Walking holiday in Tara National Park
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Active holidays & responsible travel in Serbia
In the heart of Southeastern Europe, in a little known westernmost region of Serbia, nests the Tara mountain. Inside a sharp elbow shaped bend, the green waters of river Drina embrace this spectacular mountainous region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Forests of spruce, fir, beech or pine, some of which rank as the best preserved and highest quality forest complexes in Europe*, spread over 19,200 ha of the National Park, intersected by deep cut gorges and canyons.
With its wonderfully varied and captivating limestone mountain scenery Tara is a paradise for walkers and cyclists alike. There are 18 marked mountain foot paths, suitable for all fitness levels from easy strollers to serious hikers, with total length of 120km. Hundreds of kilometers of cyclable terrain, through silent tunnels of forests or under open skies across rolling hills and plains. Woodland paths, grassland slopes, stunning views over rocky gorges and ravines, turquoise rivers, crystal clear mountain streams, secluded valleys and hidden caves - these jewels of untouched nature have all been carefully preserved by the Rangers of the National Park.
In partnership with the Rangers of the National Park, we have set up a week long active stay in this wonderful place. You will use a comfortable hunting lodge owned by the Park as your base. From there, exclusively guided by the Rangers, you will explore the trails of Tara on foot and on bikes. You will be let into secrets of hidden mountain springs, the Brown Bear feeding spots, trees and plants unique to this region, silent remains of medieval castles, and if you are lucky you may spot the almost extinct Golden Eagle or a Peregrine Falcon.
Your meals will be prepared by a local tavern famed for its marvelous home-cooked specialities. You will have a chance to sample a selection of mouth-watering traditional generously served dishes. Savour some home-made corn bread with white cheese and smoked ham, tuck in to roasted lamb or freshly caught and grilled trout, relish delicious salad of roasted paprika with cream. Accompany this with some wine of the region - smooth clean and elegant, fruity and floral - and you are certain to take your delighted taste buds for a joyride.
Invigorated by mountain walks and hearty food at the end of your stay you will be treated by a visit to "Drvengrad" or Wooden Town set up by the worldwide renowned film director Emir Kusturica, twice winner of the Palme d'Or at The Cannes Film Festival. This little hamlet of traditional wooden houses originating from 19th century is now equipped with a film studio, cinema, library, and a restaurant. From a charmingly restored narrow gauge steam train form 1930s, named "The 8 of Shargan", you will enjoy a magical climb of a 300 metre ascent using an unusual loop in the form of the figure 8 passing through 22 tunnels on its short journey. Get your cameras ready!
*according to the UNESCO World Heritage website