Rajac and Rogljevo Bicycle Wine Trip
Bike past famed wineries of Rajac and Rogljevo along the Danube trail
Enjoy abundant opportunities for wine tasting at sensational 19th-century wineries
Cycle on the small quite country roads without trafic
Enjoy our quality hybrid bicycles (or E-bikes) and do not think about flat tires or mechanical problems. We take care of everything.
Travel in a small group. The maximum group size is 15 persons.
Have a safe and risk-free booking. We have adopted all our procedures to WTTC (World Travel & Tourism Council), UNWTO (World Tourism Organisation), and local protocols and standards. Our booking and cancellation policy is adapted to new conditions and maximally flexible so you can not lose your money.
Duration
2 nights / 2 days
Cycling grade:
Moderate
Two days of cycling with daily distances ranging from 55km to 60km
Please read and respect ACE Responsible Tourism Policy.
Before you come on this trip please carefully read Rules of Bicycling Safety.
Book with confidence and risk-free. Please read our new booking and cancellation policy.
Itinerary
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Meeting the tour leader and the group late afternoon in accommodation in Negotin. After introductory briefing free time and dinner.
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Accommodation Vila DeLux or Guesthouse Stanisavljevic in Negotin (comfortable double/ twin rooms with private facilities).
Meals Included: Dinner
Activity Free time
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We’re heading out from Negotin and enjoy a morning ride through the countryside of Negotinska Krajina. We bike on the small country road through yellow sunflower fields, vineyards, villages and forests. The road is flat and we could enjoy easy pedalling until we come at the foot of the Rogljevo Pivnice (cellars). The Rogljevo Pivnice is built above the Rogljevo village. The local wine growers believed that wine needs tranquillity to rest and age and therefore they all built their wine cellars a couple of kilometres above the village so the wine will not be disturbed by the people, cattle and any noises. We cycle up to the wine village where it used to be 164 wine cellars (pivnica), the oldest one dates back from the 18th century, and 120 have been preserved. Of course, we will taste some wine before we continue to bike to the next village- Rajac. As we bike after the wine tasting we strongly recommend “sip and spit” tasting. Rajacke Pivnice are built in the same manner as Rogljevo Pivnice. That means, one more ascent before we relax and lunch. Afternoon we cycle via Mokranje back to Negotin.
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Accomodation Vila DeLux or Guesthouse Stanisavljevic in Negotin (comfortable double/ twin rooms with private facilities).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity Cycling distance 55km on asphalt roads, cumulative ascent 600m / descent 600m
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Getting off from Negotin we cycle along the Danube passing the villages of Mala Kamenica and Mihajlovac. After leaving the mighty Danube river we ride on small country roads through picturesque rolling sceneries of forests and farmlands. Our goal is the 14th-century Orthodox monastery Vratna. where we have a picnic lunch. From there we stroll another kilometre to the formation of stone gates shaped by the river Vratna. We bike back to the village of Slatina where we get into a minibus and transfer to Negotin.
We return to Negotin around 16h00 when you can start your trip back home. -
Accommodation /
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Activity Cycling distance 58km mostly asphalt roads and some dirt roads, cumulative ascent 330m / descent 270m
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Tour Information
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Negotinska Krajina
Negotinska Krajina is a genuine treasure trove of Serbian wines. It stretches along the Danube River, next to the Romanian and Bulgarian border. Vineyards of Negotinska Krajina stretch on the administrative territory of the cities of Negotin and Kladovo. The main geographic factors affecting the identity of the region are the proximity of the Danube and the mountains Miroč , Veliki Greben and Deli Jovan, which surround this wine region from the west and make the slope of the terrain descending from west to east and settling eventually on the Danube riverbank. Negotinska Krajina region extends at an altitude ranging from 60 to 480 meters, but the vineyards are mostly located at altitudes of 100 to 270 meter.
Rogljevo
According to records, three centuries ago, the inhabitants of the villages of Rogljevo and Rajac , agreed to build a wine village- Pivnice. The wine cellars were made of solid material, mostly from stone from this area. The style of construction, as well as the culture of growing vines, came to these parts from Kosovo together with the people who mostly inhabited the Negotin region. The village of Rogljevo had 162 houses, and 164 Pivnice were built. The oldest is from the 18th century, and 120 have been preserved. Today, wine is made traditionally only in every fourth Pivnice, and is stored exclusively in wooden barrels.
During the period after the 2nd world war, there was a trend for young people to move into big cities and leave villages. During that period many vineyards were neglected, which reduced the surface with vineyards in Rogljevo area from 300 hectares to 45 hectares. Besides autochthonous variety Bagrina and Začinak some French varieties, such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir thrive well in this area.Rajac
Negotinska Krajina region has been producing wine since the 3rd century and is known for native Bagrina (white wine) and Začinak (red wine) varietals. Its atmospheric 19th-century 'wine-cellar villages', or Pivnice, are a unique architectural complex of stone wine cellars partially buried into the ground.
