From Belgrade: Best of East (Resava Cave & Lisine Waterfall)

If you’re looking for a way to escape the city buzz and soak in some of Serbia’s most captivating sights, this tour might just be what you need. We’ve come across a highly-rated full-day adventure that promises a deep dive into the country’s natural landscapes and historic treasures, all within a manageable itinerary from Belgrade. Whether you’re into ancient monasteries, stunning caves, or breathtaking waterfalls, this trip checks off a lot of boxes.

What we really appreciate about this experience is the small-group setting, which ensures a more personal touch and plenty of room for questions and interaction. Plus, the diverse stops—combining history, geology, and natural beauty—offer a well-rounded day. One thing to keep in mind, however: the tour involves some walking and outdoor exploration, so being prepared with comfortable footwear and a jacket for the cave is wise. This is ideal for travelers who enjoy a mix of cultural sites and scenic nature, especially those interested in a relaxed pace and engaging guides.

This tour suits travelers who want to get a meaningful taste of Serbia outside the city—whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or simply curious about the country’s lesser-known spots. If you’re after a hassle-free, well-organized day with knowledgeable guides and authentic experiences, this could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Authentic Experiences: Visit iconic sites like Manasija Monastery, Resava Cave, and Lisine Waterfall, all rich in natural and historical significance.
• Personalized Group Size: Limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a more intimate and engaging experience.
• Comfortable Transportation: Air-conditioned vehicles and hotel pickup make logistics smooth.
• Value for Money: Priced at around $87, the tour includes multiple stops and knowledgeable guides, offering good value considering the transportation and insights.
• Weather and Clothing: Temperature in the cave is about 7°C, so bringing a jacket or renting one on-site is recommended.
• Review Trustworthiness: With a solid 5-star rating from 76 reviews and consistent praise for guides, it’s a highly reliable choice.

The Itinerary: What to Expect on Your Day Trip

Starting Point: Manasija Monastery

Your day kicks off around 8:00 am with pickup from your accommodations if you’re staying within 5 km of Belgrade’s center. The first stop is Manasija Monastery, built back in the 15th century by Serbian despot Stefan Lazarevic. This site isn’t just a religious place—it’s a monument of cultural importance, recognized as a Monument of Culture of Exceptional Importance. Surrounded by medieval fortress towers, the monastery is a peaceful spot filled with history and impressive architecture.

During your visit, expect about 30 minutes to walk around and soak in the quiet ambiance. The site is open and free to explore, and you’ll get a brief but meaningful introduction from your guide about its significance. It’s a solid starting point that gives you a taste of Serbia’s medieval heritage.

Resava Cave: A Journey into the Underground

Next, you’ll head to the Resava Cave, which is truly a highlight for many visitors. This cave has been around for roughly 80 million years, making it one of the oldest and longest in Eastern Europe at about 4.5 km long. Inside, you’ll find an expansive landscape of massive halls, columns, stalactites, stalagmites, draperies, and even waterfalls—like walking through a subterranean cathedral.

Since the cave’s temperature is a cool 7°C (around 45°F), it’s a good idea to wear a jacket or rent one on-site for just 100 RSD (about 1 EUR). The ambiance inside is otherworldly, and many reviews mention the astonishing sculptures and formations, which make for fantastic photo opportunities. Expect about an hour here, exploring the highlights of this underground wonder.

Lisine Waterfall: Nature’s Refreshing Showstopper

The final major stop is Veliki Buk Waterfall, standing at over 20 meters (65 feet) high, making it one of Serbia’s tallest waterfalls. It’s a spectacular sight, especially when the water cascades down in full force. The landscape around the waterfall is lush, and the sound of rushing water creates a peaceful yet invigorating atmosphere.

Before heading back to Belgrade, you’ll have about an hour here—enough time to stretch your legs, take pictures, and enjoy the scenery. A suggested lunch spot nearby offers the chance to try home-grown trout, which many reviewers found both tasty and relaxing. The restaurant’s setting adds a touch of local flavor to your day.

