Embark on an 8.5 to 10-hour guided group excursion to Rila Monastery. Certain options also feature a visit to Boyana Church; please verify your selection before booking.
Enjoy a 40-minute guided tour at Rila Monastery, followed by 2.5 hours of leisure time for photography, museum visits, shopping, or lunch.
For options including Boyana Church, marvel at its magnificent 800-year-old frescoes during a brief guided tour.
Please note: Modest attire is required at the monastery, covering shoulders and knees.
A helpful tip for busy summer weekends: consider bringing lunch from Sofia to maximize your time.
Boyana Church observes closures on January 1st, Orthodox Easter Sunday, and December 24th-25th. On these dates, the tour will exclusively visit Rila Monastery.
This tour provides an excellent blend of cultural heritage, stunning mountain vistas, and engaging narratives from your professional English-speaking guide.
Travel in comfort via an air-conditioned vehicle, with group sizes designed for a more intimate experience.
This excursion is perfect for those passionate about history and captivated by nature.
✓ Visit to Boyana Church and/or Rila Monastery, contingent on the booked option.✓ Audio commentary available in 12 languages (selection varies by option).✓ Transportation provided in a comfortable bus or minibus.✓ Expert guidance offered in English, Spanish, or Italian (choice depends on the selected option).✓ Parking fees are covered.✕ Entry fee for Boyana Church: 10 EUR for adults, 3 EUR for ages 7+/students (cash only), applicable if this option is chosen.✕ Entrance ticket for Rila Monastery museum & monk room: 4 EUR.✕ Meals and beverages.✕ Gratuities for guides and drivers.✕ Hotel pick-up and drop-off services.1 Vasil Levski Monument
Meet at Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7, at 8:40 AM.
Departure is promptly at 9:00 AM. Punctuality is essential.
· 30 min
2 Rila Monastery
Your journey commences with a comfortable, air-conditioned transfer from Sofia's city center, traversing scenic green valleys and forested mountain landscapes alongside an international group.
Upon reaching Rila Monastery—Bulgaria's largest and most significant Eastern Orthodox monastery, and one of its most frequented landmarks—you will have dedicated time for a guided tour or personal exploration of its distinctive black-and-white arcades, vibrant frescoes, gilded iconostasis, and serene courtyards.
Established in the 10th century and dramatically situated within the Rila Mountains, the monastery offers abundant opportunities for sightseeing, photography, and learning.
During your free time, you are welcome to visit the monastery's museum, search for local souvenirs, or savor traditional Bulgarian cuisine, such as homemade mekitsi and local yogurt.
· 3 h
3 Boyana Church
If your selected option includes Boyana Church, your tour will proceed from Rila Monastery to this medieval church, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The church is globally renowned for its exceptionally preserved 13th-century frescoes, widely regarded as among the most important examples of medieval European art, noted for their influential realism.
Entry to Boyana Church is time-slotted and restricted to small groups to safeguard the delicate artwork. Please anticipate potential waiting times.
· 30 min · Admission not included
4 Vasil Levski Monument
At the conclusion of the tour, the vehicle will return you to the original starting point at Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7.
· 5 min
Your ticket can be presented as a mobile or paper copy. One ticket is required per booking.
The designated meeting point is Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7. Please locate the City Tour travel agency.
Arrive by 8:40 AM.
The bus/van departs precisely at 9:00 AM and will not wait for latecomers.
The designated meeting point is Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7. Please locate the City Tour travel agency.
Arrive by 8:40 AM.
The bus/van departs precisely at 9:00 AM and will not wait for latecomers.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Public transportation options are conveniently located nearby. This tour is not recommended for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular health conditions. The tour is suitable for participants of all physical fitness levels. Visitors at the Monastery are requested to ensure their knees and shoulders are covered. Please be aware that certain tour options may not include a visit to Boyana Church, despite general descriptions. Carefully review each tour's specifics before booking to confirm it covers your desired sites. Contact us if you require clarification. It is advisable to carry cash (preferably in local currency) as many shops and restaurants near the monastery primarily accept cash payments. If traveling with an infant aged 0-2 years, please inform us at the time of reservation so that a special seat can be arranged. Visits inside Boyana Church are limited to 10 minutes per group of 8 to 10 people. Entry may involve queuing. On specific days, such as Bulgarian holidays or when group sizes exceed 100 people, potential delays may extend the tour's estimated return time to Sofia to 18:30. Boyana Church is closed on January 1st, Orthodox Easter Sunday, December 24th, and December 25th. On these dates, the tour proceeds only to Rila Monastery. Safety Notice: For the well-being and comfort of all participants, individuals exhibiting signs of intoxication or disruptive behavior may be asked to leave the tour without refund. The sequence of visits to Rila Monastery and Boyana Church may be altered due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. Entry to Boyana Church may not be guaranteed on specific dates, including May 18th, September 17th, and November 1st. Dining choices near Rila Monastery are limited, primarily consisting of bakeries offering pastries. Alternatively, you are welcome to bring your own food. Customers selecting the 'Self-Guided Tour (Transportation Only)' option do not have guaranteed entry to Boyana Church. Access depends on ticket availability at the time of arrival due to the church's strict timed entry and capacity limits. Guides are not required to provide commentary during bus transit. Explanations and guided tours are typically conducted at designated stops and attractions. RILA ONLY/SMART GUIDE- NO GUIDE Includes: Transportation, Rila Monastery visit, Smart Guide Access. Excludes: Live guide, Boyana Church visit. [ES] Guided Tour in Spanish Experience a guided tour in Spanish covering both the Rila Monastery and Boyana Church. Rila monastery and Spa visit (No Boyana church) - English guide This option includes a visit to Rila Monastery and a spa experience, but excludes the Boyana Church visit. Guided in English. [SG] Smart Audio Guide Travel comfortably to Rila Monastery and Boyana Church and explore both sites using an online audio guide (no live guide provided). [IT] Guided Tour in Italian Enjoy a guided tour in Italian to the Rila Monastery and Boyana Church. Rila Monastery Only - ENGLISH This option includes an English-guided visit exclusively to Rila Monastery, without a visit to Boyana Church. RILA MONASTERY ONLY - ITALIAN This option includes an Italian-guided visit exclusively to Rila Monastery, without a visit to Boyana Church. RILA MONASTERY ONLY - SPANISH This option includes a Spanish-guided visit exclusively to Rila Monastery, without a visit to Boyana Church. Rila monastery and Spa visit (No Boyana church) - Spanish guide This option includes a visit to Rila Monastery and a spa experience, but excludes the Boyana Church visit. Guided in Spanish. [AG] Tour with Audio Guide Travel comfortably to Rila Monastery and Boyana Church and discover both sites with an audio guide (no live guide provided). Rila monastery and Spa visit (No Boyana church) - Italian guide This option includes a visit to Rila Monastery and a spa experience, but excludes the Boyana Church visit. Guided in Italian. [EN] Guided Tour in English Experience an English-guided visit to both Rila Monastery and Boyana Church. [TR] Self-guided Tour Explore the two UNESCO sites independently without a guide. RILA ONLY/TRANSPORT - NO GUIDE Enjoy an all-day visit exclusively to Rila Monastery, with transportation provided. No visit to Boyana Church and no live guide. Local museums are optional. Dress modestly when visiting the Rila Monastery, covering shoulders and knees. Bring cash for purchases at the monastery and for optional entrance fees. Consider packing snacks or lunch, especially during peak season. Check the specific inclusions of your chosen tour option carefully. Be punctual for the 8:40 AM meeting time. For a full refund, cancellations must be made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 42558P86
Activity offered by City Tour Ltd. via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center History enthusiasts Culture seekers Nature lovers Photography buffs Explore Bulgaria's largest monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire the world-renowned frescoes of Boyana Church, another UNESCO site. Enjoy scenic drives through Bulgarian mountains and valleys. Benefit from knowledgeable guides providing historical insights. Comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
Population 1,213,134 (2025)
Elevation 560 m
Currency euro
Official language Bulgarian
Driving on the right
Power plugs C, F · 230 V
Emergency number 112 Average temperatures -2° Jan 0° Feb 4° Mar 9° Apr 14° May 18° Jun 21° Jul 21° Aug 16° Sept 11° Oct 5° Nov -1° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the duration of the tour? + The tour lasts between 8.5 and 10 hours.
What should I wear to Rila Monastery? + Women must cover their knees and shoulders when visiting the monastery.
Is lunch included in the tour? + Food and drinks are not included in the tour price. You can purchase food at the monastery or bring your own.
Can I get a refund if I cancel? + You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What happens if Boyana Church is closed? + On days when Boyana Church is closed (e.g., holidays), the tour will only visit Rila Monastery.
Is hotel pick-up provided? + Hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included. The meeting point is at Vasil Levski Monument.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Great day trip to Rla Monastery.
krisbO6626ZV, October 2026
An excellent value day trip taking in both the Bayona Church and Rila Monastery. Iva was an excellent guide with perfect English (she also conducted the tour in Spanish), and a fantastic knowledge of Bulgarian history.
★★★★★ Viator review
Discovering Bulgaria
Carmen_M, October 2026
It is a very beautiful excursion and the guides are very attentive and competent.
We discovered an impressive area of Bulgaria.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Superb Guide for the Rila Monastery
C5702NZpeterb, October 2026
Lovely day trip to the two ancient sites. Despite unavoidable mishaps — our bus broke down on the return trip — our English guide Ornella was gracious and accommodating. Her complete knowledge of the frescoes at Rila was enlightening and she made valuable suggestions for transportation when we needed to leave Boyana early due to the bus delay.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Fabulous tour and exceptional tour guide Ornella.
stacyrM4778OP, October 2026
My high rating for the tour is predominantly because of my tour guide Ornella. She was extremely knowledgeable in her presentation while touring the Rila Monastery. She projected and all could hear her yet it was not disturbing to others. She was exceptional at managing a person in our group who kept interrupting all with a smile and extreme patience. Ornella's passion for the Rila Monastery and Boyana Church shines through. One of the best tours I have ever been on all due to Ornella!
★★★★★ Viator review
Ina was a great guide and...
Diana_M, October 2026
Ina was a great guide and explained things very well. Very organized and made sure things stayed on schedule. A great day!!
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