Guided Tours

From Sofia: Rila Monastery w/ Boyana Church or St. Ivan Cave

Name: From Sofia: Rila Monastery w/ Boyana Church or St. Ivan Cave
Start: 2026-08-03T09:00:00
End: 2026-08-03T15:59:00
Location: Sofia Center, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 9, 1527 Sofia (GPS coordina

Travel in comfort with round-trip, air-conditioned transport and all logistics handled for a seamless day out from Sofia.

Discover the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery, a masterpiece of Bulgarian heritage nestled in the scenic Rila Mountains.

Marvel at the medieval frescoes of Boyana Church or opt for a nature hike to the sacred St. Ivan’s Cave—your choice.

Upgrade your experience with options for expert guides, multilingual audio guides, or extended routes including The Bells Monument.

Flexible tour formats cater to independent explorers and those seeking in-depth stories from certified local guides.

Visit to Rila Monastery

Round-trip transportation

Air-conditioned bus

All transportation costs

Parking fees

Certified English-speaking guide (option based)

Certified Spanish-speaking guide (option based)

Certified Italian-speaking guide (option based)

Visit to Boyana Church (option based)

Visit to The Bells Monument (option based)

Nature hike to St. Ivan’s Cave (option based)

Hardware audio guide in 6 languages (option based)

Audio app for self-guided tour (option based)

Possible conductor (English, Spanish, Italian) (option based)

Discounted seat on Spanish, Italian, or French bus (option based)

Budget seat on Spanish, Italian, or French bus (option based)

Extended tour duration (option based)

Gratuities

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Admission to Boyana Church (approx. 7 euros per person)

Admission to Rila Monastery Museum (approx. 4 euros per person)

Food and drinks

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

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.

What to bring

Wear comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves significant walking.

Dress modestly for Rila Monastery; short pants, short skirts, flip-flops, sandals, and sleeveless tops are not permitted.

Bring cash in euros or Bulgarian lev for the Boyana Church entry fee, which must be paid locally and is not included in your ticket price.

What's not allowed

Short pants, short skirts, flip-flops, sandals, and sleeveless tops are not allowed inside Rila Monastery due to the strict dress code.

Infants must not sit on laps during the bus journey, and infant seats are not available.

Accessibility

The tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities and is not wheelchair or stroller accessible.

Additional information

Arrive at the departure point (Vasil Levski Monument, Embassy of Slovakia) at least 15 minutes before the 9am departure.

The visit to Boyana Church is not available on certain dates: 18 May, 19 April, 24 and 25 December, and 1 January.

Hand disinfectant is provided and vehicles are cleaned frequently for your comfort.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.