Day tour to Rila monastery, hiking to the cave of St. John and Boyana church | 7 hours

13 Reviews | Sofia
Likely To Sell Out
Select Date and Travelers
You can select up to 15 travelers in total.
Adult (16-75) Minimum: 1, Maximum: 15
2
Child (6-15) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 5
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Free Cancellation For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Rila monastery - Boyana church - Local Wine tasting
2 Adults x $185.80
$371.60
Approx Total
$371.60
Wine tasting
Duration: 8 hours
Wine tasting
Van VW
Pickup included

Inclusions / Exclusions

  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English
  • Driver guide
  • Bottled water
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Coffee and/or Tea
  • Lunch

Overview

Small group bigger experience! • Visit the Boyana Church – an inspiring temple, with unique frescoes from the 13th century. • Visit the top Bulgarian Landmark, a UNESCO site and the biggest Monastery in Bulgaria – Rila monastery. • Know more about the Eastern Orthodox traditions, frescoes and history. • Get close to the nature and enjoy the “Rila Mountain Natural Park”, the biggest in Bulgaria. • Know more about Bulgarian culture • Walking through an old beech forest, which takes us to a mystical place - the cave and the prayer rock of the hermit

Itinerary

  • Rila Monastery

    Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Day Tour The two most famous UNESCO sites in Bulgaria in One day! Experience two of Bulgaria’s most special places recognized for their religious significance, historical importance and cultural dignities. We will lead you through the fascinating pre-Renaissance frescoes of the Boyana Church, the small charm towns all the way to the heart of the “Rila Monastery” Nature Park – the trip is involved also with Rural tourism. Admire the unique architecture and learn all the details about the spacious history of the largest Bulgarian monastic complex. Additional trip: Оn the way back we will have small walking to the “Stob pyramids” – а natural wonder. Sandstone pyramids. Complimentary: Wine tasting in magnificent "Medi valley winery": TOUR HIGHLIGHTS • Visit the Boyana Church – an inspiring temple, with unique frescoes from the 13th century. • Visit the top Bulgarian Landmark, a UNESCO site and the biggest Monastery in Bulgaria – Rila monastery. • Know more about the Eastern Orthodox traditions, frescoes and history. • Get close to the nature and enjoy the “Rila Mountain Natural Park”, the biggest in Bulgaria. • Know more about Bulgarian culture, nature and traditions. • Local Wine tasting Additional info: • Мееting point Alexander Nevsky cathedral 8.00am • Return to your hotel around 3.30pm / Duration: 7.5 hours • 3 pax - 45.00 EUR per person • 4 to 7 pax - 35.00 EUR per person • For children under 18 years - 20% off the price! • Inclusions: English speaking guide / Small-group, Personal atention / Transport • Exclusions: Food and drinks/ Ticket for the Boyana church – 5EUR. For students and Schoolers is 1EUR!

    7 hours

Sample Menu

Additional Info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Free Cancellation

June 19100% refund
June 20No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews

4.8

13 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
  • 5 stars
    11
  • 4 stars
    2
  • 3 stars
    0
  • 2 stars
    0
  • 1 star
    0

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 11 reviews with 5 stars

Excellent tour and service! Our guide was exceptional. We really enjoy the Rilla monestary..

Published on Apr, 2025

We visited the monastery complex which includes the monastery church, hotel part, rooms, tower and 4 museums. Boyana church is must see

Must see while in Sofia

Published on Jul, 2024

We ended upgrading to a private tour and I am glad we did. Demeter was an expert guide. He was well versed in not only the history of the monastery and church, but also on the country and area. I left my phone in his car and he was very quick to return it. The tour organizer was very professional and had good communication. He helped me also when I left my phone. Bulgaria is a beautiful county. Don’t skip the Rila monastery or Boyana Church. This company is honest, organized and professional.

A Must-See Tour

Published on Jul, 2024

One of the highlights was the visit to the magnificent monastery, set in a breathtaking location. The beauty of the monastery and its surroundings is truly impressive, and our guide shared the rich history and fascinating details of the site. The trail to the cave was peaceful and accessible. Our guide always respected the pace of each participant, ensuring that everyone could enjoy the walk comfortably and safely. Before visiting the Boyana church, we stopped for coffee at a cozy spot. The service was exceptionally friendly, and the desserts were delicious, providing a perfect moment of rest. We learned a lot about Sofia and Bulgaria with the information provided by our guide, delivered with such enthusiasm and passion that we felt deeply connected to the country's culture and history. In summary, this tour was a fantastic experience. The guide's knowledge and friendliness, the beauty of the monastery and its surroundings, the peaceful trail, and the warm service at the café made our visit to Bulgaria truly memorable.

Three culturally significant sights in one day!

Published on Jun, 2024

We were lucky enough to be the only couple on this tour the day we went. Our tour guide, Marin, was very flexible, adjusting the usual tour start time so that we made it back to Sofia for our flight back home, while still ensuring that we had ample opportunity to see each of the sights. The tour itself was fabulous! Rila Monastery was just beautiful - there is just so much to see in this stunning complex. I would recommend buying a combined ticket to see the museums, kitchen, guest rooms, and kitchen, and to climb the tower for a lovely view of the monastery and surrounding mountains. The walk to St. Ivan's cave through the nearby forrest was just lovely, as was the little church and cave. It was interesting to learn more about the history of this place and we also enjoyed climbing out of the little cave opening at the end. The frescoes in Boyana Church are fascinating. Recommend paying a little extra for the guide who will explain the significance and stories behind many of these unique works of art. Marin then kindly dropped us off at the airport, which was very much appreciated. Cannot recommend this tour and tour guide highly enough.

Perfect day for a trip to Rila Monastery

Published on Oct, 2022

Anyone who didn't see Rila Monastery, was not in Bulgaria, that's a Bulgarian saying. And - it's true. Booking an organized tour is the best option to do so if you stay for a city sightseeing trip in Sofia. Departure is early, so you have the chance to see Rila monastery in the morning withoout bigger tour groups walking around in the inner courtyard and the church of the monastery. After that a hike to Rilski cave in the woods follows. At the end of the trip a visit to Boyana church is on the programme. This tour is well organized and you have the time you need at every stop of the programme. I can recommend this day trip!

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