Overview
Discover two of 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, after time to explore independently, continue to Boyana Church, near Sofia, to marvel at its spectacular pre-Renaissance frescoes. 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).
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Driver/Tour guide in English
Transport by air-conditioned minibus
Parking fees
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Admission to Boyana Church (approx. 5 euros per person) and Rila Monastery Museum (approx. 4 euros per person)
Audio guide in Spanish, Italian, German, Russian or English (approx. 5 euros per person)
Food and drinks
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
IMPORTANT: The meeting point is BEHIND Alexander Nevski Cathedral (opposite La Cattedrale restaurant) | Google Maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/KY3uaHDALKjDJukQA | GPS coordinates: 42.695601, 23.333790 | Please, be there 15 min. in advance! | This tour is not suitable for children under the age of 5.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What to expect
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St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral
15 min
09:00 departure from the starting point. Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.
-
Boyana Church
45 min
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.
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Rila Monastery
2 hours
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.
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St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral
2 hours
Return to the starting point at approximately 17:00
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (Europe/Sofia).
Additional Information
- Minimum traveler age is 5 years old
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Rila Monastery with Optional Boyana Church Day Trip from Sofia
Can I cancel Rila Monastery with Optional Boyana Church Day Trip from Sofia for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 8 hours.
Where does it start?
IMPORTANT: The meeting point is BEHIND Alexander Nevski Cathedral (opposite La Cattedrale restaurant) | Google Maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/KY3uaHDALKjDJukQA | GPS coordinates: 42.695601, 23.333790 | Please, be there 15 min. in…
What's included?
- Driver/Tour guide in English
- Transport by air-conditioned minibus
- Parking fees
What's not included?
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Admission to Boyana Church (approx. 5 euros per person) and Rila Monastery Museum (approx. 4 euros per person)
- Audio guide in Spanish, Italian, German, Russian or English (approx. 5 euros per person)
- Food and drinks
Which places does it visit?
It visits St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral, Boyana Church, Rila Monastery.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in German, Russian, English, Italian, French, Spanish.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by Traventuria
