Rila Monastery and St. Ivan Cave Day Tour
Tour from Sofia to Rila Monastery and St. Ivan Rilski Cave for just 25 Euros per person! This tour takes you to two incredible places in one trip: the UNESCO World Heritage site, Rila Monastery, and the holy Cave of Saint Ivan Rilski, who founded the monastery.
Rila Monastery is a must-see if you're a tourist with a free day in Sofia. It's known for its beautiful arcaded balconies, unique frescoes created by a famous Bulgarian artist from the Revival Period, a stunning gilded iconostasis, and breathtaking mountain views. The combination of all these elements makes a visit to the monastery truly extraordinary and unforgettable.
Rila Monastery, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the largest and most popular monastery in Bulgaria. It's located in the heart of Rila Nature Park and is a place that draws both pilgrims and tourists. People are attracted to its spiritual aura, vibrant architecture, and vivid religious art. The stunning views of the rugged mountain peaks and the ancient spruce forests surrounding the monastery make every visit truly memorable.
When you visit the monastery, plan to spend about an hour or two exploring. You can learn about its history, which spans over 1,000 years, admire the beautifully detailed murals, and visit the local museum. Don't forget to try the monastery's bakery treats or sample local dishes at nearby restaurants to add a culinary touch to your visit.
The Cave of St. Ivan Rilski, also known as Saint John of Rila, is situated just 3-4 kilometers from the Rila Monastery. According to legend, passing through the hole at the end of the cave signifies being free of sin. To reach the cave, start at the monastery's parking lot, then continue up the road for 3-4 kilometers. You'll see a large wooden icon on the left, where the bus will drop you off. From there, you'll walk through the forest for about 15 minutes until you reach a small church nestled among the trees. The path is well-marked with clear signs.
Saint Ivan Rilski, also known as St. John of Rila, was a Bulgarian hermit monk who founded the Rila Monastery. He was born as Ioan in the village of Skrino near Dupnitsa. He lived during the Golden Age of the Bulgarian state. Ioan worked as a shepherd in his youth but gave up his inheritance at 25 and devoted himself to monastic life at the "St. Dimitar" monastery in the Vlahina mountains. He received a theological education there and later lived as a hermit in different places before settling in the Rila wilderness, where he performed many pious acts and miracles. Even Tsar Peter I came to meet him, but St. John of Rila accepted only the apples the ruler brought as gifts. He passed away on August 18, 946.
What’s included: English-speaking driver and guide throughout the tour. Transport in modern vehicle (car/minibus) with air condition, VAT and parking fees;
What’s not included: Food and beverages, personal expenses, admission fees (4 Euro for Rila Monastery Museum,), gratuities.
Extras: Hotel pick-up costs additional 5/10 Euro per reservation (not per person, depends on the hotel location). Tour is offered as well with ONLINE, cloud-based audioguide in different languages (EN, ES, IT, FR, DE, RU). INTERNET required to download and use.
Remarks & Logistics: Advance booking required; The meeting point is behind Alexandar Nevski Cathedral at 9:00 am sharp; Expected return to Sofia around 16:30-17:00 pm.
Meeting point: the parking lot behind the majestic Alexander Nevski Cathedral in central Sofia. (ploshtad "Sveti Aleksandar Nevski" GPS coordinates (42.69565435890446, 23.333857429821162) - BEHIND St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and IN FRONT OF La Cattedrale restaurant , Sofia 1000, Sofia City Province, BG)
Drop off: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Duration 8 h / Physical difficulty level Easy
- 09:00: Meet us behind the Alexander Nevski Cathedral (you will receive a detailed map after you complete the booking process).
- 12:00: (approx): Arrival at the Monastery.
- 12:00-14:00: Guided visit of the Monastery (including time for lunch).
- 14:00-15:00: Guided visit to the Cave of Saint John of Rila (Saint Ivan Rilski).
- 15:00-17:00: (approx): Arrival back at Alexandar Nevski Cathedral’s parking.
Rila Monastery Dress Code!
There is a dress code for entering the monastery. People wearing short skirts and trousers (above the knee) are not allowed to enter. Women should have their shoulders covered. Rila Monastery is in the mountains and usually it is colder/cooler than in Sofia.
