From Sofia: Rila Monastery & Boyana Church Day Tour

From Sofia: Rila Monastery & Boyana Church Day Tour

Price varies by date Check availability for current pricing

About This Tour in Sofia

Discover two of Bulgaria’s UNESCO World Heritage gems on this day trip from Sofia. Traveling by minibus, admire rural Bulgaria on route to the Rila Monastery in the pine-carpeted Rila Mountains. Take a guided tour of the medieval treasure with its fresco-coated church, and visit its fascinating museum. Then, after time to explore independently, continue to Boyana Church, near Sofia, to marvel at its spectacular pre-Renaissance frescoes. Entrance fees not included. Important: As of November 2024, Boyana Church now does not take reservations in advance, so we can not guarantee all visits. If entry is unavailable on your booked day, you will be able to visit St. Ivan's Cave at Rila Monastery as an alternative.

Why Visit Sofia?

Sofia, Bulgaria offers a wealth of attractions, cultural experiences, and activities for visitors. From historic landmarks to modern attractions, Sofia provides an unforgettable travel experience with something to discover around every corner. Explore local cuisine, discover unique culture, and create lasting memories in this remarkable destination.

Getting to Sofia

You can reach Sofia, Bulgaria by air, train, or road depending on your starting location. The city offers various transportation options including taxis, public transit, and private transfers to help you reach your destination. Many hotels can arrange airport transfers, and local transportation options vary by location.

What's Included

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

What's Not Included

  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Audio guide in Spanish, Italian, German, Russian or English (approx. 5 euros per person)
  • Food and drinks
  • Rila Monastery Museum
  • Boyana Church

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Additional Information

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • 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.
  • Minimum traveler age is 6 years old

Customer Reviews

4.6
★★★★½
Based on 862 reviews
5 ★
646
4 ★
144
3 ★
40
2 ★
9
1 ★
23

Individual reviews are not available through the API. View all 862 reviews on Viator

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting Point

IMPORTANT: The meeting point is next to the Vasil Levski Monument, in front of the Embassy of Slovakia. Please be there 15 minutes in advance. This tour is not suitable for children under the age of 5.

End Point

IMPORTANT: The meeting point is next to the Vasil Levski Monument, in front of the Embassy of Slovakia. Please be there 15 minutes in advance. This tour is not suitable for children under the age of 5.

Pickup Information

Pickup Option: All travelers must meet at start point

Itinerary

Tour Itinerary

09:00 departure from the starting point 15 minutes

09:00 departure from the starting point. Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.

Boyana Church is a small temple at the... 45 minutes

Boyana Church is a small temple at the outskirts of Sofia with frescoes dating back to three separate periods: 11th, 13th and 19th century. The most important and fascinating are the frescoes dating from 1259. They are Renaissance frescoes that predate the Italian Renaissance (triggered by the works of Giotto) and brake the strict Christian canon law to present pure human emotions, royal figures and folklore elements.

Rila Monastery is one of Bulgaria’s symbols and a popular tourist destination 2 hours

Rila Monastery is one of Bulgaria’s symbols and a popular tourist destination. The monastery is set deep in the heart of Rila Mountain, between the Rilska and Drushliavitza Rivers, at 1147 metres (3760 feet) above sea level. It is situated 120 kilometres south of Sofia.

Return to the starting point at approximately 17:00

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cancellation policy?

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

How do I book this tour?

Click the "Book Now" button on this page to complete your reservation through Viator's secure booking platform. You'll receive instant confirmation via email.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?

Please check the age requirements and physical fitness level requirements listed in the tour details above. Some tours may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness.

Book Your Experience

Ready to book this experience? Click the button below to check availability, select your travel date and party size, and complete your booking on Viator.

Book Now on Viator

You'll be redirected to Viator's secure booking platform to complete your reservation.