Tours Culture & history Day Trips From Landmarks & monuments Outdoor activities Deals & Discounts Day trips Guided tours Nature & adventure National parks Educational activities Sightseeing Private tours Religious & spiritual activities UNESCO sites Architecture Churches & cathedrals

Escape the city of Sofia to visit the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery and optional St. Ivan's Cave in the heart of Rila Nature Park. Enjoy magnificent mountain scenery and Bulgaria's cultural heritage.

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
• Enjoy culture and nature sights during an one-day trip
• Travel in comfort through the Bulgarian countryside
• Learn about each location you stop at through the help of an audioguide

Description

Get ready for a full-day escape into the Rila Mountains—featuring Bulgaria’s most iconic UNESCO site and, optionally, a forest hike to a sacred cave. This tour takes you to the stunning Rila Monastery and, if you choose the extended option, to the Cave of Saint Ivan of Rila—accessible via a moderate 30-minute round-trip hike through the forest. The path is not difficult, but do wear sturdy shoes, as it can be slippery depending on the season. Note! The Cave of Saint Ivan of Rila is available only on select options. Rila Monastery, the centerpiece of the trip, is a must-see for anyone visiting Bulgaria. Founded in the 10th century, it’s famous for its striking architecture, richly painted frescoes, and serene mountain surroundings. Take a guided walk through the monastery complex and admire the arcaded balconies, the ornate gold iconostasis, and the vivid murals by Zahari Zograf—one of the masters of the Bulgarian National Revival. Your guide (or audio guide, depending on the option) will share stories that bring the monastery to life. Afterward, enjoy some free time to explore on your own, visit the monastery museum (entry fee not included - 8 BGN), or browse for souvenirs. 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. Please kindly note that on some dates the free time at the Rila Monastery may be shorter due to traffic, group size, or a complementary stop at Boyana church. 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, Spanish, or Italian-speaking guide (if option selected) Parking fees All transportation costs Cloud-based audioguide in different languages. Internet is required to use it A planned visit to the Cave of St. Ivan Rilski (if the option is selected)

Important Information

• Kindly note that the tour is offered with an online audioguide as well. It is an online (cloud-based) audioguide 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

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund