Lavender fields and Sicevo Gorge cycling
Cycling on picturesque plateau Ploče, the most beautiful gorge in Serbia, greenery of Svrljig area
Lavender fields do not belong exclusive to Provence. Discover with us the distillery of essential oils on the plateau Ploče and picturesque fields of lavender, immortelle, and hyssop.
Get off the bike and Immerse in the natural pool with 22 degrees water temperature and prepare your muscles for the next ascent
Enjoy our quality hybrid bicycles (or E-bikes) and do not think about flat tires or mechanical problems. We take care of everything.
Enjoy the benefits of being with our expert bilingual guides with extensive local knowledge.
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 from 58km to 70km
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 late afternoon in the city of Niš and check-in accommodation. After introductory briefing free time and dinner.
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Meals Included: Dinner
Activity Free time
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After a 10km long flat section, we start the gradual ascent to the plateau Ploče. The Suva planina massive (Dry Mountain) will be on our right-hand side and Svrljiske Mountain will greet us from the left. Soon after we start a long descent from Ploče we see the farm producing lavender, Immortelle, and hyssop oils and the colourful fields around it. We will break to visit the distillery before we descent to a village Crvena Reka and return to Niš through one of the most scenic gorges in Serbia - Sicevo Gorge.
Tonight, we will have an authentic dinner with a local family in the city. Instead of taking you to a restaurant, we wish to provide you with a unique experience with dinner in a local home in Niš. If you have some dietary restrictions we will be happy to adapt our menu to you. -
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity Cycling distance: 70km on asphalt roads, cumulative ascent 690m / descent 690m
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We start our cycling tour from the city of Nis and follow the Nisava and South Morava valley to the village of Donja Trnava. From there we move to the rolling green paradise for cycling. We stop in the village of Kravlje to visit a winery Izba Jovanovic. Our next stop will be in the village of Popšica where we rest next to the natural swimming pool where we could swim during nice weather. The spring has a constant temperature of 22 degrees and it is located within the swimming pool. After refreshment in Popsica we cycle to the village of Lalinac where we stop for a picnic lunch. We finish the cycling in a small town of Svrljig from where we transfer back to our accommodation in Nis.
We return to Nis around 16h00 when you can start your trip back home. -
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Activity Total cycling distance 58km (asphalt roads), cumulative ascent 600m, descent 420m
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Tour Information
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Essential oil distillery- Live Natural
More than 200 hectares of land in the village of Tamnjanica near Bela Palanka are under lavender, immortelle, roses and blueberries, and the plantations and distillery where essential oils are made were made by Ljiljana Petrovic, who came up with the idea to revive her grandfather's village 10 years ago.
The beginnings were not easy, because it was necessary to buy small pieces of land from various owners in a large estate. She bought 2,000 plots from almost 700 owners.
When she built a distillery, she realized that she could not do it alone - so she started bringing people who would produce and process plants on soil that has a climate similar to the Mediterranean, in a village between the Sićevačka gorge and Suva planina.Sićevo Gorge
Sićevo gorge is a spectacular part of the river Nišava valley, lying between the slopes of Svrljiške Mountains and Suva Mountain. The gorge is characterized by diverse natural values. Despite numerous human impacts, the presence of a large number of endemic, relict, and generally important species of plants has been registered in the gorge, so it can rightly be said to be a great refugium of plant species of Serbia, the Balkans and Europe.
On its inaccessible cliffs, one of the last pairs of the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) in Serbia nests. The gorge represents unique and exclusive habitats where the species of Serbian Ramonda (Ramonda Serbica) and Natalie's Ramonda (Ramonda Nathaliae), tertiary relics and endemics of the Balkans grow together, forming the community Ramondietum nathaliae-serbicae.Popšica
The famous attraction in the village of Popšica is the natural outdoor pool. The spring that has been turned into a bathing place is called Grlo. Popšica is a small village in the municipality of Svrljig. In this part of Serbia, it is known for its pool of natural water with a constant temperature of 22 degrees. The spring itself has been known since ancient times. The pool was built in 1969 and since then did not change at all. The spring itself has a flow of 15 litres per second. Near the pool and the village itself is the monastery of the Holy Archangel Gabriel, Pirkovac Monastery.
