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Discover these World Heritage religious sites on a day tour from Sofia. Choose to have a guided tour or explore the Rila Monastery on your own before admiring the frescoes of Boyana Church.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Reserve now & pay later
- Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
- Duration 8.5 - 10 hours
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Live tour guide
- Italian, English, Spanish
- Optional audio guide
- Spanish, Italian, French, German, Russian, English, Romanian, Bulgarian, Chinese
Highlighted reviews from other travelers
Had an amazing day with our guide to the rila monastery and Boyana church. When I booked I did not see the different options for the day trip (self-guided transport only, audio, or guided tour) but we were given the option to upgrade for a discount, on sight, if we wanted (not mandatory). The meeting spot was easy to find and from there the ride was smooth. We stopped at a small road restaurant to get some good lunch. During the guided tour our guide was very interactive and involved, asking questions and such. At the end there was even a price from a local bakery for the one who answered most questions correct. The rila monastery is an absolute must see when you go to Sofia, despite the long duration of the excursion. With this organisation you are in great hands! Would definitely recommend!
Our guide, Simon, is very knowledgeable about Rila Monastery and Boyana Church. Our driver, Michael, drove us safely up mountainous roads while it snowed. They are a great team!
Itinerary
2 starting location options:
Oborishte Street, Rila Monastery Trip from Sofia
Bus/coach
(2 hours)
Rila Monastery
Visit (3 hours)
Bus/coach
(1.5 hours)
Boyana Church
Visit (1.5 hours)
Bus/coach
(45 minutes)
2 drop-off locations:
Oborishte Street, Rila Monastery Trip from Sofia
For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.
Highlights
- Visit two UNESCO World Heritage sites in one day
- Opt for a guided tour of Rila Monastery or explore independently
- Experience Bulgaria's picturesque countryside along the route
- Learn about the rich history of Eastern Orthodoxy in Bulgaria
- Admire the exquisite medieval frescoes in Boyana Church
Full description
Experience the religious history of Bulgaria on a day tour to the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Rila Monastery and Boyana Church from Sofia. Follow your guide around the monastery to learn about this epic site or choose to explore it on your own before viewing Boyana Church's ancient frescoes.
Meet your friendly group for the day at the parking lot Behind Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, near cafe La Cathedrale. Settle down in your seat and set off out of the city as you drive along scenic roads with picturesque views of rural Bulgaria.
Arrive at Rila Monastery, the largest Eastern Orthodox monastery in the country. If you've booked the tour, follow your guide around the historic site and learn about the main frescoes. If you're an explorer you can visit the museum, take photos, and check out the church at your own pace. Spend about 3-hours at the monastery where you will get the opportunity to take photos, check the shops, visit the museums, and have a lunch break in the nearby restaurant.
Then start your journey back to Sofia with one more important stop along the way. Enter the medieval Boyana Church and stroll within the ancient walls, studying the artistic frescoes which make this place so special. Finish your journey at around 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM in the city center.
Includes
- Day trip to Rila Monastery and Boyana Church
- English-speaking guide or driver, depending on the booked option
- Transportation with an air-conditioned vehicle
- Parking fees
- Entry to Boyana Church (12 BGN per person)
- Entry to Rila Monastery Museums (optional visit during the free time)
- Food and drinks
- Tips
Select participants and date
Meeting point
Meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.
Important information
What to bring
- Cash
Not allowed
- Short skirts
- Sleeveless shirts
Know before you go
- 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.
- The Boyana church is closed on the 1st of January, on the Sunday of the Orthodox Easter, on the 24th of December and the 25th of December ─ on such days the tour is done only to the Rila Monastery.
- Boyana Church offers entrance FREE of charge every last Monday of each month. On such days, you will be taken to the 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.
- 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.
- 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.
