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Rila Monastery and St. Ivan Cave Day Trip from Sofia, Bulgaria

10 Reviews 4.50 out of 5 stars Based on 10 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 90% of reviewers | Sofia, Bulgaria

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8 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

Overview

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 complementary stop at Boyana church.

Below you can find detailed itinerary of the tour:
09:00 - Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
12:00-12:15 - Estimated time of arrival at Rila Monastery
12:15-13:00 - Guided visit to the Monastery
13:00-14:00 - Free time for lunch or further explorations of the area on your own
14:00-15:00 - Visit the St. Ivan Cave
15:00 - Depart from Rila Monastery back to Sofia
17:00 - Estimated time of arrival at Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

What's Included

  • ONLINE, cloud-based audioguide in different languages. INTERNET required to download and use.
  • Transport by air-conditioned bus
  • Parking Fees
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Food and Drinks
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Old City Center
1000 Sofia, Bulgaria

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral

09:00 departure from the starting point. Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Rila Monastery

Transportation from the Meeting point to the Rila Monastery. Estimated time of arrival - 12:00.
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2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Rila Monastery

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.
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2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

The Cave of Saint John of Rila

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.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral

Return to the starting point at approximately 17:00
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2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities
  • Minimum traveler age is 6 years old
  • Tour with ONLINE (cloud-based) Audio-guide in different languages. INTERNET required to download and use.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Rila Monastery and St. Ivan Cave Day Trip from Sofia, Bulgaria?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EEST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-6992P62

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.50
10 reviews

Average 4.50 out of 5 stars based on 10 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
8
4 stars
1
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
1

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What's Included

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • 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
  • Driver/Tour guide in English
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Food and Drinks
  • Admission fees (7 euro/12 BGN for the Boyana Church)
  • Rila Monastery Museum

Additional Info

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • 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.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers

Report Product Issue

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Language & Country

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Free Cancellation

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EEST).

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