Rila Monastery + Cave of Saint John Day Trip - Reviews

Rating of the activity

8.90 / 10

8.9217083946981 679 reviews | 6,682 travellers

182 traveler-submitted photos

Customer scoring

440

161

Type of traveler

Traveling alone (97)

Couple (192)

Group of friends (162)

With small children (16)

With older children (75)

Reviews from real clients who booked our products.

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Sep / 19 / 2026

Anonymous

Spain

I travelled with friends

El paisaje y el lugar muy bonitos. Nuestra guía maravillosa en sus explicaciones, con un gran conocimiento del lugar. Solo indicar que los aseos eran pésimos. Cuatro aseos en total para la cantidad de gente que visita el lugar, hay que pagar 0.50 céntimos que me parecería perfecto si los aseos cumplieran con un minimo de higiene. Eran repugnantes. Translate this opinion into English.

The scenery and the place itself were beautiful. Our guide was wonderful, with excellent explanations and a great knowledge of the area. My only complaint is that the restrooms were terrible. There were only four restrooms in total for the number of people who visit the place, and you have to pay 50 cents, which I would have been fine if the restrooms met even a minimum hygiene standard. They were disgusting. Opinion translated. Show original.

I travelled with friends

Sep / 10 / 2026

Anonymous

Spain

I travelled with my partner

La excursión está bien, sin embargo algo importante a tener en cuenta es que el autobús es extremadamente incómodo. Falta espacio entre las piernas y el asiento de enfrente. Menos espacio aún que en Ryanair. Al final es un viaje de 2h y nos resultó un poco agobiante el autobús. También había goteras dentro del bus. En el viaje de vuelta llovió y nos caían gotas del techo. Así que la excursión en su aspecto cultural y amabilidades de guías bien. Pero el transporte mal. Translate this opinion into English.

The excursion is fine, however something important to keep in mind is that the bus is extremely uncomfortable. There is not enough space between the legs and the seat in front. Even less space than on Ryanair. In the end, it's a 2-hour trip and the bus felt a bit overwhelming. There were also leaks inside the bus. On the way back, it rained and drops were falling from the ceiling. So the excursion in terms of cultural aspects and the friendliness of the guides was good. But the transportation was bad. Opinion translated. Show original.

I travelled with my partner

Aug / 20 / 2026

Natalia

Spain

I travelled with my partner

Actividad completa, el guía Tunay hablaba muy bien español, primero visitamos el monasterio y después la cueva. El acceso a la cueva no es para todos los públicos, ya que hay que subir un poco de montaña, pero te dan la opción de quedarte en el monasterio. También hubo gente que a mitad de camino quería ir al baño y pusieron todas las facilidades del mundo. Translate this opinion into English.

The activity was excellent; our guide, Tunay, spoke very good Spanish. We visited the monastery first and then the cave. Access to the cave isn't for everyone, as it involves a bit of a climb, but they offer the option of staying at the monastery. Some people needed to use the restroom halfway through, and they were incredibly accommodating. Opinion translated. Show original.

I travelled with my partner

Aug / 19 / 2026

Alba Berrocal Abellán

Madrid, Spain

I travelled with friends

El camino hasta el monasterio de Rila se hace largo pero cuando llegas todo merece la pena. Un sitio muy bonito para conocer, junto con la cueva de Ivan Rilski y su historia. Para subir a la cueva es un camino empinado y con muchas piedras pero conseguí subirlo y poder disfrutar de aquello tan maravilloso El guía (Antonio) fue muy atento y nos ofreció al terminar sitios donde podíamos ir para tomarnos algoz salir, lugares típicos para comer. Muchas gracias Translate this opinion into English.

The path to Rila Monastery is long, but it's all worth it when you arrive. A very beautiful place to visit, along with Ivan Rilski's cave and its history. The path to the cave is steep and rocky, but I managed to climb it and enjoy this wonderful sight. The guide (Antonio) was very attentive and suggested places to go for drinks or to eat at the end. Thank you very much. Opinion translated. Show original.

I travelled with friends

Aug / 11 / 2026

Antonio

Sevilla, Spain

I travelled with teenagers

Una actividad muy completa y bien organizada, con traslado a Rila, tiempo libre para visitar el monasterio, traslado al camino de la cueva y vuelta al monasterio. De regreso a Sofía hemos tenido una visita extra al parque de las campanas. Contratamos audio guía y realmente te envían las pistas de audio para que lo escuches en tu móvil. Nos acompañó un guía muy competente llamado Radi que hablaba en inglés . Como advertencia, la subida a la cueva no es apta para todos los públicos. Translate this opinion into English.

