Rila Monastery & Cave of Saint John of Rila Day Trip from Sofia

The activity was excellent; our guide, Tunay, spoke very good Spanish. We visited the monastery first and then the cave....

Natalia

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.

Details

Duration

8 hours.

Language

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

Included

Transport by minibus
English–speaking guide (if you select this option)
Audioguide in English (if you select this option)

Not included

Admission tickets: 4EUR per person
Food and drinks

Supporting documents

Electronic voucher. Have it on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.

Minimum age

Not permitted for anyone under 5 years

Sustainability

All services meet our

Pets

Not allowed.

Frequently asked questions

If you have other questions, contact us

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts. Any cancellations after this or no-shows on the day will not be refunded.

Belogradchik Rocks Trip

Free cancellation

Rila Monastery & Sapareva Banya Hot Springs Day Trip

Free cancellation

Boyana Church and Rila Monastery Day Tour

Free cancellation

Meeting point

Vasil Levski Square

Reviews of our customers

8.9

Excellent 6,859 Travelers·698 reviews

September 19, 2026
Anónimo
Spain
The scenery and the place itself were beautiful. Our guide was wonderful, with excellent explanations and a great knowledge of the area. My only comp...
With friends
Is this useful?
September 13, 2026
Anónimo
Spain
The excursion is fine, however something important to keep in mind is that the bus is extremely uncomfortable. There is not enough space between the l...
As a couple
Is this useful?
August 30, 2026
Natalia
Spain
The activity was excellent; our guide, Tunay, spoke very good Spanish. We visited the monastery first and then the cave. Access to the cave isn't for ...
As a couple
Is this useful?
August 22, 2026
Alba Berrocal Abellán
Madrid, Spain
The path to Rila Monastery is long, but it's all worth it when you arrive. A very beautiful place to visit, along with Ivan Rilski's cave and its hist...
With friends
Is this useful?
August 15, 2026
Jorge Suárez Rodríguez Suárez
Spain
The guide's involvement was fundamental. She shared a wealth of information with us, along with her pride in Bulgarian cultural heritage. Congratulati...
As a couple
Is this useful?
August 11, 2026
Antonio
Sevilla, Spain
A very comprehensive and well-organized activity, including transportation to Rila, free time to visit the monastery, transportation to the cave trail...
Is this useful?
August 3, 2026
Enrique
Spain
We could say it's the most beautiful place in Bulgaria, both for what you see and what it represents. The tour is very well organized and the cave is ...
As a couple
Is this useful?
July 31, 2026
Sonia
Madrid, Spain
Excellent activity. Our guide, Antonio, clearly explained everything about the history of Ivan Rilski and the monastery, as well as interesting aspect...
Is this useful?
July 21, 2026
Sofía
Vigo, Spain
The activity was much more fun than we initially expected. Going out of the cave was quite an experience! Our guide, Lubo, spoke English, but we under...
With friends
Is this useful?
July 13, 2026
Marta
Italy
A truly enjoyable day trip! The monastery is a charming place, and even the trek to the cave was a wonderful experience. Those with a fear of heights ...
As a couple
Is this useful?

Show all reviews

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 frescoes that depict biblical passages and the life of saints will leave you speechless. 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 will be substituted with a visit to Boyana Church or a longer tour of Rila Monastery.

Transport + Audioguide Option

During the booking process, you can select the option that includes only transport and an audioguide, instead of a live guide. You can enjoy the Rila Monastery and the Cave of Saint John of Rila at your own pace.

8.9

Excellent 6,859 Travelers·698 reviews

September 19, 2026
Anónimo
Spain
The scenery and the place itself were beautiful. Our guide was wonderful, with excellent explanations and a great knowledge of the area. My only comp...
With friends
Is this useful?
September 13, 2026
Anónimo
Spain
The excursion is fine, however something important to keep in mind is that the bus is extremely uncomfortable. There is not enough space between the l...
As a couple
Is this useful?
August 30, 2026
Natalia
Spain
The activity was excellent; our guide, Tunay, spoke very good Spanish. We visited the monastery first and then the cave. Access to the cave isn't for ...
As a couple
Is this useful?
August 22, 2026
Alba Berrocal Abellán
Madrid, Spain
The path to Rila Monastery is long, but it's all worth it when you arrive. A very beautiful place to visit, along with Ivan Rilski's cave and its hist...
With friends
Is this useful?
August 15, 2026
Jorge Suárez Rodríguez Suárez
Spain
The guide's involvement was fundamental. She shared a wealth of information with us, along with her pride in Bulgarian cultural heritage. Congratulati...
As a couple
Is this useful?
August 11, 2026
Antonio
Sevilla, Spain
A very comprehensive and well-organized activity, including transportation to Rila, free time to visit the monastery, transportation to the cave trail...
Is this useful?
August 3, 2026
Enrique
Spain
We could say it's the most beautiful place in Bulgaria, both for what you see and what it represents. The tour is very well organized and the cave is ...
As a couple
Is this useful?
July 31, 2026
Sonia
Madrid, Spain
Excellent activity. Our guide, Antonio, clearly explained everything about the history of Ivan Rilski and the monastery, as well as interesting aspect...
Is this useful?
July 21, 2026
Sofía
Vigo, Spain
The activity was much more fun than we initially expected. Going out of the cave was quite an experience! Our guide, Lubo, spoke English, but we under...
With friends
Is this useful?
July 13, 2026
Marta
Italy
A truly enjoyable day trip! The monastery is a charming place, and even the trek to the cave was a wonderful experience. Those with a fear of heights ...
As a couple
Is this useful?

Show all reviews

Points of interest in Sofia

Rila Monastery

Types of activities in Sofia

Guided tours and free tours Day trips

Other activities in Sofia

Free Tour of Sofia Sofia Pub Crawl

Visit the Rila Monastery

Hiking in the Cave of Saint John of Rila

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 will be substituted with a visit to Boyana Church or a longer tour of Rila Monastery.

Rila Monastery + Cave of Saint John Day Trip