Day Trips from Sofia to Rila Monastery - page 2

This day tour is a great combination of history and nature – the Rila Monastery and the Cave of Saint John. The tour starts at 9:00 with a pick up from your hotel. First, we will travel about two hours on a picturesque road to the Rila Monastery – this is the biggest and most important Bulgarian monastery, a UNESCO heritage site as well. At the monastery you will have about 40-minute guided visit, during which you will learn about the life of Saint John and about the history of the monastery. After the guided tour, at 12:00 we head for the Cave of Saint John – the place, where he spent the last years of his life and considered to be a sacred area. The walking path to the cave is about 15-minutes, of moderate difficulty, and it is a great refreshing walk in the nature. After the hike, we will go back to the monastery, where you will have 2 hours of free time. Around 15:00 you will head back to Sofia and the expected return to your hotel is 17:00.

Visit the stunning Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on this full-day tour from Sofia. Depart at 9:00 AM from Vasil Levski Monument (Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7) and enjoy a scenic 2-hour drive through Bulgaria’s beautiful landscapes. Take a guided tour of the monastery’s breathtaking architecture and frescoes while learning its fascinating history and legends. Then enjoy your free time to explore the museum, stroll the grounds, take photos, or relax at nearby bakeries. Return to Sofia around 15:30 PM with memories of an unforgettable cultural and historical experience. Highlights: Explore Bulgaria’s most famous monastery Learn stories, legends, and artistic treasures from your guide Free time to visit the museum, walk, or take photos Convenient round-trip transport from central Sofia

Save time but preserve the benefits of independence on this private tour that checks off not one but two UNESCO World Heritage sites in just one day. Traveling with your private driver/guide, see the 10th-century Boyana Church with its medieval frescoes, followed by the Rila Monastery with its 14th-century tower. Tour includes door-to-door transport but excludes entrance fees.

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.

Enjoy a private tour led by one of the top local guides in Bulgaria, dedicated to showing you the very best of the country’s UNESCO-listed cultural heritage. The itinerary is designed to be comfortable and accessible for everyone, no matter your fitness level. You have the freedom to choose your own accommodation and meals, so you can tailor the experience to your taste and budget. Need help with hotel or restaurant choices? We’re just a call away and happy to assist you with recommendations or bookings

Тhis experience stand out for its balanced combination of Bulgaria’s most iconic cultural landmark, a relaxed local town stop, and an authentic wine experience—all in one seamless day from Sofia. You won’t just visit Rila Monastery, but experience it in context: history, spiritual importance, and stunning mountain setting come alive through guided storytelling, not just a quick photo stop. Instead of rushing through standard tourist routes, the itinerary includes a refreshing walk in Blagoevgrad, giving you a glimpse of everyday Bulgarian life, with its Revival-era charm and laid-back atmosphere that most tours skip completely. The day finishes with an optional tasting at a local boutique winery, where you can choose your own experience depending on your taste and budget. Comfortable transport, a carefully designed route, and a focus on authentic local experiences ensure the day feels personal, unhurried, and memorable—rather than a standard tick-the-box sightseeing tour

Discover the best of Bulgaria in one unforgettable day, combining culture, nature, and relaxation. Begin your jorney with a guided visit to the stunning Rila Monastery, Bulgaria’s most iconic spiritual site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover its peaceful courtyard, admire the vivid frescoes, and learn the story of the hermit saint Ivan of Rila, who founded this remarkable monastery in the 10th century. The journey then continues into the breathtaking Rila Mountains, where a scenic chairlift ride takes you to the alpine world of the Seven Rila Lakes. Enjoy guided or free time to explore the area at your own pace, surrounded by spectacular mountain views. (Chairlift ticket not included.) To end the day, you can unwind in the warm mineral pools of Aqua Club Kotvata in Sapareva Banya — the perfect way to relax after the hike. (Spa entry optional and not included.)

