Private Day Trip to Rila Monastery and Boyana Church: Explore UNESCO Heritage Sites
4.8
92 Ratings
Rila
Embark on a private day trip to Rila Monastery and Boyana Church, UNESCO World Heritage sites. Explore the rich history and stunning architecture with a private guide and driver. Hotel pick-up and drop-off included.
Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Rila Monastery - First you will head to the Rila Monastery- 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.

During the guided tour (45 minutes) in the inner yard and the monastery museum, you will discover the most precious pieces that are kept from the past and all the facts and stories about the biggest Bulgarian monastery complex. You will also have the chance to see an old and authentic monk room!

Before going back to Sofia, you will have free time for a lunch break in a great local restourant with delicious cuisine.

  • Boyana Church - On the way back you will stop 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 13th century period. You will have the chance to explore the church and learn its hisotry from your guide.

The expected return in Sofia is at 5pm.

What's Included
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off included
  • Visit the Boyana Church and Rila Monastery
  • Enjoy the services of a private driver-guide
  • Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned car
What's Not Included
  • Boyana Church entrance ticket- 5 euro
  • Rila Monastery museum & monk room entrance ticket- 4 euro
  • Food & personal expenses
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Experience the splendour of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Rila Monastery and Boyana Church. Immerse in the layers of history with thoughtful guidance from your personal tour guide. This Private Tour ensures exclusive service - meaning, no mixing with other groups. Your private vehicle and driver-cum-guide will cater to your every need, including stops wherever you wish for photos, shopping, and other activities. Revel in an all-day mountain heritage tour with the convenience of hotel pick-ups and drop-offs.

For visits to the monastery, women are advised to have their knees and shoulders respectfully covered. Please note that the Boyana Church remains closed on January 1st, Orthodox Easter Sunday, and from December 24th-31st. On these days, the excursion will only cover the Rila Monastery.

In most instances, our tours are conducted using eco-friendly vehicles powered by compressed natural gas or electricity, as our commitment towards combating air pollution.

Location
Rila Monastery
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(92 Ratings)
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D0ming0y
Apr 20, 2024
Discoverin Rila - We were 4 guys doing the trip in spanish with Ralitsa. She was an amazing guide, she explained us everything about the monastery and the church. She also helped us to move by ourselves around the monastery and answered many questions about many items for the group when we went back Sofia. Antonio also was part of the organisation guiding the group in English. I really recommend them! Thanks both for the tour!
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C2115hjreginad
Apr 18, 2024
Rila Monastery Boyana Church - Excellent journey!! Beautiful location! The guide, Julian Balahurov is really the best company to visit the surroundings of Sofia Julian accompanied us on the visit to the Rila Monastery and the Boyana Church making our trip a pleasant day, transmitting their knowledge and their feeling of pride in their culture and history. IHe also sang for us! Thank you Julian!
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Mariamarbru
Apr 16, 2024
Indispensable - Two UNESCO wonders that you absolutely must visit if you come to Bulgaria. Our guide, Vessy, explained everything to us very well. We had a very pleasant time. I would repeat without a doubt
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Venture52014502250
Apr 16, 2024
Loved the tour, loved Antonio - The place was beautiful. We sent the day there and it was a great experience. Antonio was our Spanish speaking guide. He was the best! His Spanish was amazing and explained everything perfectly. He also answered all of our questions (even the ones related to Bulgaria but not to the trip) & recommended several places to go visit, where to eat, etc... Antonio was the best, very kind and friendly. We had the best time
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Vegarth
Apr 15, 2024
100% recommendable - Antonio was an exceptional guide. He explained all the details of the places, answered all our questions and even recommended a lot of places to eat Bulgarian cuisine.
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K9579mapabloa
Apr 10, 2024
Great choice. - Great choice. Antonio is a fabulous guide. Highly advisable, I would repeat it again. It is a highly recommended way to enjoy a day of guided tour.
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929myb
Apr 3, 2024
Awesome - Our Tour of Rila and the Boyana church was incredible, the history of that place, the landscapes and the monuments are indescribable. Our Guide Philip was super close, clarifying all our doubts and explaining everything perfectly. An experience to repeat.
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Scottpg4417rl
Mar 28, 2024
Great trip out for the day - Yanni, the tour was really friendly and welcoming. He made sure everyone was at ease explaining the plan for the day and repeating regular. He was very knowledgeable on the journey and always happy to answer questions. Beautiful place and great guide 😊
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O3435fjalexv
Mar 21, 2024
Do not miss this! - Our tour guide / driver, Yulian, was absolutely amazing! Also n very safe driver (which is rare in Bulgaria :)) The Monastery is breath taking with the surrounding nature. Also the mekitze (fried dough) they sell outside the monastery is devine!
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130jackieq
Apr 1, 2024
Day tirp to Rila - Such a beautiful stunning place to visit,inside the church is stunning but you can't take photos and I didn't, I would recommend this trip but please bring Leva /cash as they do not have card payment facility in the restaurant or monastery to pay for food or gifts extra tickets donations ect.
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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