Skopje - Niš: Day trip with guide, lunch & winery visit

Summary

Stories, towers, and flavors on a day trip from Skopje to Niš

You’ll travel from Skopje to Niš with a local guide, hearing stories at Čegar Hill and Skull Tower before relaxing in Niška Banja’s old-world spa streets. Explore Roman ruins at Mediana, stroll through Niš Fortress, taste Serbian grill and local wine at Vinski Podrum Malča, then pause at Prohor Pčinjski Monastery — moments you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re not ready for the Skull Tower,” our guide said, half-smiling as we pulled into Niš after two hours of watching the landscape shift from North Macedonian hills to something that felt more Balkan — I don’t know how else to put it. The air was cool but not cold, and there was this faint smell of woodsmoke somewhere. Čegar Hill came first; I remember standing there listening to stories about Stevan Sinđelić and the Čegar battle, which I’d never heard of before. Our guide’s voice dropped when he talked about what happened at Skull Tower — honestly, it gave me chills. We whispered too, out of respect or just because it felt right.

I didn’t expect Niška Banja to feel so peaceful after that. The spa town is only a few minutes away but it’s like another world — old villas with faded paint, people strolling slowly (no one in a rush), and our guide telling us about kings and writers who used to come here. There was this bit about Agatha Christie riding the Orient Express through here that made everyone laugh — not sure if it’s true but I kind of hope so. The tram ride was short but fun; the seats creaked and an old man waved at us from his garden. Then we headed back toward Niš along Via Militaris for the Mediana archaeological site. Standing where Constantine the Great once lived was surreal — I tried to imagine what it smelled like back then (probably not as much car exhaust).

The fortress was busy with locals — kids running around, someone playing guitar near the old hammam. Our guide pointed out details I’d have missed: Roman stones reused in Ottoman walls, a mosque tucked behind trees, stories about film festivals and artists whose names I kept forgetting (sorry Đorđe Krstić). We ended up on Kazandžijsko sokače street for coffee; strong enough to make my hands shake a bit but worth every sip. Lunch was proper Serbian grill — smoky meat, fresh bread — and then came the winery stop outside town. Vinski Podrum Malča had this earthy smell inside, barrels stacked everywhere. Tasted three wines (the red stuck with me), ate more than I should’ve.

On the way back to Skopje we took a different road just so we could stop at Prohor Pčinjski Monastery. It was quiet except for birds and our footsteps on stone — I stood there thinking about all these layers of history packed into one day trip from Skopje to Niš. Still haven’t sorted out all my thoughts about it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day Nis tour from Skopje

• Hotel pickup at 08:00
• Drive to Nis
• Visit Čegar hill and learn battle history
• Explore Skull Tower
• Walk along Tsarigrad road to Niška Banja spa
• Walk and talk about spa villas and history
• Orient Express tram ride
• Bus drive on Via Militaris with stop at Mediana archaeological site
• Visit Nis Fortress and explore gates, hammam, arsenal, mosque, and old streets
• Walk through the Castle and learn about local artists
• Relax in Kazandžijsko sokače street with coffee
• Tour and wine tasting at Vinski Podrum Malča winery with lunch
• Visit Monastery Prohor Pcinjski on return to Skopje
• Return to Skopje

Top questions

How long does the day trip from Skopje to Niš take?

The drive is about 2 hours each way; the full tour lasts most of the day.

Is hotel pickup included for this Skopje - Niš day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

What sites do we visit in Niš?

You’ll see Čegar Hill, Skull Tower, Niška Banja spa town, Mediana archaeological site, Niš Fortress, Kazandžijsko sokače street, and a local winery.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Yes, a 3-course lunch featuring Serbian grill is included along with wine tasting at Vinski Podrum Malča.

Do we have a local guide during the tour?

Yes, you’ll be accompanied by an experienced local guide throughout your visit in Niš.

Are entry fees covered?

Entry fees are included as part of your tour package.

Is this private or group tour?

This is a private tour with your own driver/guide.

Is it suitable for families or less active travelers?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Skopje, private transportation with an experienced driver-guide, guided visits through key sites in Niš like Čegar Hill and Mediana archaeological site, entry fees throughout the route, a traditional 3-course Serbian lunch with wine tasting at Vinski Podrum Malča winery before returning via Prohor Pčinjski Monastery in the evening.