The Cave of Saint John and Rila Monastery Private Day Tour
Description
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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Hotel pick up at 9:00 - please indicate your hotel.
Important Information
- 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
