The 4 Bulgaria Cave Tours Worth Going Under For

1.Rila Monastery & Optional St. Ivan Cave Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 647 reviews · 8 - 11 hours · from $23Our pick

Travel from Sofia to Rila Monastery in a modern air-conditioned vehicle with a live guide or cloud-based audio guide. See the monastery’s frescoes and arcaded courtyard, then choose the forest walk to St. Ivan’s Cave. Guides such as Hristo, Lubo, Maya, and Martin are praised for clear, lively commentary.

“Rila Monastery is a must-see. Don't miss it! Also, the bakery just behind it sells fresh hot mekitsa. We also hiked to the Cave of St John of Rila. It was a great day for it; the colours of fall are amazing! Highly recommended 👍”

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2.Belogradchik Rocks & Venetsa Cave Full-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 354 reviews · 10 hours · from $163Top rated

Leave Sofia for a full day among northwestern Bulgaria’s sandstone rock towers, the Roman-era Belogradchik Fortress, and colorful Venetsa Cave. Expect roughly six hours on the road, guided walks, stairs, and mountain scenery. Guides such as Ivan, Stefan, Michael, and Mihail are praised for clear stories and careful driving. Lunch is optional and not included.

“The natural beauty of Northern Bulgaria's caves was stunning and the drive was almost as pretty as the destinations. Everything i hoped. However, a stop in Lovech for food and a visit to the covered bridge was an unexpected and wonderful surprise. Demeter even made a stop in a small village on the way back for a boza tasting!”

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3.Lovech, Devetaki Cave and Krushuna Waterfalls Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 317 reviews

Leave Sofia for a 10-hour guided trip through Lovech Province. Walk Lovech’s old quarter, see the Vassil Levski Museum, Hisarya Fortress, and Kolio Ficheto’s Covered Bridge, then visit Devetashka Cave and Krushuna Waterfalls. English-speaking guides such as Lora, Daniel, Mika, and Theodore lead the day in a modern vehicle.

“The city with its castles was lovely and the caves were incredible. Many thanks to our tour guide Dimitri. He knew how to tell interesting things about excursion destinations and was very friendly. We can sincerely recommend Dimitri to others.”

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4.Rila Monastery and Optional Museum, Cave or Spa

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 270 reviews · 8 - 9 hours · from $35

Leave Sofia at 9:00 AM for Rila Monastery, a UNESCO site with striped arcades, frescoes, and Orthodox treasures. After a guided visit or free exploration, choose the National History Museum, monastery museum, Saint John’s Cave hike, or mineral spa. English guides such as Antonio, Toni, and Yani have led previous departures, but assignments vary.

“Simo was very helpful guide, organization also was good! the way to the cave was not easy, but it was worth it! we really enjoyed it!”

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