expedia

From Sofia: Must-See Rila Monastery & Boyana Church Day Tour

By City Tour Sofia
9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
Free cancellation available
Price is P 1,441 per adult

Features

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

Overview

  • Visit Bulgaria’s top two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in a perfectly planned day
  • Enjoy breathtaking Rila Mountains scenery and photo stops in nature
  • Walk through Rila Monastery with time to explore courtyards, museums, and views
  • Dive into the rich heritage and traditions of Eastern Orthodox Christianity
  • Learn the stories behind Boyana Church’s rare frescoes, admired worldwide

Activity location

    • Sofia
    • Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria

Meeting/Redemption Point

    • Sofia Center, bul. "Yanko Sakazov" 7, 1527 Sofia, Bulgaria | The meeting point is Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7.
    • Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria

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

Check availability

Self Guided Tour to Rila Monastery (No Guide & No Boyana)

  • Activity duration is 9 hours9h
    9h
  • English

☆ Includes: Transport, Rila Monastery visit
★ Excludes: No Live guide , No Boyana church visit
With this option you can explore the Rila Monastery on your own, WITHOUT a guided tour. See the unique UNESCO site Rila Monastery at your own pace.

Starting time: 8:58
Price details
P 1,440.94 x 1 AdultP 1,440.94
Total
Price is P 1,440.94

Self Guided Tour to Rila & Boyana (No Tour Guide)

  • Activity duration is 9 hours9h
    9h
  • English

With this option you can explore the Rila Monastery on your own, WITHOUT a guided tour. See both UNESCO sites Rila Monastery & Boyana Church.
☆ Includes: Transport, Rila & Boyana,
★ Excludes: Live guide

Starting time: 9:00
Price details
P 1,440.94 x 1 AdultP 1,440.94
Total
Price is P 1,440.94

Rila Monastery Only Guided Tour (English Guide/No Boyana)

  • Activity duration is 9 hours9h
    9h
  • English

★ Includes: Guided visit to Rila Monastery in English, round-trip transport, free time for photos.
☆ Excludes: Boyana Church entry, meals, and personal expenses.
An amazing, in-depth cultural experience with professional English-speaking guide.

Language options: English
Starting time: 8:58
Price details
P 1,801.18 x 1 AdultP 1,801.18
Total
Price is P 1,801.18

Rila Monastery Only Guided Tour (Italian Guide/No Boyana)

  • Activity duration is 8 hours8h
    8h
  • Italian

★ Includes: Guided visit to Rila Monastery in Italian, round-trip transport, free time for photos.
☆ Excludes: Boyana Church visit, meals and personal expenses.
An amazing, in-depth cultural experience with professional Italian-speaking guide.

Language options: Italian
Starting time: 8:58
Price details
P 1,801.18 x 1 AdultP 1,801.18
Total
Price is P 1,801.18

Rila Monastery Only Guided Tour (Spanish Guide/No Boyana)

  • Activity duration is 8 hours8h
    8h
  • Spanish

★ Includes: Guided visit to Rila Monastery in Spanish, round-trip transport, free time for photos.
☆ Excludes: Boyana Church visit, meals and personal expenses.
An amazing, in-depth cultural experience with professional Spanish-speaking guide.

Language options: Spanish
Starting time: 8:58
Price details
P 1,801.18 x 1 AdultP 1,801.18
Total
Price is P 1,801.18

Self-Guided Rila tour with Online Audio Guide (NО GUIDE)

  • Activity duration is 8 hours8h
    8h
  • Bulgarian

★ Includes: Transport, Rila Monastery visit, Smart Guide Access
☆ Excludes: Live guide , No Boyana Church visit
✮ Requires: SMARTPHONE DEVICE & INTERNET CONNECTION
Download our Online Audio Guide in your chosen language! See the majestic Rila monastery.

Starting time: 8:58
Price details
P 1,801.18 x 1 AdultP 1,801.18
Total
Price is P 1,801.18

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's included
    Expert guide in English, Spanish, or Italian - if option was selected
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Air-conditioned transportation
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Smart audio commentary in English, Spanish, Italian, French, German, Russian, Bulgarian, Romanian, Chinese, Ukrainian, Polish, and Portuguese - if option was selected
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Entry to Boyana Church – Adults 6.14 EUR per person. For children over 7 years old and students - 1.53 EUR per person.
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Entry to Rila Monastery Museums (optional visit during free time) - 4 EUR per person
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Meals and beverages
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Gratuities/tips for guides and drivers

Know before you book

  • Not allowed: Short skirts, Sleeveless shirts

What you can expect

Discover two of Bulgaria’s most remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites on a full-day tour from Sofia, combining cultural heritage, scenic mountain landscapes, and a relaxed travel experience.

Your journey begins in Sofia, where you’ll meet your guide and set off in a comfortable bus toward the Rila Mountains. Enjoy a scenic drive through forests, valleys, and picturesque countryside as you travel toward Bulgaria’s most iconic spiritual landmark.

Your first stop is the magnificent Rila Monastery—the largest and most important Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, you can choose between a guided tour with your expert guide or independent exploration at your own pace. Admire its striking black-and-white architecture, walk through peaceful arcaded courtyards, and discover the remarkable frescoes that bring centuries of history to life. You’ll also have time to visit the monastery museum, take photos of the mountain scenery, or enjoy traditional Bulgarian cuisine at nearby local restaurants.

After your visit, continue the journey back toward Sofia with a stop at the iconic Boyana Church, a UNESCO-listed medieval gem known for its exceptionally well-preserved 13th-century frescoes and emotional artistic detail.

Please note that entry is subject to strict time-slot availability, and a mandatory entrance fee applies (payable locally). Tickets are reserved in advance and are non-refundable due to limited capacity.

After this cultural highlight, relax on the return journey to Sofia and take in the final views of the countryside and mountains.

Arrival in the city is expected in the late afternoon, marking the end of a day filled with history, art, and unforgettable landscapes.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    • Sofia
    • Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    • Sofia Center, bul. "Yanko Sakazov" 7, 1527 Sofia, Bulgaria | The meeting point is Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7.
    • Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria
  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    • Sofia Center, bul. "Yanko Sakazov" 7, 1527 Sofia, Bulgaria | The meeting point is Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7.
    • Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria
  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    • Sofia Center, bul. "Yanko Sakazov" 7, 1527 Sofia, Bulgaria | The meeting point is Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7.
    • Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria
  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    • Sofia Center, bul. "Yanko Sakazov" 7, 1527 Sofia, Bulgaria | The meeting point is Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7.
    • Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria
  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    • Sofia Center, bul. "Yanko Sakazov" 7, 1527 Sofia, Bulgaria | The meeting point is Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7.
    • Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria
  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    • Sofia Center, bul. "Yanko Sakazov" 7, 1527 Sofia, Bulgaria | The meeting point is Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7.
    • Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria