From Sofia: Rila Monastery & Optional St. Ivan Cave Day Tour

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Description

Summary

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

A planned visit to the Cave of St. Ivan Rilski (if the option is selected)
All transportation costs
Cloud-based audioguide in different languages. Internet is required to use it
English, Spanish, or Italian-speaking guide (if option selected)
Parking fees
Transportation by modern, comfortable air-conditioned vehicle

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

Self-Guided Tour (No St. Ivan Cave) & German Smart Audio
✓ Includes: Transportation to Rila Monastery, online audio guide on your smartphone ✕ Excludes: Guide, St. Ivan Cave visit, headphones
11-Hour English Guided Tour with Melnik without St.Ivan Cave
✓ Includes: English-speaking guide, Rila Monastery, Melnik, online audio guide on your smartphone ✕ Excludes: headphones, St. Ivan Cave visit, Kordopulova House entry fee (3 EUR) Important: The tour starts at 08:00 a.m. and lasts for 11 hrs
English Guided Tour with St. Ivan Cave & German Smart Audio
✓ Includes: Transportation to Rila Monastery, English-speaking guide, St. Ivan Cave Visit, online audio guide on your smartphone ✕ Excludes: headphones Important: The guide speaks only ENGLISH Important: Walk to the cave includes 30-minutes of hiking
Self-Guided Tour (No St. Ivan Cave) & French Smart Audio
✓ Includes: transportation to Rila Monastery, online audio guide on your smartphone ✕ Excludes: guide, headphones, St. Ivan Cave visit Important: The accompanying conductor might speak Spanish, Italian, or English, but NOT French
Self-Guided Tour (No St. Ivan Cave) & Italian Smart Audio
✓ Includes: Transportation to Rila Monastery, online audio guide in Italian on your smartphone ✕ Excludes: Guide, St. Ivan Cave visit, headphones
Self-Guided Tour (No St. Ivan Cave) & Spanish Smart Audio
✓ Includes: transportation to Rila Monastery, online audio guide on your smartphone ✕ Excludes: guide, headphones, St. Ivan Cave visit Important: The accompanying conductor might speak Italian, or English, but NOT Spanish
English Guided Tour with St. Ivan Cave & French Smart Audio
Explore the magnificent Rila Monastery & Cave of St. Ivan alongside a certified English-speaking guide ✓ Includes: English-speaking guide, Rila Monastery, St. Ivan's Cave Important: Walk to the cave includes 30-minutes of hiking
English Guided Tour with St. Ivan Cave & Spanish Smart Audio
✓ Includes: English-speaking guide, Rila monastery, St Ivan Cave, online audio guide in Spanish ✕ Excludes: Spanish-speaking guide, headphones Important: The guide speaks English but NO Spanish Important: Walk to the cave includes 30-minutes of hiking
Italian Guided Tour with St. Ivan Cave
Explore the magnificent Rila Monastery & Cave of St. Ivan alongside a certified Italian-speaking guide, ✓ Includes: Italian-speaking guide, Rila Monastery, St. Ivan's Cave Important: Walk to the cave includes 30-minutes of hiking
Spanish Guided Tour with St. Ivan Cave
Explore the magnificent Rila Monastery & Cave of St. Ivan alongside a certified Spanish-speaking guide ✓ Includes: Spanish-speaking guide, Rila Monastery, St. Ivan's Cave Important: Walk to the cave includes 30-minutes of hiking
English Guided Tour with St. Ivan Cave & Italian Smart Audio
✓ Includes: Transportation to Rila Monastery, St. Ivan Cave visit, English-speaking guide, online audio guide in Italian ✕ Excludes: headphones Important: The guide speaks only ENGLISH Important: Walk to the cave includes 30-minutes of hiking
English Guided Tour (No St. Ivan Cave) & Smart Audio
✓ Includes: Transportation to Rila Monastery, English-speaking guide, online audio guide on your smartphone in French, German, or Russian. ✕ Excludes: St. Ivan Cave visit, headphonesImportant: The guide speaks only ENGLISH
Spanish Guided Tour (No St. Ivan Cave)
✓ Includes: Transportation to Rila Monastery, Spanish-speaking guide ✕ Excludes: St. Ivan Cave visit Important: The guide speaks only SPANISH
Italian Guided Tour (No St. Ivan Cave)
✓ Includes: Transportation to Rila Monastery, Italian-speaking guide, online audio guide on your smartphone ✕ Excludes: St. Ivan Cave visit, headphones Important: The guide speaks only ITALIAN
English Guided Tour with Boyana Church & St. Ivan Cave
✓ Includes: English-speaking guide, Rila monastery, St. Ivan's Cave, Boyana Church (UNESCO site - BONUS) ✕ Excludes: entry fee to Boyana (6.99 EUR) Please note: The guide speaks ENGLISH only Important: Walk to the cave includes 30-minutes of hiking
English Guided Tour (No St. Ivan Cave) & Russian Assistance
✓ Includes: English-speaking guide, Russian-speaking staff member available to assist you, Rila monastery. ✕ Excludes: Russian-guided lectures, St. Ivan's cave Important: This tour is conducted in English, does NOT include St. Ivan's cave
English Guided Tour (No St. Ivan Cave) & German Assistance
✓ Includes: English-speaking guide, German-speaking staff member available to assist you, Rila monastery. ✕ Excludes: German-guided lectures, St. Ivan's cave Important: This tour is conducted in English, does NOT include St. Ivan's cave
English Guided Tour (No St. Ivan Cave) & French Assistance
✓ Includes: English-speaking guide, French-speaking staff member available to assist you, Rila monastery. ✕ Excludes: French-guided lectures, St. Ivan's Cave Important: This tour is conducted in English, does NOT include St. Ivan's Cave
Self-Guided Tour (No St. Ivan Cave) & English Smart Audio
✓ Includes: Transportation to Rila Monastery, online audio guide on your smartphone ✕ Excludes: Guide, St. Ivan Cave visit, headphones
English Guided Tour with St. Ivan Cave
✓ Includes: Transportation to Rila Monastery, English-speaking guide, St. Ivan Cave Visit, online audio guide on your smartphone ✕ Excludes: headphones Important: The guide speaks only ENGLISH Important: Walk to the cave includes 30-minutes of hiking
Self-Guided Tour (No St. Ivan Cave) & Russian Smart Audio
✓ Includes: Transportation to Rila Monastery, Russian online audio guide on your smartphone ✕ Excludes: Guide, St. Ivan Cave visit, headphones
English Guided Tour with St. Ivan Cave & Russian Smart Audio
✓ Includes: Transportation to Rila Monastery, English-speaking guide, St. Ivan Cave Visit, online audio guide on your smartphone ✕ Excludes: headphones Important: The guide speaks only ENGLISH Important: Walk to the cave includes 30-minutes of hiking

Good to know

• 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

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From ancient cities to alpine peaks, we’re here for you 24/7 with local expertise and support, wherever your travels take you.
Secure your spot
Book instantly and lock in your place on one of Europe’s top-rated tours. Enjoy the best price and secure checkout so you can focus on the fun.
Get instant confirmation
Receive your e-ticket and booking summary immediately after checkout, with all meeting points and schedules included.
Easily make changes
Plans changed? No problem. Our team is just seconds away—ready to help with any adjustments quickly and smoothly.
Explore with confidence
From ancient cities to alpine peaks, we’re here for you 24/7 with local expertise and support, wherever your travels take you.

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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