expedia
One Key

Earn OneKeyCash when you sign in and book an activity

From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Full-Day Tour

By City Tour Sofia
9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
Free cancellation available
Price is $28 per adult
Features
  • Free cancellation available
  • 9h+
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
  • Multiple languages
Overview
  • Explore two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in a single unforgettable day
  • Visit the stunning Rila Monastery nestled in the majestic Rila Mountains
  • Enjoy a scenic journey through Bulgaria’s charming rural landscapes
  • Dive into the rich heritage and traditions of Eastern Orthodox Christianity
  • Admire the exquisite medieval frescoes in Boyana Church (if selected option)

Activity location

    • Sofia
    • Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria

Meeting/Redemption Point

    • Sofia Center, bul. "Yanko Sakazov" 7, 1527 Sofia, Bulgaria | The meeting point for the tour is Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7. Ask for travel agency City Tour (our guides usually wear blue clothes). The van/bus departs at 9:00. Please be there at 8:35.
    • Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria

Multiple meeting/redemption points available, see location information for full list

Check availability


Rila Monastery Only Guided Tour (Italian Guide/No Boyana)
  • Activity duration is 9 hours9h
    9h
  • Italian

An amazing, in-depth cultural experience with professional Italian-speaking guide.
☆ Includes: Guided visit to Rila Monastery in Italian, round-trip transport, free time for photos.
★ Excludes: Boyana Church visit, meals and personal expenses.

Language options: Italian
Starting time: 8:51am
Price details
$27.95 x 1 Adult$27.95

Total
Price is $27.95
Rila Monastery Only Guided Tour (English Guide/No Boyana)
  • Activity duration is 9 hours9h
    9h
  • English

An amazing, in-depth cultural experience with professional English-speaking guide.
☆ Includes: Guided visit to Rila Monastery in English, round-trip transport, free time for photos.
★ Excludes: Boyana Church entry, meals, and personal expenses.

Language options: English
Starting time: 8:57am
Price details
$27.95 x 1 Adult$27.95

Total
Price is $27.95
Rila Monastery Only Guided Tour (Spanish Guide/No Boyana)
  • Activity duration is 9 hours9h
    9h
  • Spanish

An amazing, in-depth cultural experience with professional Spanish-speaking guide.
☆ Includes: Guided visit to Rila Monastery in Spanish, round-trip transport, free time for photos.
★ Excludes: Boyana Church visit, meals and personal expenses.

Language options: Spanish
Starting time: 8:58am
Price details
$27.95 x 1 Adult$27.95

Total
Price is $27.95

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's included
    Expert guide in English, Spanish, or Italian
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Air-conditioned transportation
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Smart audio commentary in English, Spanish, Italian, French, German, Russian, Bulgarian, Romanian, Chinese, Ukrainian, Polish, and Portuguese
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Entry to Boyana Church – 12 BGN per person
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Entry to Rila Monastery Museums (optional visit during free time) - 8 BGN per person
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Meals and beverages
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Gratuities/tips for guides and drivers

Know before you book

  • Not allowed: Short skirts, Sleeveless shirts

What you can expect

Discover two of Bulgaria’s most treasured landmarks on an unforgettable day trip from Sofia—perfect for culture lovers, history enthusiasts, and curious explorers alike. This immersive tour takes you deep into Bulgaria’s spiritual heritage with visits to the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery and the medieval Boyana Church (if option selected).

Start your adventure at the Vasil Levski Monument (Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7), where you’ll meet your friendly group and guide for the day. Relax on a comfortable drive through scenic mountain landscapes and charming rural villages as you make your way to one of the country’s greatest symbols of faith.

At Rila Monastery, the largest and most iconic Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria, you’ll have around three hours to soak in the atmosphere of this remarkable place. Follow your guide to uncover the stories behind its centuries-old frescoes and architecture—or opt to explore independently. Visit the museum, capture stunning photos, browse the local shops, and enjoy a delicious lunch in the nearby traditional restaurant.

On your journey back to Sofia, make one last memorable stop at the Boyana Church (if option selected). Step inside this small yet extraordinary medieval chapel, home to some of Europe’s most impressive and well-preserved frescoes.

Due to updated regulations as of November 2024, Boyana Church no longer accepts advance reservations, so entry cannot always be guaranteed—but when available, this intimate visit is truly unforgettable.

You’ll return to the city center between 17:30 PM and 18:30 PM, filled with new insights and exceptional memories.

Why travelers love this tour:
✓ Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in one day
✓ Scenic drive through Bulgaria’s countryside
✓ Flexible exploring—guided insight or independent wandering
✓ Perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty

Make your trip to Sofia extraordinary—reserve your spot and experience Bulgaria’s spiritual heart.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    • Sofia
    • Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    • Sofia Center, bul. "Yanko Sakazov" 7, 1527 Sofia, Bulgaria | The meeting point for the tour is Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7. Ask for travel agency City Tour (our guides usually wear blue clothes). The van/bus departs at 9:00. Please be there at 8:35.
    • Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria
  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    • Sofia Center, bul. "Yanko Sakazov" 7, 1527 Sofia, Bulgaria | The meeting point for the tour is Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7. Ask for travel agency City Tour (our guides usually wear blue clothes). The van/bus departs at 9:00. Please be there at 8:35.
    • Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria
  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    • Sofia Center, bul. "Yanko Sakazov" 7, 1527 Sofia, Bulgaria | The meeting point for the tour is Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7. Ask for travel agency City Tour (our guides usually wear blue clothes). The van/bus departs at 9:00. Please be there at 8:35.
    • Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria
  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    • Sofia Center, bul. "Yanko Sakazov" 7, 1527 Sofia, Bulgaria | The meeting point for the tour is Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7. Ask for travel agency City Tour (our guides usually wear blue clothes). The van/bus departs at 9:00. Please be there at 8:35.
    • Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria
  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    • Sofia Center, bul. "Yanko Sakazov" 7, 1527 Sofia, Bulgaria | The meeting point for the tour is Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7. Ask for travel agency City Tour (our guides usually wear blue clothes). The van/bus departs at 9:00. Please be there at 8:35.
    • Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria
  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    • Sofia Center, bul. "Yanko Sakazov" 7, 1527 Sofia, Bulgaria | The meeting point for the tour is Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7. Ask for travel agency City Tour (our guides usually wear blue clothes). The van/bus departs at 9:00. Please be there at 8:35.
    • Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria