Northern Serbia Day Trip: Sremski Karlovci, Novi Sad & Wine Tasting

Summary

From Belgrade to Vojvodina’s wine cellars and fortress views

You’ll ride out from Belgrade across the Pannonian plains to Vojvodina’s monasteries and vineyards, taste Bermet wine in Sremski Karlovci, explore Petrovaradin Fortress above the Danube, and wander through Novi Sad’s relaxed streets—all with stories from your local guide along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how flat everything looked as we drove out of Belgrade—fields stretching forever, dotted with hay bales and the odd scarecrow. Our guide, Marko, kept pointing out little things I’d have missed: an old windmill, a stork’s nest balanced on a telephone pole. Somewhere near Fruška Gora, the air started to smell faintly green—like crushed leaves after rain. He told us about the monasteries hidden in these woods, and when we stepped into Krušedol Monastery, it was so hushed inside I felt like even my shoes were too loud. The icons seemed to glow in the dim light; I’m not religious but something about that place made me quiet for a minute.

Sremski Karlovci felt like walking into a painting—pastel houses with peeling shutters, old men playing chess under chestnut trees. We ducked into a wine cellar where the owner poured Bermet into tiny glasses and winked at us (“Careful—it’s stronger than you think”). It tasted sweet at first but burned just enough going down. He told us it was once served on the Titanic; I tried to imagine that and failed completely. There was laughter echoing off stone walls as we tried (and mostly failed) to pronounce “Karlovci” properly. Marko just grinned and said we sounded close enough.

Petrovaradin Fortress was next—massive stone walls above the Danube, wind tugging at my jacket while we looked out over Novi Sad. The clock tower’s face is weirdly backward (the big hand shows hours), which Marko said is so fishermen could see it from far away. Makes sense, I guess? We wandered tunnels that smelled faintly of earth and old gunpowder before heading down into Novi Sad itself. The city felt lively but not rushed—kids chasing pigeons in Liberty Square, cafes spilling onto sidewalks, music drifting from somewhere unseen. By then my feet were sore but I didn’t really mind.

I still think about that glass of Bermet sometimes—maybe because it tasted like history or maybe just because it was shared with strangers who didn’t stay strangers for long. If you’re looking for a day trip from Belgrade that feels both slow and full somehow, this one sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Northern Serbia tour from Belgrade

• Pick up from Belgrade hotel
• Drive through Vojvodina plains
• Arrive at Fruška Gora mountain
• Visit Krušedol Orthodox monastery
• Explore Sremski Karlovci town
• Taste Bermet wine locally
• Tour Petrovaradin Fortress
• Visit Novi Sad city sights
• Free time in Novi Sad
• Return to Belgrade hotel

Top questions

How long does the Northern Serbia day trip take?

The tour lasts a full day, departing in the morning from Belgrade and returning in the afternoon.

Is pickup included for this Sremski Karlovci & Novi Sad tour?

Yes, hotel or accommodation pickup and drop-off in Belgrade are included.

Do you visit any monasteries on this tour?

Yes, there is a visit to Krušedol Monastery in Fruška Gora.

What kind of wine do you taste on this day trip?

You’ll try Bermet wine—a sweet aromatic dessert wine unique to Sremski Karlovci.

Is lunch included during the Novi Sad tour?

No lunch is included but there is free time in Novi Sad to eat at your own expense; guides can recommend places.

How much walking is involved at Petrovaradin Fortress?

You’ll walk through parts of the fortress including tunnels and ramparts; comfortable shoes are recommended.

Are entrance fees covered on this Northern Serbia tour?

Entry fees for Krušedol Monastery are included in your booking.

Can children join this day trip from Belgrade?

Yes, children are welcome; infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Belgrade, entry fees for Krušedol Monastery, guided walks through Sremski Karlovci with Bermet wine tasting (two glasses), transport by air-conditioned van or minibus—all wrapped up before evening back in the city.