For two millennia, the beautiful lands of today’s Serbia and Montenegro have represented borders between the East and the West. They have been the stage of endless cultural mixing and power struggles for dominance in the region – and Europe - drawing in the Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Ottomans, Russians and Habsburgs. Understanding this area of the Western Balkans - the warring, similarities and contrasts - requires both a bigger context and finer nuances. From Belgrade to the fjord-like Bay of Kotor, the journey involves several days of leisurely walks of (4 – 6 hours per day) as well as a short cruise on the Danube and crossing the spectacular Accursed Mountains by train. The journey showcases the historical, cultural and natural treasures of these wonderful and very hospitable countries.
Through Nirvana Romell’s expert talks and guidance, learn more of the region’s history and its plans for the future as well as its wonderful artistic, cultural and architectural gems. And as a born and bred Balkan, there is no one better to explain (and choose!) the region’s best foods and wine for the party.
The journey has been organised for the Alumni of Cambridge University but is also open to Alumni of Oxford University and their friends and family. Please note that Distant Horizons has sole responsibility for the operation of this journey. The Universities have no direct control over the operation of any journeys.
Maximum Party Size is 20 Travellers.
Trip Leader: Mrs Nirvana Romell
Nirvana was born in Dalmatia and after graduating from the University of Zagreb in Croatia with a degree in Art History (Western art and the arts and cultures of ex-Yugoslavia). Now based in France, she has been working as a freelance lecturer of history of Western art, including the arts and cultures of ex-Yugoslavia. She has been accompanying journeys to the Balkans for Distant Horizons for nearly two decades, including a very successful journey to Serbia, and Montenegro in 2023 for the Alumni of Oxford and Cambridge Universities.