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 Cathedral12:00 - Estimated time of arrival at Rila Monastery12:00-13:00 - Guided visit to the Monastery13:00-14:00 - Free time for lunch or further explorations of the area on your own14:00-15:00 - Visit the St. Ivan Cave15:00 - Depart from Rila Monastery back to Sofia17:00 - Estimated time of arrival at Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Rila Monastery & St. Ivan Cave Day Trip from Sofia: UNESCO Heritage Experience
Inclusions
Driver/Tour guide
Transport by air-conditioned minibus
Parking Fees
ONLINE, cloud-based audioguide in different languages. INTERNET required to download and use
A planned visit to the Cave of St. Ivan Rilski
- Fuel surcharge
- Parking fees
Exclusions
Gratuities
Admission fees
Food and drinks
- Tip or gratuity
- Food & drinks
- Entry or admission fee
Tour Plan
Departure from Sofia, Al. Nevski square
09:00 departure from the starting point - Alexander Nevski Cathedrale square. Sofia.Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.
Rila Monastery Tour
Arround 12pm arrival at the Rila Monastery.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.
St. Ivan Rilski Cave Visit
Arrival at Cave of St. Ivan Rislki - 14:00
Arrival at Sofia, Al. Nevski square
Return to the starting point (Al. Nevski square, Sofia) at approximately 17:00pm
Itinerary
09:00 departure from the starting point - Vasil Levski Monument (Embassy of Slovakia). Sofia.
Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.
Arround 12pm arrival at the Rila Monastery.
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.
Arrival at Cave of St. Ivan Rislki - 14:00
Return to the starting point (Vasil Levski Monument (Embassy of Slovakia)) at approximately 17:00pm
Cancellation Policy
- Refund if cancelled at least 1 day before the event
Meeting / Pickup
What to Bring
Comfortable shoes. And please, be aware of the monastery's strict dress code: no short pants, no short skirts, no flip-flops/sandals, and no sleeveless shoulders.
Please Note
- Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities
- Not wheelchair accessible or stroller friendly
- Comfortable walking shoes recommended
- Not suitable for pets
- No public transportation nearby
- Infants must not sit on laps
- Infant seats unavailable
- Tour is offered as well with ONLINE (cloud-based) Audio-guide in different languages. INTERNET required to download and use.
Reviews
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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!