8 hours
E-voucher
Multiple
Overview
The Rila Monastery and Boyana Church are two of Bulgaria's most important UNESCO World Heritage sites. Experience them both in a single day on this convenient transfer service from central Sofia, with a driver/guide. First, check out the frescoes in the Boyana Church; next head to the Rila Monastery for a short guided tour followed by free time. Please note: entrance fees are at your own expense.
Operated by
City Tour Ltd.
Ratings & Reviews
Average Rating
4.69
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741 traveller ratings
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Interesting
jbscram, Apr 2025
A very nice day trip to explore. The guides were knowledgeable and interesting. The bus ride was comfortable. It was a great day.
Informative trip with a...
PaulaVanessa_V, Apr 2025
Informative trip with a knowledgeable and funny tour guide, Tuni. Understood the importance of Rila and the history and beauty of the Bovana Church. Will definitely recommend. ????
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled you enjoyed the tour and that Tuni helped make the experience both informative and fun. ???? Rila Monastery and Boyana Church are truly special places, and it's always a pleasure to share their history with curious travelers like you. We’d love to welcome you back to Bulgaria anytime! ???????????? Kind regards,
Terrible experience, lack of organization
GoPlaces12499056725, Apr 2025
Terrible experience. I booked a tour to Rila Monastery and back to Sofia, specifically skipping the Boyana monastery. On our way to the Rila monastery I was told that I would be going to Boyana Monastery anyway, and after some push back and a few phonecalls, they told me that I could wait an extra hour at Rila monastery to leave with a different group that was going back to Sofia. Fine, whatever, the monastery seemed fun enough and I didn't mind. 2 hours after arriving at the monastery, they told me that the option to leave with a different group was no longer available and that I would be leaving with them anyway. No effort in trying to solve the situation at all, and kinda ruined my schedule as I planned in that extra hour that I now didn't have. Had to wait 2 hours waiting for the rest of the tour doing the Boyana monastery. If you are like me and are only interested in the Rila monastery, do not book with this company even if you select the Rila monastery only. I even meet people during my tour that also booked just the Rila monastery and were forced to go to Boyana too. I tried to reach out to the tour agency after my experience but they did not respond.
Interesting two unesco...
Dov_Z, Apr 2025
Interesting two unesco sights in Bulgaria. The guide explanations are essential for understanding whay you see. I highly recommend people who come to sofia for more than 3 days to consider taking it
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you very much for your kind words! We’re delighted you enjoyed exploring these two remarkable UNESCO sites in Bulgaria. Our guides are truly passionate about sharing the stories and significance behind each location, and it’s wonderful to hear their efforts made your experience even more meaningful. We would be happy to welcome you back to Bulgaria anytime for more cultural adventures. Warm greetings from all of us! ???????? ???? Kind regards,
Itinerary
St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral
The meeting point for the tour is Behild Alexander Nevsky Cathedral at 8:45. The departure is at 9am. Please be on time!
30 minutesRila Monastery
The Rila Monastery is the biggest monastery in Bulgaria. It was established back in the 10th century. The current buildings are from the mid 19th century, with a defensive tower that survived from the 14th century.
In the monastery complex you will admire the impressive architecture and frescoes. You will have 40-mintue guided tour and 2.5 hours free time to check the museum, the shops, take photos and have lunch break.
3 hoursBoyana Church
Your other stop is at the great UNESCO historical place – Boyana church, dating back to the 11th century, which has unique and very well preserved frescoes and pictures from the period of 11 to 14 century. You will have the chance to explore the church and learn its amazing history from your guide. Please have in mind that the inside visit of the church is limit to 10 minites per group because of its small size. Additionally, you will also spend some time in the yard of the church where you can take photos and also learn some of the interesting historical facts.
30 minutesSt. Alexander Nevski Cathedral
At the end of the tour, the van/bus returns to the same starting point, Behind Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
5 minutes
Experience
Highlights
Inclusions
- A trip to to Boyana Chuch and Rila Monastery
- Transportation by a comfortable bus/ minibus
- Parking fees
- English speaking guide OR driver, depending on the booked option
Exclusions
- Boyana church entrance ticket - approx. 6 euro per person (12 lev)
- Rila Monastery museum + monk room entrance ticket - approx. 4 euro per person (8 lev)
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Hotel pick up and drop off
Additional Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Women should have their knees and shoulders covered in the Monastery.
- There are not many dining options around the Monastery - there are bakeries where you can enjoy pastry. As an alternative, you can always bring your own food with you.
- Bring cash with you (preferably local currency) – the shops and the restaurants in the area of the monastery accept mostly cash payments so it is important to have some money with you.
- Please warn us if you have a 0-2 years old baby when you make the reservation so that we can prepare a special seat for them
- The visits within the Boyana Church itself are limited to 10 minutes per every group of 8 to 10 people. If you'd like to enter inside, you may also need to queue.
- On certain days, such as around holidays in Bulgaria, or when in groups over 100 people, delays are possible and the estimated tour finish time in Sofia could change as far as 18:30.
- Boyana Church offers entrance FREE of charge every last Monday of each month. On such days, you will be taken to the Boyana Church, however please keep in mind that your entrance WON'T be guaranteed, especially if the Church is in high demand by other people on spot.
- The Boyana church is closed on the 1st of January, on the Sunday of the Orthodox Easter, on the 24th of December, the 25th of December - and on such days the tour is done only to the Rila Monastery.
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.