SERBIA & MONTENEGRO
The State of Serbia & Montenegro comprises of Serbia, Montenegro and the autonomous provinces of Vojvodina and Kosovo. The obvious conflicts have of course taken its toll on the countries landscape and infrastructure but there are still many reasons to consider a visit.
Serbia & Montenegro plays host to a surprisingly large festivals and international exhibitions & conferences. The best known one is the Film Festival every February hosted in Belgrade, then you have the international theatre festival, a summer jazz festival, the exit music festival, to name but a few.
The tourist industry to Serbia & Montenegro has almost completely disappeared since the troubles begin. So the country is quite all year round. The summer months tend to be the best time to visit, as there are many festivals and celebrations. However the winters can be extremely cold. The country offers travellers an excellent range of activities including some excellent skiing, good hiking and river rafting. The cost of leaving is relatively strange in the fact that while hotels, restaurants, internal travel is still reasonably cheap, during the high season some coastal resorts costs escalate to rival those of Croatia or Greece.
Finally we do advise any traveller wishing to go to this interesting but turbulent country to contact the Foreign Office for the current travel advice updates.
Worldmark's range of services include:-
Due to our extensive overseas network we are able to offer any client a full range of services. These can be purchased individually or as part of a package.
* Discounted fares with British Airways
* Discounted hotels.
* Private car transfers.
* Sightseeing & Guided Tours
* Rail & Air tickets
* Chauffeur & Car Hire
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Belgrade
But despite the obvious devastation the city still has had to endure, it still has some delightful attractions and pleasant surprises to offer its visitors. This fact can be sampled in the vibrant BOHEMIAN QUARTER with its quaint folklore restaurants & bars and the KNEZA MIHAILA which a vibrant boulevard with endless street side cafes, restaurants and shops. It also proves to be an ideal starting point for those wishing to stroll to the OLD TOWN district.
The 17th century KALEMEGDAN CITADEL stands guard over the old town and is one of the popular attractions with its medieval gates, church, Muslim tombs, military museum, Turkish Baths and delightful park. The district of STARI GRAD is the oldest part of Belgrade and is packed full of museums such as THE NATIONAL MUSEUM or the interesting ETHNOGRAPHICAL MUSEUM, or finally the GALLERY OF FRESCOES with its full size replicas of some of the countries famous paintings. But finally the real gem of Belgrade is the PALACE OF PRINCESS LJUBICE, which is a beautiful Balkan -style palace.
Belgrade also has its fair share of open green spaces with the most popular being the ADA CIGANLIJA. This is a peaceful island nestled just upstream from bustling Belgrade. Visitors here can utilise some of the excellent facilities such as bike hire, swim or sit a one of the outside cafes sipping a cold beer.
One of the cities downsides is currently a lack of good quality cheap hotels and while the major chains are looking to explore this market options are limited at the moment.
We can offer discounted rates at the following hotels:-
The Hyatt Regency and the Best Western.
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Other destinations include:-
Budva
Is one of Montenegro’s most popular and beautiful summer coastal destinations. The town was totally reconstructed after the major earthquake of 1979 and the backdrop of the high mountain range gives the town a picture postcard beauty. The city attractions include an interesting museum, 3 pretty churches, a fortress and a delightful town square.
Lake Skadar
It is the largest lake in the Balkans and the biggest bird sanctuary in Europe. Visitors will be able to explore many monasteries, churches and ancient fortresses that dot the coastline. The pretty Islands of the lake combine nature with history and are also home to numerous monasteries and is a bird watchers haven.
Kotor
A beautiful little well preserved medieval town that occupies a spot on Kotor Bay. The town is a maze of charming cobbled streets lined with quaint houses, delightful churches & cathedrals and bustling squares. The town has been known to hold vibrant festivals and carnivals. Kotor has been placed on the UNESCO "The world natural & cultural inheritance list" because of its unique architectural styles and overall beauty.
Durmitor Mountain Range
Zabljak is the highest town in the Balkan region and is a haven for winter sports fans with its excellent range of Alpine and Nordic ski facilities. This stunning range is home to 23 mountain peaks, 17 glacier lakes, 3 magnificent canyons, endless hiking trails, and a stunning Ice Cave.
Tara Canyon
This 82km long canyon is the second longest canyon in the world,. and is blessed with some stunning scenery and great natural beauty. The region has gorges, vast rock formations, chasms, whirlpools and centuries old forests and the Tara River offers some excellent rafting.
Biogradska Gora
A serene beautiful forest with is home to 500 year old trees, a beautiful lake and has been protected by law since 1872.
Cettinje
Nestled between the Bay of Kodor and Skadar Lake on a high plateau is Montnegro’s once former capital. Cettinje is a atmospheric old city with delightful old houses lining endless twisting cobbled streets. The towns attractions include the STATE MUSEUM which is a striking building that was once the palace, then there is the 19th century CETINJE MONASTERY with its treasury of artefacts.
