Discover one of Bulgaria’s UNESCO World Heritage gems on this day trip from Sofia. Traveling by minibus, admire rural Bulgaria on route to the Rila Monastery in the pine-carpeted Rila Mountains. Take a guided tour of the medieval treasure with its fresco-coated church, and visit its fascinating museum. Then, after time to explore independently, visit the cave of Saint Ivan Rilski, 3-4 km from the Monastery - one of the most sacred places in Bulgaria. Please kindly note that on some dates the free time for exploration of the Rila Monastery may be shorter or vary from the described schedule below.
Tour details:
09:00 - The trip starts from the parking behind Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
12:00 - Estimated time of arrival at Rila Monastery
12:00-13:00 - Guided visit to the Monastery
13:00-14:00 - Free time for lunch or further explorations of the area on your own
14:00-15:00 - Visit the St. Ivan Cave
15:00 - Depart from Rila Monastery back to Sofia
17:00 - Estimated time of arrival at Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
3 Comments
4.2
Exploring the Rilski manastir and St. Ivan Cave together was a memorable experience for our group. The drive from Sofia was scenic, providing a beautiful backdrop to our adventure. At the monastery, we were struck by the intricate architecture and the deep sense of history that enveloped the site. However, the guided tour felt a bit rushed at times, making it hard to fully soak in the heritage. The cave visit was fascinating, but navigating the uneven paths could be tricky for some. Overall, it was a day filled with stunning sights and good company, and we left feeling enriched by our experience.
4.6
We had an enjoyable day exploring the beautiful surroundings on our trip, with the UNESCO heritage site being a highlight. The transportation was comfortable, making the journey from the city relaxing, and we appreciated the knowledgeable guide who shared stories about the area’s cultural significance. While the monastery was impressive, we found the trek to the cave a bit challenging, especially given the time constraints. Still, the stunning views and serene atmosphere were worth every step. Overall, it was a rewarding experience that offered a nice break from business travel.
4.6
Our day trip to the Rilski manastir in Bulgaria was a fascinating blend of history and natural beauty. The drive from Sofia was smooth, thanks to our knowledgeable guide who shared intriguing stories about the area’s heritage. Upon arriving, we were immediately captivated by the monastery’s stunning architecture and the serene atmosphere that enveloped the place. Exploring St. Ivan Cave added a thrilling twist, as the path and views were as breathtaking as the cave’s spiritual significance. While the itinerary felt a bit rushed, especially at the end, we still managed to soak up a lot of culture and history. Overall, this experience was a delightful escape from the hustle of business travel, and we’d recommend it to anyone looking to connect with Bulgaria’s rich past. Just be prepared for some uphill walks!