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Rila Monastery day tour with Optional SPA/Thermal baths

By City Tour Sofia
9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
Free cancellation available
Price is P 1,794 per adult
See tickets

Features

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

Overview

  • Visit the legendary UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery
  • Explore the spectacular Rila Mountains
  • Learn about Bulgarian history, Orthodox traditions, and monastery life
  • Admire colorful frescoes, unique architecture, and mountain landscapes
  • Optional SPA & thermal baths experience with natural mineral hot springs

Activity location

    • Sofia
    • Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria

Meeting/Redemption Point

    • Sofia Center, bul. "Yanko Sakazov" 7, 1527 Sofia, Bulgaria | Meet your guide at Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7. Ask for the City Tour travel agency. The van departs at 9:00 AM and will not wait for you if you are late.
    • Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria

Check availability

Rila Monastery Only - guided tour in English

  • Activity duration is 8 hours8h
    8h
  • English

Rila Monastery, a UNESCO site and Bulgaria’s spiritual heart, is famed for its frescoes and architecture. Explore the church and courtyard, with free time for photos, souvenirs, or lunch. Cave, Spa, and National History Museum not included.

Language options: English
Starting time: 9:00
Price details
P 1,793.83 x 1 AdultP 1,793.83
Total
Price is P 1,793.83

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's included
    Round-trip transportation from Sofia
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Scenic drive through the Rila Mountains
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Free time to explore the monastery courtyard and souvenir shops
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Optional experience of your choice:
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Monastery Museum visit
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Spa visit
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Meals and drinks (bring your own lunch or purchase locally)
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Personal expenses and souvenirs
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Gratuities for guides or drivers
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Spa entry tickets

Know before you book

  • Not allowed: High-heeled shoes, Short skirts, Shorts
  • Not suitable for: People with mobility impairments

What you can expect

Enjoy a scenic drive through the stunning Rila Mountains before arriving at the magnificent Rila Monastery — the largest and most important monastery in Bulgaria.

Founded in the 10th century by Saint John of Rila, the monastery is considered one of the country’s most treasured cultural and spiritual landmarks. Surrounded by pine forests and dramatic mountain peaks, the monastery impresses visitors with its colorful frescoes, striped arcades, intricate wood carvings, and peaceful atmosphere.

If you choose the guided option, your expert guide will introduce you to the fascinating history of the monastery, the life of Saint John of Rila, and the symbolism hidden within the spectacular frescoes and icons inside the monastery church.

After the guided visit, enjoy free time to:

Explore the monastery courtyard
Take stunning photos of the Rila Mountains
Visit local souvenir shops
Taste traditional Bulgarian food
Enjoy the peaceful mountain atmosphere

Optional SPA & Thermal Baths Experience ♨️

Complete your day with the ultimate relaxation experience in natural mineral hot springs nestled in the heart of the Rila Mountains.

Unwind in warm thermal pools surrounded by beautiful nature after your cultural adventure at Rila Monastery. The SPA experience is the perfect combination of wellness, relaxation, and mountain tranquility — ideal for couples, families, and solo travelers.

The mineral water is famous for its soothing and relaxing properties, making this an unforgettable addition to your Bulgaria experience.

Return to Sofia

After your experience, relax on the scenic drive back to Sofia. Expected arrival is between 18:30 and 18:40, depending on traffic and group size.

Why Choose This Tour?

Combine Bulgaria’s top UNESCO site with a relaxing thermal SPA experience
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Rila Mountains
Enjoy the perfect balance of culture, nature, and wellness
Escape the city for a refreshing day in the mountains
Ideal for travelers seeking authentic Bulgarian experiences
Comfortable and convenient day trip from Sofia

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 | Meet your guide at Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7. Ask for the City Tour travel agency. The van departs at 9:00 AM and will not wait for you if you are late.
    • Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria