Once one of the most treacherous points of the Danube, the natural characteristics of the Iron Gate Gorge have been tempered over the years to allow for smoother passing of ships, but its wild beauty and historical significance from Mesolithic times to the present have remained a force to be reckoned with. So much so that in July 2020, the broader area of Đerdap National Park in which the gorge is situated was designated as a UNESCO global geopark and our exploration of it will provide a deeper understanding as to why.
Aside from the breathtaking views you will be seeing along the journey to Đerdap National Park and Iron Gate Gorge, this eastern section of the Danube forms the natural border between Serbia and Romania and is one of the richest areas in Serbia regarding cultural heritage. On this private tour, we’ll also be visiting two of eastern Serbia’s most famous cultural landmarks: the 13th-century Golubac Fortress and the archaeological wonder of Lepenski Vir, the oldest organized settlement in Europe.
While we’re traveling through the vicinity of Europe’s largest gorge, you’ll have plenty of chances to stop at some of the area’s most scenic viewpoints as well as the opportunity for an optional boat ride to experience the magnificence of the Iron Gate from the Danube. Before making our way back to Belgrade, we’ll stop for an authentic traditional meal and more spectacular views at Captain Miša’s Hill, a popular ethno eco-complex in Donji Milanovac named after Captain Miša Anastasijaveić who was well known in the 19th century as “the Danube captain.”
This private tour to Iron Gate Gorge, Golubac, and Lepenski Vir is a wonderful option for those who want a day with nature and a break from the hustle and bustle of Belgrade. For those who would like to explore even more of the country, we also offer private tours to Mokra Gora featuring a ride on the Šargan Eight Train and a private wine tour of Serbia.
Iron Gate Gorge, Golubac & Lepenski Vir Private Tour
Duration: 9-10 hours
Price from $ 389
Day trips Serbia tours
Iron Gate Gorge, Golubac & Lepenski Vir Private Tour
How long: 9-10 hours
Country: Serbia
Price from $ 389
Follow along the mighty Danube towards Serbia’s eastern border with Romania to uncover Đerdap National Park’s rugged beauty and its historical treasures on this private tour to Iron Gate Gorge, Golubac Fortress, and Lepenski Vir.
Tour Essentials
Duration
9-10 hours
Tour Style
Private - Only you & your party
Getting Around
Driving between tour points, walking when on sites
Availability
Seasonal - this tour is only available from April 15th - October 31st. Usual start time is at 9 am, but it can be tailored to your needs.
Language
English speaking guide
Difficulty
Easy for most. There is a bit of walking from the vehicle to the venue at some points which will require more time for slow walkers, but no extra effort.
Easy booking
Online booking and reservation
Customer reviews
Tour Highlights
Golubac Fortress
Explore the myths and legends of a medieval fortress
Iron Gate Gorge
Revel in the magnificence of Europe's largest gorge
Lepenski Vir
Uncover the 8,000-year-old history of "Europe's oldest city"
Captain Misa's Hill
Enjoy Serbian hospitality and traditional lunch with a view
Price Information
$389
1-3 people
Price is per group, not per person.
1-3 people
$389
4-6 people
$469
7-8 people
$579
9-19 people
$969
Included
- Pickup and drop-off
- Transportation
- Driver/guide service
- Bottled water
- Single-use surgical face mask if you don't have your own
- Tour organization
Not Included
- Entry tickets for Golubac fortress ~5€ per person
- Entry tickets for Lepenski vir ~4€ per person
- Personal expenses
- Tips
Bookable extras
- Optional 2h boat ride is 160€ for up to 5 passengers (per tour, not per person). Every additional passenger is 35€ per person. Maximum capacity of the boat is 12.
- Lunch ~10€ per person*
- * Price shown is price for lunch per person based on household's daily menu.
Tour Map and Itinerary
Itinerary
Iron Gate Gorge & Lepenski Vir Private Tour
Stop 1
Golubac Fortress
Starting out in the morning, we’ll pick you up from your hotel or address in Belgrade and drive east to the town of Golubac and the banks of the Danube. From the impressive Golubac Fortress, our exploration will begin.
While there is no reliable data on the exact construction date of the fortification, it is widely accepted that a majority of it was built during the 14th century with theories that it first began in the 13th century by Serbian king Stefan Dragutin. However, during the recent reconstruction work on the medieval town, remains that were discovered point to an even earlier Roman and Byzantine settlement.
Sitting directly at the entrance to Iron Gate Gorge with its walls dripping down into the Danube, Golubac Fortress is rife with legends about both its history and the origin of its name which translates as “Pigeon City/Dove City.” We’ll share some of these colorful stories with you and give you time to wander around the fortress’ surroundings where you can stop at the newly constructed visitor’s center to learn even more about its history from past to present.
While there is no reliable data on the exact construction date of the fortification, it is widely accepted that a majority of it was built during the 14th century with theories that it first began in the 13th century by Serbian king Stefan Dragutin. However, during the recent reconstruction work on the medieval town, remains that were discovered point to an even earlier Roman and Byzantine settlement.
Sitting directly at the entrance to Iron Gate Gorge with its walls dripping down into the Danube, Golubac Fortress is rife with legends about both its history and the origin of its name which translates as “Pigeon City/Dove City.” We’ll share some of these colorful stories with you and give you time to wander around the fortress’ surroundings where you can stop at the newly constructed visitor’s center to learn even more about its history from past to present.
Stop 2
Lepenski Vir
After spending time at Golubac Fortress, we will drive to the archeological wonder that is Lepenski Vir. This historical treasure is unique not only in its well-planned layout and curious trapezoidal architecture when it comes to 8,000-year-old settlements but also in that the entire settlement was physically moved from its original location along the Danube to its present location. Miraculously, the site remains completely intact and in perfect condition as archaeologists were able to retain the same setup as when the people of Lepinski Vir resided.