Rajac is the synonym for the wine villages in all of Serbia. It has the largest number of preserved wine cellars in Negotinska Krajina- 196. The Rajačke Pivnice is located a couple of kilometres above the centre of the village. At the skirt of the Pivnice, there is an old cemetery, with intriguing tombstones of unique shapes and ornaments, made of the same material as the cellars.Vratna Gates
The remote Negotin region hides one of the country's more dramatic natural phenomena. Three gigantic stone arches – known as Small Gate (Mala kapija), Big Gate (Velika kapija) and Dry Gate (Suva kapija) – were moulded by erosion in the Vratna River canyon; the last one is the most impressive but also the least accessible and recommended for more experienced hikers. Signposted trails (1km to Small and Big Gates, 5km to Dry Gate) lead uphill through the forest from Vratna Monastery.
Vratna Monastery
Monastery Vratna was built at the beginning of the 14th century, for King Milutin Nemanjic. It is located in the river Jabuca valley, hidden between high rocks. The Church of the Vratna Monastery is dedicated to the Ascension of the Lord. During the centuries, the monastery was destroyed and renewed several times.
Above the monastery, at the very entrance to the cave, in an almost inaccessible rock, lie the ruins of the cell of St. Nicodemus, the founder of the monastery.
Today it is an active female monastery. -
Two nights in Vila DeLux or Guesthouse Stanisavljević in Negotin.
Vila Delux is located in the centre of Negotin and is lavishly and elegantly furnished. Its simplistic form and diverse colours will make you feel completely relaxed after a day of activity.
Guesthouse Stanisavljević is located next to the main pedestrian street in Negotin. It is an oasis of greenery and peace in the centre of the town. Run by an enthusiastic family, all rooms are cosy and warm, with a lot of personal details so you feel like being home.
We pay special attention to the choice of food. We will have our dinners in a local restaurant in Negotin. All breakfasts will be served in accommodation. The first lunch will be in a wine cellar in Rajačke Pivnice and the second one- a picnic lunch. If you have some dietary restrictions we will be happy to adapt our menu to you. -
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two overnights in Vila DeLux or Guesthouse Stanisavljević
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two breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners
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vehicle support during the cycling tour- from the morning on day 2 to return to accommodation on day 3
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Wine tasting in Rogljevo and Rajac
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snacks and refreshing drinks during cycling
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use of 24 speed hybrid bicycles
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Guiding service throughout the trip with English speaking tour leader
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Arrival / departure transfer: from / to your home to / from Negotin. Please contact us if you wish us to organize you a private transfer
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Beverages during meals
Bicycles
We provide 24 speed hybrid bicycles. They are designed for riding both on paved and not paved roads with 28" wheels. Every bicycle has handlebar bag with map case as well as water bottle. Bicycle bag can carry max 5kg-11lb weight. If you prefer you can bring your own saddle and have us install it on our bikes. All our bicycles are provided with platform pedals. If you are used to ride a bicycle with clipless pedals they are welcome to bring them and we will install them on our bicycle.
E-bikes are also available for this trip. Our E-bikes are Scott E-Sub Cross or similar.
Price: 270€ per person (based on a double / twin room occupancy). A single room supplement - 40€
E-bike rental: 60 EurosMinimum group size - 3 persons
What is included:
What is not included:
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Travel Information
All distances in Serbia are given in kilometers. 1 mi=1,61 km, 1km =0.62mi, 1ft=0.3m/ 1inch=2.54cm
Weather Information
Weather is difficult to forecast but, normally, Serbia has a continental climate. Autumn is often with extended periods of warm , sunny weather. The coldest month of the year is January with average temperature a little bit over 0˚C. Spring is usually very pleasant with daily temperature between 15˚C and 20˚C and occasional rain and showers. The hottest months are July and August with average temperature about 23˚C and daily temperature above 30˚C. The country as a whole receives an average precipitation of between 600mm and 800 mm annually in the plains- about the same as that of southeast England – and about 800mm and 1200mm in highland regions. In July and August we usually have some days with daily max temperature about 35C.
Packing suggestions
Casual seasonal clothing is recommended for most occasions. You may wish to bring a light sweater and a light jacket. Padded bicycle shorts and bicycle gloves are useful. Sport shoes/ sneakers would be fine for cycling tours as all our bicycles are provided with platform pedals (if you bringing with you clip-less pedals you should bring also adequate shoes). We strongly recommend that you wear a bicycle helmet whilst cycling. We believe that there is no helmet like your own and we do not provide helmets locally. Like a well-fitting pair of walking boots, helmets are a very personal item of equipment. It is also more hygienic to wear your own rather than one which has been used by someone else previously. We recommend bringing a bicycle helmet, cycling sunglasses and some bicycle or walking rain gear. You should also bring some SP and anti-mosquitoes cream. Also, bring a swimsuit for swimming opportunities if we are staying in Vila DeLux.
