Discover the city of Niš, the cultural and spiritual center of southern Serbia. Experience Stara Planina – its extraordinary beauty, raw power, and the magic hidden within the interwoven natural and human-made elements. Here, there is no natural monotony – only the strength and wilderness of the mountain, and the unique feeling that comes from staying in this unexplored region.

Stara Planina is part of the Balkan Mountain system, which stretches partially through Serbia and mostly through Bulgaria. It spans approximately 600 km in length and 30–50 km in width, extending from Vrška Čuka in the west to the Black Sea in the east, and represents a continuation of the Southern Carpathians.

A harmonious blend of pristine nature, fascinating history, and rich traditions has made this mountain a perfect destination for rest and adventure. Especially noteworthy locations include the Bigar Stream Valley, the highest peak Midžor, the imposing Babin Zub cliffs, and the meanders of the Temštica River.

The region of Stara Planina is a category I protected area with the status of a National Park. Its villages resemble scenes from a dream – like a long-forgotten paradise.

But this adventure reveals more than just the beauty of the mountain landscape – it also unveils the soul of southern Serbia. On the way back from the mountain, we’ll visit Niš – one of the oldest cities in Europe, known for its rich history, vibrant energy, and the colorful spirit of the South. A visit to the Skull Tower, a walk through the town, and a taste of traditional local flavors will complete this multi-dimensional journey – a fusion of nature, culture, and authentic local life.

Tour plan:

Niš – Stara Planina National Park – Kozji Kamen – Slavinjsko Grlo – Vrelo
Drive: 110 km; Hiking: 10 km

Group meeting at “Constantine the Great” Airport in Niš at 10:00 a.m. Drive to Stara Planina via Niš and Pirot with short stops along the way. Arrival at Stara Planina National Park. We will take a light hiking tour (7 km) to visit one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the area – Kozji Kamen. Lunch break in nature. Transfer to Slavinjsko Grlo, a unique natural rarity where waterfalls cascade from one pool into another. Continue to the weekend village of Vrelo. Accommodation in guesthouse-type lodging. Dinner and overnight stay.

Vrelo – Arbinje – Arbinje Waterfall – Tri Kladenca – Tri Čuke – Draganov Vir – Tupavica Waterfall
Drive: 40 km; Hiking: 14.5 km

After breakfast, transfer by off-road vehicles to Arbinje (20 km). Begin a circular hiking tour to the peak Tri Čuke, one of the most scenic summits on Stara Planina. Passing by the Arbinje Waterfall, we’ll reach Tri Kladenca, the source of the Dojkinačka River. The climb along the waterfall to the river’s source is one of the most breathtaking parts of Stara Planina. Lunch break. Following the ridge with views of neighboring Bulgaria, we reach the summit and descend back to Arbinje via a forest path. On the way back, we visit Draganov Vir and Tupavica Waterfall. Dinner and overnight stay.

Vrelo – Zavoj Lake – Gostuša – Niš
Drive: 150 km; Kayaking: 6 km; Hiking: 3 km

Breakfast. Driving through the majestic villages of Stara Planina, we arrive at Zavoj Lake and our starting point in the village of Pakleštica. Equipment preparation and briefing. Set off on a kayaking adventure through the stunning meanders of Zavoj Lake (6 km). Arrive at the Gostuša Bay and begin a short hiking tour (approx. 30 minutes). Explore the stone village of Gostuša, a unique cultural and historical monument. Enjoy a traditional homemade lunch hosted by local residents. After all optional activities, transfer to Niš. Accommodation in apartments. Dinner and overnight stay.

Niš – city tour – Niš
Hiking: 5 km; Drive: 10 km

After breakfast, enjoy a city tour with a visit to the Skull Tower (Ćele-Kula), a monument of exceptional cultural significance. A walk through the city center: Banovina Building, King Milan Square, Pobedina Street, and Kazandžijsko Sokače (Old Crafts Street). Lunch break. Transfer to Niš Airport. End of the program.

Details:

  • Transportation by tourist-class minibus,
  • Two nights with half-board accommodation at Vrelo on Stara Planina (breakfast and dinner),
  • One night in Niš in apartments with half-board (dinner and breakfast),
  • Two outdoor lunches on the first and second day,
  • Traditional lunch on the third day,
  • One lunch package on the final day of the adventure,
  • Off-road vehicle transfer,
  • All outdoor activities throughout the program (hiking, kayaking) in the Stara Planina National Park,
  • Services of a group escort,
  • Services of a mountain guide,
  • Trip organization.
  • Airfare,
  • International health insurance,
  • Additional transfers, activities, or excursions,
  • Personal expenses.

Sturdy hiking shoes or boots, several pairs of socks, short-sleeved T-shirts, a light jacket with a hood (preferably waterproof), fleece or sweatshirt, spare trousers, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, swimsuit, and a towel. Optional: snacks, sweets, refreshing drinks, and water. Pack everything in a small backpack.

Guest house Vrelo is located 1.5 km before the village of Jelovice, in a beautiful setting dominated by the Dojkinačka and Jelovička rivers. Particularly striking is the Visočica River canyon, along with other natural elements that form a unique ambient whole. The Vrelo picnic area is situated at an altitude of 730 meters. Due to specific air currents, fog never forms here, making it a kind of natural air spa.

A 50% advance payment of the total arrangement price is required at the time of booking. The remaining amount must be paid no later than 20 days before the start of the trip (with the option of installment payments). This program is based on a minimum of 8 registered participants. In case of changes in the monetary market (or the market of goods and services) or an insufficient number of registered participants, the tour organizer reserves the right to adjust prices, modify the program, or cancel the trip no later than 5 days before the scheduled departure.

The organizer of the trip is travel agency Nature Travel Office, licence number OTP 38/2025 issued by the Business Register Agency as of May 06, 2025. Nature Travel Office is insured by an insurance policy against responsibility for travel agencies in case of insolvency and liability in case of damage to the traveller, number 30000049351, by the insurer MILENIJUM OSIGURANJE ADO Belgrade. The policy is valid from April 01, 2025 to April 01, 2026. In this program, travel agency Nature Travel Office applies their general terms and conditions of traveling, which are included in signing up for the trip.