Departure from Sofia, Serdika Bus Station at 9:00 a.m. From 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. free time to visit the Rila Monastery At 2:00 p.m. departure for Sofia At 4:00 p.m. arrival in Sofia Every Tuesday Information about the Rila Monastery The Rila Monastery, founded in the 10th century by St. John of Rila, is one of Bulgaria’s most important cultural and historical landmarks. Located in the Rila Mountains, about 120 km south of Sofia, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its architectural and spiritual significance. The complex includes the main church “Nativity of the Virgin,” famous for its rich frescoes and woodcarvings, as well as the medieval Hrelyo’s Tower. The monastery is also a major spiritual center, offering visitors a peaceful atmosphere, beautiful nature, and a unique blend of cultural and spiritual experience.

Enjoy a memorable trip to the most famous Bulgarian monastery - Rila Monastery - UNESCO heritage site. Relax on a convenient transportation and have the freedom to explore the monastery complex on your own pace. Take photos, check the souvenir shops, explore the history museum and try some of the delicious local pastries, offered in the monastery`s bakery. Audio info (cloud-based) in English, Spanish and Italian is included - smartphone and wi-fi are required to be used. After the monastery visit, you will also stop at the charming boutique wine estate located at the foothills of Rila Mountain - Villa Montevino. There you will be able to take some memorable photos, grab a coffee or drink a glass of local wine. After a delightful trip, you will return in Sofia in the early afternoon, so that you can spend some free time there or continue to the airport for your return flight.

We provide you with a unique and interactive adventure that is lead by local experts, who will show you secrets of their trade and years of experience. Zoologists will teach you how to track wildlife, botanists will explain every plant, what to collect and eat, what not to touch. All of this during a nature hike or an easy walk. Explore Bulgaria's nature, wildlife, culture, history, cuisine and how they are all connected from true scientists and specialist, becoming one of them.

Say goodbye to rigid schedules, meeting points and crowded buses. Be the boss of the itinerary with a private tour! А local guide will pick you up from your place and after a 2 hours transfer you can explore the most iconic UNESCO site in Bulgaria with a guided tour on your own pace and free time. Next stop is the Cave of St. John of Rila. We will take a refreshing 15-minute walk to get there. You can choose the final chapter of your day. 1. Visit the Balkan's hottest thermal spring in Sapareva Banya and relax in the outdoor mineral pools. Or go for another hike instead: 2. If you’d prefer a more active option, we can skip the pools and hike to the sandstone formations of the Stob Pyramids.

Discover the highlights of southwestern Bulgaria without even thinking of touching the wheel on this convenient tour. Discover Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Bulgarian Renaissance art and architecture. Visit the tiny town of Melnik, with its extraordinary pyramid rock formations, and explore the Kordopulova House. Your tour includes transport and guiding but excludes entrance fees.

The mountains are one of Bulgaria’s great joys—especially for hikers—but can be hard to reach independently. Tailor-made for lovers of both walking and history, this action-packed day features a hike around the beautiful Seven Rila Lakes and a tour of the Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Opt for self-guided tour, book an audio guide, or explore with a live guide: All packages exclude entrance fees and chairlift tickets.

Discover two of Bulgaria’s UNESCO World Heritage gems on this day self-guided day tour from Sofia. Traveling by minivan, admire rural Bulgaria en route to the Rila Monastery in the pine-carpeted Rila Mountains. Take a self-guided tour of the medieval treasure with its fresco-coated church, and visit its fascinating museum. Then, after time to explore independently, continue to Boyana Church, near Sofia, to marvel at its spectacular pre-Renaissance frescoes. This tour is with an English-speaking driver only.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rila Monastery is a must-visit for many travelers to Sofia. Pair it with one of the country’s most sacred sites, the Cave of St. John of Rila, who founded the monastery, on this fascinating day trip. The entry level package includes an online, app-based guide: Upgrade for a physical audio guide or a live guide in your chosen language. All options exclude entrance fees.

Discover one of the Bulgaria’s UNESCO World Heritage gems on this day trip from Sofia. Traveling by minibus, admire rural Bulgaria on route to the Rila Monastery in the pine-carpeted Rila Mountains. Take a guided tour of the medieval treasure with its fresco-coated church, and visit its fascinating museum. Then, spend some time to explore independently. Entrance fees not included. The tour offers 3 different options: 1. The guided tour option is with an English-speaking live guide. 2. Tour with an an audio guide in Spanish, Italian, German, Russian or English. 3. Transport only (that option might not be bookable for some dates).

Immerse yourself in one of Bulgaria’s signature sights at the Rila Monastery on this convenient day trip from Sofia. Delve into the history of the medieval landmark and its fresco-coated church, with plenty of free time to explore on your own. There's also time to include a visit to Boyana Church, with its pre-Renaissance frescoes, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Take a day to visit the cultural heart of Bulgaria: Rila Monastery and Boyana Church. Discover the origins of the Glagolitic and Cyrillic alphabets and learn about the monastery’s role in Bulgaria’s political and Orthodox history. The artistic richness of frescoes, carvings, and ancient monuments at these sites is immense. Rila Monastery features a large museum complex with a library holding around 3,500 exhibits, including 300 manuscripts and 9,000 printed works from the 11th to 19th centuries. Also preserved are the relics of St. Ivan Rilski, patron saint of Bulgaria, the icon of the Most Holy Mother of God Osenovitsa, and relics of 32 early Christian saints. Boyana Church, near Sofia, was built in the 10th century and reflects the Byzantine-Balkan Renaissance. It houses the famed 13th-century portrait of Desislava, the “Bulgarian Mona Lisa.” Both sites are UNESCO-listed — join the tour and discover why.

Unveiling the Rila Monastery: A Personalized Journey Experience the awe-inspiring Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a truly unique experience. Your Personal Guide: Navigate effortlessly with an engaging audio guide and a comprehensive electronic guide filled with insightful notes, expert tips, and exclusive information. Flexibility at Your Fingertips: Explore at your own pace, linger at captivating spots, and delve deeper into the aspects that intrigue you most. Immersive Storytelling: Uncover the monastery's rich history and profound spirituality through captivating narratives that bring its past to life. This isn't just a visit; it's a personalized pilgrimage. Book your tour today and embark on an unforgettable journey of discovery.

Experience the pinnacle of Bulgarian cultural heritage in a single day! This unique itinerary allows you to explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the majestic Rila Monastery, renowned as Bulgaria's largest and most significant monastery, and the captivating Boyana Church, celebrated for its exquisite 13th-century proto-Renaissance frescoes. Immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance of Rila Monastery, marvel at its intricate architecture, and delve into centuries of monastic history. Later, journey to the charming Boyana Church and be transported back in time by its breathtaking wall paintings. Choose your preferred exploration style with either a self-guided tour for independent exploration or a private guided tour for personalized insights and captivating narratives. This exclusive day trip offers an unforgettable cultural experience, showcasing the best of Bulgaria's historical and artistic treasures. Choose between privately-guided and self-guided tour.

Unveiling the Rila Monastery: Your Private Journey Experience the awe-inspiring Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a truly unique and personal journey. Your Private Guide & Driver: Effortless Navigation: Relax and enjoy the scenic drive. Personalized Insights: Benefit from the private guide's in-depth knowledge of the monastery, shared through engaging conversation and insightful commentary. Flexibility: Explore at your own pace. Your private guide is going to adapt to your interests and linger at the spots that captivate you most. Immersive Storytelling: Uncover the monastery's rich history and profound spirituality through captivating narratives that bring its past to life. This is more than a visit; it's your private pilgrimage. Book your tour today and embark on an unforgettable journey of discovery with us.

Leave the crowds of Sofia behind for the day and take a small group tour to Rila Monastery and Boyana Church. Relax as comfortable transportation takes you from the city and into the scenic Bulgarian countryside. Discover 10th-century medieval history at Rila Monastery, then see some of the best preserved Orthodox frescoes in Europe at the Boyana Church. Enjoy immersive guided visits at both UNESCO sites, along with free admission.

Explore one of Bulgaria’s most popular tourist attractions with ease—Rila Monastery—by choosing to visit on a private tour instead of a crowded group sightseeing bus. After a convenient pickup directly from your accommodation, head to Rila Monastery for a walking tour, then later visit a thermal spa complex to soak and unwind.