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 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.
