From Sofia: Rila Monastery, St. Ivan Cave & Alpine Picnic Tour
Overview
Most people see Rila Monastery from a bus - one rushed hour, a fridge magnet, and back to Sofia. Beautiful, yes. Memorable, rarely.
This tour gives Rila the full day it deserves - and goes further than any bus ever will.
After a proper guided visit to Bulgaria's most sacred UNESCO site, you hike through ancient spruce forest to the cave where St. Ivan Rilski lived as a hermit. The cave ends in a narrow tunnel. The legend: only those with a clean soul pass through easily. The tradition: enter with a wish in your heart. A holy spring beside the cave is said never to freeze and to bring good health to those who drink from it.
Then the moment no other Sofia tour offers. Ten minutes by car, the forest opens into Kirilova Polyana - an alpine meadow at 1,450 metres ringed by Rila peaks. Your guide unpacks a traditional Bulgarian picnic prepared that morning. Seasonal, local, included.
Maximum 8 guests. Guaranteed from 1 booking. 95 EUR per person, fixed.
What's Included
- Traditional seasonal Bulgarian picnic at Kirilova Polyana alpine meadow
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Pick up from central Sofia
- Professional English speaking Guide
- Guided visit of Rila Monastery & the Cave of Ivan Rilski
- Gratuities
- Audio guides in Spanish, Italian, French and German
Meeting Location
Sofia Center
bul. "Knyaginya Maria Luiza" 18, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free
Rila Monastery
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Cave of St.Ivan Rilski
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Kirilova Polyana Meadow
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
(6)Q: What is the cancellation policy for the From Sofia: Rila Monastery, St. Ivan Cave & Alpine Picnic Tour?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-170567P5
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 3 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities

Discover why Veliko Tarnovo was named one of the most beautiful cities built on a hill on this full-day tour from Sofia. In a small...
$116.75

This tour itinerary will leave you breathless by giving you the opportunity to admire some of the most interesting, beautiful, and scenic natural wonders, and...
$933.50

Very unique experience to see Sofia from the top! You will see places you won't be able to see on your own. During the 2,5...
$149.79

This tour suggestion is oriented towards riders with limited time, who are crossing Bulgaria or are near it. In these 5 days, you will ride...
$938.20
Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Plovdiv and Koprivshtitsa Full-Day Trip
Enjoy a guided combo tour to two of the most fascinating towns in Bulgaria. These are Plovdiv - the European Capital of Culture 2019 and...
$22.41

Guided Walking Tour of Sofia
The guide will meet you near the National Theater Ivan Vazov. You will visit more than 20 attractions and cultural monuments of Sofia. For convenience...
$15.33

Maximize your time in Bulgaria by combining two UNESCO World Heritage Sites into one efficiently coordinated day trip from Sofia. Journey into the peaceful Rila...
$23.59

Bulgarian Rose Aromatic Experience
A captivating presentation about Bulgarian rose. Discover the unique flavor of Bulgarian Rose, come to an aromatic experience to learn, smell and taste the world's...
$18.87





