May Day Cruising The Danube Through History

UNESCO GEO PARK DJERDAP AND DJERDAP GORGE,
BELGRADE, SMEDEREVO, RAM, AND GOLUBAC FORTRESS,
LEPENSKI VIR, TABULA TRAIANA

4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS (BY BOAT AND BUS)
From 01.05.2025 to 04.05.2025.

Day 1 (01.05.2025): Belgrade – Smederevo – Ram – Veliko Gradište – Golubac – Djerdap Gorge – Donji Milanovac – Tekija – Kladovo (240 km)

Gathering of passengers at Belgrade Port (Karađorđeva Street, near Branko’s Bridge) at 07:15 AM for check-in and boarding. The cruise begins along the Danube from Belgrade Fortress, passing the medieval Smederevo Fortress, then the confluence of the Morava River, and continuing towards Ram Fortress, located in the widest section of the Danube in Serbia. As we sail further, we pass Silver Lake and Veliko Gradište, followed by Golubac Fortress, the gateway to the Djerdap Unesco Geo Park, known as the Iron Gates.

This journey takes us through Europe’s longest and deepest gorge, an area rich in unique flora and fauna, and home to Lepenski Vir, one of the oldest settlements in Europe. We continue past Donji Milanovac town and enter the most dramatic part of the Djerdap Gorge, known as the Great and Small Kazan, sailing beneath the monument of Decebalus, the last Dacian king, and Tabula Traiana, an ancient Roman inscription left by Emperor Traian.

After approximately 9.5 hours of cruising, we arrive in Tekija, where a short bus transfer takes us to Kladovo. Check-in at the Aquastar Danube Hotel, followed by dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 2 (02.05.2025): Kladovo – Optional Excursions or Spa & Wellness

After breakfast at the hotel, guests have free time to enjoy the Spa & Wellness Center (swimming pools, sauna, jacuzzi) or join one of the optional excursions:

Excursion to Vratna and Rajac Wine Cellars (7h)
Arrival in the village of Vratna and a visit to the three highest natural stone bridges in Europe, located above the river of the same name. Near this natural phenomenon is the Vratna Monastery, which, according to legend, dates back to the 14th century. The journey continues through Negotin, arriving in the village of Rajac and visiting the Rajac wine cellars. According to official data, the complex consists of more than 160 grouped underground structures used for wine production and storage (120 in the village of Rogljevo, 30 in Štubik). This wine-growing region is known for its exceptionally high-quality wine. Also worth visiting is the old cemetery with well-preserved stone tombstones from the 18th century . After the tour, wine tasting and lunch follow, after which we return to the hotel.

Excursion price: adults €45, children 7-12 years €20, children under 7 – free of charge.
Payment at the hotel, with a minimum of 15 adults required for the excursion to take place.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 3 (03.05.2025). Kladovo – Optional Excursions or Spa & Wellness.

After breakfast at the hotel, guests have free time to enjoy the Spa & Wellness Center (swimming pools, sauna, jacuzzi) or join one of the optional excursions:

Roman and Archaeological Tour (3.5h)

This excursion begins with a visit to the Djerdap Archaeological Museum, which preserves significant evidence of various cultures that thrived along the Danube, from prehistoric times through the Roman and medieval periods. The tour continues with a short visit to the Roman fortress Diana, followed by a visit to the Djerdap Hydroelectric Power Plant, built in 1974 as the largest infrastructure project of its time in Europe. The construction of the dam dramatically altered the course of the Danube, affecting local villages and several cultural and historical monuments. After visiting the dam, the excursion proceeds to Fetislam Fortress, an Ottoman stronghold built in the first half of the 16th century, when Kladovo became a strategically important location along the Danube. The final stop is at the remains of Trajan’s Bridge, which, for over a thousand years, was considered the longest bridge in the world. Built by the Roman Emperor Trajan in the early 2nd century AD, the bridge was a key structure for the Roman conquest of Dacia.

The excursion concludes at the hotel, where guests will enjoy local wine tasting and snack.

Excursion price: adults €35, children 7-12 years €15, children under 7 – free of charge.
Payment at the hotel, with a minimum of 15 adults required for the excursion to take place.

Day 4 (04.05.2024). Kladovo – Lepenski Vir – Captain Miša’s Hill – Golubac Fortress – Belgrade (240 km)
After breakfast, we depart by bus at 09:30 AM, following the Danube’s scenic route with a photo stop at the Kazan viewpoint. Our first visit is to Lepenski Vir, an archaeological site dating back to 6,500 BC, considered one of the oldest urban settlements in Europe.After exploring Lepenski Vir, we stop for lunch at the ethno restaurant Captain Miša’s Hill, a charming location with a panoramic view of the Danube. We continue to Golubac Fortress, a medieval stronghold from the 14th century, strategically positioned at the entrance of the Djerdap Gorge.Arrival in Belgrade in the evening.
Tour Price:

  • Double Room Accommodation: €325 per person
  • Single Room Supplement: +€120
  • Children (0 – 6.99 years): First child free, Second child – 50% discount
  • Children (7 – 11.99 years): 50% discount

A minimum of 45 passengers is required for the tour to take place.
Included in the Price:

  • Danube cruise from Belgrade to Tekija on Day 1
  • Bus transfers (Tekija–Kladovo on Day 1, Kladovo – Belgrade on Day 4)
  • Breakfast and lunch on board during the cruise
  • Accommodation at Aquastar Danube Hotel 4* – 3 nights (half-board: buffet breakfast and dinner)
  • Use of the Spa & Wellness Center (pool, sauna, jacuzzi, steam bath, massage chairs, fitness room)
  • Lunch on Day 4
  • Entrance fees for Lepenski Vir and Golubac Fortress
  • Services of a tour guide and local guides
  • Organization costs

Not Included:

  • Drinks during the cruise and at the hotel
    Optional excursions on Day 2. and Day 3.
    • Roman and Archaeological Tour: €30 per person (children under 7 – free, children 7-11.99 – €15)
    • Vratna & Rajac Wine Tour: €45 per person (children under 7 – free, children 7-11.99 – €25)
      Optional excursions are paid at the hotel reception.
  • Tourist tax and insurance fees (€0.8 per person per night, children 7-15 years: €0.40 per night)
    Personal expenses (mini-bar, massage services, laundry, jacuzzi usage, etc.)

Important Notes:

  • The itinerary is subject to changes due to unforeseen circumstances.
  • The final program may be adjusted before the start of the season.
  • Cruise duration from Belgrade to Tekija depends on navigation conditions.

About the Cruise Ship: Aquastar Maxim

The Aquastar Maxim is a 28-meter-long, 7-meter-wide passenger ship, built in 2014. It accommodates 70 passengers in a modern salon, featuring a bar, a large LCD screen, and a high-quality sound system. The upper deck is equipped with loungers, offering a comfortable space to relax while enjoying the cruise.

Meals are served in a buffet style, and the ship is technically adapted to ensure a smooth sailing experience throughout the program.

info@hotelkladovo.rs
+381 19 810 810
+381 64 8207 505 Gordana Nikolić