Mount Lovcen and the national park are only 20km from Cettinje but are considered are must see destination. At the mountains summit is the beautifully adorned mausoleum of the countries greatest poet & ruler Petar II Petrovic Njegos
Herceg Novi
A beautiful city famous for its gardens, dense Mediterranean greenery, unique scenery, and beaches. It has existed for 7 centuries as a seaport but has now blossomed into a significant economic and cultural centre. The town still bears the memories of its past with its architecture covering different styles which range Oriental to Baroque styles. But the town is also endowed with many interesting attractions such as the FORTE MARE, SPANJOLA & KANLI KULA TOWERS which are turned into stages for various festivals, the MAMULA, PREVLAKA & ARZA ISLAND FORTS that occupy a spot at the entrance of Boka Kotorska Bay, and the SAVINA MONASTERY which is of the most beautiful examples of Baroque architecture of the Adriatic region. There are also numerous palaces such as the DRAGO PALACE, the BIZANTI PALACE, and the GRGURINA Palace, as well as several interesting museums.
Ada Bojana
Is a little bit of the tropics that can be found in Eastern Europe. It is a little island where the salt water of the Adriatic meets the fresh water of the Bojana River. It is home to thick sub tropical & Mediterranean vegetation, interesting wildlife, fine sand beaches, and excellent restaurants.
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Travel Warning / Invitation
**NEW** The road between Pristina and Skopje has been closed following a landslide on 15th January. It will remain closed for some time.
Travellers should exercise caution if travelling to Kosovo and in or near South Serbia.As of 01/05/2005 new entry control measures will come into force for Kosovo. Travellers will now be required to provide documentary evidence (eg a letter of invitation giving a reason for entry)to local authorities.
Because of continuing tensions, you should avoid non-essential (including holiday) travel to Kosovo and travel within the Presevo and Bujanovac districts of Southern Serbia. On 17 March serious inter-ethnic conflict erupted in the north of Kosovo. Serbia and Montenegro (including Kosovo, which is under UN administration) shares with the rest of the world, including the UK, a risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks. You should be particularly vigilant in public places, including tourist sites, and keep yourself informed of the latest developments. But the vast majority of travel to Serbia and Montenegro is trouble free. Travellers should also avoid public gatherings and demostartions.
Although the overall security situation in Kosvo remains calm,sporadic incidents including explosions continue to occur. We strongly recommend that you stay alert at all times and avoid any public demonstrations.
There have also been isolated acts of violence in the area of Podgorica and Belgrade at extremists and criminals. Travellers wishing to travel to all of these areas should consult the Foreign Office for up to date travel information.
You should be aware of the incidence of street crime, particularly in larger cities. Be extra vigilant for pick pocketing in public places such as airports and on public transportation. As a foreigner, you may be a target for criminals who may assume you are carrying large amounts of cash. Four wheel drive and luxury vehicles are also a popular target. For more information please read visit the official Foreign Home website.
Despite the presence of the Kosovo Force, there is still a risk of unexploded ordnance in some areas of Kosovo. Road conditions i Kosovo are poor and can be dangerous in bad weather. You are advised about travelling at nights. When visiting Kosovo you should register with the Britsih Offoce in Pristina before travelling.
In Serbia and Montenegro (including Kosovo), you should carry your passport at all times.The Serbia & Montenegro Government does nor recognise entry points from Kosovo or those on Kosovo's external borders with Albania or Macedonia. Road
conditions is Kosovo are poor and travel at night should be avoided.
There are still residual mines and other unexploded ordinance in some areas of Kosovo and some areas of South Serbia.
Please visit the Foreign Office Travel Advise website for a more detailed outline of the risks.
Finally we strongly advise that travellers obtain comprehensive travel & medical insurance prior to the UK departure.
This information is correct and current as of 10/5/04 and was provided by the FCO Update service.
Health Information
The health system in all parts of the state union of Serbia and Montenegro (including Kosovo) is suffering from widespread shortage of medicines and other essentials. Payment in cash is normally required for treatment and you are advised to take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover medical evacuation.
We suggest that travellers consult their local GP or check the Department of Health’s website prior to departing the UK.
Specific to Kosovo (UN administered)
Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is endemic to Kosovo. Recent outbreaks have been particularly severe. CCHF is caused by a virus and is transmitted by tic bite or by infected blood. Anyone who has visited Kosovo and is suffering from a fever – headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, red rash (which does not fade when pressed under glass), bleeding on the roof of the mouth – or any other unexplained symptoms should seek medical advice immediately.
Travellers from the U.K and most European countries do not require a visa for a visit up to 90 days.
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WORLDMARK TRAVEL
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Tel:- 020 7 922 0670 Fax 020 7 401 2545
E-Mail Worldmark.uk@hrgworldwide.com
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