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Discover one of Bulgaria’s UNESCO World Heritage gems on this day-trip. Admire rural Bulgaria en route to the Rila Monastery and visit the cave of Saint Ivan Rilski, one of the most sacred places in Bulgaria.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Reserve now & pay later
- Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
- Duration 8 hours
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Live tour guide
- English
- Audio guide included
- English, French, German, Italian, Russian, Spanish
- Welcoming travelers since 2012
Experience
Itinerary
Starting location:
Oborishte Street
Bus / coach
(2 hours)
Rila Monastery
Guided tour, Sightseeing (1 hour)
Rila Monastery
Free time (1 hour)
The Cave of St. Ivan Rilski
Guided tour (1 hour)
Bus / coach
(2 hours)
Arrive back at:
Oborishte Street
Main stop
Other stop
For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.
Highlights
- Marvel at one of Bulgaria's most famous UNESCO Sites - Rila Monastery
- Discover the holy cave of St. Ivan Rilski in the woods above the Rila Monastery
- Stop for a bite to eat in the nearby restaurants and try local delicacies
- Travel in comfort through the Bulgarian countryside
- Learn about each location you stop at through the help of an audioguide
Full description
Travel in comfort as you visit several Bulgarian landmarks like the Rila Monastery and the Cave of Saint Ivan Rilski in the company of a guide. See one of Bulgaria's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, enjoy a delicious bite to eat, and learn about each location through the use of an audio guide.
9:00 AM - Depart from Alexander Nevsky Cathedral Square (back side of the cathedral), and relax on a 3-hour drive to the Rila Monastery in the Rila Mountains. At noon arrive at the Rila Monastery.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM - Enjoy a guided walk at the Rila Monastery. Admire the arcaded balconies, and discover unique frescoes by one of the most famous painters of the Bulgarian National Revival period.
See the gilded iconostasis and enjoy the fabulous mountain views. Hear the story of the monastery from your guide before enjoying some time to explore the monastic complex on your own. Learn more at the museum, or purchase souvenir icons and other items in the nearby shops.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM - Take some free time to have lunch at one of the restaurants around the monastery, where you could taste local dishes such as mekitsi (a traditional Bulgarian dish of kneaded dough made with yoghurt that is deep-fried) or some grilled trout.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM - Visit the Cave of Saint Ivan Rilski - one of the most sacred places in Bulgaria. Pass through the tunnel of St. Ivan Rilski. Drink some water from the holy spring which is believed to never freeze.
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM - Head back to Sofia and arrive at Alexander Nevski Cathedral Square around 5:00 PM
The local tour operator, Traventuria, was awarded a “Business Which Supports Biodiversity” certification by the Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation for its “Tours with a Cause” initiative.
Includes
- Transportation by modern, comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking driver/guide
- Parking fees
- All transportation costs
- Cloud-based audio-guide in different languages. Internet required to download and use
- A planned visit to the Cave of St. Ivan Rilski
- Entrance fees
- Food, drinks, and other personal expenses
Not suitable for
- Children under 5 years
- Pregnant women
- Wheelchair users
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Meeting point
The parking lot in front of "La cattedrale" restaurant at the back side of Alexander Nevski Cathedral.
Open in Google Maps ⟶Important information
Know before you go
- Kindly note that the tour is offered with an online audioguide as well. It is an online (cloud-based) audio-guide in different languages. Internet is required to download and use
- The monastery is a functioning Orthodox temple. A strict dress code is imposed and should be respected. Men and women should be wearing clothes covering their shoulders. Women should not wear short shorts or skirts
- It is advised that you wear comfortable walking shoes as the inner yard of the Rila Monastery is cobbled. Walking around the monastic complex also requires comfortable walking shoes, especially for walking to the Cave of St. Ivan Rilski