NOTE: A cycling helmet could be bought locally for the price of 30EUR. Please order it in advance.General Information
Currency and Exchange
Serbian Dinar is monetary unit in Serbia and for 1 Euro you can get 117,00 dinars (current exchange rate). In all cities and towns you can find change offices. ATM machines are available in Negotin and they require a PIN number. For arriving by plane, there is an ATM at the arrivals hall (downstairs) of Belgrade’s Surcin Airport, which will accept VISA, VISA Electron, VISA Plus, MasterCard, Maestro and Cirrus cards. Some of the restaurants and shops accept credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners). The most widely excepted credit cards are VISA, closely followed by MasterCard. Traveller’s cheques are a little harder to change: Branches of Raiffeisen Bank or Komercijalna Banka are probably the best bet but beware of high commission charges. For Eurocheques, branches of ProCredit Bank are probably the best bet. Neither personal nor travellers’ cheques can normally be exchanged for goods in shops, so credit cards make far more sense.
Banks are generally open from 08:00 to 19:00 on weekdays and from 08:00 to 15:00 on Saturdays.
In smaller towns it is useful to have enough cash. Foreign nationals may take a maximum of 120.000 dinars in or out of the country.
Most of the shops are open from 9am to 9 pm and remain open through lunch.
Restaurants: The main meal is taken at lunch from 1pm to 3pm. Restaurants serve dinner in the evening from 8pm till 11pm.Electric Current
In Serbia electric current is 220 volts, 50 HZ. To use American or British electrical appliances a plug adapter is necessary. Electric plug used in Serbia is type C (the same one is in use in Croatia, Belgium, Egypt, Italy, Hungary, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Norway, Bulgaria, Romania, Switzerland, Turkey, Vietnam, etc.
Telephone
Telephone plug used in Montenegro, Croatia, is US RJ-11 phone plug
Telephoning Home
Most of the telephone cards (AT&T…) do not work here. The most convenient way for telephoning home is to use your mobile phone. Note that telephoning from Serbia will involve roaming charges, so please double-check with your mobile provider at home about the rates and conditions.
To make a direct international call, first dial 00 (code to access international line) then the country code, the area code and local number. The country code for Australia is 61, Norway 47, Great Britain is 44, USA and Canada 1, France 33, Germany 49. To make a national call just dial area code and local telephone number. City codes Belgrade 011, Nis 018, Novi Sad 021. Important phone numbers: Police 192, Fire department 193, Ambulance 194.
ACE Emergency phone (24h available) +381 (0)64 24 76 311.
Language
Official language is Serbian but English is widely spoken specially in a bigger towns. Both Cyrillic and Latin Alphabet is in used.
INSURANCE
Travel insurance is highly recommended for all clients whilst on a tour organized by ACE. Clients together with their personal property including baggage are at all times solely at their own risk. Clients are wholly responsible for arranging their own insurance. Clients are responsible for ensuring that they are in possession of private Travel Insurance with protection for the full duration of the tour in respect of at least medical expenses, injury, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment, with adequate cover. Clients making their own arrangements should ensure that there is no exclusion clauses limiting protection for the type of activities included in their tour. Clients should satisfy themselves that any travel insurance is what they require and should arrange supplementary insurance if need be.
Responsible Travel
Before you come on the tour please read and respect ACE Responsible Tourism Policy
Personal Expenses
MEAL PLAN
Meals other than those included in the itinerary are paid for separately by traveler. Examples of some costs are provided below:
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Coffee/ Tea - 0.8-1.5 Euro
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Soft drink - 1-2 Euro
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Bottle of beer - 1.5-2 Euro
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Bottle of wine - 5-15 Euro
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Two course meal - 8-10 Euro
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Three course meal - 12-15 Euro
Local fares in small towns
Tipping
Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this part of the world. Gratuities for the staff of the ACE Adventure is discretionally but always appreciated by the staff and we will be happy to provide guidelines.
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Photos
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Negotin cycling
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Vratna canyon
Vratnjanski Gate
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Cycling to Rajac
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Danube river
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Danube river
Lunch by the river
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Cycling Rajac
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Rajac
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Cycling Rajac
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Rajačke Pivnice
Wine Cellars
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Rajačke Pivnice
Wine Cellars
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Cycling Rajac
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Rajačke Pivnice
Wine Cellars
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Rogljevačke Pivnice
Wine Cellars
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Rajac Cemetery
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Rajačke Pivnice
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Rajačke Pivnice
Dates & Prices
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