8 hours
E-voucher
Multiple
Overview
Greet your guide at a central Sofia location and climb aboard your comfortable, air-conditioned bus. Admire the verdant splendor of Bulgaria’s countryside as you travel towards the Rila Monastery, a UNESCO-listed structure cradled by pine-carpeted mountains.
If you’ve booked the option with a guide or an audio guide, gain additional insights into the legend-shrouded monastery, whose origin dates back to the 10th century. Pay your entrance fee and marvel at vivid, fresco-coated colonnades and richly carved wooden icons. Admire the grand tomb of King Boris III, and venture within the monastery museum to peruse the exhibits.
If you’ve booked an option that includes the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Boyana Church, you’ll also enjoy a stop here (with entrance at your own expense). Famed for its impeccably preserved medieval frescoes, the church demands attention; spend a while admiring the depictions of angels, apostles, saints, and rulers, and listen to the historical context of their creation on your smartphone audio guide or from your live guide.
Culturally enriched, return to your vehicle and relax during the journey back to central Sofia.
Operated by
Traventuria
Ratings & Reviews
Average Rating
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We were blown away by the...
nadine_m, Mar 2025
We were blown away by the architecture and history of Rila Monastery, and Boyana Church. this is a must for anyone visiting Bulgaria
The guide Lubo was great,...
Filomena_P, Mar 2025
The guide Lubo was great, nice and knowledgeable. Made the difference giving nice info during the trip and in the two stops in Boyana and Rila. Myself and my friend both enjoyed the planning and time spent with the tour.
Wonderful trip
799venetav, Feb 2025
Our one-day excursion to the Boyana Church and the Rila Monastery was organized by Traventuria with great care and professionalism. We were very satisfied. The bus and its driver, Asen, were impeccable. Our guide, Lyubo, showed us and told us everything about the remarkable sites we visited, as well as the history of the country. We are grateful and recommend the excursi
Recommended!
giulia_pieri91, Feb 2025
Very good tour operator, friendly staff, everything was on time. A special mention to Lubo, very knowledgeable guide!
Itinerary
St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral
09:00 departure from the starting point. Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.
15 minutesBoyana Church
Boyana Church is a small temple at the outskirts of Sofia with frescoes dating back to three separate periods: 11th, 13th and 19th century. The most important and fascinating are the frescoes dating from 1259. They are Renaissance frescoes that predate the Italian Renaissance (triggered by the works of Giotto) and brake the strict Christian canon law to present pure human emotions, royal figures and folklore elements.
45 minutesRila Monastery
Rila Monastery is one of Bulgaria’s symbols and a popular tourist destination. The monastery is set deep in the heart of Rila Mountain, between the Rilska and Drushliavitza Rivers, at 1147 metres (3760 feet) above sea level. It is situated 120 kilometres south of Sofia.
2 hoursSt. Alexander Nevski Cathedral
Return to the starting point at approximately 17:00
Experience
Highlights
Inclusions
- Driver/Tour guide in English
- Transport by air-conditioned minibus
- Parking fees
Exclusions
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Entrance fees- Boyana curch- 12 BGN, Monastery Museum - 8 BGN
- Audio guide in Spanish, Italian, German, Russian or English (approx. 5 euros per person)
- Food and drinks
Additional Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities
- Not wheelchair accessible or stroller friendly
- Comfortable walking shoes recommended
- Exceptions to the standard program:
- Boyana church will NOT be visited on the following days: 1st of January (the tour starts at 11 AM on that day only); The day of Orthodox Easter; 24th and 25th December.
- Hand disinfectant will be provided for free throughout the tour.
- All touch points in the vehicles will be cleaned frequently.
- Minimum traveler age is 5 years old
Guide Languages
English
Russian
Spanish
German
Italian
French
Cancellation Policy
A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.