From €35
The Cave of Saint John & Rila Monastery — Full-Day Tour
Itinerary at a glance
- 09:00 – Depart Sofia (Alexander Nevsky Square).
- 11:00 – Arrive at Rila Monastery; 40-min guided walk (Guided option) or free exploration (Transport-only option).
- 12:00 – 5-min drive to trailhead; 15-min hike to the cave and spring.
- 13:00 – Return to the monastery; 1–1.5 hrs free time for photos, museum visit (optional, fee), shops, or lunch.
- 15:00–15:30 – Depart for Sofia.
- 17:00–17:30 – Drop-off at original meeting point.
(Times are approximate and may vary with traffic and group size.)
Optional audio guides available in Spanish, Italian, German, French, Romanian, Bulgarian, Russian, Chinese, Ukrainian and Portuguese (pre-booking required).
Languages:
Audio guides:
Highlights
What will we visit on this tour?
*The route is indicative and may vary.
Meeting point
Behind Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, next to Café “La Cathedrale”
1
Rila Monastery – Bulgaria’s largest monastery and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for magnificent 19th-century frescoes and a 14th-century defensive tower.
2
The holy Cave of Saint John of Rila – short, refreshing mountain walk (≈ 15 min, moderate) to the place where Bulgaria’s most revered saint spent his final years; drink from the nearby “never-freezing” spring.
3
Blend of history and nature: spiritual heritage, mountain scenery, and light hiking in one day.
Good to Know
- Advance booking & confirmation required.
- Punctuality: the bus departs 09:00 sharp; late arrivals cannot be accommodated.
- Dress code: shoulders and knees must be covered inside Rila Monastery.
- Footwear: wear comfortable walking shoes for the forest path.
- Dining: options near the monastery are limited and can be crowded on weekends; bringing a packed lunch from Sofia is recommended for more leisure time.
- Cash: local vendors accept cash (BGN) only.
- Infants (0-2 yrs): advise us when booking so we can provide a child seat.
- Tour operates year-round; weather in the mountains can change quickly—pack layers and water.
- Group size & pace: light-to-moderate hike; suitable for anyone in normal physical condition.
Tour Details
When:
Duration:
9 hours
Languages:
English, Spanish
Partner-operated Tour
This tour is not hosted by Free Sofia Tour (365 Association). It is operated by our trusted partners City Tour. If you have any questions, please contact them at:
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