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Rila Monastery Tours

Rila Monastery is a UNESCO-listed Bulgarian Orthodox monastery founded in the 10th century, set in a mountain valley at 1,147 metres and decorated with 1,200 vivid 19th-century frescoes. Find guided day trip options, private tour formats, and Boyana Church combo routes here.
Slide 1 of 9, Passengers on a bus traveling from Catania Fontanarossa Airport to Catania Central Bus Station.
Passengers on a bus traveling from Catania Fontanarossa Airport to Catania Central Bus Station.
9 hrs
3 more
  • Explore Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with a licensed guide, delving into its rich history and role in Bulgarian culture.

  • Travel comfortably by air-conditioned vehicle with round-trip transfers from Sofia, making your journey seamless and hassle-free.

  • Choose from an expert English, Spanish, or Italian-speaking guide, who will share insightful commentary on the monastery's architecture and frescoes.

  • Wander through Rila Monastery’s main church, admiring vibrant frescoes and intricate woodwork that depict biblical stories and saints.

  • Take a stroll through the peaceful courtyards, enjoying stunning views of the Rila Mountains that surround this spiritual haven.

  • Opt to visit Boyana Church, where you can see medieval frescoes that depict key moments from Christ’s life, showcasing its UNESCO significance.

More details
  • Explore Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with a licensed guide, delving into its rich history and role in Bulgarian culture.

  • Travel comfortably by air-conditioned vehicle with round-trip transfers from Sofia, making your journey seamless and hassle-free.

  • Choose from an expert English, Spanish, or Italian-speaking guide, who will share insightful commentary on the monastery's architecture and frescoes.

  • Wander through Rila Monastery’s main church, admiring vibrant frescoes and intricate woodwork that depict biblical stories and saints.

  • Take a stroll through the peaceful courtyards, enjoying stunning views of the Rila Mountains that surround this spiritual haven.

  • Opt to visit Boyana Church, where you can see medieval frescoes that depict key moments from Christ’s life, showcasing its UNESCO significance.

from
€30
Slide 1 of 7, Guests walking towards St. Ivan Cave through a forested path.
Guests walking towards St. Ivan Cave through a forested path.
10 hrs
3 more
  • Explore Rila Monastery and St. Ivan Rilski’s cave, learning about their spiritual significance in Bulgarian Orthodox Christianity.

  • Travel in comfort with round-trip transfers from Sofia in an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.

  • Choose from an expert English, Spanish, or Italian-speaking guide, who will provide detailed insights into the monastery, the cave, and local traditions.

  • Enjoy a 20-minute hike through the scenic Rila Monastery grounds, taking in the natural beauty and tranquil surroundings of this UNESCO-listed site.

  • Visit the Cave of St. Ivan Rilski, where the saint is believed to have lived and prayed, experiencing its spiritual atmosphere and natural rock formations.

  • Savor some free time to taste mekitsi, a beloved local treat of fried dough served with buffalo’s milk, offering a taste of authentic Bulgarian cuisine.

More details
  • Explore Rila Monastery and St. Ivan Rilski’s cave, learning about their spiritual significance in Bulgarian Orthodox Christianity.

  • Travel in comfort with round-trip transfers from Sofia in an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.

  • Choose from an expert English, Spanish, or Italian-speaking guide, who will provide detailed insights into the monastery, the cave, and local traditions.

  • Enjoy a 20-minute hike through the scenic Rila Monastery grounds, taking in the natural beauty and tranquil surroundings of this UNESCO-listed site.

  • Visit the Cave of St. Ivan Rilski, where the saint is believed to have lived and prayed, experiencing its spiritual atmosphere and natural rock formations.

  • Savor some free time to taste mekitsi, a beloved local treat of fried dough served with buffalo’s milk, offering a taste of authentic Bulgarian cuisine.

from
€50
Slide 1 of 9, Hikers enjoying the view of a lake and mountains during The Seven Rila Lakes tour from Sofia.
Hikers enjoying the view of a lake and mountains during The Seven Rila Lakes tour from Sofia.
11 hrs
3 more
  • Embark on a scenic trek through the Rila Mountains, visiting all seven stunning glacial lakes, including Babreka, Okoto, and Ribnoto Ezero.

  • Travel in comfort with round-trip transfers from Sofia in an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.

  • Take a scenic cable car ride from the Rila Lakes Hut, offering panoramic views of the lakes nestled in the dramatic Rila Mountain landscape.

  • An expert English-speaking guide will provide insights into the natural beauty, folklore, and geology of the Seven Rila Lakes.

  • Explore the stunning alpine meadows, dense forests, and pristine waters of the lakes, with the option to use an online audio guide in your preferred language.

More details
  • Embark on a scenic trek through the Rila Mountains, visiting all seven stunning glacial lakes, including Babreka, Okoto, and Ribnoto Ezero.

  • Travel in comfort with round-trip transfers from Sofia in an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.

  • Take a scenic cable car ride from the Rila Lakes Hut, offering panoramic views of the lakes nestled in the dramatic Rila Mountain landscape.

  • An expert English-speaking guide will provide insights into the natural beauty, folklore, and geology of the Seven Rila Lakes.

  • Explore the stunning alpine meadows, dense forests, and pristine waters of the lakes, with the option to use an online audio guide in your preferred language.

from
€30

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