Day Trip South of Šumadija Oplenac, Kosmaj & Avala
Vozdovac, Belgrade
Head into Šumadija to visit Oplenac’s mosaic-filled royal church, taste Prokupac wine, and explore hilltop landmarks, ending at Avala with the Unknown Hero monument and panoramic Belgrade views.
Highlights
- Visit the Church of St. George at Oplenac — the Royal Mausoleum of the Karađorđević dynasty
- Tour Aleksandrović winery and taste Prokupac, Serbia’s indigenous red grape
- Explore Kosmajska Iskra, a Yugoslav abstract monument
- Enjoy panoramic views over Belgrade from Avala Tower observation deck
- Small group format with private car for 1–4 people or minibus for 5–16
Description
Šumadija, meaning 'land of forests,' is a green, rolling region south of Belgrade where modern Serbia was founded. This tour visits the royal mausoleum, local wineries, and significant 20th-century monuments, tracing history from the 19th century to present.
The tour starts at Oplenac, the spiritual home of the Karađorđević dynasty. The Church of St. George, completed in 1930, features a white marble exterior and an interior covered in over 40 million mosaic tiles depicting medieval Serbian frescoes. Below, the Royal Mausoleum holds the remains of the dynasty. Nearby, Karađorđev Konak museum details Serbia's journey from uprising to kingdom and Yugoslavia.
Next is a visit to Aleksandrović winery near Topola, a family estate leading the revival of Serbian viticulture. The estate focuses on indigenous grape varieties, primarily Prokupac, for which the region is known. Visitors tour the winery, enjoy a cellar visit, wine tasting, and a sit-down lunch.
The tour continues to Kosmaj mountain, close to Belgrade. Highlights include Tresije, a natural rock formation with wide views of the Šumadija plain, and Kosmajska Iskra, a 1971 stainless steel abstract monument commemorating WWII Partisan resistance. The monument stands in a forest clearing and is a notable example of Yugoslav memorial architecture.
The day concludes at Avala Mountain with Meštrović’s Monument to the Unknown Hero, featuring eight caryatids representing Yugoslavia’s peoples. Avala Tower, rebuilt after 1999 destruction, offers the best panoramic views of Belgrade from a fixed point.
Includes
- Professional English-speaking guide throughout the day
- Private car (1–4 passengers) or air-conditioned minibus (5–16 passengers) with departure and return to Belgrade
- Entrance fees: Oplenac (Karađorđev Konak, Church of St. George, Royal Mausoleum and museum)
- Aleksandrović winery tour, wine tasting, and lunch
- Kosmaj visit including Tresije rock formation and Kosmajska Iskra monument
- Avala visit including Monument to the Unknown Hero and Avala Tower entrance
Excludes
- Drinks beyond the wine tasting (water provided; other drinks at additional cost)
- Optional stops such as the WWI monument and additional viewpoints
- Personal expenses
- Tips (optional and appreciated)
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Book in advance to secure your preferred date. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. The best time to visit is from spring to early autumn for optimal weather and vineyard activity.