A very comprehensive and well-organized activity, including transportation to Rila, free time to visit the monastery, transportation to the cave trail, and return to the monastery. On the way back to Sofia, we made an extra visit to the Bell Park. We hired an audio guide, and they actually send you the audio tracks to listen to on your phone. We were accompanied by a very competent guide named Radi who spoke English. As a word of caution, the climb to the cave is not suitable for everyone. Opinion translated. Show original.

I travelled with teenagers

Aug / 10 / 2026

Jorge Suárez Rodríguez Suárez

Spain

I travelled with my partner

La implicación de la guía ha sido funamental. Nos ha regalado muchísima información, además de su orgullo por el legado cultural búlgaro. ¡Felicitaciones! Lo único que deslució es unir monasterio y cueva, pues quedaba muy poco tiempo para el primero (tuvimos que devorar un pastel y un excelente yogur en 10 minutos...). Aún así, excelentes actividades y muy bien acompañadas. Translate this opinion into English.

The guide's involvement was fundamental. She shared a wealth of information with us, along with her pride in Bulgarian cultural heritage. Congratulations! The only downside was combining the monastery and the cave, as we had very little time for the former (we had to devour a cake and some excellent yogurt in 10 minutes...). Even so, the activities were excellent and we were very well accompanied. Opinion translated. Show original.

I travelled with my partner

Aug / 03 / 2026

Enrique

Spain

I travelled with my partner

Podríamos decir que es el lugar más bonito de Bulgaria, tanto por lo que se ve como por lo que representa. La excursión está muy bien organizada y merece mucho la pena visitar la cueva (no tiene un difícil acceso, pero hay que ir con zapatillas, no chanclas). Y una mención muy especial a nuestra guía, Krasi, ella ha sido lo mejor del tour, tanto por la información y explicaciones que nos ha transmitido como por su simpatía y cercanía, ojála tengáis la suerte de coincidir con ella. Translate this opinion into English.

We could say it's the most beautiful place in Bulgaria, both for what you see and what it represents. The tour is very well organized and the cave is well worth visiting (it's not difficult to access, but you should wear sneakers, not flip-flops). And a very special mention to our guide, Krasi; she was the best part of the tour, both for the information and explanations she gave us and for her friendliness and warmth. I hope you're lucky enough to meet her. Opinion translated. Show original.

I travelled with my partner

Jul / 25 / 2026

Sonia

Madrid, Spain

Excelente actividad. El guía, Antonio, nos explicó con toda claridad todo lo referente a la historia de Iván Rilski y el monasterio, así como aspectos interesantes de Bulgaria. La subida a la cueva es un poco dura y la salida por la grieta complicada, pero divertido. Si se hace la ruta a la cueva, queda poco tiempo para la visita al monasterio. Translate this opinion into English.

Excellent activity. Our guide, Antonio, clearly explained everything about the history of Ivan Rilski and the monastery, as well as interesting aspects of Bulgaria. The climb to the cave is a bit tough, and the exit through the crevice is tricky, but fun. If you do the cave hike, there's little time left for visiting the monastery. Opinion translated. Show original.

Jul / 21 / 2026

Sofía

Vigo, Spain

I travelled with friends

La actividad es mucho más divertida de lo que esperábamos en un primer momento. ¡Salir por la cueva fue toda una experiencia! Nuestro guía Lubo hablaba en inglés, pero se le entendía perfectamente. Fue muy amable y nos contó muchas cosas sobre Bulgaria que nos llamaron la atención y enriquecieron nuestro conocimiento sobre esta cultura. Sin duda merece la pena. Translate this opinion into English.

The activity was much more fun than we initially expected. Going out of the cave was quite an experience! Our guide, Lubo, spoke English, but we understood him perfectly. He was very friendly and told us many interesting things about Bulgaria that enriched our knowledge of the culture. It's definitely worth it. Opinion translated. Show original.

I travelled with friends

Jul / 12 / 2026

Marta

Italy

I travelled with my partner

Gita fuori porta davvero piacevole! Il monastero è un luogo pieno di fascino e anche il trekking fino alla grotta è stata una bella esperienza. Attenzione a chi soffre di vertigini...in alcuni punti meglio non guardare in basso lungo il percorso! Però l'esperienza del passaggio attraverso "il buco" e poi esprimere un desiderio da lasciare lì custodito tra le rocce, vale la pena della fatica Translate this opinion into English.

A truly enjoyable day trip! The monastery is a charming place, and even the trek to the cave was a wonderful experience. Those with a fear of heights should be warned...in some places, it's best not to look down along the trail! However, the experience of walking through "the hole" and then making a wish to be left there, enshrined among the rocks, is worth the effort. Opinion translated. Show original.

