Mountains, monasteries, and skiing

Drive 13 miles (22 kilometers) south from Novi Sad to Fruka Gora, Serbia's oldest national park. Hike or bike on well-marked trails through linden, oak, and beech forests, and into moderate mountains ablaze with wildflowers and strange mushrooms. Songbirds sing in harmony with the bells of some of Serbia's oldest Orthodox monasteries, which are located around the settlements.

Novo Hopovo, a fortress-like 16th-century edifice located 12.4 miles (20 kilometers) south of Novi Sad, is one of them. The walls of its massive church are covered in vibrant frescoes. (A car and three to four days are required to visit all 16 Fruka Gora monasteries.) Did you know, for example, that Belgrade was once a significant Roman city? The city's spectacular castle has clear ties to Singidunum, a Roman colony. Archaeologists have discovered several Roman relics throughout the city, as well as objects that predate the Romans by centuries.

Of fact, much of the current fortification comes from the Middle Ages, indicating a different period in Serbian history. Serbia was a principality and kingdom at various times before falling under Ottoman and Habsburg authority. Then there's the whole 20th century mess with the World Wars and all that followed. The point is that Serbia has a deep and fascinating history, and you'll learn a lot about it when you visit.