From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Plovdiv Day Trip

Recommended by 94% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Sofia, Bulgaria

Great choice

10+ bookings last month.

12 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Explore our promoted experiences

From Sofia: Rila Monastery & Boyana Church Day Tour

Sofia, Bulgaria

4.6

(880)

From Sofia: Rila Monastery & Boyana Church Day Tour

from $24

Day tour to Skopje, North Macedonia - Small Group

Sofia, Bulgaria

4.7

(447)

Day tour to Skopje, North Macedonia - Small Group

from $94

Price varies by group size

Sofia, Bulgaria

4.7

(180)

Plovdiv and Koprivshtitsa Full-Day Trip

from $24

Viator earns higher commissions on experiences featured here

Overview

See two of Bulgaria's top attractions in one day on this self-guided tour that allows you to combine the convenience of a tour with flexibility of independent travel. By taking a shared shuttle, you can visit the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery, in Rila National Park, in the morning and then in the afternoon explore the charming and historic city of Plovdiv, which is considered the cultural capital of Bulgaria.

Combine two top Bulgaria trips in one day: Plovdiv and Rila Monastery
Self-guided tour benefits from an organized shuttle service
Explore independently and at your own pace
Travel by minibus: Skip the hassle of public transit

What's Included

Professional driving services
Shared transfers to Plovdiv city and Rila monastery by comfortable A/C minibus
Transportation with airconditioned vehicle
English speaking host

Entrance fees (optional) Rila monastery museum : 8 BGN per person
Guiding services
Meals & personal expenses

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Parking „Knyaz Aleksander I Sq.“
Sofia Center, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
Directions: The car parking is located at Knyaz Aleksander I square, in front of The Palace - National Art Gallery. The nearest metro station is Serdika. Vehicles have Rila Shuttle sign on the front window.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Rila Monastery

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Plovdiv

4 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Rila National Park

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Rila Mountains (Pass By)

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Infant seats available
Not wheelchair accessible
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
Near public transportation
The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

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

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Marta_M

I highly recommend this day trip, it was a great experience! Rila Monastery is a real gem, 100% worth visiting. Plovdiv is beautiful and colourful, personally I liked it more than Sofia. The trip itinerary was perfect with sufficient time to explore both places. Huge thanks to our guide Philip for all interesting information. I really liked the idea of creating WhatsApp group with all info, updates etc. Must-do when in Bulgaria!

Reviews

4.7

based on 52 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Amazing

Sara_F, Nov 2024

I recommend this trip that allows you to see the most important things in the surroundings of Sofia in one day. The guide Philip was very professional and clear.

Excellent Experience

Kenneth_P, 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.

A great day

Jeff_H, Apr 2024

Excellent day to see Rila Monastery and Bulgaria’s second largest city - Plovdiv. Phillip, our host was clear with his communication and the two locations we visited were really interesting. I would highly recommend.

Perfect

ALAA_S, Apr 2024

Top tour really enjoyed it, perfectly organized and our guide Philip was super helpful and informative eventhogh it's not guided tour but definitely every thing were clear and well organized, highly recommended

Great get away from Sofia

Corinna_F, Apr 2024

Great locations, great guide. I liked the fact that it was self guided, yet our guide provided us with maps and tips. Although it was a full day, it was relaxing tk get out of Sofia. As we started early we had the Rila Monestry almost to ourselves. Magical location.

A fantastic day

AmandaThomas, Apr 2024

What a fantastic day! One of the most professional tour operators I have ever used. We were contacted in advance with all useful information and to prepare for the early start. Philip was a superb guide and not overly intrusive. I particularly liked that a lot of info was shared by whatsapp so not disturbing us on the coach (we were a large group that day). Rila Monastery is a stunning place not to be missed, every consideration was given to comfort stops and then Plovdiv is a beautiful place, where time went far too quickly. Overall 5 stars on every aspect and very grateful for a magical day.

Amazing Day Trip!

Bethany_H, Apr 2024

Great day trip! This is a full day out, but worth the early start to see the Rila Monastery in quiet and serene conditions. Philip was an excellent host, explaining key details throughout the day. There was also ample time in Plovdiv to see the city and get a bite to eat. Would recommend this to anyone visiting Sofia!

Great itinerary and tour guide

Joanne_G, Apr 2024

The trip was great! We hit two sightseeing spots in one day. The driver and tour guide Philips were great. The time they gave us to look around was just right. I’d recommend it.

Awesome experience

Valentina_L, Mar 2024

The whole trip was amazing. Coupling Rila monastery with Plovdiv was the best choice ever. We had plenty of time to visit both sites. Philip was the best you could ask for. He organise the whole trip perfectly and gave us so much info about the 2 visited places and bulgariar history too. He also created a WhatsApp group to communicate with him and the other passenger in an easier way. I highly recommend it!!!!

Trip Plovdiv Rila

Robert_F, Feb 2024

Very nice trip. Rila and Plowdiv was a great combination. Excellent for people who want to get the most out of it in a short period of time. Semi guided so you'll get driven to the places but you still can explore them yourself. Our tour guide Philip also answered every upcoming questions and gave ideas and recommendations via chat and papers. Rila monastery looks stunning and Plowdiv is also a nice city with a different vibe then Sofia, so worth seeing. All in all great Trip.

Must do when in Bulgaria!

Marta_M, Dec 2023

Esperienza unica

Livio_L, Apr 2024

Tutti momenti molto belli. Organizzazione perfetta. Il monastero è magico e la cittadina di Plovdiv molto suggestiva

Bellissima esperienza

Serena_L, Apr 2024

Esperienza bellissima, che consiglio. Si parte dal centro di Sofia con un autobus. Prima tappa al monastero di Rila (consiglio di provare la “frittella” tipica chiamata Mekitza appena fuori il monastero). Si riparte verso Plovdiv, dove si gira da soli la città (capitale della cultura 2019). Philip, la nostra guida una persona molto gentile che ci ha d’ignoto tante informazioni durante il tragitto. Rispettati perfettamente tutti gli orari indicati. Serietà e professionalità.

Fantástica experiencia Rila y Plovdiv

MARADOLORES_B, Dec 2023

Merece mucho la pena hacer este tour. Rila es una maravilla y Plovdiv también me encantó. Muy recomendable. Bonitos paisajes desde el bus. Siéntate en el lado derecho.

Excursión perfecta para una escapada a Bulgaria

AlbertMoraleda, Nov 2021

100% recomendable para los que como nosotros viajan a Bulgaria por una estancia corta pero intensa! Merece la pena salir de la capital y explorar plovdiv y rila. El monasterio es una visita obligada con poco más de una hora se puede ver sin necesidad de ir apresurado. Plovdiv sin embargo es un antiguo asentamiento romano y por lo tanto tiene ruinas y puntos de interés repartidos por una amplía zona que descubrimos a nuestro ritmo. Mención especial al conductor Felipe, que nos acompaño todo el trayecto con curiosidades y dudas que teníamos sobre el país, además de recomendaciones sobre lugares de interés y comida típica del país.