Prohodna Cave & Glozhene Monastery day trip from Sofia

The largest cave passage in Bulgaria runs straight through Prohodna, where two holes in the ceiling frame the sky like eyes.

A full-day guided tour from Sofia explores three of Bulgaria's most distinctive sites within the Iskar Gorge karst region: a 1.5-hour loop hike through Prohodna cave with its massive natural passage, a guided tour of the decorated Saeva Dupka cave with a professional caver, and the clifftop Glozhene Monastery built in the 13th century. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Sofia, a live guide in your choice of language, and all fees are included. The tour suits any fitness level and has no age requirement.

The experience

The day starts with hotel pickup in Sofia and a 90-minute drive northwest through the Balkan Mountains to the Iskar Gorge, near Karlukovo, one of Bulgaria's largest karst regions. You'll hike a short loop through Prohodna cave, passing under the two eye-shaped holes in the ceiling that locals call "The Eyes of God". The passage itself is the largest in Bulgaria. The terrain is not difficult and the walk takes about 1.5 hours.

A 30-minute transfer brings you to Saeva Dupka cave, where a professional caver guides you through one of Bulgaria's most decorated caves. The temperature inside stays between 7 and 11°C with humidity near 100 percent, so the operator will advise you on what to bring before the tour. After the cave, you'll drive to Glozhene Monastery, built like a bird's nest on a mountain peak in the middle of the 13th century. The return to Sofia happens in the late afternoon, with the driver dropping you at your accommodation.

The tour runs as a full day, with roughly 4 to 5 hours of driving across 280 kilometers total. You can book for a small group of 2 to 4 travelers or as a solo traveler. Either way, pickup from your hotel in Sofia is included. Your guide speaks English, Spanish, French or German, and you'll choose your language at checkout. The operator will contact you before the tour to confirm your exact pickup time and discuss what to wear: comfortable hiking shoes and a fleece or jacket are all you need, since the hike is short and the caves do the work of cooling you down.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from your accommodation in Sofia by private car or van.
• a professional, licensed local guide and driver.
• a professional caver to guide you through Saeva Dupka cave.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 07:30, the last at 09:30

Book up to1d before

AgesUp to age 80

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and German

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Azimut Tours

Is this one for you?Choose the small-group option to split costs with travel companions, or book solo if you want a dedicated guide and vehicle focused entirely on your pace and interests.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and German.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Prohodna cave and why is it called "The Eyes of God"?

Prohodna cave is a natural wonder in the Iskar Gorge near Karlukovo, named by locals "The Eyes of God" because of two deity-eye-shaped holes in the ceiling. You'll hike a short loop through it, passing under the largest cave passage in Bulgaria.

How long is the hike at Prohodna cave and how difficult is it?

The Prohodna loop hike takes about 1.5 hours and the terrain is not difficult, so you don't need heavy hiking boots: comfortable hiking or running shoes are enough.

What should I wear inside Saeva Dupka cave?

Saeva Dupka stays between 7 and 11°C with very high humidity, so bring a fleece or jacket. The operator will send you detailed advice on clothing and gear before your tour date.

When was Glozhene Monastery built and where is it located?

Glozhene Monastery, dedicated to St. George the Victorious, was established in the middle of the 13th century and is built on the cliffs of a mountain peak, resembling a bird's nest.

Can I bring my own food or does the tour include meals?

Food and drinks are not included, but your guide can stop at a grocery shop on the way to the caves so you can buy supplies, or you can prepare your own lunch packs to bring along.