Full-day Nis and Serbian History Tour from Sofia
Description
Located only 163 kilometers from Sofia, Nis is a fantastic option to add a Serbian stamp in your passport, without checking out from your hotel in Bulgaria. Nis is the third largest city in Serbia and the birthplace of Constantine the Great, one of the most important emperors in the Roman history. Explore the intriguing history of former Yugoslavia, while having delicious authentic Serbian roshtil (grill) either in a traditional restaurant where you can pay with a card (plenty of vegetarian and vegan options available) or try the Serbian street food.
Tour Options
Itinerary
This Roman estate exhibits the remains of a granary, craft centre, villas , thermae, and the remains of ancient villa with rich mosaics. Most mosaics exhibit geometrical or floral motifs, while two mosaics presenting figures - the head of the Medusa and a semi-prostrate figure of a river deity (probably Neptune). The museum contains sculptures and portraits of Roman gods and goddesses, utensils for daily use (bowls, pitchers, lamps) and remnants of lead pipes used to provide healing hot water from the nearby Niska Banja (Nis Spa).
Upon our arrival in Niš we will first visit the famous Cele Kula (Skull Tower NIS) where you will learn about the atrocities of the Turks against the Serbs and you will see a unique in the world monument for the sacrifice of Serbian revolutionaries.
At 15:00h we will drive to Niš Concentration Camp - a small but very authentic concentration camp set by the Germans during World War 2 to imprison and kill Jews, Romas and other minorities. We leave back to Sofia around 16:00h and expect to arrive around 18:30h.
Visit city sites including Nis fortress with several excavated areas from Roman times, get familiar with findings fron Nis area dated back to 6000 bc in the Archeological hall in town, including more recent findings, discovered in the Royal Villa of Konstantine The Great, Mediana (currently closed for restorations).
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Balkan boarders are busy during July and August. To avoid delays, alternative routes might be taken, adding a few hours to the trip.
- Cash (10 € per person) or credit/debit card needed for entrance fees.
- On 07 January and 14 January the sites and the museums will not be open.
Reviews(97)
It's more of a half-day visit than a full-day one. We crossed the border early enough not to wait more than an hour (with European passports, of course). We were back in Sofia by around 5 PM. There are several places to see, but since they are all very small, it goes by very quickly. This means that you can end up with extra time.
Very interesting trip to NIS. Relatively a lot of time in the car, but that is simply due to the distance and not a hidden flaw. The guide was very competent and answered all questions with great enthusiasm. NIS itself is nice, but not outstanding.
I learned about things in Serbian history that I was unaware of. The guide was knowledgeable, and the museums were worth the trip. It was a good mix of guided and free time. I think the 2 hour drive is well worth it for the experience.
Excursion from Sofia to Nis with a visit to the Constantin excavation, Skulltower, and concentration camp. Super organized. Michael was a good tour guide.
This was a well-designed tour to allow for a day trip experience to Serbia. The guide, Georgi, was knowledgeable and presented instructions and information clearly and in a timely way. With the small group size, we were able to move from place to place with ease. We were allowed ample time at Mediana, the Skull Tower, and the Red Cross Concentration Camp as well as a good amount of time for lunch and further independent exploration of the city center. I learned so much on this tour and would highly recommend it to other travelers.
It was very nice and informative, though very superficial. Of course, you can only do so much in one day.
It was great. Just long enough and just enough information. The tour was a great overview of Serbia and Niš. Michael was a great guide who gave great information and kept us informed of what to expect along the tour.
A very nice day trip that is definitely worth booking. The activities are very interesting and I learned a lot about the history of this region. Mihail is a good driver and guide, very friendly and answered all my questions. Thank you!
Was chilly this time of year but we expected that & dressed warmly. The border crossings were not too bad - but I could see how this could be a hassle in busier times.
Joined this tour last minute and they slotted us in quickly. Mihail was friendly and knowledgeable. He ensured that we had an enjoyable and meaningful time in Nis and return back to Sofia safely.