I travelled with my partner

Jun / 15 / 2026

Clara

Arrecife, Spain

I travelled by myself

Estupenda!! Perdí el tour por problemas con el transporte local pero la guía rápidamente me ubicó en otro y el nuevo guía estaba totalmente informado. Todo fue sobre ruedas jaja Fabuloso el guía, atento en todo momento. también el conductor, autobús,… Repetiré con ustedes y lo recomendaré sin duda !! Gracias por todo! Un saludo Clara Clara Translate this opinion into English.

Wonderful!! I missed the tour due to issues with local transportation, but the guide quickly found me another one and the new guide was fully informed. Everything went smoothly haha Fabulous guide, attentive at all times. Also the driver, bus,… I will repeat with you and I will definitely recommend it!! Thanks for everything! Best regards Clara Clara Opinion translated. Show original.

I travelled by myself

Jun / 09 / 2026

Noelia

Madrid, Spain

I travelled with my partner

Todo fenomenal, la organización muy bien y nuestro guía Antonio muy amable, nos ha dado todas las explicaciones de todos los sitio visitados. El monasterio es una maravilla y merece la pena 100%. La cueva es muy curiosa y el entorno es precioso merece la pena totalmente pero no todo el mundo puede acceder por el camino ojo con eso . Nos han llevado a ver un monumento dedicado a los niños del mundo en el que había un montos de campañas de todo el mundo . Recomendamos la excursión totalmente !!! Translate this opinion into English.

Everything was fantastic, the organization was very good and our guide Antonio was very kind, he gave us all the explanations about all the places we visited. The monastery is a marvel and is 100% worth it. The cave is very interesting and the surroundings are beautiful, it is totally worth it but not everyone can access it via the path, be careful with that. They took us to see a monument dedicated to the children of the world which had a lot of campaigns from all over the world. We totally recommend the excursion!!! Opinion translated. Show original.

I travelled with my partner

Jun / 01 / 2026

Brenda

Spain

I travelled with my partner

La acrubidad estuvo muy bien Antonio fue un buen guía, explicó todo durante el trayecto y en el monasterio. Recomiendo 100% la actividad pero ten en cuenta que la ruta hacia la cueva no es sencilla, no es complicada pero tiene su aquel son 600m con 100m de desnivel. Translate this opinion into English.

The tour was excellent. Antonio was a great guide; he explained everything during the hike and at the monastery. I highly recommend the activity, but keep in mind that the route to the cave isn't easy. It's not difficult, but it has its challenges: it's 600 meters with a 100-meter elevation gain. Opinion translated. Show original.

I travelled with my partner

Jun / 01 / 2026

Miriam

Italy

I travelled with friends

Terminiamo la visita entusiasti e soddisfatti! La nostra guida Zahari Nikolov è stato formidabile! Era preparato su tutto quello che abbiamo visitato e ci ha anche raccontato altre curiosità su Sofia. La visita è organizzata bene, abbiamo potuto visitare entrambe la grotta e il monastero. Quest’ultimo molto bello e suggestivo, sarebbe stato perfetto avere una mezz’ora in più per goderselo con più calma. Molto buone anche le “ciambelline” dei ristorantini adiacenti. Tour consigliatissimo!! Translate this opinion into English.

We finished the visit excited and satisfied! Our guide Zahari Nikolov was amazing! He was knowledgeable about everything we visited and also shared other interesting facts about Sofia. The tour is well organized, we were able to visit both the cave and the monastery. The latter was very beautiful and impressive; it would have been perfect to have an extra half hour to enjoy it more leisurely. The “ciambelline” from the nearby restaurants were also very good. Highly recommended tour!! Opinion translated. Show original.

I travelled with friends

May / 16 / 2026

Rosa Belén Casado Hernández

Valladolid, Spain

I travelled with friends

El guía Antonio fue estupendo. Nos explicó la visita de una manera estupenda, nos hizo el viaje muy ameno. La verdad es q estaba super preparado. Lo que no recomendaría es a Civitatis la verdad. Compré el viaje el día anterior y por causas de enfermedad no pudimos ir, se portaron fatal. No nos escucharon si quiera. Perdimos 60€. Es verdad que hemos vuelto a comprarlo aquí y luego nos hemos dado cuenta que se podía haber cogido por otras plataformas. Desde luego última vez en mis viajes.

