I bet you’ve never been to Serbia before…
Well we can change that! Prepare to discover a region unexplored by typical U.S. tourists with Stone and Compass partners Lana & Bojan Catic. As a native to the country, Bojan is highly knowledgeable to the wealth of history and culture that lies in Serbia. Over the course of 10 days, experience the beauty of Serbia through a culturally immersive service trip. Stay at a newly constructed center overlooking the miles and miles of farmland that make the community sustainable. You will explore centuries old monasteries, lively cities, and gorgeous natural landmarks. Get your hands dirty while working in the sustainable hazelnut and fruit farm and learn all there is to know about the community wide approach to sustainable living. Students will get the chance to meet and work with community members on local projects as well.
This youth Service Learning trip is part of Stone & Compass’ Serbia Sustainable Development Project supporting the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Boston’s Logan Airport (contact [email protected] for quotes from other airports)
Ages for this trip are 14 to 22 and/or students who will enter 9th grade in Fall of 2020 through 2020 graduating college seniors.
Flights generally leave Boston in the evening flying overnight and arriving in Serbia the next day. *Travel is on major airlines (such as: Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, British Airways, etc) with one stop layovers in a major European city (London, Paris, Munich, etc.). Travel time includes around 10 hours in air.
We will arrive at the center after a short drive from the airport on Day 2, where we can enjoy an authentic Serbian dinner before resting up for the week ahead!
Wake up refreshed and ready to head just 40 minutes south to the capital Belgrade. We will meander down cobblestone roads to see the historic Belgrade Fortress, which reveals a sweeping view of the entire city from the fortress walls. Cross the street and head down Skadarska Street, checking out the artisan shops and authentic Serbian cafes that are covered in colorful flowers and vines. We’ll venture all the way up to the Church of Saint Sava, an Orthodox Church that is under renovation, yet has a newly constructed basement that is simply breathtaking. We can admire and rest at parks and sitting areas that are scattered around the city.
Head back into Belgrade to explore the huge city even more.
Today will include a full day of working with Lana & Bojan on the farm; we will go to their organic hazelnut farm and assist on farm improvements, or work on various infrastructure projects around the village! Take breaks to enjoy fresh made banitsa – famous Serbian cheesy bread.
This day will be a half day of working with Lana & Bojan on the farm or in the village.
After some work we will head to the Obedska Bara – a national reserve about 10 minutes away from the center where we can kick back and relax beside the pond. We might even take a take a calm boat ride around the river to see the variety of wildlife, flora, and fauna! To wrap up this long day we will enjoy a big picnic by the pond under the gorgeous canopy of trees. We will have a pondside picnic while relaxing under the sun on this chill day.
Today we will explore Serbia’s University City – Novi Sad. First, we will stop at a beautiful monastery on the way to the city. The lively, young city of Novi Sad has lots of hidden treasures that can be discovered while walking down the cobblestone roads. See the famous Catholic Church right in the middle of the town center, and end the day at the Novi Sad Fortress, where you will get a 360 view of the beautiful city and surrounding villages right on the waterfront.
Wake up early to head south towards the three day excursion to the Danube River Cruise! Here we’ll spend three days enjoying the beautiful nature surrounding the second largest river delta in Europe. Take a cruise down the river, passing through the incredible Iron Gates Gorge and visiting the Viminacium, a Roman archaeological site with ruins dating back to the 1st century. Stay the night at lovely Aquastar Danube Hotel and Wellness Center.
Continue the Danube River excursion and spend the entire day exploring the region more!
Wake up and enjoy your last few hours at the Danube River before heading back to the center in northern Serbia. Hang out at the center and enjoy time with friends at your final dinner in Serbia.
Fly from Belgrade back to Boston with lifelong friends and memories!
Payment can be made in full or following the payment schedule below.
$2,300
$200
Due: October 1, 2019
$1,100
Due: February 1, 2020
$1,000
Due: April 1, 2020