From Sofia: Rila Monastery & Boyana Church Day Tour

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Description

Summary

Starts
Sofia
Duration
8 Hrs.
Languages
English, Bulgarian, French, Italian, Spanish, German, and Russian
Admission
Printed voucher

Description

Discover the rich spiritual heritage of Bulgaria on a guided day trip from Sofia to the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery and Boyana Church. Begin your adventure with a comfortable drive out of the city, arriving first at the remarkable Boyana Church, where centuries-old frescoes await to impress you with their artistry and emotion.

After exploring Boyana Church, continue your journey through picturesque mountain landscapes en route to the Rila Monastery, the country’s largest and most important Orthodox monastery. Your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating stories about the monastery’s history, or you may choose to explore the complex at your own pace, taking in its unique architecture and tranquil atmosphere.

During your visit to Rila Monastery, take time to admire the stunning mountain scenery, sample local Bulgarian specialties like mekitsi, or visit the monastery’s museums to deepen your understanding of its cultural significance. The tour is designed for small groups, ensuring a comfortable and personal experience throughout the day.

Travel is provided by air-conditioned vehicle, and you’ll benefit from a guide or smart audio in several languages. Entrance fees to the Rila Monastery Museum and Boyana Church are not included, so you have the flexibility to decide what to visit. Pick-up from pre-defined stops is available if selected when booking.

As the day concludes, relax on your return journey to Sofia, reflecting on the beauty and history you’ve experienced. This popular tour fills up quickly, so check availability and secure your spot today for an unforgettable Bulgarian adventure.

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Included

Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
Guide in English, Spanish, or Italian (depending on option chosen)
Smart audio in English, Spanish, Italian, French, German, or Russian (internet connection and own headphones are required)
Pickup from pre-defined stops (if option chosen)

Destinations

Sofia - city in BulgariaSofia

Map

Attractions

Photo of Beautiful view of the Orthodox Rila Monastery, a famous tourist attraction and cultural heritage monument in the Rila Nature Park mountains in Bulgaria.Rila Monastery
Boyana Church Museum, Vitosha, Sofia City, Sofia-City, BulgariaBoyana Church

