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From Sofia: Rila Monastery and St. Ivan Cave Day Trip

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Description

Summary

Starts
Sofia
Duration
8 Hrs.
Languages
English, Italian, Bulgarian, Spanish, German, Russian, and French
Admission
Printed voucher

Description

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Sofia to explore Bulgaria's hidden gems! Dive deep into the cultural and historical wonders of the Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in the Rila Mountains. Delve into the artistic marvels of the frescoes and arcaded balconies, and explore the gilded iconostasis while enjoying enlightening insights from your knowledgeable guide.

Savor authentic Bulgarian cuisine with a delightful lunch near the monastery. Relish traditional dishes like mekitsi or grilled trout, offering a perfect respite before your next adventure. Afterward, visit the sacred Cave of Saint Ivan Rilski, where you can experience the tranquil atmosphere and sip from the holy spring.

Enrich your experience with an audio guide that illuminates the cultural and spiritual significance of each destination. This day trip offers a unique blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty, ideal for those seeking a comprehensive exploration of Bulgaria.

Return to Sofia with a treasure trove of memories and perhaps new friendships formed along the way. Secure your spot now for an enriching Bulgarian adventure!

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Destinations

Sofia - city in BulgariaSofia

Map

Attractions

Photo of Beautiful view of the Orthodox Rila Monastery, a famous tourist attraction and cultural heritage monument in the Rila Nature Park mountains in Bulgaria.Rila Monastery

Options

Monastery without St. Ivan Cave with Spanish/Italian Driver
✓ Includes: transportation to Rila monastery ONLY, online audio guide on your smartphone (internet access required) ✕ Excludes: WITHOUT St. Ivan's cave, NO guide or headphones Important: An accompanying conductor may speak Spanish/Italian but NO English
Melnik and Rila Monastery 11-Hour Day Tour in English
Discover the iconic Rila Monastery and the charming town of Melnik on this English-guided tour. ✓ Includes: Melnik & Rila monastery guided tour in English ✕ Excludes: NO Ivan cave Note: the tour lasts over 11 hours & starts at 08:00 am
Self-Guided Tour with Audio Guide & Spanish/Italian Driver
✓ Includes: transportation to Rila monastery and the Cave, online audio guide on your smartphone (internet access required) ✕ Excludes: NO guide or headphones Important: An accompanying conductor may speak Spanish/Italian but NO English
English Guided Rila Monastery & St. Ivan Cave Tour
Explore the magnificent Rila Monastery and the mystical Cave of St. Ivan alongside a certified English-speaking guide, who will enrich your experience with fascinating insights and stories. ✓ Includes: guided tour in English to Rila monastery & Ivan cave
Guided Tour in English with pick-up from dedicated spots
Explore the Rila monastery&St. Ivan Cave alongside a professional English-speaking guide or an online audio guide (own headphones&power bank needed). Ensure you have internet access. Pick-up from dedicated pre-defined spots is included in the price.
Tour without St. Ivan Cave or Guide - Italian/Spanish Driver
✓ Includes: transportation to Rila monastery ONLY, online audio guide on your smartphone (internet access required) ✕ Excludes: WITHOUT St. Ivan's cave, NO guide or headphones Important: An accompanying conductor may speak Spanish/Italian but NO French
Self-Guided Monastery Only Visit with English/Spanish Driver
✓ Includes: transportation to Rila monastery ONLY, online audio guide on your smartphone (internet access required) ✕ Excludes: WITHOUT St. Ivan's cave, NO guide or headphones Important: An accompanying conductor may speak Spanish/English but NO Italian
Self-Guided Monastery Only Tour with Italian/English Driver
✓ Includes: transportation to Rila monastery ONLY, online audio guide on your smartphone (internet access required) ✕ Excludes: WITHOUT St. Ivan's cave, NO guide or headphones Important: An accompanying conductor may speak English/Italian but NO Spanish
Self-Guided Tour English/Italian/Spanish-Speaking Driver
✓ Includes: transportation to Rila monastery & St Ivan cave, online audio guide on your smartphone (internet access required) ✕ Excludes: WITHOUT a guide, headphones Important: An accompanying conductor might speak Italian/Spanish/English but NO French
Self-Guided Visit with English/Spanish-Speaking Driver
✓ Includes: transportation to Rila monastery & St Ivan cave, online audio guide on your smartphone (internet access required) ✕ Excludes: WITHOUT a guide, headphones Important: An accompanying conductor might speak English/Spanish but NO Italian.
Guided Tour in English with Spanish Audioguide
✓ Includes: Rila monastery & St Ivan cave tour in English, hardware audio guide in Spanish ✕ Excludes: WITHOUT a Spanish-speaking guide Important: The guide speaks English but NO Spanish.
WITHOUT a guide, conductor speaks English/Italian
✓ Includes: transportation to Rila monastery & St Ivan cave, online audio guide on your smartphone (internet access required) ✕ Excludes: WITHOUT a guide, headphones Important: An accompanying conductor might speak English/ Italian but NO Spanish.
Guided Tour in Italian
Explore the magnificent Rila Monastery & Cave of St. Ivan alongside a certified Italian-speaking guide, who will enrich your experience with fascinating insights and stories.
Guided Tour in Spanish
Explore the magnificent Rila Monastery & Cave of St. Ivan alongside a certified Spanish-speaking guide, who will enrich your experience with fascinating insights and stories.
Guided tour in English with Multilingual Audioguide
✓ Includes: Rila monastery & St Ivan cave tour in English, hardware audio guide in: ENGLISH, SPANISH, ITALIAN, GERMAN, RUSSIAN, FRENCH Important: The guide speaks English only
Guided Tour in English with French Audioguide
✓ Includes: Rila monastery & St Ivan cave tour in English, hardware audio guide in French. ✕ Excludes: WITHOUT a French-speaking guide Important: The guide may speak English
Monastery & Cave English Guided Tour with Italian Audioguide
✓ Includes: Rila monastery & St Ivan cave tour in English, hardware audio guide in Italian ✕ Excludes: WITHOUT an Italian-speaking guide Important: The guide speaks English but NO Italian.

Good to know

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

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