Izba Jovanović winery
This is a story about two people who were united by music, and then by love, and then, with faith and hope, they set foot on the "path of wine". They wanted to make something unique to us, from their land, with their own hands. Something that can be woven into winds and rays, emotions and hopes, trust and patience.
Their goal is to take from the soil the best it can give and to pour it into a bottle, by combining traditional methods and modern techniques. With dedicated work in the vineyard, they pay special attention to each vine and each bunch, and not to "make" wine in the cellar, but to carefully monitor what they did and got in the vineyard. The composition of the soil determined the grape variety, so the choice of the Izba Jovanovic is merlot grape.Niš
Serbia's third-largest metropolis is a lively city of curious contrasts, where Roma in horse-drawn carriages trot alongside new cars, and posh cocktails are sipped in antiquated alleyways. It's a buzzy kind of place, with a high number of university students, packed-out laneway bars, a happening live-music scene.
The wider area around Niš has been inhabited since the Neolithic and early Bronze Age, to which prehistoric findings from Bubanj and Humska Čuka bear witness. The Dardani, Celts (Gauls) and Illyrians lived in Niš in the pre-Roman period. The Celts named the town Naissus (City of the Nymphs). In Roman times, Niš was a powerful military stronghold in which one of the greatest rulers of the Roman Empire, Flavius Valerius Constantinus, better known as Constantine the Great, was born in 274.
The most important cultural and historical attractions in Niš are the Mediana – a large 4th-century Roman estate; Niš Fortress – the best-preserved Turkish fortress in the central Balkans, built in 1723 and containing the remains of Roman Naissus in its foundations; the Skull Tower (Ćele Kula); Čegar, where a monument stands on the site of the battle between Stevan Sinđelić and the Turks; the Monument to the Liberators of Niš – erected in 1937 in memory of the fight for the liberation of Niš; the Red Cross Camp – a Nazi concentration camp; and Bubanj Memorial Park – one of the largest Second World War execution sites in Serbia. -
We will be based in Imunsan Seosko Domacinstvo apartments, located 5 km from the city of Niš, on Vinik hill. Nestled in the greenery, it is an oasis of peace and tranquillity on the edge of the city bustle. The complex consists of several apartments, a dining room and greenhouses from which some of the food is coming to their dining table. It is built and run by an enthusiastic couple, who decided to change their city life with something very different. They started a rural tourism business and cultivating different sort of sprouts, and production of wheat herb juice, barley herb juice, houseleek juice and many others. Our hosts organize workshops about healthy food, and immune/ detox courses.
We pay special attention to the choice of food. All breakfasts will be served in accommodation. We will have our first dinner in Imunsan Seosko Domaćinstvo. For the second dinner, we dine with a local family in Niš. Instead of taking you to a restaurant, we wish to provide you a unique experience with dinner in a local home in Niš. The lunches are in the form of 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 Imunsan Seosko Domacinstvo
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two breakfasts, two picnic lunches, two dinners
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All transfers and vehicle support during the cycling tour- from the morning on day 2 to return to accommodation on day 3
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visit essential oil distillery-
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wine tasting in Izba Jovanović winery
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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, French or German speaking tour leader
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Arrival / departure transfer: from / to your home to / from the city of Nis. Please contact us if you wish us to organize you a private transfer
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Beverages during meals (with exceptions on dinner on day 2 when some beverages are included)
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: 250€ 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 in Popšica.
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. For 1 Euro you can get 117,00 dinars (current exchange rate). In all cities and towns you can find change offices. Most of them have a good exchange rate and do not charge commission. Most of change offices are open from 8am to 8pm. ATM machines are available in Niš 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 Serbia is US RJ-11 phone plug
Telephoning Home
Most of the telephone cards (AT&T…) do not work here. YThe 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 - 1-1.5 Euro
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Bottle of beer - 1.5-2.5 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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