Options

Spanish-guided tour (NO Boyana)
A premium, in-depth experience with an expert Spanish-speaking guide. ✓ Includes: Live Spanish Guide, Rila Monastery visit ✕ Excludes: Boyana Church
ENGLISH Guide: Rila & Boyana Tour (Available Every Day)
The classic tour with a live guide in ENGLISH. This option is a great alternative and runs daily. ✓ Includes: Live ENGLISH Guide, Rila Monastery, Boyana Church ✓ Free Bonus: Italian language Audio Guide for your personal use.
English-guided Rila & Boyana tour (Available Every Day)
The original, complete tour with GUARANTEED Boyana entry. ✓ Includes: Live ENGLISH Guide, Rila Monastery, Boyana Church ✓ Bonus: Spanish Audio Guide ✕ Excludes: Live Spanish Guide, Boyana Church entry fee (6.99 EUR)
BEST DEAL: Spanish Guide to Cave (NO Boyana/Audio)
Best Value Cave Tour Package! Pro Spanish-speaking Guide (live commentary in Spanish; basic English logistics help) & full commentary Cloud Audio Guide (use your own phone/internet). Visits Rila & the Cave, NOT Boyana Church.
English Guided with Boyana Church
Choose the original tour to the Rila Monastery & Boyana Church-pioneered by us over 15 years ago. Visit 2 UNESCO sites in one day! ✓Includes: English-speaking guide, Rila Monastery, Boyana Church ✕Excludes: Boyana Church entry fee (local payment 6.99 EUR)
Italian-guided tour (Rila & Boyana)
The authentic experience with our expert, Italian-speaking guide. This is our most requested tour for Italian visitors. NOTE: This premium tour has limited availability and is not offered every day. We recommend booking in advance to secure your spot.
English-guided Rila, Boyana & Dragalevtsi tour
Our ultimate one-day monastery adventure with a live guide in ENGLISH. ✓ Includes: Rila Monastery, Boyana Church, Dragalevtsi Monastery ✓ Bonus: Online Audio Guide (needs your phone, internet, headset)
English Guided with Dragalevtsi Monastery & Boyana Church
Enjoy the classic tour to the Rila Monastery & Boyana Church. Visit the beautiful Dragalevtsi Monastery. ✓Included: English-speaking guide, Rila Monastery, Dragalevtsi Monastery, Boyana church ✕Excluded: Boyana Church entry fee (6.99 EUR)
On a budget: Self-guided Rila tour (NO Boyana)
✓ Includes: comfortable transportation to Rila Monastery ONLY, detailed online audio guide on your smartphone ✕ Excludes: Boyana Church visit, live guide, headphones Important: The accompanying assistant will NOT speak English
On a budget: Self-guided Rila & Boyana tour
The complete self-guided experience. Visit both UNESCO sites at your own pace. ✓ Includes: Transport, Rila, Boyana, Online Audio Guide (needs your phone, internet, headset) ✕ Excludes: Live Guide
English-guided Rila & Boyana tour (Available Every Day)
The classic tour is with a live guide in ENGLISH and runs daily. ✓ Includes: Live ENGLISH Guide, Rila Monastery, Boyana Church ✓ Free Bonus: Online Audio Guide for your personal use.
Spanish-guided tour Rila & St. Ivan cave (NO Boyana)
The ultimate one-day adventure with a live guide in SPANISH. Does NOT include Boyana church. ✓ Includes: Live SPANISH Guide, Rila Monastery, St. Ivan's Cave ✓ Bonus: Online Audio Guide (needs your phone, internet, headset)
Italian-guided Rila, Boyana & St. Ivan cave tour
Our most complete one-day adventure with an expert Italian guide! ✓ Includes: Live ITALIAN Guide, Rila Monastery, Boyana Church, St. Ivan's Cave This exclusive tour is a rare opportunity. Limited dates available.
English-guided Rila, Boyana & Dragalevtsi tour
Our ultimate one-day monastery adventure. See everything! ✓ Includes: Live ENGLISH Guide, Rila, Boyana Church, Dragalevtsi Monastery ✓ Bonus: Spanish Online Audio Guide ✕ Excludes: Live Spanish Guide, Boyana Church entry fee (6.99 EUR)
English-guided Rila, Boyana & Dragalevtsi tour
Our ultimate one-day monastery adventure. See everything! ✓ Includes: Live ENGLISH Guide, Rila, Boyana Church, Dragalevtsi Monastery ✓ Bonus: Italian Online Audio Guide ✕ Excludes: Live Italian Guide, Boyana Church entry fee (6.99 EUR)
Rila, Boyana & Cave Guided Tour in English
The ultimate one-day adventure with a live guide in ENGLISH. See all the highlights. ✓ Includes: Live ENGLISH Guide, Rila Monastery, Boyana Church, St. Ivan's Cave ✓ Bonus: Online Audio Guide (needs your phone, internet, headset)
Italian-guided tour (WITHOUT Boyana)
✓ Includes: Italian-speaking guide, Rila monastery ✕ Excludes: NO Boyana Church Important: Slots for Boyana church are limited, and on some days, not all requests can be approved. Tour to Rila monastery ONLY is offered as an alternative.
English Guided without Boyana Church
✓ Includes: English-speaking guide, online audio in your language ✕ Excludes: NO Boyana Church, headphones Important: The guide speaks only ENGLISH
Rila Monastery with a French-Speaking Assistant
Choose the original tour to the Rila Monastery – pioneered by us over 15 years ago! ✓ Includes: French-speaking assistant, visit to Rila Monastery ✕ Note: The main tour is guided in another language
From Sofia: Rila Monastery & Boyana Church Day Tour
✓ Includes: English-speaking guide, online audio in your language ✕ Excludes: NO Boyana Church, headphones Important: The guide speaks only ENGLISH but NO Spanish
English Guided without Boyana Church
✓ Includes: English-speaking guide, online audio in your language ✕ Excludes: NO Boyana Church, headphones Important: The guide speaks only ENGLISH and NO Italian
11-hour English Guided with Melnik
✓ Includes: English-speaking guide, Rila Monastery, Melnik, online audio guide on your smartphone ✕ Excludes: headphones, Boyana Church visit, Kordopulova House entry fee (3 EUR) Important: The tour starts at 08:00 a.m. and lasts for 11 hrs

Good to know

Interior visits to Boyana Church are limited to 10 minutes per group (8-10 people maximum) Queuing may be required for the Boyana church entry Boyana Church Closure dates: January 1st, Orthodox Easter Sunday, December 24th & 25th (tour visits Rila Monastery only on these dates) Boyana Church Free admission: Last Monday of each month (entrance not guaranteed due to high demand) Tour may finish late during Bulgarian holidays or with large groups

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Explore with confidence
From ancient cities to alpine peaks, we’re here for you 24/7 with local expertise and support, wherever your travels take you.
Secure your spot
Book instantly and lock in your place on one of Europe’s top-rated tours. Enjoy the best price and secure checkout so you can focus on the fun.
Get instant confirmation
Receive your e-ticket and booking summary immediately after checkout, with all meeting points and schedules included.
Easily make changes
Plans changed? No problem. Our team is just seconds away—ready to help with any adjustments quickly and smoothly.
Explore with confidence
From ancient cities to alpine peaks, we’re here for you 24/7 with local expertise and support, wherever your travels take you.

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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