Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Day Tour from Sofia

Price

25€

Duration

8 hours

Tour Type

Overview

Join the original and best-selling Rila Monastery Bus Tour provided by Traventuria Day Tours. Explore two of UNESCO’s best World Heritage sights in just one day!

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
  • Explore 2 of Bulgaria’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites in one day
  • Visit Rila Monastery in the Rila Mountains (Rila Mountain National Park)
  • Marvel its arcaded balconies, unique frescoes, gilded iconostasis and fabulous mountain views
  • Discover the pre-Renaissance frescoes of Boyana Church
  • Travel in comfort through the Bulgarian countryside
  • Taste homemade "mekitsi" (traditional Bulgarian fried doughnuts served with Bulgarian yoghurt) at the Rila Monastery bakery
  • Buy souvenirs and other presents from the gift shops around
  • Experience our amazing tour with a live English-speaking guide
    OR
  • Book with an audio guide (self-guided version of the tour) in ES, IT, DE, RU, and FR languages to explore at your own pace
  • Book online and get automatic confirmation within a few minutes

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Included/Excluded

  • Live guide in English or an audio guide in a different language
  • Tour days with Live Italian or Spanish Speaking Guides
  • Transport in a modern air-conditioned bus
  • Parking Fees
  • Boyana Church entry ticket (if option selected)
  • Rila Monastery Museum entry ticket
  • Gratuities
  • Food & Drinks

Tour Plan

09:00 Departure from Vasil Levski Monument (Embassy of Slovakia) meeting point.

Meet us at Vasil Levski Monument, in front of the Embassy of Slovakia (LINK to the meeting point on Google Maps).
Please, arrive at the meeting point at least 10 min earlier. The bus departs at 09:00 am sharp and does NOT wait for any late passengers.

09:30 Arrival at Boyana Church.

After an approximately 25 min drive, the first main sight of the tour is reached.
Discover Boyana Church and its preserved pre-Renaissance frescoes.
You will spent about 30 minutes here.
Entry fee is 5 euro per person (10 BGN/leva).

10:00 Departure from Boyana Church, heading to Rila Monastery.

After the visit to Boyana Church, the tour continues its journey to Rila Monastery. It is about 2 hours drive with beautiful countryside scenery of Bulgaria. Enjoy the ride!

12:00 Arrival at Rila Monastery.

After an approximate two hour drive, you will reach the main sight of interest of the trip - the majestic Rila Monastery, hidden in the beautiful Rila Mountains.
Tour spends almost 3 hours here (guided walk, free time/lunch and visit of the Saint Ivan Cave visit including).
Kindly note, that those who will not be visiting the Cave of Saint Ivan Rilski, will have longer free time at the Rila Monastery.

15:00/15:30 Departure from Rila Monastery.

Departure from Rila Monastery and heading back to Sofia.

At approximately 17:00 or 17:30 pm, the tour is back at its starting point - Vasil Levski Monument, in front of the Embassy of Slovakia (LINK to the meeting point on Google Maps).

17:00/17:30 Arrival at Vasil Levski Monument (Embassy of Slovakia) - back at the tour meeting point

After an approximate two hours driving, the tour is back at its starting point - Vasil Levski Monument, in front of the Embassy of Slovakia (LINK to the meeting point on Google Maps).

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Important info

  • Dress Code: The Rila Monastery is at 1150 m (3770 ft) a.s.l. Dress according to the season & the weather forecast. Don’t forget your umbrella.
    There is a strict DRESS CODE at the Monastery. Shoulders and knees MUST be covered. High heels are NOT acceptable!
  • Cash or Card: Kindly note that payment by credit/debit cards are possible for the Boyana Church entrance and History Museum of Rila Monastery.
    Payment by credit/debit card, however, is not possible at the dining places in the area; therefore we strongly recommend bringing Bulgarian leva in cash with you.
    Please note that there are no ATMs along the route, nor at the Monastery area.
  • Food: Bring your snacks § a bottle of water! Dining options in the area are limited & service could be rather slow.

Why choose Traventuria?

At Traventuria we pride ourselves on creating unforgettable travel experiences. With expert local guides, carefully curated itineraries, and a digitally optimized booking process, we ensure that your journey is smooth from start to finish. As the original creators of the renowned tour to the Rila Monastery and Boyana Church, two UNESCO heritage sites in 1 day, we guarantee a unique and enriching adventure. Trust us to take you into the heart of the destinations you dream of exploring.

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Brilliant reasons

Why Choose Us

Competitive pricing

We make engaging and memorable experiences, always with attention to the costs.

Bulgaria specialist

We offer you our years travel experience, deep knowledge and strong love of Bulgaria.

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Choose your tour and book with a few clicks. You are set for an exciting day trip!

Professional guides

Knowlegable guides capable of providing superb experiences by delivering the soul of the sights.

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