From Sofia: Rila Monastery Day Tour

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Description

Summary

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

Description

Embark on an enriching day tour from Sofia to the iconic Rila Monastery, Bulgaria’s most revered spiritual site nestled in the picturesque Rila Mountains. Founded in the 10th century by St. Ivan Rilski, the monastery stands as a symbol of Bulgarian culture, faith, and resilience through centuries of history.

Your expert guide will lead you on a captivating exploration through the monastic complex, unveiling its remarkable frescoes, centuries-old architecture, and fascinating stories. The Rila Monastery, revered as the Treasury of Bulgaria, is celebrated for preserving national identity and serving as a vital cultural and literary center.

After your guided experience, enjoy free time to wander the serene courtyards or visit the on-site museum, where you can delve deeper into the monastery’s rich heritage. Take the opportunity to browse charming nearby shops for unique souvenirs, including traditional icons and handcrafted items.

When it's time for a break, treat your taste buds at a local bakery with authentic Bulgarian specialties like mekitsi, a beloved deep-fried yogurt dough. This culinary stop adds an authentic flavor to your journey, making your visit to Rila Monastery truly unforgettable.

The tour is suitable for guests aged six and above, and if you’re traveling with children, simply let us know in advance to arrange a child seat for your comfort and safety. Secure your spot now to experience Bulgaria’s spiritual heartland—book your Rila Monastery adventure today!

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Included

Driver/guide
Transport by air-conditioned minibus
Parking fees
Wi-Fi on board

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

Options

Self-Guided Tour with IT/ES-speaking Assistant & Smart Audio
✓ Includes: online audioguide on your mobile device ✕ Excludes: guide, headphones Important: An accompanying assistant might speak Italian/Spanish but NOT French. An own internet connection is required.
Self-Guided Tour with IT/ES-speaking Assistant & Smart Audio
✓ Includes: online audioguide on your mobile device ✕ Excludes: guide, headphones Important: An accompanying assistant might speak Spanish/Italian. An own internet connection is required.
English Guided Tour with St. Ivan Cave
Explore the magnificent Rila Monastery alongside a certified English-speaking guide ✓ Includes: English-speaking guide, St. Ivan’s Cave, online audioguide ✕ Excludes: headphones Important: Walk to the cave includes 30-minutes of hiking
English Guided Tour
Explore the magnificent Rila Monastery alongside a certified English-speaking guide, who will enrich your experience with fascinating insights and stories. ✓ Includes: English-speaking guide, online audioguide ✕ Excludes: headphones
11-Hour English Guided Tour with Melnik & Rila Monastery
Discover the iconic Rila Monastery & the charming town of Melnik on this English-guided tour. ✓ Includes: English-speaking guide, Melnik, Rila monastery, multilingual audioguide Note: tour lasts over 11 hrs & starts at 08:00, the guide speaks English ONLY
English Guided Tour with Pre-defined Pickups
Explore the Rila monastery alongside a professional English-speaking guide or an online audio guide and choose your pick up from pre-defined stops with convenient locations ✓ Includes: English-speaking guide, pickup from pre-defined stops
Self-Guided Tour with ES/EN-speaking Assistant & Smart Audio
✓ Includes: online audioguide on your mobile device ✕ Excludes: guide, headphones Important: An accompanying assistant might speak English/Spanish but NOT Italian. An own internet connection is required.
Self-Guided Tour with IT/EN-speaking Assistant & Smart Audio
✓ Includes: online audioguide on your mobile device ✕ Excludes: guide, headphones Important: An accompanying assistant might speak English/Italian but NOT Spanish. An own internet connection is required.
English Guided Tour with Smart Audio in Italian
✓ Includes: English-speaking guide, online audio guide in Italian. ✕ Excludes: headphones Important: The guide speaks English but NOT Italian
English Guided Tour with Smart Audio in Spanish
✓ Includes: English-speaking guide, online audio guide in Spanish. ✕ Excludes: headphones Important: The guide speaks English but NOT Spanish
English Guided Tour with Smart Audio in French
✓ Includes: English-speaking guide, Rila monastery, online audio guide in French ✕ Excludes: WITHOUT a French-speaking guide Important: The guide speaks English but NOT French
Spanish Guided Tour
Join this tour to the Rila monastery alongside our certified Spanish-speaking guides who will enrich your experience with their own distinctive flair. ✓ Includes: Spanish-speaking guide, Rila Monastery
Italian Guided Tour
Join this tour to the Rila monastery alongside a certified Italian-speaking guide who will enrich your experience each with their own distinctive flair. ✓ Includes: Italian-speaking guide, Rila monastery
English Guided Tour with St. Ivan Cave & French Smart Audio
✓ Includes: English-speaking guide, Rila monastery, St. Ivan’s Cave, online audioguide in French ✕ Excludes: headphones Important: guide speaks only ENGLISH, NO French; own internet is required Important: Walk to the cave includes 30-minutes of hiking
Spanish Guided Tour with St. Ivan Cave
Explore the magnificent Rila Monastery & Cave of St. Ivan alongside a certified Spanish-speaking guide ✓ Includes: Spanish-speaking guide, Rila monastery, St. Ivan's cave Important: Walk to the cave includes 30-minutes of hiking
Italian Guided Tour with St. Ivan Cave
Explore the magnificent Rila Monastery alongside a certified English-speaking guide ✓ Includes: Italian-speaking guide, St. Ivan’s Cave, online audioguide ✕ Excludes: headphones Important: Walk to the cave includes 30-minutes of hiking
English Guided Tour with Boyana Church & St. Ivan Cave
✓ Includes: English-speaking guide, Rila monastery, St. Ivan's Cave, Boyana Church (UNESCO world heritage site - BONUS), multilingual online audioguide ✕ Excludes: entry fee to Boyana Important: includes 30-minutes of hiking; guide speaks only ENGLISH
12-Hour English Guided Tour with Hiking to Seven Rila Lakes
Discover the iconic Rila Monastery & the Seven Rila Lakes ✓ Includes: English-speaking guide, The Seven Rila Lakes, Rila monastery, multilingual audioguide Note: The tour lasts over 12 hrs & starts at 07:00, the guide speaks English ONLY

Good to know

Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities Not wheelchair accessible or stroller-friendly Comfortable walking shoes recommended The monastery is a functioning Orthodox temple. A strict dress code is imposed and should be respected. Men and women should be wearing clothes covering their shoulders. Women should not wear shorts or short skirts Not suitable for pets

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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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