The Cave of Saint John and Rila Monastery - Shuttle Day Tour

Sofia , Bulgaria

The Cave of Saint John and Rila Monastery - Shuttle Day Tour

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(16 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Enjoy a great combination of history and natury with this one day tour to two iconic Bulgarian places!

Available options

Smartphone Audio guide

Smartphone Audio Guide: You will receive acces for audio files to listen on your smartphone - avialable in English, Spanish and Italian.

Guided tour in English

Rila Monastery - Guided tour : With this option you have a guided tour in English at the Rila Monasrery.

Self - guided tour

Self - gudied tour: With this option you have free time to explore the monastery on your own, without a guided tour.

What's included

Trip to Rila Monastery and the cave of Saint John

English- speaking guide or driver, depending on the booked option.

Air-conditioned vehicle

What you'll see

This day tour is a great combination of history and nature – the Rila Monastery and the holy cave of Saint John.

The meeting point for the tour is Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7 please be there at 8:45. The departure is at 9:00 and since this is a group tour, we cannot wait much if you are late.

First, we will travel about two hours on a picturesque road to the Rila Monastery – this is the biggest and most important Bulgarian monastery, a UNESCO heritage site as well. There, for sure, you will be captured by its amazingly beautiful frescoes and architecture.

Then, if you have booked the guided option of the tour, you will have about 40-minute guided visit of the monastery, during which you will learn about the life of Saint John and about the history of the monastery – from the time of its establishment in the 10th century until nowadays. The guide will also show you and tell you the story of the more important frescoes, as well as the miraculous icons, situated in the church, and the relics of Saint John.

If you have booked the ‘transport only’ option, you will have more free time to explore the monastery on your own.

After the guided tour, at 12:00 we continue with a short 5-minute drive down the road, until we reach the beginning of the path to the holy cave of Saint John – the place, where he spent the last years of his life and considered to be a sacred area. The walking path to the cave is about 15-minutes, moderate difficulty, and it is a great refreshing walk in the nature. There, you will have the chance to pass through it and to drink water from the nearby spring, which is believed to be never freezing.
After the hike, we will go back to the monastery, where you will have 1 – 1.5 hours of free time, during which you can take photos, check the souvenir shops and have a lunch break. Since the dining options around the monastery are rather limited, we recommend you to bring some food from Sofia.

Around 14:00 – 14:30, you will head back to Sofia. The expected return is between 16:00 and 16:30, depending on the traffic and on the group size.

What's not included

Personal expenses

Gratuities (optional)

Available languages

Audio guide

EN IT ES

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

13 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please warn us if you have a 0-2 years old baby when you make the reservation so that we can prepare a special seat for them

For the safety and enjoyment of all guests, any customer who appears intoxicated at the time of the tour will not be permitted to participate. In such cases, no refunds will be issued.

About Sofia

Sofia is the vibrant capital of Bulgaria, nestled at the foot of the Vitosha Mountain. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and lively cultural scene, it offers a unique blend of ancient and modern attractions. The city is a treasure trove of Roman ruins, Orthodox churches, and Soviet-era landmarks, all set against the backdrop of beautiful natural surroundings.

Top Attractions

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

This iconic cathedral is one of Sofia's most famous landmarks. It was built in honor of the Russian soldiers who died during the Russo-Turkish War.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (small fee for the museum and bell tower)

Vitosha Mountain

Vitosha Mountain offers a stunning backdrop to Sofia and is a popular destination for hiking, skiing, and enjoying nature.

Nature Half day to full day Free (lift tickets for skiing cost around €10-€20)

National History Museum

This museum houses a vast collection of artifacts that tell the story of Bulgaria's rich history.

Museum 2-3 hours €5

Boyana Church

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Boyana Church is known for its stunning frescoes dating back to the 13th century.

Historical 1 hour €4

Sofia Central Mineral Baths

This historic building was once a public bathhouse and is now a popular spot for shopping and dining.

Historical 1-2 hours Free to explore

Must-Try Local Dishes

Banitsa

A traditional Bulgarian pastry made with layers of filo dough, cheese, and eggs. It's often served for breakfast with a side of yogurt.

Breakfast Vegetarian

Shopska Salad

A refreshing salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and grated sirene cheese. It's a staple in Bulgarian cuisine and is often served as a side dish.

Appetizer Vegetarian

Kebapche

A grilled minced meat sausage made with a mix of pork and beef, seasoned with spices like black pepper, cumin, and coriander. It's often served with french fries or lyutenitsa (a spicy pepper and tomato spread).

Main Course Contains meat

Tarator

A cold soup made with yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and dill. It's a refreshing dish, especially during the hot summer months.

Appetizer Vegetarian, Vegan (if made with plant-based yogurt)

Popular Activities

Hiking in Vitosha Mountain Skiing in Bansko or nearby resorts Mountain biking and other outdoor activities Visiting spas and wellness centers Strolling through parks and gardens Enjoying a meal or drink at a rooftop bar Exploring museums and galleries Attending concerts and performances

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Sofia for warm weather and outdoor activities. The city is lively with festivals and cultural events.

15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Bulgarian
Widely spoken: English, Russian, Romanian
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other places

Currency

Bulgarian Lev (BGN)

Time Zone

GMT+2 (EET)

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Sofia is generally a safe city for travelers, but petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas. It's important to take basic precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or surveys

Getting there

By air

Sofia Airport • 10 km (6 miles) from city center

By train

Central Railway Station

By bus

Central Bus Station, South Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The metro is efficient, clean, and affordable. It's the fastest way to get around Sofia.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Yellow Taxi, OK Taxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

City Center Lozenets Studentski Grad Orlov Most

Day trips

Rila Monastery

120 km (75 miles) • Full day

The Rila Monastery is one of the most important cultural and historical sites in Bulgaria. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful frescoes.

Plovdiv

150 km (93 miles) • Full day

Plovdiv is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It's known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.

Bansko

160 km (100 miles) • Full day or overnight

Bansko is a popular ski resort in the winter and a great destination for hiking and outdoor activities in the summer. It's known for its stunning mountain scenery and traditional Bulgarian charm.

Festivals

Sofia Film Fest • March Sofia Pride • June Sofia International Film Festival • October

Pro tips

Visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the beautiful light.
Try traditional Bulgarian rakia and meze at a local bar for an authentic experience.
Explore the underground caves and tunnels of Sofia for a unique and fascinating look at the city's history.
Take a day trip to the Rila Monastery or Plovdiv for a taste of Bulgaria's rich history and culture.
Visit the National Palace of Culture for concerts, performances, and other cultural events.