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Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Full-Day Tour

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Rila Monastery
Rila Monastery
Rila Monastery
Rila Monastery
Rila Monastery
Rila Monastery
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Description

Summary

Starts
bul. "Yanko Sakazov" 7
Duration
8 Hrs.
Languages
German, Russian, English, Italian, French, and Spanish
Difficulty
Easy
Admission
Mobile ticket

Description

Discover Bulgaria’s rich heritage on this full-day guided excursion from Sofia, exploring two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Rila Monastery and Boyana Church. Begin your journey at the Vasil Levski Monument, where your group meets before setting off in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle for a day of history and culture.

Your first stop is the magnificent Rila Monastery, nestled in the scenic Rila Mountains. Marvel at its centuries-old architecture and vibrant frescoes during a 40-minute guided tour. Afterward, enjoy two and a half hours of free time to explore the museum, browse local shops, take memorable photos, or savor lunch at a nearby bakery.

The adventure continues at Boyana Church, a medieval gem renowned for its remarkably preserved frescoes dating back to the 11th century. Your guide will share fascinating insights during a brief group visit inside the church, followed by time to stroll the peaceful grounds and capture the beauty of this historic site.

Throughout the tour, your knowledgeable guide will provide engaging commentary in your chosen language, ensuring an enriching experience for history lovers and culture seekers alike. Please note that women are required to cover their shoulders and knees when visiting the monastery, and entrance fees to Boyana Church and certain museum areas are not included.

Return to Sofia in the late afternoon, filled with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for Bulgaria’s cultural treasures. Secure your spot on this popular tour today—availability is limited, so book now for an inspiring day out!

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Included

A trip to to Boyana Chuch and Rila Monastery
English speaking guide OR driver, depending on the booked option
Parking fees
Transportation by a comfortable bus/ 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

Tour with Audio Guide
Tour with Audio Guide: Enjoy comfortable transportation to Rila Monastery and Boyana Church and explore the 2 sights on your own with an audio-guide
Guided Tour in English
Guided Tour in English: With this option you have a guided tour in English in Rila Monastery and Boyana Church.
Guided Tour in Spanish
Guided Tour in Spanish: With this option you have a guided tour in Spanish in Rila Monastery and Boyana Church.
Self-guided Tour
Self-guided Tour : With this option you can explore the 2 UNESCO sites on your own. It is only with a driver.
Guided Tour in Italian
Guided Tour in Italian: With this option you have a live guide in Italian.
Smart Audio Guide
Smart Audio Guide: You will need to have an active internet connection during the tour, in order to use it. It is English, Spanish, Italian etc.
Rila Monastery Only - ENGLISH
Rila Monastery Only : This options includes a visit to the Rila monastery ONLY and WITHOUT Boyana church.
RILA MONASTERY ONLY - SPANISH
Tour to Rila Monastery SPANISH: Full day tour to Rila monastery, NO VISIT of the Boyana Church. Optional visit of monastery museums, cave of St. Ivan Rilski
RILA MONASTERY-No Boyana-trans
Monastery Express Transport: With this this option you get The All Day visit to Rila monastery ONLY, without the Boyana church - opt for local museums
RILA MONASTERY ONLY - ITALIAN
Tour to Rila Monastery ITALIAN: Guided tour in Italian, Full day tour to Rila monastery, NO VISIT of the Boyana Church.

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Women should have their knees and shoulders covered in the Monastery.
There are not many dining options around the Monastery - there are bakeries where you can enjoy pastry. As an alternative, you can always bring your own food with you.
Bring cash with you (preferably local currency) – the shops and the restaurants in the area of the monastery accept mostly cash payments so it is important to have some money with you.
Please warn us if you have a 0-2 years old baby when you make the reservation so that we can prepare a special seat for them
The visits within the Boyana Church itself are limited to 10 minutes per every group of 8 to 10 people. If you'd like to enter inside, you may also need to queue.
On certain days, such as around holidays in Bulgaria, or when in groups over 100 people, delays are possible and the estimated tour finish time in Sofia could change as far as 18:30.
Boyana Church offers entrance FREE of charge every last Monday of each month. On such days, you will be taken to the Boyana Church, however please keep in mind that your entrance WON'T be guaranteed, especially if the Church is in high demand by other people on spot.
The Boyana church is closed on the 1st of January, on the Sunday of the Orthodox Easter, on the 24th of December, the 25th of December - and on such days the tour is done only to the Rila Monastery.
For the safety and enjoyment of all guests, any customer who appears intoxicated at the time of the tour will not be permitted to participate. In such cases, no refunds will be issued.
The order of visits to the Rila Monastery and Boyana Church may be adjusted due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control.

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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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