Private Day Tour to The Cave of Saint John and Rila Monastery
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 1 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Day Tour to The Cave of Saint John and Rila Monastery worth booking?
Private Day Tour to The Cave of Saint John and Rila Monastery is a 8-hour experience in Sofia, Bulgaria, from €75 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 1 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 58 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (1)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- €75 per person
This day tour is a great combination of history and nature – the Rila Monastery and the Cave of Saint John. The tour starts at 9:00 with a pick up from your hotel. First, we will travel about two hours on a picturesque road to the Rila Monastery – this is the biggest and most important Bulgarian monastery, a UNESCO heritage site as well. At the monastery you will have about 40-minute guided visit, during which you will learn about the life of Saint John and about the history of the monastery. After the guided tour, at 12:00 we head for the Cave of Saint John – the place, where he spent the last years of his life and considered to be a sacred area. The walking path to the cave is about 15-minutes, of moderate difficulty, and it is a great refreshing walk in the nature. After the hike, we will go back to the monastery, where you will have 2 hours of free time. Around 15:00 you will head back to Sofia and the expected return to your hotel is 17:00.
What you get
About this experience
This day tour is a great combination of history and nature – the Rila Monastery and the Cave of Saint John. The tour starts at 9:00 with a pick up from your hotel. First, we will travel about two hours on a picturesque road to the Rila Monastery – this is the biggest and most important Bulgarian monastery, a UNESCO heritage site as well. At the monastery you will have about 40-minute guided visit, during which you will learn about the life of Saint John and about the history of the monastery. After the guided tour, at 12:00 we head for the Cave of Saint John – the place, where he spent the last years of his life and considered to be a sacred area. The walking path to the cave is about 15-minutes, of moderate difficulty, and it is a great refreshing walk in the nature. After the hike, we will go back to the monastery, where you will have 2 hours of free time. Around 15:00 you will head back to Sofia and the expected return to your hotel is 17:00.
What's included
Included
- Private tour
- Visit to the Rila Monastery & The Cave of Saint John
- Hotel pick-up and drop off
- Transportation by comfortable A/C car / minivan
- English - speaking guide
Not included
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities (optional)
What you'll see and do
Rila Monastery
At the monastery you will have about 40-minute guided visit, during which you will learn about the life of Saint John and about the history of the monastery. After the guided tour, at 12:00 we continue with a short 5-minute drive down the road, until we reach the beginning of the path to the holy cave of Saint John – the place, where he spent the last years of his life and considered to be a sacred area. The walking path to the cave is about 15-minutes, moderate difficulty, and it is a great refreshing walk in the nature. There, you will have the chance to pass through it and to drink water from the nearby spring, which is believed to be never freezing. After the hike, we will go back to the monastery, where you will have 2 hours of free time, during which you can take photos, check the souvenir shops and have a lunch break.
240 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- City Tour Ltd.
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- 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
Photos
Traveler reviews
1 verified traveler reviews for Private Day Tour to The Cave of Saint John and Rila Monastery. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
The treatment of the guide.
The guide, Pablo Petkov, was excelent both in his descriptions and his explanations. He used also pancarts to explain the frescos at Boyana church.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- €75 to €400
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by City Tour Ltd., who run 26 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 57.1.
See everything City Tour Ltd. runsWhy this scores 58
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Day Tour to The Cave of Saint John and Rila Monastery: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Sofia.
How much does Private Day Tour to The Cave of Saint John and Rila Monastery cost?
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Prices start at €75 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Sofia usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Private Day Tour to The Cave of Saint John and Rila Monastery take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Sofia is not rushed.
Is Private Day Tour to The Cave of Saint John and Rila Monastery worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 1 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Sofia, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private Day Tour to The Cave of Saint John and Rila Monastery?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Private Day Tour to The Cave of Saint John and Rila Monastery suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Day Tour to The Cave of Saint John and Rila Monastery?
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Around 0 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Sofia can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Sofia and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Day Tour to The Cave of Saint John and Rila Monastery start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Sofia within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Sofia?
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On Outty we rank every Sofia experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sofia Highlights 2 Hour Sightseeing Walking Tour, Communist Walking Tour of Sofia, Museum of illusions Sofia Official Entry ticket. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Sofia?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Sofia?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Private Day Tour to The Cave of Saint John and Rila Monastery?
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Included: Private tour; Visit to the Rila Monastery & The Cave of Saint John; Hotel pick-up and drop off; Transportation by comfortable A/C car / minivan; and English - speaking guide. Not included: Personal expenses; and Gratuities (optional). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Private Day Tour to The Cave of Saint John and Rila Monastery include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 47 listed pickup locations in and around Sofia. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Private Day Tour to The Cave of Saint John and Rila Monastery offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Private Day Tour to The Cave of Saint John and Rila Monastery?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Private Day Tour to The Cave of Saint John and Rila Monastery wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private Day Tour to The Cave of Saint John and Rila Monastery if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
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