Kozji kamen – Slavinjsko grlo – Jelovica River spring – Arbinje – Tupavica Waterfall – Draganov vir – Arbinje Waterfall – Tri kladenca – Tri čuke – Zavoj Lake – Gostuša  

Meet the untouched nature, experience Stara Planina Mountain, its extraordinary beauty, power and charms hidden in intertwined natural and anthropogenic motifs. There is no monotony here, but only the strength and wildness of the mountain and a unique feeling that a stay in this undiscovered area gives you.

The Balkan mountain range (Balkan) lies partially in Serbia, and mostly in Bulgaria. It is about 600 km long, and from 30 to 50 km wide. It stretches from Vrška Čuka in the north to the Black Sea in the east, and it’s the extension of the southern Carpathians.

Harmoniously blended intact nature, interesting history, and rich tradition have made the mountain a perfect place for vacation. Especially attractive and significant natural sights on Balkan include the Bigar stream valley, Midžor (the highest peak), the impressive rocks of Babin Zub, the Temštica River meanders, to name a few.

Balkan is a protected area, and it is classified as a national park. Village landscapes resemble dreamlike images, such as the ones of a long forgotten paradise!

Tour plan:

Niš – Stara Planina National Park – Kozji Kamen – Slavinjsko Grlo – Vrelo
Drive: 350 km; Hiking: 10 km

Departure from Belgrade (Niš) at 06:30 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, return by the same route to the lake. We pack the equipment and return to Niš (Belgrade). Arrival in Niš (Belgrade) in the evening hours. 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 30000058078, by the insurer MILENIJUM OSIGURANJE ADO Belgrade. The policy is valid from April 01, 2026 to April 01, 2027. 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.