Spiritual Heritage in the Valley of the Kings: Discover Serbia’s Most Important Orthodox Monasteries

Experience the spiritual essence of Orthodox Christianity and the mesmerizing beauty of medieval art without the hassle of planning. Get personalized experience and insights from your private guide.

Tour in a Glance

What to Expect From the Monasteries Zica and Studenica Tour in 2025

Dive into spirituality, art and history on this private tour, exploring UNESCO World Heritage site like Monastery Studenica and Monastery Zica, the original seat of the Serbian Orthodox Church. Enjoy scenic drives, get insightful explanations about frescoes, architecture and feel the tranquility of this holy places. After a fulfilling day you’ll have a chance to try local food in one the most praised traditional restaurants in Serbia. If UNESCO sites are your thing, you might consider this tour UNESCO Sites in the Valley of the Kings as well.

Highlights

• Meet Zica and Studenica Monasteries and discover their pivotal role in Serbian medieval history.

• Get detailed explanations about the frescoes, architecture, and symbolism of both monasteries from our knowledgeable guides, offering a deeper understanding of their significance.

• Discover hidden gems like the medieval Fortress Maglič nestled within the Gorge of River Ibar and find out why this area it is called “Valley of the kings”.

• Feel traditional Serbian hospitality and cuisine at “Kod Mira,” a family-owned restaurant with a legacy spanning over 200 years, offering a taste of authentic local flavors.

Tour Flow

#YourSerbiaHost will pick you up at your Belgrade address (usual pickup time is 9am) and you’ll travel to Western Serbia through the picturesque Šumadija region. On the way you’ll get a chance to hear about life in this part of Serbia from your guide.

After a two hour drive you’ll reach your first stop for the day, Monastery Zica. During the visit you’ll learn from your guide how important Žiča was in Serbian medieval life. You’ll get to explore its main church, side chapels and hear about the most valuable frescoes. But you’ll also hear about the destruction which the monastery faced during the 7 centuries long history.  You’ll hear about a belief that a king was not a king unless he was crowned in Žiča.

Along the route from Monastery Zica you’ll travel through the Gorge of River Ibar. The gorge holds a beautiful medieval Fortress Maglič, but it’s only possible to see it from the road.

After a short drive, in an isolated mountainous location the Monastery Studenica will welcome you in all its glory. Regardless of your religious beliefs the sight won’t leave you indifferent. We’ll take you through the complex starting with the main church of Holy Virgin. Here you’ll see the most beautiful frescoes from the XII century, including the most famous one Crucifixion of Christ. You’ll also get to see other parts of the monastic complex during the visit.

From Studenica Monastery we’ll take you to a well deserved lunch stop in the village Bogutovac. To a family owned restaurant “Kod Mira” which is there for over 200 years. The same family runs it for entire period and they nurture traditional hospitality. Local and homemade specialties are waiting for you to highlight the day.

After meal in “Kod Mira” we’ll take you straight to Belgrade. Usual arrival time is around 6pm.

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