Rila Monastery and St. Ivan Cave Day Trip from Sofia, Bulgaria
Active
8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover one of Bulgaria’s UNESCO World Heritage gems on this day trip from Sofia. Admire rural Bulgaria en route to the Rila Monastery in the pine-carpeted Rila Mountains. Take a guided tour of this medieval treasure with its fresco-coated church. After time to explore independently, visit the Cave of St. Ivan - one of the most sacred places in Bulgaria. 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.
Available options
Guided tour in English
English-speaking guide: Experience excellence with Traventuria. Join this tour with a professional English-speaking guide.
IT Guided + Boyana Church
Add -on visit to Boyana church: Includes: Italian-speaking guide, Rila monastery, St. Ivan's cave, Boyana church (Entrance fee NOT incl.)
Guided Tour in Italian
Experience excellence with Traventuria. Join this tour with Italian-speaking guide to Rila monastery & St. Ivan's cave.
Guided Tour in Spanish
Experience excellence with Traventuria. Join this tour with a professional Spanish-speaking guide.
Tour with online audio guide
Transport only: Explore Rila Monastery&St. Ivan's cave with online audioguide. Live guide, headphones - not included. Own internet- required.
EN Guided + Boyana Church
Add -on visit to Boyana church: Includes: English-speaking guide, Rila monastery, St. Ivan's cave, Boyana church (Entrance fee NOT incl.).
ES Guided + Boyana Church
Add -on visit to Boyana church: Includes: Spanish-speaking guide, Rila monastery, St. Ivan's cave, Boyana church (Entrance fee NOT incl.).
What's included
Driver/Tour guide in English
ONLINE, cloud-based audioguide in different languages. INTERNET required to download and use.
Transport by air-conditioned bus
Parking Fees
A planned visit to the Cave of St. Ivan Rilski
Detailed itinerary
1
Departure at 09:00 from the car parknext to Vasil Levski Monument, in front of the Embassy of Slovakia
2
Stop 2
Transportation from the Meeting point to the Rila Monastery. Estimated time of arrival - 12:00.
3
Stop 3
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.
4
Visit the Cave of Saint Ivan Rilski - one of the most sacred places in Bulgaria. Pass through the tunnel of St. Ivan Rilski. The belief is that only people with clean souls can pass through and that magical powers keep the sinners away. While you’re there, do not forget to drink some water from the holy spring. It is believed that this water never stops, nor freezes even when it is extremely cold.
5
Return to the starting point at approximately 17:00
What's not included
Gratuities
Food and Drinks
Admission fees (7 euro/12 BGN for the Boyana Church)
Rila Monastery Museum
Available languages
Audio guide
DE
RU
EN
IT
FR
ES
Guide guide
EN
IT
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.9
9 reviews
5★
8
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.4
12 reviews
5★
9
4★
1
3★
1
2★
0
1★
1
Important information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities
Comfortable walking shoes recommended
Minimum traveler age is 6 years old
Tour with ONLINE (cloud-based) Audio-guide in different languages. INTERNET required to download and use.
Meeting point
IMPORTANT: The meeting point next to Vasil Levski Monument, in front of the Embassy of Slovakia| | Please, be there 15 min. in advance!
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.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
