Day Trip to Rila Monastery and Boyana Church from Sofia

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Description

Summary

Starts
bul. "Yanko Sakazov" 9
Duration
8 Hrs.
Languages
German, Russian, English, Italian, French, and Spanish
Difficulty
Easy
Admission
Mobile ticket
Minimum age
5 years

Description

Set out from Sofia for a memorable day exploring Bulgaria’s most treasured UNESCO World Heritage sites. Travel by comfortable, air-conditioned minibus through the scenic landscapes of rural Bulgaria, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who will share fascinating insights along the way.

Your first stop is the magnificent Rila Monastery, nestled deep in the pine-forested Rila Mountains. Marvel at its striking frescoes and rich medieval history as you tour the ornate church and enjoy time to wander the peaceful grounds at your own pace. Entrance fees to the monastery’s museum are not included, giving you the flexibility to choose your interests.

After soaking up the beauty of Rila Monastery, continue to the historic Boyana Church on Sofia’s outskirts. Admire its world-renowned pre-Renaissance frescoes, which date back to the 13th century and are celebrated for their expressive human detail. Please note, due to new regulations, entry to Boyana Church cannot always be guaranteed, but an alternative visit to St. Ivan’s Cave at Rila Monastery will be offered if needed.

This tour lasts approximately eight hours and is suitable for travelers of all fitness levels, though some uneven surfaces may be encountered. Transport, parking fees, and an English-speaking driver-guide are included, ensuring a seamless and informative experience. Food, drinks, and entrance fees are not included, allowing you to tailor your day to your preferences.

Group sizes are kept small for a more personal experience, with departures at 9:00 AM from a central Sofia meeting point. Don’t miss the chance to uncover Bulgaria’s cultural treasures—secure your spot now and embark on an unforgettable journey.

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Included

Driver/Tour guide in English
Parking Fees
Transport by air-conditioned minibus

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

English-guided classic tour
Guided in English with Boyana: Join the classic English-guided tour to Rila monastery&Boyana church with a professional English-speaking guide.
Spanish-guided (NO Boyana)
Guided in ES (No Boyana ch.) : Visita guiada en español al Monasterio de Rila. NO incluye la iglesia de Boyana.
Italian-guided (NO Boyana)
Guided in IT (No Boyana ch.): Visita guidata in italiano al monastero di Rila. NON include la chiesa di Boyana.
Online audio tour (NO Boyana)
Audioguided tour, No Boyana: Live guide, Boyana -NOT included. Includes an online audioguide. Accompanying tour conductor will speak different language.
Rila mon. and Melnik 11 hours
Melnik and Rila monastery: Join this 11 hr-tour to Rila monastery and Melnik with w/ EN guide. Starting time 08:00 am. Boyana church -NOT included.
English-guided (NO Boyana)
Guided in EN (No Boyana ch.): Join this English-guided tour to the Rila monastery with Traventuria's expert team. Boyana church is NOT included.
Online audio tour with Boyana
Audioguided tour with Boyana: Live guide, Boyana - included. Includes an online audioguide. Accompanying tour conductor will speak different language.
Spanish-guided classic tour
Online audio incl. Dragalevtsi
Audioguided tour: Enjoy the classic tour to the Rila monastery & Boyana church. Visit the beautiful Dragalevtsi monastery extra.
Italian-guided classic tour
Classic tour incl. Dragalevtsi
English guided: Enjoy the classic tour to the Rila monastery & Boyana church. Visit the beautiful Dragalevtsi monastery extra

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
Exceptions to the standard program:
Boyana church will NOT be visited on the following days: 1st of January (the tour starts at 11 AM on that day only); The day of Orthodox Easter; 24th and 25th December.
Hand disinfectant will be provided for free throughout the tour.
All touch points in the vehicles will be cleaned frequently.
Minimum traveler age is 5 years old

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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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