The Serbian city of Nis is growing in popularity as a tourist destination. On this full-day trip from Sofia, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive to this picturesque, relaxed city that dates back to Roman times.

Nis was the birthplace of Constantine the Great, the first Christian Roman Emperor. It is home to one of the oldest churches in Serbia, dating to the 4th century, located in the suburb of Medijana.

You’ll find some fortress remains, a shopping street, and lovely gardens.

Your first stop is to visit the famous Cele Kula (Skull Tower). Learn about the atrocities committed by the Turks and see the unique monument to the sacrifice of Serbian revolutionaries.

The next important site is in suburban Medijana, where you’ll explore an archaeological site of a Roman estate. See remains of an ancient villa, a granary, villas, and baths. The museum houses sculptures and portraits of Roman gods and goddesses, utensils for daily use, and other objects unearthed at the site.

Visit city sites, including Nis Fortress with several excavated areas from Roman times, and learn about findings from the Nis area dating back to 6000 BC in the Archaeological Hall in town, including more recent findings discovered in the Royal Villa of Constantine the Great, Mediana (currently closed for restorations). You’ll have some free time to walk around the central square and the option to try the famous Serbian grill, either in a traditional restaurant where you can pay by card (with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options available) or as Serbian street food.

After lunch, your driver will take you to a small concentration camp that was set up by the Germans during World War 2 to imprison and exterminate Jews, Romas, and other minorities.

At 16:00 you’ll begin the trip back to Sofia, expecting to arrive at about 18:30.