From Sofia: Must-See Rila Monastery & Boyana Church Day Tour

From Sofia: Must-See Rila Monastery & Boyana Church Day Tour

By City Tour Sofia

Wonderful

Free cancellation available

See tickets

Features

Free cancellation available
9h+
Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation
Multiple languages

Overview

Visit Bulgaria’s top two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in a perfectly planned day
Enjoy breathtaking Rila Mountains scenery and photo stops in nature
Walk through Rila Monastery with time to explore courtyards, museums, and views
Dive into the rich heritage and traditions of Eastern Orthodox Christianity
Learn the stories behind Boyana Church’s rare frescoes, admired worldwide

Activity location

- Sofia
- Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria

Meeting/Redemption Point

- Sofia Center, bul. "Yanko Sakazov" 7, 1527 Sofia, Bulgaria | Meet your guide at Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7. Ask for the City Tour travel agency. The van departs at 9:00 AM and will not wait for you if you are late.
- Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria

Multiple meeting/redemption points available, see location information for full list

Check availability

Rila Monastery Only Guided Tour (Spanish Guide/No Boyana)

9h
Spanish

An amazing, in-depth cultural experience with professional Spanish-speaking guide.
☆ Includes: Guided visit to Rila Monastery in Spanish, round-trip transport, free time for photos.
★ Excludes: Boyana Church visit, meals and personal expenses.

Travellers

Language options: Spanish

Starting time: 8:58

Price details

RM 94.13 x 1 AdultRM 94.13

Total

ENGLISH Guide: Rila & Boyana + BONUS (★ TOP DEAL ★)

10h
Bulgarian

Our Rila Monastery & Boyana Church tour with an ENGLISH guide + UNIQUE BONUS: Online Audio Guide in your preferred language!
✮ RO, RU, BG, DE, FR, CN, PL, PT or UA
✮ SMARTPHONE & STABLE INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED FOR PROPER FUNCTION

Travellers

Languages available

Starting time: 9:00

Price details

RM 94.13 x 1 AdultRM 94.13

Total

ENGLISH Guide: Rila & Boyana trip + GIFT Sofia Online Guide

10h
Bulgarian

Rila Monastery & Boyana Church journey with an ENGLISH tour guide + EXCLUSIVE GIFT - Online Audio Guide of Sofia available in RO, RU, BG, DE, FR, ZH.
✮ SMARTPHONE & STABLE INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED FOR PROPER FUNCTION

Travellers

Languages available

Starting time: 9:00

Price details

RM 94.13 x 1 AdultRM 94.13

Total

English Tour: Rila Monastery & Boyana Church (Everyday)

10h
English

Explore Bulgaria’s treasures: Rila Monastery & Boyana Church! See 2 unique UNESCO sites on a single unforgettable day!
★Includes: English-speaking guide, Rila Monastery, Boyana Church
☆Excludes: Boyana Church entry fee (local payment of 6.00 EUR)

Travellers

Language options: English

Starting time: 9:00

Price details

RM 94.13 x 1 AdultRM 94.13

Total

Full-Day EXCLUSIVE: Rila & Boyana with English Guide + BONUS

10h
Italian

Our tour to Rila Monastery & Boyana Church with an ENGLISH tour guide + BONUS service - our Online Audio Guide in ITALIAN language!
✮ ITALIAN online audio guide
✮ SMARTPHONE & STABLE INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED FOR PROPER FUNCTION

Travellers

Language options: Italian

Starting time: 9:00

Price details

RM 94.13 x 1 AdultRM 94.13

Total

Spanish Guide: Rila & Boyana Church Tour (Everyday)

9h
Spanish

Experience a day of culture & history at Rila Monastery & Boyana Church! Visit 2 UNESCO gems in just one day in Spanish!
★Includes: Spanish-speaking guide, Rila Monastery, Boyana Church
☆Excludes: Boyana Church entry fee (local payment 6.00 EUR)

Travellers

Language options: Spanish

Starting time: 9:00

Price details

RM 94.13 x 1 AdultRM 94.13

Total

Self-Guided Rila & Boyana with Audio Guide Device (No Guide)

9h
German

An amazing self-guided experience with the help of a physical Audio Guide device (HEADPHONES) in your chosen language! See both UNESCO sites Rila Monastery & Boyana Church.

