region and is admission-free.

This initial stop sets the tone for the day, emphasizing Serbia’s rugged terrain and scenic vistas. It also offers a quick chance to stretch before heading deeper into the mountains and valleys that define this part of Serbia.

The Iconic Drina River House on a Rock

The Drina River House is the first major stop of the day, built on a rock in the middle of the Drina River. Constructed in 1968, this tiny house gained worldwide fame after being featured as “Photo of the Day” in National Geographic in 2012. Its dramatic location on a rock makes it one of Serbia’s most recognizable sights.

Visitors get around 20 minutes at this stop, which is free of charge. The scenery around the house is breathtaking, and many take the opportunity to capture unforgettable photos. The area is also known for homegrown raspberries, and tasting homemade raspberry juice is highly recommended during this stop.

Discover Mokra Gora Wooden Village and Film History

Next, the tour visits Mokra Gora Wooden Village, a picturesque mountain settlement built as a filming location by Emir Kusturica. The village exudes charm with its wooden houses and streets, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely exploration. The village’s rustic ambiance and mountain air create a tranquil escape from city life.

This stop lasts about one hour, with free admission. Visitors enjoy strolling through the village, soaking in the mountain scenery, and imagining scenes from Kusturica’s films. The village’s construction as a film set adds a layer of film history to the visit, making it more than just a scenic stop.

The Sargan 8 Railway Experience

The highlight for many is the Sargan 8 narrow-gauge railway, a historic train track famous for its impressive curves, tunnels, and bridges. The train ride lasts approximately one hour, with a ticket costing around 10.5 Euros per person. The train is pulled by a cozy diesel engine, adding to its nostalgic charm.

This scenic journey is often praised for its breathtaking mountain views and cozy, vintage atmosphere. Passengers watch tunnels and bridges pass by, feeling transported back in time. The train’s operation depends on weather conditions, especially in winter when it may be replaced with a visit to Tara National Park or Zlatibor mountain if the train isn’t running.

Practical Details and Additional Costs

The tour includes pickup and drop-off, a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, and an English-speaking guide. While the main stops are free, there are some additional expenses: 300 Rsd (about 2.5 Euros) for entry to Mokra Gora Wooden Village and 1200 Rsd (about 10.5 Euros) for the train ticket.

Guests should be prepared for a full day of travel, with a lot of driving through mountainous terrain. The minimum group size is four people, and the tour may be subject to schedule changes due to weather or site closures.

Logistics and Meeting Points

The tour starts at 7:00 am with pickup from hotels within 5 km of Republic Square in Belgrade. If staying further out, the guide will inform about the specific meeting point the day before. The transportation is provided by well-maintained, comfortable mini vans, ensuring a smooth journey.

In winter months (from November 12 to April 1), the Sargan 8 train does not operate. Instead, the tour visits Tara National Park’s Banjska Stena viewpoint or Zlatibor mountain, depending on conditions, with a small additional fee of 3 Euros.

What Past Participants Say About the Tour

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides, often mentioning Milan and Darko for their engaging storytelling. The scenery and train ride receive particular acclaim, with many describing the experience as “beautiful” and “worth every penny.” The long drive is noted, but the scenic views and stops make it worthwhile.

Some highlight the personalized attention of small group sizes, and most agree that the value for money justifies the price. Weather can impact the experience, but the tour offers flexible alternatives if needed, demonstrating good planning and responsiveness.

The Sum Up: A Rich Day of Natural Beauty and Cultural Charm

This full-day tour from Belgrade offers a well-rounded snapshot of Western Serbia’s natural landscapes, film history, and cultural landmarks. The combination of scenic stops, a historic train ride, and a charming mountain village makes it ideal for visitors seeking an immersive experience beyond Belgrade’s city limits.

The small-group format and expert guiding ensure a personalized experience, and the affordable price makes it accessible for many. Keep in mind the additional costs and weather dependency—but overall, it’s a rich, memorable journey into Serbia’s lesser-known but stunning regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pickup available from my hotel?
Pickup is offered from accommodations within 5 km of Republic Square in Belgrade. If your hotel is further, the guide will inform you of the specific meeting point the day before.

How long is the train ride on the Sargan 8?
The train ride lasts about one hour, providing views of tunnels, bridges, and mountain scenery.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes pickup and drop-off, transportation in a comfortable vehicle, and an English-speaking guide. Entry fees for Mokra Gora Wooden Village and the train ticket are not included.

What should I bring for the stops?
A smart casual dress is recommended. Bring your camera for photos at the Drina River House and scenic stops, and some cash for additional costs like tickets and snacks.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour start time for a full refund.

What happens in winter when the train doesn’t operate?
During winter months, the train ride is replaced with a visit to Tara National Park’s Banjska Stena viewpoint or Zlatibor mountain, with a small extra fee of 3 Euros.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is designed for a maximum of 18 travelers, ensuring a comfortable and intimate experience.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?
Yes, the easy walking involved and short stops make it suitable for most ages, but be prepared for some mountain terrain and vehicle travel.

What makes this tour stand out from others?
The combination of scenic vistas, film-set history, and the historic Sargan 8 railway provides a unique glimpse into Western Serbia. The small group size and personal guide enhance the experience, making it a highly recommended choice for exploring beyond Belgrade.