​This Danube route links different points in time and like a time machine opens a path through history of this part of Europe. If you were asking yourself which private day trip is our first pick, then note that this is the one. There are many reasons for it. It’s packed with unique natural sights: Iron Gate Gorge is the biggest gorge of Europe and a National Park. It is ideal for history and archaeology buffs thanks to Lepenski Vir archaeological site. Fans of medieval fortresses will like it particularly for Golubac Fortress. And if all of this is not enough, add local food to the experience. For more adventurous travelers, not willing to settle with just a day trip, please consider the two day tour Iron Gates Hike and Boat Ride Tour.

What to Expect From the Iron Gate Gorge and Lepenski Vir Tour in 2023

Expect a great way to spend a day outside the city. You will visit several famous landmarks of Serbia. You’ll enjoy breathtaking landscapes of Danube River running through the Iron Gates. Learn how the gorge got its name while admiring Big and Small Boiler (Mali i Veliki kazan) ravines from ground or water. Take a peek at the Romanian side of the Danube, which is a natural border between two countries. For the ones who request an optional boat ride, get closer to the Decibel statue carved into the rock and touch the Roman Emperor’s plaque from the II century AD.

Highlights

Tour Flow

#YourSerbiaHost will pick you up at your hotel in the morning (usual pickup time is 9am). First stop on the tour is the Golubac Fortress just nearby the town with the same name. Both the town and the fortress overlook the widest point of Danube on its entire stretch. The 13th century fortification also guards the entrance to the Iron Gates. While you explore the fortress in and out, by climbing the towers and walking the halls, your guide will share legends and stories about the place. Note that the fortress is closed on Mondays, so if you book the tour for a Monday, we can only take a short photo stop beside the road.

Straight from Golubac you’ll continue down the road, following the Danube. After a short drive you’ll arrive to Lepenski Vir – the oldest organized settlement in Europe. Settlement was founded around 8000 BC and lasted till 4500 BC when people of Lepenski Vir moved on to the world. Archaeological site is in perfect condition and it consists of several segments. Uniqueness of this place, in an archaeological sense, is the fact that the whole settlement was moved from its original location retaining absolutely the same items and setup from the time when people of Lepenski Vir lived there.

Road takes you further through the town of Donji Milanovac towards the prettiest part of the Iron Gate Gorge, ravines Mali and Veliki kazan (the Big and Small Boiler). This place is what makes our tour unique, where only this tour will get you that deep into the gorge. This stop will finally put sense into the name Iron Gates. The sights will be self explanatory.

Optional Boat Ride

On this tour you can opt for a private boat ride through the ravines. It’ll give you a unique opportunity to see the Tabula Traina, the Roman Emperor’s plaque from the II century AD which is only accessible from the water. Also, it’ll give you a much closer look to Decibel’s Statue carved into a rock on the Romanian side of the river. You’ll ride over the deepest point of Danube and the narrowest one on its entire stretch. And last but not least, you’ll have a chance to chat with a local captain. The ride is 2 hours and in case you decide to take it, pickup will be at 8am.

​After all the excitement and experiences you’ll stop for a deserved lunch break. Best possible place to experience local hospitality, food and charm is Captain Misa’s Hill. ​Kind hosts will serve traditional local food in authentic surroundings with the most fascinating view.

After lunch we are getting you back to Belgrade where you’ll arrive in the early evening. Usual drop-off time is around 7pm.

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