Our guide Antonio was fantastic. He explained the tour brilliantly and made the trip very enjoyable. He was incredibly well-prepared. However, I wouldn't recommend Civitatis. I booked the trip the day before, but due to illness, we couldn't go. They treated us terribly. They didn't even listen to us. We lost €60. We did rebook through them, but then we realized we could have booked through other platforms. Definitely the last time I'll book with them on my travels.

I travelled with friends

Sentimos lo ocurrido con la cancelación. En estos casos, como intermediarios, gestionamos la solicitud directamente con el proveedor, ya que son ellos quienes aplican las condiciones de cancelación del servicio. En tu caso, lamentablemente no fue posible aprobar una devolución según la política vigente. Aun así, sentimos sinceramente las molestias y la frustración que esto te haya podido generar. Translate this opinion into English.

We're sorry to hear about the cancellation. In these cases, as intermediaries, we handle the request directly with the provider, as they are the ones who apply the service cancellation policy. Unfortunately, in your case, it wasn't possible to approve a refund according to the current policy. Even so, we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and frustration this may have caused you. Opinion translated. Show original.

Apr / 16 / 2026

Eleonora

Bosco Marengo, Italy

I travelled with friends

Per noi che abbiamo prenotato solo trasporto, è stato un ottimo servizio. La guida era bravissima, gentile e scandiva bene l'inglese. Sul bus c'erano gruppi vari con tour diversi. Il bus si è fermato per 40min a Boyana perché alcuni avevano prenotato quella visita. Rila merita. Le grotte sono carine per l'idea di uscita e rinascita, ma non è specificato quanto sia ripida e difficile la salita e onestamente questo per me era importante. È un vero tracking di montagna pericoloso, anche se breve. Translate this opinion into English.

For us who only booked transportation, it was an excellent service. The guide was very good, kind, and spoke English clearly. On the bus, there were various groups with different tours. The bus stopped for 40 minutes in Boyana because some had booked that visit. Rila is worth it. The caves are nice for the idea of exit and rebirth, but it is not specified how steep and difficult the climb is, and honestly, this was important for me. It is a real dangerous mountain trekking, although brief. Opinion translated. Show original.

I travelled with friends

Apr / 11 / 2026

Almudena

Valencia, Spain

I travelled with small children

El monasterio es muy bonito. Merece la pena el trayecto de 2 horas. Y Antonio lo hizo muy ameno. Lástima que el micro del autobús acoplara. Porque él nos quería haber explicado más cosas durante el trayecto. La subida a la cueva tiene unos paisajes espectaculares. Translate this opinion into English.

The monastery is beautiful. The two-hour journey is well worth it. Antonio made it very enjoyable. It's a shame the bus microphone kept cutting out, because he would have liked to explain more during the trip. The climb to the cave offers spectacular scenery. Opinion translated. Show original.

I travelled with small children

Apr / 10 / 2026

Veronica

Italy

Gita molto ben organizzata. La guida Velislava molto gentile e preparata, ottimo italiano. Anche nel tour “Monastero di Rila e grotta” è compresa una tappa alla chiesa di Boyana che si può vedere da fuori. Consiglio di prenotare la gita per “Monastero di Rila e chiesa” piuttosto che la grotta, in quanto il ticket è escluso in entrambi i casi, ma per la grotta non ci sono posti limitati mentre per la visita all’interno della chiesa si. Esperienza complessivamente molto positiva e consigliata! Translate this opinion into English.

Very well-organized tour. The guide, Velislava, was very kind and knowledgeable, and spoke excellent Italian. The "Rila Monastery and Cave" tour also includes a stop at Boyana Church, which can be seen from the outside. I recommend booking the "Rila Monastery and Church" tour rather than the cave tour, as both options do not include a ticket. However, there are no limited places for the cave tour, while there are for the visit inside the church. Overall, a very positive experience and highly recommended! Opinion translated. Show original.

Apr / 05 / 2026

María

Salamanca, Spain

I travelled with friends

Nuestro guía fue Antonio: nos contó la historia de Bulgaria, del Monasterio y de la Cueva. Buenas recomendaciones, sobre todo a la hora de visitar el Monasterio porque al ser ortodoxo no conoces sus ritos y comportamientos. Muy interesante porque coincidió con el Domingo de Ramos ortodoxo. Translate this opinion into English.

Our guide was Antonio: he told us about the history of Bulgaria, the Monastery, and the Cave. He gave us good advice, especially regarding visiting the Monastery, because being Orthodox, you're unfamiliar with its rituals and customs. It was particularly interesting because it coincided with Orthodox Palm Sunday. Opinion translated. Show original.

I travelled with friends

Sep / 20 / 2026

Stefano Decembrino

Italy

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Rila Monastery + Cave of Saint John Day Trip - Reviews

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