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From Sofia: Rila Monastery, St. Ivan Cave & Alpine Picnic Tour

5.0(3)Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 reviews9 hFree cancellationBy Magical Tours Bulgaria
From Sofia: Rila Monastery, St. Ivan Cave & Alpine Picnic Tour

About this activity

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
  • ✓Guided visit of Rila Monastery & the Cave of Ivan Rilski
  • ✓Air-conditioned vehicle
  • ✓Professional English speaking Guide
  • ✓Pick up from central Sofia

Not included

  • ✕Gratuities
  • ✕Audio guides in Spanish, Italian, French and German

Meeting and pickup

  • We meet outside the Banya Bashi Mosque, on Knyagina Maria Luisa Boulevard, opposite McDonalds, near Serdika metro station.

Good to know

  • 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

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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