Private Day Trip to Rila Monastery and Boyana Church: Explore UNESCO Heritage Sites
4.8
100 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
(100 Ratings)
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1 star
Sophq2024
Jun 21, 2024
Best guide 🇧🇬🏎️ - Jordan was the best guide we could've asked for, he knew about balkan history, politics in other countries and cultures. He was very open to learn of other places and explained things perfectly. Made us feel very comfortable by always offering breaks and even bought us some beautiful Bulgarian mekista. Very nice to talk to and even gave us suggestions on what to do that was reasonable prices and what scams to avoid. 10/10 and made the day very enjoyable (warning max verstappen fan) 🏎️🏎️
Review provided by Tripadvisor
434alisl
Jun 6, 2024
Rila Monastery - Everything was well organized - the driver-guide was very competent - I recommend it The departure was on May 28, please say hello to you
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Andrew_m
Jun 3, 2024
An explosion of beauty - The monastery is spectacular and the Boyana church was an interesting short stop. Our guide was knowledgeable and very friendly, and our driver was professional and friendly too.
Review provided by Viator
Kiyokon2024
Jun 2, 2024
100% recommend this tour - Jordan the guide was a perfect guide for this tour. He has a great knowledge about the Rila monastery and also the Boyama Church. Not only about the place we went but also he explained about Balkan history, custom and politics as well. He was also very thoughtful all the time to make sure that we enjoy the tour.At lunch time he recommended one of the best Bulgaria meals and also checked us that the restaurant charged reasonable price.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lorahs2024
May 23, 2024
Great experience! - It was a nice trip to Rila Monastery & Boyana Church and Ancient Serdica Archaeological Complex on 21-May with Zhivko Kolev. He has good historical knowledge of these areas and is a detail- oriented, friendly and polite person. We would highly recommend this agency. When you book it, ask for Zhivko Kolev👍.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
287erink
May 14, 2024
Wonderful trip with Julian - Julian B made our family trip to the Rila Monestary a wonderful day. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide and are so grateful we ended up with him as our tour guide. Julian’s enthusiasm, knowledge about his much loved country, and accommodating demeanour was so appreciated! He took us to a perfect restaurant for traditional Bulgarian food. By the end of the trip we felt like we were with an old friend. So glad we booked this tour, ask for Julian (highly recommend the private tour option). Blagodarya!!
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Turistapsg
May 9, 2024
Good experience! - The experience of visiting the Rila monastery is very interesting: in addition to visiting a beautiful place rich in history and art, the route to reach it allows you to see particular glimpses of Bulgaria far from the capital. The visit to the Boyana Church, quite close to Sofia, is artistically significant, but not unmissable for my tastes!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brainera2020
Apr 30, 2024
The best lady guide, ever. - Very good guide. Highly experienced and knowledgeable. She was always explaining us about sights, sites, even things nice like stork' nests on the chimneys of the countryside houses. Always very kind with my mum, wife and me. A really wonderful experience you can have.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alessandrobu8546ld
Apr 29, 2024
Rila Monastery - Very nice tour and well organised. Both the attractions are very nice. Antonio was amazing and really helpful in every occasion and question.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christinah584
May 15, 2024
Nice guide and pleasant car ride. - Very interesting and indispensable destinations for tourists in Bulgaria. Nice and knowledgeable guide but unfortunately the communication suffered from his shortcomings in the English language.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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