From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Plovdiv Day Trip | 12 hours 30 minutes

50 Reviews | Sofia
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Adult (13-99) Minimum: 1, Maximum: 15
2
Child (3-12) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 15
0
Infant (0-2) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 15
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Free Cancellation For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Plovdiv Day Trip
2 Adults x $62.64
$125.28
Approx Total
$125.28

Inclusions / Exclusions

  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English
  • Professional driving services
  • Shared transfers to Plovdiv city and Rila monastery by comfortable A/C minibus
  • English speaking host
  • Transportation with airconditioned vehicle
  • Entrance fees (optional) Rila monastery museum : 8 BGN per person
  • Guiding services
  • Meals & personal expenses

Overview

See the best of Bulgaria in 1 day. This self-guided, shared shuttle tour will take you to both the UNESCO Rila Monastery in the Rila National park in the morning and then in the afternoon to the city of Plovdiv - the cultural capital of Bulgaria. In the morning the shuttle bus will take you to the Rila Monastery where you have more than 1 hour to explore the site at your own pace. The complex is compact in size so the time allows to see the most important parts of it. After that in the afternoon the shared shuttle will take you on a 3.5 hours journey through the scenic mountains of Bulgaria to the city of Plovdiv - one of Bulgaria's most visited cultural and historical sites. You have more than 4.5 hours to explore the historical city center on your own. Driver will provide you with a tourist map and tips for what to see.

Itinerary

  • Rila Monastery

    Explore the UNSECO Rila Monstery at your own pace

    1 hour

  • Plovdiv

    Scroll through the culture capital of Bulgaria at your own pace. Or maybe join the free walking tour of the city. Your driver will leave you at a convenient place close to the city center for a tour of your own.

    4 hours

  • Rila National Park

    Enjoy the stunning views of Rila National park while at the Rila monastery.

    1 hour

  • Rila Mountains (Pass By)

    Enoy the stunning views of the Rila Mountains

Sample Menu

Additional Info

  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • A dress code is required to enter the Rila Monastery. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
  • A moderate amount of walking is involved in the city of Plovdiv
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions

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

4.7

50 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
  • 5 stars
    43
  • 4 stars
    4
  • 3 stars
    1
  • 2 stars
    0
  • 1 star
    2

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 43 reviews with 5 stars

DO IT!

Published on Sep, 2024

Phillip was so amazing - everything was so well communicated and it was such a great day!! SO GOOD - Rila was first in the morning when it was very quiet! Very recommended xx

Excellent Experience

Published on Aug, 2024

We didn't know much about Bulgaria before coming to Sofia. We decided to take this tour because of all the good ratings. Have to say, they were all speaking the truth. We had the same guide that the other reviews referenced. Our guide was Philip and he was a storehouse of great knowledge. He knew so much about the places we were visiting, but also gave us some great insights into Bulgaria and the recent history from Communism to Democracy. Our driver was excellent and was a very pleasant guy to be around at all the stops. I will say, this is a VERY LONG day. Out of 12+ hours, 6 - 7 are in the mini bus on the road between the places. So prepare. Philip was amazing with sending early suggestions and information with a WhatsApp group text. He also didn't talk the whole trip over the microphone which allowed people to doze off whoever wanted. He provided a ton of information on the whatsapp thread, as well as suggestions for lunch and different places to go. Wouldn't hesitate in the slightest to recommend Philip. Just be prepared for the long journey, but it will pay off in amazing pictures and experiences.

Would recommend

Published on Aug, 2024

Very good and enjoyable trip to the mountains and to experience the beautiful monastery. It was a great opportunity to meet people and the guide and driver were both very polite and helpful :)

Very best trip

Published on Jul, 2024

My guide was Philip and company is Rila Shuttle . I enjoyed the Plovdiv town and Rila monastery very much. The guide was very very nice and friendly. He was super kind to all the tourists. Make sure we understand everything. The tour was perfect and super easy. I enjoyed it very much. Thank you Philip!! Shell

Amazing experience

Published on Jun, 2024

Amazing experience! Rila monastery in an amazing place. The guide, Philip, was very professional and kind. I recommend this tour.

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