Sofia

15 Best Rila Monastery Tours from Sofia

Rila Monastery deserves better than a rushed photo stop, so I picked the tours that give it real time. Bulgaria’s holiest site has stood in its mountain valley since the tenth century, about two hours south of Sofia. The strongest itineraries add Boyana Church, whose 1259 frescoes predate the Italian Renaissance.

5.Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Day Trip From Sofia

Step into a world of ancient wonders and cultural treasures on the Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Day Trip from Sofia, where secrets await discovery.

★ 4.5

“Amazing from start to finish! Amazing coach driver and our tour guide Ludo was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly and made sure the trip was on schedule. Rila monastery is definitely must see when heading to Sofia! Highly recommend!”

866 reviews8 hours (approx.)From $24.19by Traventuria

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6.From Sofia: The Seven Rila Lakes & Rila Monastery Day Tour

Discover Bulgaria’s stunning landscapes and cultural treasures on this full-day tour from Sofia, featuring the iconic Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery with expert guides.

★ 4.6

“Clear instructions for the organization, a friendly guide, and everything matched the description and my expectations. I’m glad I chose the option with Rila Monastery + hiking, because spending the whole day only at the monastery would have been boring — two hours there were…”

699 reviews12 hoursFrom $53by Traventuria Ltd.

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8.From Sofia: Full-Day Tour to Rila Monastery with Options

Discover Bulgaria's UNESCO sites with this full-day tour from Sofia, featuring Rila Monastery and Boyana Church, guided, flexible, and packed with insights.

★ 4.5

“Monastery is gorgeous. The Driver/Guide (Georgi or George) was very knowledgeable and happy to answer my numerous questions. Great guy. You don't need the audioguide! Thanks”

479 reviews8.5 hoursFrom $41by V Travel Ltd

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9.From Sofia: Rila Monastery UNESCO Site & Outdoor Mineral Spa

Discover Bulgaria's cultural gem at Rila Monastery and unwind at Sapareva Banya's mineral pools on this full-day guided tour from Sofia, blending history and relaxation.

★ 4.5

“Was excellent! The guide was considerate and knowledgeable, the spa was slightly overrated as it’s a series of pools at different temps but was a lovely, relaxing day”

400 reviews9 hoursFrom $42by V Travel Ltd

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12.Rila Monastery and 7 Rila Lakes Self-Guided Shared Trip From Sofia

Fascinate your senses with the allure of Bulgaria's natural and cultural gems on the 'Rila Monastery and 7 Rila Lakes Self-Guided Shared Trip From Sofia'...

★ 5.0

“The trekking was Amazing! The Seven lakes are Just beautiful, they are surrounded by an astonishing nature. Also the monastery Is wonderful, with its colourful affrescoes that cover the whole structure. If you go to Bulgaria you cannot skip this two sites, and visit them…”

280 reviews13 hours (approx.)From $54.44by URCA Ltd

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13.From Sofia: Rila Monastery & The Cave of St. John Group Tour

Discover Bulgaria's highlights on this day trip from Sofia to Rila Monastery and the Cave of Saint John, blending history, nature, and authentic experiences.

★ 4.6

“Our guide, Antonio, is super helpful, Informative and considerate, speaks fluent and good english, he even gave us tips on where to eat in Sofia after the trip”

270 reviews8 - 9 hoursFrom $35by City Tour Sofia

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14.7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Tour

Discover Bulgaria's stunning natural beauty with the 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery tour. Enjoy scenic hikes, cultural highlights, and expert guides for an unforgettable day.

★ 4.5

“My friends and I had an amazing experience at this well-organized tour! Our guide Apostolos was super attentive and gave valuable information about the sights. Highly recommend!”

165 reviews10 to 11 hours (approx.)From $71.38by Smart Trans Bulgaria

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4.5The Seven Rila Lakes & Rila Monastery12 hours (approx.)$54.42 5.0Private Day Trip to Boyana Church and Rila Monastery8 hours (approx.)$193.50 4.6Sofia: Rila Monastery & Boyana Church – Audio guided tour8 hours$58 4.5Plovdiv and Rila Monastery tour in one day10 to 11 hours (approx.)$119.48 4.5Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Shuttle Tour8 hours 30 minutes (approx.)$42.24 4.7From Sofia: Rila Monastery & Melnik Day Tour11 hours$47 4.5From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Plovdiv Day Trip12 hours 30 minutes (approx.)$71.20 4.5From Sofia: Struma River Rafting and Rila Monastery Visit8 hours$42 4.6Sofia: Rila Monastery, St. Ivan Rilski Cave & Stob Pyramids 5.0Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Self-Guided Day Trip From Sofia8 hours (approx.)$36.04 4.8Rila Monastery and Boyana Church: Small Group Tour7 hours$106 4.5Mt. Vitosha and Boyana Waterfall Hiking Tour From Sofia8 hours (approx.)$131.81 4.5Rila Monastery & Thermae Full-Day Tour From Sofia9 hours (approx.)$43.25 4.5Rila Monastery and St. Ivan Cave Day Trip From Sofia, Bulgaria8 hours (approx.)$24.10 4.5Rila Monastery Afternoon Half Day tour4 to 5 hours (approx.)$59.03 5.0Rila Monastery and Boiana Church Private Tour6 to 9 hours (approx.)$120.02 5.0Small Group Tour to Rila Monastery and Boyana Church7 hours (approx.)$108.02 5.0Full-Day Rila Monastery, Stob Pyramids and St Ivan Rilski Cave From Sofia6 to 8 hours (approx.)$116.42 4.9Boyana Church & Rila Monastery Full-Day Private Tour8 hours$188 5.0The Cave of Saint John and Rila Monastery – Shuttle Day Tour8 hours (approx.)$30.04 5.0Day Tour to Rila Monastery, Hiking to the Cave of St. John and Boyana Church7 hours 30 minutes (approx.)$114.40 3.0Private Self-Guided Tour in Rila Monastery$10.46 4.5Rila Monastery Morning Half Day tour4 to 5 hours (approx.)$58.87 4.6From Sofia: Full Day Trip To Rila Monastery8 - 9 hours$23