From Sofia: Full Day Trip To Rila Monastery

From Sofia: Full Day Trip To Rila Monastery

By City Tour Sofia

Free cancellation available

See tickets

Features

Free cancellation available
8h+
Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation
Multiple languages

Overview

Experience Bulgaria's picturesque countryside along the route
Learn about the rich history of Eastern Orthodoxy in Bulgaria
Opt for a guided tour of St.Ivan Rilski Cave or explore independently
Opt for a self guided tour of Rila Monastery
Admire the exquisite medieval frescoes in Boyana Church (if selected option)

Activity location

- Sofia
- Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria

Meeting/Redemption Point

- Sofia Center, bul. "Yanko Sakazov" 7, 1527 Sofia, Bulgaria | Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7. LOOK for the CITY TOUR branded Bus, Coach or minivan - white/blue colours
- Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria

Multiple meeting/redemption points available, see location information for full list

Check availability

Guided Tour in Italian

8h
Italian

Questa opzione include una guida turistica che parla italiano. Il tour comprende il Monastero di Rila.

Travellers

Language options: Italian

Starting time: 08:50

Price details

€25.00 x 1 Adult€25.00

Total

English guided tour + Bonus Online Audio (Exclusive)

9h
Bulgarian

Our tour to Rila Monastery with an English tour guide + BONUS service - our Online Audio Guide in your chosen language!
☆ RO, RU, BG, DE, FR, CN, PL, PT or UA
✮ SMARTPHONE & STABLE INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED FOR PROPER FUNCTION

Travellers

Languages available

Starting time: 09:00

Price details

€25.00 x 1 Adult€25.00

Total

Guided Tour in English

8h
English

With this option you will have a guided tour in English at the Rila Monastery.

Travellers

Language options: English

Starting time: 09:00

Price details

€25.00 x 1 Adult€25.00

Total

Guided Tour in Spanish

8h
Spanish

Esta opción incluye un guía turístico de habla española. El recorrido incluye el Monasterio de Rila.

Travellers

Language options: Spanish

Starting time: 09:00

Price details

€25.00 x 1 Adult€25.00

Total

Self Guided Tour (No Tour Guide)

8h
English

With this option you can explore the Rila Monastery on your own, WITHOUT a guided tour. This option does not include a visit to the Boyana church.

Travellers

Language options: English

Starting time: 09:00

Price details

€25.00 x 1 Adult€25.00

Total

Self-Guided Tour with Online Audio Guide (No Tour Guide)

8h
English

Download our Smart Guide Application on your smartphone - available in English, Spanish, Italian, Bulgarian, Russian, Romanian, German, French and Chinese. WARNING: A FAST AND PROPER INTERNET CONNECTION ON YOUR DEVICE IS REQUIRED FOR PROPER FUNCTION.

Travellers

Languages available

Starting time: 09:00

Price details

€25.00 x 1 Adult€25.00

Total

Self-Guided Tour with Audio Guide Device (No Tour Guide)

8h
English

Book for an Audio Guide (HEADPHONES) and tour at your own pace at the Rila Monastery. The Audio Guide is offered in: Spanish, Italian, German, French, Russian and Bulgarian.

Travellers

Languages available

Starting time: 09:00

Price details

€35.00 x 1 Adult€35.00

Total

What's included, what's not

PRICE INCLUDES:
Professional live guide /if option is selected and paid/
Group tour
Transport by a comfortable bus/ minibus
Trip to Rila Monastery
PRICE EXCLUDES:
Rila Monastery museum + monk room entrance fee- 4 euro (8 levs) /if opted for visit/
Food and drinks
Service charge (optional)

Know before you book

Not allowed: Smoking
Not suitable for: People with mobility impairments, Wheelchair users
In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.

What you can expect

Experience Bulgaria’s most famous cultural treasure on this immersive day trip to the Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in the heart of the Rila Mountains. Step back in time as your professional guide shares captivating stories, legends, and historical insights that reveal the monastery’s spiritual and cultural importance.

Departure: 9:00 AM from Vasil Levski Monument (Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7)
Comfortable shuttle-group transfer: Approx. 2 hours each way
Guided tour at the monastery: ~40 minutes

Admire the spectacular frescoes, ornate wood-carved iconostasis, and striking architecture that make this site one of the most impressive landmarks in the Balkans. Learn about the monastery’s foundation in the 10th century, its role in preserving Bulgarian culture, and the symbolism hidden within its vivid wall paintings.

After the guided tour, enjoy approximately 4 hours of free time to explore at your own pace. Visit the monastery museum, capture stunning photos of the courtyard and surrounding mountain scenery, sample traditional Bulgarian pastries from the nearby bakeries, or simply relax with a peaceful walk in nature.

At around 3:30 PM, depart back to Sofia, arriving in the early evening.

✨ Ideal for history lovers, culture enthusiasts, photographers, and travellers seeking an authentic Bulgarian experience.

Location

Activity location

- Sofia
- Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria

Meeting/Redemption Point

- Sofia Center, bul. "Yanko Sakazov" 7, 1527 Sofia, Bulgaria | Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7. LOOK for the CITY TOUR branded Bus, Coach or minivan - white/blue colours
- Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria
- Sofia Center, bul. "Yanko Sakazov" 7, 1527 Sofia, Bulgaria | Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7. LOOK for the CITY TOUR branded Bus, Coach or minivan - white/blue colours
- Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria