Rila Monastery and St. Ivan Cave History & Nature Trip from Sofia
4.8 / 5 · 46 traveler reviews
This day tour perfectly combines history, culture, and nature experiences. Enjoy a comfortable ride through the beautiful green countryside as you head toward the majestic Rila Mountains. Discover Bulgaria’s most famous UNESCO site, the Rila Monastery, with a guided or audio-guided tour. Afterward, take a relaxing walk through the woods to reach the Cave of Saint Ivan. You will also have free time to explore the monastery on your own before we drive back to Sofia.
Your experience
Stop 1
Departure at 09:00 from the car parknext to Vasil Levski Monument, in front of the Embassy of Slovakia
Stop 2
Transportation from the Meeting point to the Rila Monastery. Estimated time of arrival - 12:00.
Stop 3
Rila Monastery is one of Bulgaria’s symbols and a popular tourist destination. The monastery is set deep in the heart of Rila Mountain, between the Rilska and Drushliavitza Rivers, at 1147 metres (3760 feet) above sea level. It is situated 120 kilometres south of Sofia.
Stop 4
Visit the Cave of Saint Ivan Rilski - one of the most sacred places in Bulgaria. Pass through the tunnel of St. Ivan Rilski. The belief is that only people with clean souls can pass through and that magical powers keep the sinners away. While you’re there, do not forget to drink some water from the holy spring. It is believed that this water never stops, nor freezes even when it is extremely cold.
Stop 5
Return to the starting point at approximately 17:30-18:00
What’s included
- Visit to Rila Monastery
- Professional Tour Guide OR Cloud Audio Guide App (depending entirely on the option you have booked)
- Visit to St. Ivan Cave, OR The Bells Monument (depending entirely on the option you have booked)
- Parking fees
- Round-trip transport by air-conditioned minibus or coach
Not included
- Gratuities
- Food and Drinks
- Admission fees
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting and pickup
IMPORTANT: The meeting point next to Vasil Levski Monument, in front of the Embassy of Slovakia| | Please, be there 15 min. in advance!
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities
- Comfortable walking shoes recommended
- Minimum traveler age is 6 years old
- Tour with ONLINE (cloud-based) Audio-guide in different languages. INTERNET required to download and use.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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