Rila Monastery + Cave of Saint John Day Trip

Discover one of the most important locations in Bulgaria on this day trip to the Rila Monastery from Sofia. You'll also enjoy a hiking route to discover the mystic cave of Saint John of Rila, the origin of this sacred site.

Visit the Rila Monastery

Travelling to Bulgaria and not visiting the Rila Monastery would be a huge mistake. We'll meet at the Vasil Levski Square in Sofia to set off toward the Rila mountain range, the highest in the Balkans. During the journey, we'll share some facts about the country's geography and nature, crucial to understand its history.

Upon arriving at the Rila Monastery, you'll have 2 hours to explore this World Heritage Site. This imposing temple is one of the greatest achievements of the Bulgarian Renaissance and its frescos that depict biblical passages and the life of saints will leave you breathless. We recommend visiting its cloister and museum, where the famous Rafail's Cross is housed, a treasure of the Slavic cultural identity.

Hiking in the Cave of Saint John of Rila

Once you're done exploring the monastery, we'll head to the Cave of Saint John of Rila, just 4 kilometres (2.48 miles) away, for a mini hike. We'll embark on a nice hike of about 15 minutes through a wooded trail inside the National Park, surrounded by lush nature.

Before entering the cave, we'll see a small stone church where the saint's tomb is found. The cave is the exact spot where Saint John of Rila spent more than seven years of his life in prayer and solitude during the 10th century. According to local legend, anyone who crosses the narrow natural landscape of the cave to the outside is free of sin. It'll be a unique spiritual experience in the Bulgarian forest!

Finally, after 8 hours of connecting with Bulgarian spirituality and nature, we'll return to Sofia.

Itinerary Changes

In the event of adverse weather conditions, the walk to the Cave of Ivan Rilksi will be substituted with a visit to Boyana Church or a longer tour of Rila Monastery.

How does it work?

During this day trip, you'll start by meeting at the designated location and embarking on a scenic journey to the Rila Monastery. You'll have ample time to explore this UNESCO site and its surroundings before engaging in a mini hike to the nearby Cave of Saint John of Rila. The trip includes transportation and a guided experience, providing insights into the history and significance of the locations visited.

Included

• Round-trip transportation from Sofia
• 2 hours guided visit to Rila Monastery
• Mini hike to the Cave of Saint John of Rila
• Expert local guide

Not Included

• Food and drink
• Any personal expenses

Meeting Point

The meeting point for this tour is Vasil Levski Square in Sofia. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time to ensure a timely start.

Transport Only

During the booking process, you can select the option of only transport, which includes pickup and a round-trip transfer. You can also enjoy the Rila Monastery and the Cave of Saint John of Rila at your own pace.