Rila Monastery and Thermal Bath Tour – a mix of culture and relaxation

Iskar Gorge Waterfall, Cherepish Monastery & Wine Picnic Group Tour

36 € / per person

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Your Iskar Gorge Waterfall, Cherepish Monastery,& Wine Picnic Group Tour

Escape the city and explore the natural beauty of the Iskar Gorge on a scenic day trip from Sofia. Enjoy breathtaking landscapes, visit a peaceful hidden monastery, take a short walk to a picturesque waterfall, and unwind with a relaxing wine picnic by the river.
Led by a friendly English-speaking guide, this experience offers the perfect blend of nature, culture, and local flavors — ideal for travelers looking for an authentic Bulgarian escape.

Quick information

Duration:

Start: 9:00 h
End: 18:00 h
Driving time – 4 hours appr.

Accessibility:

Not accessible

Important:

Bring swimwear to take a refreshing swim in the river
Comfortable shoes if you wish to walk to Skaklya waterfall

Overview

Itinerary

Tour Itinerary for Iskar Gorge Waterfall, Cherepish Monastery,& Wine Picnic Group tour

9:00 After meeting your local English-speaking guide at Serdika Meeting Point, you depart in a comfortable A/C minivan and leave the busy city behind. Enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour drive through the Iskar Gorge, one of Bulgaria’s most picturesque regions.
10:30 Arrival in the village of Zasele, where you’ll take in panoramic hilltop views over the Iskar River, railway line, and surrounding valley. You can choose between a 30-minute walk to the famous Skaklya Waterfall or relax with a drink on a terrace overlooking the gorge.
11:30 Continue your journey deeper into the gorge with a scenic 1-hour drive, passing through dramatic landscapes shaped by the Iskar River and the Balkan Mountains.
12:30 Arrival at the 14th-century Cherepish Monastery. During your 45-minute guided visit, learn about Bulgarian Orthodox traditions and discover the monastery’s connection to renowned Bulgarian writers inspired by the area’s Swiss-like scenery.
13:30 Our next stop brings you to a riverside picnic location, where you’ll enjoy a relaxing wine picnic experience. Taste award-winning local wines and snacks while surrounded by nature. Free time is available for a walk to the nearby Ritlite natural rock formations or to explore ancient church ruins across the river (optional wine tasting and local food products).
16:30 Departure for Sofia via a quick highway transfer, offering time to unwind after a day filled with nature, culture, and flavor
18:30 Approximate arrival back in Sofia city center.

Please note: The itinerary is subject to change due to road conditions, weather, traffic, or other unforeseen circumstances.

More details

Zasele village and Skaklya Waterfall

Nestled high above the Iskar Gorge, Zasele Village offers breathtaking panoramic views over the river, railway line, and dramatic mountain slopes, making it one of the most scenic viewpoints in the region. From here, a pleasant walk leads to the Skaklya Waterfall, one of the highest seasonal waterfalls in Bulgaria, where cascading waters and cool mountain air create a refreshing natural escape. This stop combines light hiking with relaxation, allowing guests to enjoy nature at their own pace or unwind with a drink while taking in the stunning gorge scenery.

Overview of Cherepish Monastery

The Cherepish Monastery, founded in the 14th century, is one of the most picturesque spiritual sites in Bulgaria, beautifully set along the banks of the Iskar River and surrounded by the dramatic cliffs of the Balkan Mountains. During the guided visit, you will learn about the traditions of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and the monastery’s important role in the country’s cultural and spiritual history. The monastery is closely associated with renowned Bulgarian writers Ivan Vazov and Aleko Konstantinov, who found inspiration in the area’s Swiss-like landscapes. Inside, visitors can admire authentic church architecture, religious artwork, and the peaceful monastery courtyard. The tranquil atmosphere and stunning natural surroundings make this visit a perfect blend of history, culture, and nature.

Iskar Gorge wine picnic and Ritlite natural rock formations

This place offers a truly relaxing wine picnic experience by the river, where guests can enjoy award-winning local wines and snacks, soak in the peaceful natural surroundings, and optionally explore the nearby Ritlite natural rock formations, a unique geological phenomenon adding a touch of adventure to the experience.

Activity map

Activity Map for Iskar Gorge Waterfall, Cherepish Monastery,& Wine Picnic Group Tour

Departure point

Departure point for the group tour every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 9:00 from Serdika Meeeting Point – 2, Maria Luiza boulevard across McDonalds 50m from the Mosque (see map below).

Prices

Iskar Gorge Waterfall, Cherepish Monastery,& Wine Picnic Group Tour

The group tour is available every Sunday.

36 € per person

10 % online discount

Small groups

Included:

Pick-up and drop-off from departure point in Sofia – Serdika Meeeting Point (2, Maria Luiza boulevard across McDonalds)
Tour guide in English
Parking fees

Not included:

Meals
Wine picnic fee optional (30€ per person)
Personal expenses

Prices:

A minimum group of 3 persons is required to run the tour; however, it is fully refundable if canceled. Additionally, you can book our private option – Rila Monastery and Thermal Baths Private tour, which includes pick-up and drop-off, on any other day.