There is a place, not far from Niš, where the Balkan Mountains rise into something wilder. Stara Planina, the Old Mountain, has watched over this corner of Eastern Serbia for millennia, carving gorges, feeding waterfalls, and sheltering villages that time seems to have simply passed by. Join us for a full day among its canyons, springs, and forgotten stone houses, on a Stara Planina tour built to transport you there.
General Tour Info
| Departure: | 8:00 – 9:00 AM from Niš |
| Tour Duration: | Approx. 8 hours |
| Group Sizes: | 1-4 people (larger groups are OK, but please request it in your email or message so we can book a larger vehicle) |
| Activity/Fitness Level: | Low to Medium Activity Level. Suitable for most ages and fitness levels |
| Pricing: | $99 – $150 per person, depending on the size of the group or special requests |
| Languages: | Tours conducted in English and Serbian. |
| What to Bring: | Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots, layers for the mountain (temperatures can drop significantly above 1,500 m even in summer), a waterproof jacket, a bottle of water, and a sense of adventure. |
What Makes Stara Planina Extraordinary
Stara Planina is a UNESCO-nominated nature park and one of the richest biodiversity hotspots in Europe. More than 1,500 plant species grow here, alongside wolves, brown bears, lynx, and over 200 bird species. The Visočica and Temštica rivers cut deep gorges through the range, while the Kopren plateau holds glacial lakes and high-altitude meadows carpeted in wildflowers from May through July.
The mountain’s human landscape is equally compelling. Remote villages like Dojkinci, Rsovci, and Topli Do preserve centuries-old architecture, traditional wool weaving, and agricultural customs that have vanished almost everywhere else in Serbia. Our tours connect you with the people who still live here, shepherds, craftspeople, beekeepers, in a way that no bus tour or online itinerary could replicate.
Tour Highlights
This Stara Planina day trip from Niš reaches deep into the Balkan Mountains’ least-touched terrain, waterfalls, gorges, and villages most maps still get wrong.
Itinerary:
- Departure from Niš
We depart Niš between 8AM and 9AM, watching the city fade as the road bends east toward wilder ground. - Panoramic Viewpoint near Sićevo
Our first stop: a viewpoint above Sićevo, where the Nišava River carved Sićevo Gorge into dramatic limestone over thousands of years. - Coffee Break at Hotel Stara
A short coffee break at Hotel Stara, mountain air doing the rest before Stara Planina properly begins to unfold around us. - Dojkinci Village & Tupavica Waterfalls
In Dojkinci, one of Stara Planina’s finest waterfalls awaits: Tupavica, spilling wide across layered rock in a stunning curtain. - Vrelo Village & Its Famous Spring
Vrelo Village lives up to its name, meaning “spring”. Home to waters that have fed this valley for centuries. - Slavinje Village & Rosomačko Ždrelo
A short drive and hike from Slavinje leads into Rosomača Gorge, where the river carved narrow, striking stone walls over millennia. - Smilovci Village & Kuća Perča
In Smilovci, we visit Kuća Perča, Perča’s House, a quiet local landmark with a story worth hearing firsthand. - Lukavica Village & Lunch at Kapica
Lunch at local culinary hotspot, Kapica, in Lukavica: honest, hearty mountain food, served the way this region has always done it. - Jerma River Canyon
We continue to Jerma River Canyon, one of Serbia’s least crowded and most striking canyons, carved by a quiet river. - St. John’s Monastery, Poganovo
Deep in the canyon, St. John’s Monastery has stood since the 14th century, protected for centuries by these very cliffs. - Departure for Niš
As light softens, we head back to Niš, arriving early evening with a side of Serbia few travelers ever see.
Tour Pricing
All of our tours are fully private, and prices are per person. The price per person decreases with the size of the group.
ShowMe can execute tours for 1 to 4 people in their standard transport. If you are part of a larger group, please note this in the booking so we can provide you with a price for larger groups, which would include the use of a larger vehicle such as a minibus or van.
| No. of People | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 | $150 |
| 2 | $120 |
| 3 | $110 |
| 4 | $99 |
Prices include VAT.
What is Included in the Tour Price?
We believe the price should include all key costs and items you will need while attending one of our tours. In the case of the Stara Planina Tour, the price of the tour includes:
- Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in Niš (or another location previously agreed during the booking)
- Transportation costs, including all tolls
- A licensed guide who will be with you at all times during the tour
- Tickets and entrance fees to all of the paid sites and locations on the tour
What is Not Included in the Tour Price?
- Lunch at Restaurant Kapica. For an à la carte lunch with a drink or two, you should plan 15-20 euros at most.
- Any souvenirs and memorabilia you might want to purchase along the way.
When to Visit
Stara Planina is a mountain for all seasons, each offering a different character.
Spring (April–June) is the season of wildflowers and waterfalls at their most powerful, with the highest rivers fed by snowmelt and the forests in fresh leaf. Perfect for hiking and birdwatching.
Summer (July–August) brings warm, clear days on the plateau. Ideal for the Midžur ascent and extended hikes. Evenings in the villages are cool and peaceful.
Autumn (September–October) is arguably the finest season; the forests turn deep amber and red, the air is crisp, and the mountain feels entirely your own. The best conditions for photography.
Winter (December–March) transforms Stara Planina into a snow-covered alpine landscape. Skiing is available at the Jabučko Ravnište resort, and snow-covered village walks have a quality entirely their own.
Book Your Stara Planina Tour
Private tours fill quickly during the peak season of May through October. We recommend booking at least a few weeks in advance for summer dates. Contact us with your travel dates, group size, and any specific interests; we will respond within 24 hours with a tailored proposal.
Email: office@showme.rs
Phone / Viber / WhatsApp: +381 63 417 537
All tours are led by a licensed guide certified by the Serbian Tourism Organization. We operate exclusively as a private service: never shared tours, never group buses.