☆ Includes: Transport, Rila & Boyana, Audio Guide Device
★ Excludes: Live Guide

Travellers

Languages available

Starting time: 9:00

Price details

RM 164.73 x 1 AdultRM 164.73

Total

What's included, what's not

Expert Multilingual Guide: Enjoy an engaging and informative tour with a professional guide fluent in English, Spanish, or Italian, bringing history and culture to life.
Comfortable Air-Conditioned Transport: Travel in style and comfort between destinations in modern, climate-controlled vehicles, with Wi-Fi on board, perfect for relaxing, staying connected, and enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Smart Audio Commentary: Enhance your experience with personalized audio guides available in English, Spanish, Italian, French, German, Russian, Bulgarian, Romanian, Chinese, Ukrainian, Polish, and Portuguese, letting you explore at your own pace with rich insights (Good internet connection is required).
Entry to Boyana Church – Adults 6.14 EUR / 12 BGN per person. For children over 7 years old and students - 1.53 EUR / 3 BGN per person.
Entry to Rila Monastery Museums (optional visit during free time) - 4 EUR / 8 BGN per person
Meals and beverages
Gratuities/tips for guides and drivers

Know before you book

Not allowed: Short skirts, Sleeveless shirts

What you can expect

Discover Bulgaria’s Spiritual Treasures
Rila Monastery & Boyana Church Unesco Day Trip from Sofia

Operated by City Tour – proudly delivering exceptional experiences since 2002

Travel with confidence. City Tour, a leading Bulgarian tour operator since 2002, is known for professional guides, carefully planned itineraries, and outstanding service. Join us on one of our most beloved excursions and explore the spiritual heart of Bulgaria in just one unforgettable day.

A journey through history, faith, and breathtaking nature

Immerse yourself in Bulgaria’s rich heritage and spectacular landscapes on this expertly guided day trip from Sofia. Ideal for culture lovers, history enthusiasts, and curious travelers, this experience takes you to two of the country’s most iconic landmarks:
Rila Monastery and Boyana Church—both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

What to expect

Comfortable start from Sofia
Your day begins at the Vasil Levski Monument (Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7), where you’ll meet your friendly, knowledgeable guide. Enjoy a relaxing scenic drive through picturesque mountains, forests, and traditional villages as you head toward Bulgaria’s most revered monastery.

Rila Monastery – Bulgaria’s spiritual symbol
At Rila Monastery, the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria, you’ll have approximately three hours to explore at your own pace.

Discover the monastery’s dramatic history and magnificent frescoes with your guide

Wander independently to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere

Visit the museum and monastery church

Take stunning photos of the surrounding mountains

Enjoy a traditional Bulgarian lunch at a local restaurant nearby

Optional visit to Boyana Church
On the return journey to Sofia, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Boyana Church, a small yet extraordinary medieval chapel famous for its 13th-century frescoes, considered among the finest preserved in Europe.
⚠️ Please note: As of November 2024, Boyana Church no longer accepts advance reservations, so entry cannot always be guaranteed. When access is possible, this visit is truly a highlight of the tour.

Return to Sofia
You’ll arrive back in the city center between 17:30 and 18:30, filled with incredible memories, beautiful photos, and deeper insight into Bulgaria’s history and culture.

Why travelers love this tour

✅ Operated by City Tour – trusted since 2002
✅ Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in one day
✅ Scenic countryside and mountain views
✅ Expert local guides with flexible exploration time
✅ Perfect balance of culture, history, and nature
✅ Ideal for first-time visitors to Bulgaria

Make your Sofia visit extraordinary

Join thousands of happy travelers who have explored Bulgaria with City Tour over the past two decades.
Book your spot today and experience the spiritual, cultural, and natural wonders that make Bulgaria unforgettable.

Location

Activity location

- Sofia
- Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria

Meeting/Redemption Point

- Sofia Center, bul. "Yanko Sakazov" 7, 1527 Sofia, Bulgaria | Meet your guide at Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7. Ask for the City Tour travel agency. The van departs at 9:00 AM and will not wait for you if you are late.
- Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria
- Sofia Center, bul. "Yanko Sakazov" 7, 1527 Sofia, Bulgaria | Meet your guide at Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7. Ask for the City Tour travel agency. The van departs at 9:00 AM and will not wait for you if you are late.
- Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria
- Sofia Center, bul. "Yanko Sakazov" 7, 1527 Sofia, Bulgaria | Meet your guide at Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7. Ask for the City Tour travel agency. The van departs at 9:00 AM and will not wait for you if you are late.
- Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria
- Sofia Center, bul. "Yanko Sakazov" 7, 1527 Sofia, Bulgaria | Meet your guide at Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7. Ask for the City Tour travel agency. The van departs at 9:00 AM and will not wait for you if you are late.
- Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria
- Sofia Center, bul. "Yanko Sakazov" 7, 1527 Sofia, Bulgaria | Meet your guide at Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7. Ask for the City Tour travel agency. The van departs at 9:00 AM and will not wait for you if you are late.
- Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria