• Prohodna Cave - Stop 1 - Prohodna Cave (The Eyes of God)
  Location: Near Karlukovo village, Lovech Province - approximately 120 km north of Sofia
  Duration at stop: about 1 hour
  Bulgaria’s most photographed natural wonder - a 262-meter cave tunnel featuring two large almond-shaped skylights in the ceiling that illuminate the cave with natural light. These formations are known as the Eyes of God. In bright sunlight, they shine like beacons, while in rainy weather, they seem to weep. The guide will discuss the geology, legends, Ottoman folklore, and films shot here. Visitors will walk the entire passage, from the small entrance to the 45-meter grand vault - the largest cave entrance in Bulgaria. Entry is free.
• Cherepish Monastery - Stop 2 - Cherepish Monastery
  Location: Iskar Gorge - approximately 40 km north of Sofia, on the return route to Sofia
  Duration at stop: about 1 hour
  Established in the 14th century during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom under Tsar Ivan Shishman. It was burned by Ottoman forces and rebuilt three times. It served as a rebel hideout during the Russo-Turkish war of the 19th century. Today, it is a peaceful working monastery located on the banks of the Iskar River beneath dramatic gorge cliffs.
  Inside: frescoes from the 16th to 19th centuries, a collection of historic icons in the monastery museum, and a two-story ossuary built into the cliff face above the courtyard - one of the most unique and quietly powerful sights in Bulgaria. It is almost always uncrowded.
• Lakatnik Rocks - Stop 3 - Panoramic Gorge Walk and Traditional Bulgarian Picnic
  Location: Lakatnik rocks viewpoint or scenic platform near Gara Bov - chosen on the day
  Duration: about 1 hour 15 minutes (including a 15-minute walk each way)
  The day concludes not in a car park but on a hilltop. A short, easy 15-minute walk leads to one of two panoramic viewpoints above the Iskar Gorge - both offering breathtaking views across the river, the cliffs, and the valley below. A covered shelter at the Gara Bov platform ensures this stop is weather-proof.
  The guide will unpack a traditional Bulgarian picnic prepared fresh that morning. The contents vary with the season - always local, always traditional, always an authentic taste of Bulgaria. Expect warm banitsa, Bulgarian yogurt, and seasonal produce - the kind of honest food that city restaurants rarely perfect.
  Fully included in the tour price. This is the moment guests talk about most.
  Return to Sofia
  Scenic final stretch back to Sofia. Estimated arrival: 17:30-18:00.

• Small Group Guarantee: Max 8 travelers for a personalized experience
• Traditional seasonal Bulgarian picnic served at a panoramic gorge viewpoint
• Guaranteed Departure: We never cancel due to low numbers
• Expert Guide: Professional commentary in English
• Transportation: Round-trip travel in a premium, air-conditioned vehicle

• Gratuities

This tour offers a unique experience that no other day trip from Sofia can match. After exploring Cherepish Monastery, a 14th-century riverside sanctuary nestled beneath gorge cliffs, adorned with ancient frescoes and enveloped in a tranquility that Rila has long since lost, the guide stops at a scenic viewpoint above the Iskar Gorge. Here, a picnic prepared that morning is unpacked.

Enjoy home-baked banitsa, fresh Bulgarian yogurt, and seasonal local produce, all while taking in the breathtaking view of the gorge below and the surrounding Balkan Mountains. No waiting in line, no laminated menus.

This is how the day concludes. It begins at Prohodna Cave, Bulgaria’s most renowned natural marvel, where two massive eye-shaped skylights illuminate the tunnel, known locally as the Eyes of God. The guide shares legends, Ottoman folk tales, and details about films shot in this location.

Cave exploration, monastery visit, and a panoramic picnic. One scenic gorge road. Guaranteed with just one booking. Maximum of 8 guests. An unparalleled experience from Sofia.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.