Rila Monastery And St. Ivan Cave Day Tour From Sofia

Price

24€

Duration

8 hours

Tour Type

Overview

Join us for a day tour of the stunning Rila Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the Cave of Saint Ivan Rilski - the founder and patron of the Rila Monastery. Combine a cultural heritage trip with a short forest hike (about 20 min.) to enjoy history and nature in a one-day tour from Sofia!

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
  • Visit Rila Monastery in the Rila Mountains (Rila Mountain National Park)
  • Marvel its arcaded balconies, unique frescoes, gilded iconostasis, and fabulous mountain views
  • Learn about Saint Ivan of Rila (Saint Ivan Rilski) - the founder and patron of the Rila Monastery
  • Discover the Cave of St. Ivan Rilski - the place where he spent more than 10 years of his life alone
  • Pass through the tunnel of the cave and find out why they also call it the "The Sacred Hole of the Righteous"
  • Taste homemade "mekitsi" (traditional Bulgarian fried doughnuts served with Bulgarian yogurt) at the monastery bakery
  • Buy souvenirs and other presents from the gift shops around
  • Enjoy culture, history, and nature in a perfect combination for a day full of memories

 

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Included/Excluded

  • Live guide in English or online audio guide in different languages
  • Tour days with Live Italian or Spanish Speaking Guides
  • Transport in a modern air-conditioned bus
  • Parking Fees
  • Rila Monastery Museum entry ticket
  • Boyana Church entry ticket (if option selected)
  • Gratuities
  • Food & Drinks

Tour Plan

09:00 Departure from Vasil Levski Monument (Embassy of Slovakia)

Meet us at Vasil Levski Monument, in front of the Embassy of Slovakia (LINK to the meeting point on Google Maps).
Please, arrive at the meeting point at least 10 min earlier. The bus departs at 09:00 am sharp and does NOT wait for any late passengers.

12:00/12:30 Arrival at Rila Monastery

After an approximate two hour drive, we reach our main sight of interest – the majestic Rila Monastery, hidden in the beautiful Rila Mountains.

12:00/12:30-14:00/14:30 Guided visit of the Rila Monastery (including time for lunch)

Please, kindly note that on some dates the free time for exploration at the Rila Monastery may be limited, because of a bonus visit to the Boyana Church, included in the itinerary program of the trip.
For more time spent at the Rila Monastery, we recommend you book the classic version of our Rila Monastery & Boyana Church Day Tour from Sofia.

14:00/14:30-15:00/15:30 Guided visit to the St. Ivan Cave (Saint Ivan Rilski)

Enjoy a short (approx. 20 min) hike to the Cave of the Saint Ivan Rilski in the forest surrounding the Rila Monastery. We recommend you to be with good walking shoes and to bring a bottle of water with you. It is not a steep walk, however, since it's is the woods, there could be mud on a rainy day.

15:00/15:30-17:00/17:30 Arrival back at Vasil Levski Monument (Embassy of Slovakia) meeting point

At approximately 17:00 or 17:30 pm, the tour is back at its starting point - at Vasil Levski Monument, in front of the Embassy of Slovakia (LINK to the meeting point on Google Maps).

Important info

  • Dress Code: The monastery is at 1150 m (3770 ft) a.s.l. Dress according to the season & the weather forecast. Don’t forget your umbrella.
    There is a strict DRESS CODE at the Monastery. Shoulders and knees MUST be covered. High heels are NOT acceptable!
  • Cash or Card: Kindly note that payment by credit/debit cards are possible for the Boyana Church entrance and History Museum of Rila Monastery.
  • Payment by credit/debit card, however, is not possible at the dining places in the area; therefore we strongly recommend bringing Bulgarian leva in cash with you.
    Please note that there are no ATMs along the route, nor at the Monastery area.
  • Food: Bring your snacks § a bottle of water! Dining options in the area are limited & service could be rather slow.

Why choose Traventuria?

At Traventuria we pride ourselves on creating unforgettable travel experiences. With expert local guides, carefully curated itineraries, and a digitally optimized booking process, we ensure that your journey is smooth from start to finish. From the moment you book with us, your adventure is our priority. Trust us to take you into the heart of the destinations you dream of exploring.

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