What Travelers Are Saying

The reviews paint a clear picture of what to expect. Many highlight the guide’s knowledge, especially noting Milan’s storytelling skills and his deep understanding of Serbian history. One reviewer mentions, “Our guide Milan was good and had a great knowledge of Serbia history,” emphasizing the importance of a good guide in making the experience memorable.

People also rave about the stunning natural sights—“The cave is amazing,” one says, while another calls the waterfall “fascinating.” The value for money also comes through strongly, with travelers appreciating the combination of cultural insights, scenic views, and the ease of transportation.

A common theme is the well-organized nature of the trip, with many appreciating how the timings allow for a relaxed yet comprehensive visit. The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off is another plus, especially for those staying centrally in Belgrade.

Some reviewers mention the small group size, which helps with more personalized attention and less crowded experiences. One noted, “Small groups mean you get a better feel for the sites and a chance to ask questions comfortably.”

A Few Considerations

Though overwhelmingly positive, a few minor points surfaced. The cave’s cool temperature means packing a jacket is necessary; if you forget, rental is inexpensive. The tour’s duration—8 to 9 hours—might be long for those with limited energy or tight schedules, but most found it worth the time.

Since tickets for Resava Cave and Lisine Waterfall are not included in the price, budget an extra 4.5 EUR and 1 EUR respectively for entrance fees, paid in cash. Lunch isn’t included either, so plan for that as an additional expense or bring snacks.

Transportation and Group Size

The tour uses comfortable, well-maintained mini vans, which makes a noticeable difference on a day with several stops. The group max of 18 travelers strikes a good balance—small enough for intimacy but large enough for camaraderie. Pickup is available from hotels close to Belgrade’s city center, which is convenient, though if you’re staying farther out, they’ll give you a meeting point the day before.

Pricing and Value

At around $87 per person, this tour offers a solid value considering the multiple site visits, transportation, and guided insights. The entrance fees to Resava Cave and Lisine Waterfall are separate, but they’re modest and payable in cash on-site. Many reviews mention how the experience surpasses expectations given the price—especially when guided by someone as knowledgeable as Milan.

The inclusion of hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, and a small group makes this a hassle-free way to explore some of eastern Serbia’s best-kept secrets. Plus, the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance adds peace of mind.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip suits travelers who want a balanced mix of history, nature, and comfortable travel. It’s ideal for those who enjoy exploring at a relaxed pace and appreciate a knowledgeable guide to enrich the experience. If you’re a fan of caves, waterfalls, or medieval monasteries, you’ll find plenty to love.

While it’s not specifically geared toward families with young children, older kids or teenagers interested in outdoor adventures and history may also enjoy it. The moderate walking and outdoor exposure are manageable for most.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickup is offered from accommodations within 5 km of Belgrade’s center. If your hotel is further out, they’ll inform you of the meeting point a day before.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately 8 to 9 hours, including travel, site visits, and lunch time.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing is recommended. For the monastery visit, covered shoulders and knees are requested. For the cave, a jacket or rental is advisable due to the 7°C temperature.

Are entrance tickets included?
No, the tickets for Resava Cave (about 4.5 EUR) and Lisine Waterfall (about 1 EUR) are paid cash on site.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Is the group size small?
Yes, with a maximum of 18 travelers, it offers a more personalized experience.

Will I have free time during the tour?
Yes, you’ll have about an hour at each major stop, plus time for lunch and photos.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but there are restaurant options near the waterfall, with recommended local dishes like home-grown trout.

Final Thoughts

This tour from Belgrade offers a compelling way to see some of Serbia’s most captivating sights without the hassle of organizing transport and tickets yourself. The blend of history, natural beauty, and comfortable travel make it an excellent choice for curious travelers looking for an authentic experience. The highly favorable reviews and knowledgeable guides ensure you’ll come away with memorable stories and stunning images.

While it’s not a quick, superficial sightseeing trip, those willing to spend a full day exploring will find this a rewarding journey into the heart of Serbian nature and heritage. If you’re after a flexible, well-organized, and immersive experience, this could be one of your favorite day trips in the region.