Gradac River Canyon and Petnicka Cave

Explore the Petnicka cave and walk through the Gradac river canyon, all in this 1 day tour

The very beginning of our tour is reserved for the mysterious depths of the Petnicka cave, which we will explore thoroughly. Armed with lamps, we will investigate corridors of the Petnicka cave, its large hall, as well its hidden chambers. Our tour through the cave lasts around 1h. There’s a stream passing through the cave, which once propelled a water mill built at the cave entrance. Unfortunately, that mill is no longer operational.

For this adventure we don’t need any special equipment, because all the paths inside are built for hiking.

After our cave walk, we’ll take a short drive (20 minutes) to the start line of our trek through the Gradac River.

The river Gradac, located in the vicinity of Valjevo, is considered to be one of the cleanest of its kind in the Balkans, its waters being completely drinkable. The canyon surrounding it is tucked between myriad of hills and cliffs, accessible only by foot. Our walk is about 4-5 km long, but it leads us through areas that are only available to true nature lovers. We will venture into the canyon through a paved road leaning against the river itself, crossing it from time to time and even bathing in it during our breaks. Our journey through the canyon will last about 3 hours. In case the water is too cold, all participants will receive neoprene socks, which will keep them warm.

The end point of our adventure is the Ćelije Monastery. The tour is about 6 km long in total.

If it’s to believe the folk tradition, old Serbian King Dragutin Nemanjić (1282-1316) ordered that the Ćelije monastery near Valjevo be built in a hidden place, far from the thieves and robbers, common in the Gradac canyon.

And this place, like many other Serbian monasteries at the time, was the hidden center of Christianity for the Serbian people during the long and difficult Turkish oppression.  Because of that, Ćelije monastery was often demolished and burned, but soon afterwards resurrected in the same place even more beautiful and brighter.

After a short break in the church, our vehicle will take us to the place where beauty of taste and nature meets, on the bank of the river Jablanica, for lunch. Then, we pack our stuff and head straight to Belgrade.

Itinerary

Day 1

Saturday

  • Departure from Belgrade at 08.00 h
  • Tour of Petnica cave: 10.00 – 11.30 h
  • Canyoning activity and tour of Ćelije monastery: 12.00 – 16.00 h
  • Lunch and rest: 16.30 – 18.00 h
  • Departure for Belgrade: 18.00 h
  • Arriving in Belgrade at around 20.00 h
  • Total length of tour: 9 km

Dates & Prices

May 23rd, 2022
Spots available: 9 49 €, Per Person
June 27th, 2022
Spots available: 11 49 €, Per Person
August 15th, 2022
Spots available: 12 49 €, Per Person
October 10th, 2022
Spots available: 12 1 €, Per Person

What’s included in the price?

  • Transfers
  • Services of a licensed UIAA guide
  • Lunch

The price doesn’t include the following:

  • Travel insurance
  • Beverages
  • Personal equipment
  • Personal expenses

F.A.Q.

What’s the hike like?
Nice, calm walk. It is around 3 hours long (6-7 km), on flat terrain. At some points, we will walk through some shallow water.

What skills/experience/fitness do I need?
No need for any previous experience. This is a perfect tour for beginners, with a perfect setting to immerse yourself in gorgeous nature.

What do I need to bring with me?

  • 2 pairs of walking or hiking shoes (one for walking in the canyon and one to change after, because the first one will be wet)
  • Shorts (summer) or hiking pants
  • Swimming suit, hat, sunglass and a towel
  • T-shirt
  • Light jacket
  • Small rucksack with one liter of water and some candy
  • Some pocket money

 What are the guides like?
All the activities on this trip will be led in English by qualified and professional local guides.

What’s the food like?
All food is local and is freshly cooked. These include domestic cheese and other local milk products, dry meat specialties, fish, local fruit, fresh fruit and vegetable. We can organize your meal in the way you like. Drinks are not included.

What’s the weather like?
Summer and early autumn are the best periods to visit this region (from middle of May to end of September). In summer the average temperature is around 26-28 but it can be more than 30 degrees. Autumn is slightly chillier but still really pleasant for hiking.

How do I meet the transfer?
We will notify you where the pick-up location will be (in most cases it will be the parking lot of Sava Center). The transfer will be holding a sign with the name of the tour. We’ll give you all extra details before travelling.

How big will the group be?
This trip will run with a minimum of 6 people, and a maximum of 20. Please note, if there are not 6 people booked the trip may be rearranged or cancelled. Please contact us for confirmation before booking your flights, or book with a credit card.

Important notes:

This itinerary and the duration of the activities are subject to change due to group abilities and preferences, weather conditions and forecasts, special events, etc.