This 2-day tour is a combination of local experience, gastronomy and hiking. First day is planned for Niš, an economic and cultural center of South Serbia, which is a true representative of the relaxed way of life in the south. While the second day is all about Balkan Mountain hike and nature. You’ll hike to the highest peak of central Serbia, Midžor (2168m).

What to Expect From the Balkan Mountain Hike Tour in 2023

Expect a relaxing first day while visiting Niš and its main attractions. On the second day you’ll enjoy wild nature and scenic trails while you hike to the highest point of central Serbia. For more nature and picturesque landscapes try Tara National Park and Uvac Canyon tour.

Highlights

First Day

#YourSerbiaHost will pick you up from your Belgrade address (usual pickup time is 9am). Straight from Belgrade you’ll travel to Niš, administrative center of South Serbia and third biggest city in the country. Immediately after you reach the city you’ll blend in with locals in the relaxed atmosphere of Kazandžijsko sokače (Coppersmith’s alley). Once this place was an alley with various stores of hand crafted goods, while today the alley features cafes and restaurants where locals go for long chats over coffee or meal. After this break you’ll go to the biggest landmark of the city, Niš Fortress, built by the Ottoman Turks during their long rule in these areas. From the fortress we’ll take you to the most unique historic memorial in Niš, the notorious Skull Tower. Here you’ll see skulls of Serbian rebels built-in to the stone tower.

By the time you finish sightseeing it’ll be lunch time. On the way to the mountain, close to the city, we have selected a perfect lunch stop. It’s a local wine cellar in the village Malča. You’ll see wines from amphora, which is a unique aging method, uncommon for Serbia. From this place you’ll continue to the Balkan Mountain and your destination for the day. You’ll spend the night in the guesthouse Villa Babin zub, in the village Balta Berilovac. Hosts from the guesthouse are well known for homemade food and warm hospitality. If you prefer more luxurious accommodation with spa facilities you can stay in 4* Hotel Stara Planina.

Second Day

In the morning of the second day, after homemade breakfast we’ll take you to the point where Your Balkan Mountain hike to Midžor starts. The hike itself lasts 5 to 6 hours and the trail doesn’t require any technical skills. However, a certain level of physical fitness is expected if you want to enjoy this hike. Hiking shoes are recommended as well as poles and a protection from wind and sudden rain.

If you are lucky you’ll come across wild horses during the hike, since this part of Balkan Mountain is well known for herds of wild horses. When you finally reach the summit and the highest peak of the Balkan Mountain (2168m), you’ll be able to stand at the same time in Bulgaria and in Serbia with each foot. Another homemade lunch will wait for you after descent.

Return route to Belgrade goes through towns Knjaževac and Zaječar in East Serbia. This will be an opportunity for additional sightseeing. You’ll arrive in Belgrade in the evening.

Useful Information:

Good to Know