We’ll visit several different parts that make up this site and you’ll have a chance to view the many fascinating artifacts that have been recovered as well as view a short documentary on its discovery and interactive 3D rendering of what life was like in Lepenski Vir some 8 millennia ago.
We’ll visit several different parts that make up this site and you’ll have a chance to view the many fascinating artifacts that have been recovered as well as view a short documentary on its discovery and interactive 3D rendering of what life was like in Lepenski Vir some 8 millennia ago.
Stop 3
Mali Kazan & Veliki Kazan
As we continue our journey a bit further down the road and through the town of Donji Milanovac, we will reach what is considered the most picturesque part of Iron Gate, the ravines of Mali Kazan and Veliki Kazan. If you’ve seen pictures of Iron Gate Gorge before, this is most likely where they were taken as it's from these viewpoints you can see what makes this geological feature so awe-inspiring.
If you choose to take the optional boat ride to view the gorge from a different perspective, we’ll take you down to meet your captain. The boat ride lasts approximately two hours and will take you to Tabula Traina, the Decebalus rock statue, and the final point before the Danube transitions from Serbia to Romania.
If you choose to take the optional boat ride to view the gorge from a different perspective, we’ll take you down to meet your captain. The boat ride lasts approximately two hours and will take you to Tabula Traina, the Decebalus rock statue, and the final point before the Danube transitions from Serbia to Romania.
Stop 4
Captain Miša's Hill
After a day spent soaking in all the history and nature of the area, we will take you to one of our favorite places and our final stop, Captain Miša’s Hill in Donji Milanovac. A charming ethno eco-complex run by friendly locals, Captain Miša’s Hill is perched on a hill overlooking the Danube and is one of the best places in the country to experience local hospitality, try traditional Serbian food, and enjoy your last moments with eastern Serbia’s breathtaking scenery.
Golubac Fortress
Starting out in the morning, we’ll pick you up from your hotel or address in Belgrade and drive east to the town of Golubac and the banks of the Danube. From the impressive Golubac Fortress, our exploration will begin.
While there is no reliable data on the exact construction date of the fortification, it is widely accepted that a majority of it was built during the 14th century with theories that it first began in the 13th century by Serbian king Stefan Dragutin. However, during the recent reconstruction work on the medieval town, remains that were discovered point to an even earlier Roman and Byzantine settlement.
Sitting directly at the entrance to Iron Gate Gorge with its walls dripping down into the Danube, Golubac Fortress is rife with legends about both its history and the origin of its name which translates as “Pigeon City/Dove City.” We’ll share some of these colorful stories with you and give you time to wander around the fortress’ surroundings where you can stop at the newly constructed visitor’s center to learn even more about its history from past to present.
While there is no reliable data on the exact construction date of the fortification, it is widely accepted that a majority of it was built during the 14th century with theories that it first began in the 13th century by Serbian king Stefan Dragutin. However, during the recent reconstruction work on the medieval town, remains that were discovered point to an even earlier Roman and Byzantine settlement.
Sitting directly at the entrance to Iron Gate Gorge with its walls dripping down into the Danube, Golubac Fortress is rife with legends about both its history and the origin of its name which translates as “Pigeon City/Dove City.” We’ll share some of these colorful stories with you and give you time to wander around the fortress’ surroundings where you can stop at the newly constructed visitor’s center to learn even more about its history from past to present.
Lepenski Vir
After spending time at Golubac Fortress, we will drive to the archeological wonder that is Lepenski Vir. This historical treasure is unique not only in its well-planned layout and curious trapezoidal architecture when it comes to 8,000-year-old settlements but also in that the entire settlement was physically moved from its original location along the Danube to its present location. Miraculously, the site remains completely intact and in perfect condition as archaeologists were able to retain the same setup as when the people of Lepinski Vir resided.
We’ll visit several different parts that make up this site and you’ll have a chance to view the many fascinating artifacts that have been recovered as well as view a short documentary on its discovery and interactive 3D rendering of what life was like in Lepenski Vir some 8 millennia ago.
We’ll visit several different parts that make up this site and you’ll have a chance to view the many fascinating artifacts that have been recovered as well as view a short documentary on its discovery and interactive 3D rendering of what life was like in Lepenski Vir some 8 millennia ago.
Mali Kazan & Veliki Kazan
As we continue our journey a bit further down the road and through the town of Donji Milanovac, we will reach what is considered the most picturesque part of Iron Gate, the ravines of Mali Kazan and Veliki Kazan. If you’ve seen pictures of Iron Gate Gorge before, this is most likely where they were taken as it's from these viewpoints you can see what makes this geological feature so awe-inspiring.
If you choose to take the optional boat ride to view the gorge from a different perspective, we’ll take you down to meet your captain. The boat ride lasts approximately two hours and will take you to Tabula Traina, the Decebalus rock statue, and the final point before the Danube transitions from Serbia to Romania.
If you choose to take the optional boat ride to view the gorge from a different perspective, we’ll take you down to meet your captain. The boat ride lasts approximately two hours and will take you to Tabula Traina, the Decebalus rock statue, and the final point before the Danube transitions from Serbia to Romania.
Captain Miša's Hill
After a day spent soaking in all the history and nature of the area, we will take you to one of our favorite places and our final stop, Captain Miša’s Hill in Donji Milanovac. A charming ethno eco-complex run by friendly locals, Captain Miša’s Hill is perched on a hill overlooking the Danube and is one of the best places in the country to experience local hospitality, try traditional Serbian food, and enjoy your last moments with eastern Serbia’s breathtaking scenery.