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Discover hidden gems along the Sava River
Discover hidden gems along the Sava River
Looking to travel off the beaten path?
Join us on a cruise along the Sava River to discover Serbia and historic Croatia.
Though less popular than the Dalmatian coast, the Sava River region of Croatia is well worth a visit. Full of charm, folklore, culture and green, mountainous nature, it is less touristy than its neighboring region, which makes this authentic trip even more enjoyable.
The Sava River, a natural gem
It is the shadow and a tributary of the largest river of in Europe; however, the Sava has no reason to envy the Danube. Wealthy in its flora and fauna, the rainforests along its banks are home to rare species of birds and many mammals, while the wetlands and marshes near its mouth are perfect habitats for amphibians and reptiles. The river originates in the Julian Alps in Slovenia and flows into the Danube in Serbia, right in the heart of Belgrade. The Sava forms the natural border between Bosnia and Croatia and is often referred to as the “Capital River” because it flows through the Croatian capital, Zagreb, the Serbian capital, Belgrade and the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana.
A cruise along the Sava River is an excellent way to explore the nature, history, and culture of these little-known regions of Eastern Europe, which, we are sure, will delight nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. In order to learn more about the hidden treasures of the river, we have designed a selection of must-see places to discover during your trip along the Sava River.
Zagreb, cultural center of the country
The capital of Croatia, Zagreb, is one of the main cities along the river. The Sava River flows through the middle of the capital and is lined with greenery such as Jarun Park and its lake, as well as the Bundek Municipal Park. The metropolis was born from the merger of two medieval settlements, Gradec and Kaptol, located on two opposite hills that are nowadays forming the historical center of Zagreb. The remains of their walls and towers are still preserved. The city has two distinct faces; the dynamic, bustling and modern upper town of Gorjni Grad, well-appreciated by young people, and Donji Grad, the lower town, which reflects Zagreb’s history thanks to its wide streets and impressive architecture.
Zagreb has an ideal city model thanks to the incredible proportioning between the architecture and the numerous green spaces. Its history can be seen in its well-preserved facades, its streets, and different squares, which are permeated by the coexistence of the many cultures that today form the identity of the city. You can discover the Cathedral of the city, the architectural masterpiece that is the National Theatre, or the church of St. Mark with its colorful roof, a true emblem of the capital.
Lonjsko Polje National Park
Located along the Sava River, near Zagreb, the Lonjsko Polje National Park is a real hidden gem of Croatia. Famous for its floodplain meadows, forests and abundant wildlife with migratory birds and numerous wild animals, you can explore the hiking trails and admire the surrounding natural scenery.
The Lonjsko Polje National Park is also rich in history and culture. Home to many traditional villages, such as Krapje and Cigoc, which will probably seduce you with their picturesque charm and traditional wooden houses. We also end our tour in an authentic Slavonian farm where you will have the opportunity to taste authentic local products.
The Vojvodina, an autonomous region
Vojvodina is an autonomous region of Serbia that has had an eventful history passing through the hands of many invaders. If Vojvodina is considered the most agricultural region of the country, culturally, the province is not left behind either, and it has many wonders to reveal. During one of our excursions, you will have the opportunity to visit the Orthodox monastery of Krusedol, decorated with sumptuous paintings dating from the 18th century, or the small town of Sremski Karlovci, a former cultural center of the Serbs and seat of the Orthodox patriarchate.
Naturally, it will also be the perfect opportunity for you to visit the so-called “Pearl of Vojvodina”, Novi Sad, the capital of the region, which has a charm quite different from other cities in Serbia due to its Austro-Hungarian influence. In addition to the colorful facades of the old town, you can also discover the medieval fortress Petrovaradin, which will give you a magnificent view on the Danube as well as the city center and where you will have the opportunity to discover the famous “drunk clock”, a clock which accuracy fluctuates depending on the season as its mechanism is sensitive to changes in temperatures.
Belgrade
It is in Belgrade that the Sava River joins the Danube. Its geographical position makes the Serbian capital a real crossroads between the West and the East. You cannot miss a walk in the Kalemegdan district, the historical cradle of the city but also the largest and most beautiful park in the capital. You will be able to admire not only the famous fortress overlooking the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers but also many other cultural monuments.
Belgrade is also home to one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, the St. Sava temple, which you will have the opportunity to visit during a tour. Immaculately white and with the largest domed mosaic in the world, the church can accommodate up to 10,000 believers and is a symbol of the reunification of the Orthodox and Balkan peoples. It was built to honor the first Serbian Saint, whose relics were burned in 1595 on the very spot where the church stands today.
On board the MS Victor Hugo
Our cruises along the Sava are provided by our 4-anchor ship, the MS Victor Hugo, completely refurbished in 2019. Accommodating up to 90 passengers in 45 cabins, the MS Victor Hugo offers a modern and comfortable accommodation. With its romantic decoration, inspired by one of the most illustrious characters of French literature, you can find a restaurant where you can appreciate delicious refined meals with a panoramic view thanks to its large windows, a lounge bar with dance floor where you can enjoy lively evenings, and the sun deck where you can relax while admiring the exceptional view of the Sava region.
Discover our cruise along the Sava and Danube rivers here:
A journey between Central Europe and the Balkans (port-to-port cruise)
BUDAPEST - MOHACS - OSIJEK - ILOK - NOVI SAD - BELGRADE - BRCKO - SLAVONSKI BROD - JASENOVAC - SISAK - Zagreb(1) - SISAK - Lake Balaton - Budapest
From Budapest to Lake Balaton, embark on a unique cruise to discover the majestic Danube and Sava rivers. Explore Hungary, Croatia, Serbia but also Bosnia through our excursions combining nature and culture. Wander through nature parks, medieval cities and multi-ethnic capitals with a diversity of architectures all along these two magnificent rivers.