The Ultimate Rila Monastery 3-in-1 Day Tour from Sofia

I bought the 3-1 ticket, but I was mixed with people that only had Boyana and Rila, so they got the Bells for free. That's not a problem at all, even if I payed some more euros, but the thing was that the tour guide told me that my place to enter the Boyana church was not confirmed, but the website says that they book the place in advance for you and you have to pay on site. Hopefully there were some extra places and I could visit it. The rest of the tour was good, very well explained by Hristo, the ites we visit and Bulgarian history.

Unfortunately I have to leave a negative review for this tour. The itinerary stated on the Viator site at the time of booking was to leave Sofia at 9am and return at 5pm after visiting Rila Monastery. However, when we left the Monastery (which is very nice) we were taken to a winery, where we stayed for 45 mins, and did not return to Sofia until 7pm. We had to significantly change our evening plans as a result of arriving back late. When we asked the tour guide Hristo why the winery stop was included, he said it was a standard part of the tour and we would need to speak to the tour company. To be honest, he didn't seem bothered at all. Others on the tour were in the same situation, so this must surely happen all the time. I imagine the winery stop is for the guide to get commission from people buying the wine, regardless of whether it was on their original itinerary. Overall, very disappointing. I messaged the Bulgarian tour company who runs the tours and who the guide works for (Traventuria) and have not received a reply. I recommend booking the Rila Monastery tour through a different provider and with a different tour company.

The guide was very friendly and helpful and the place wonderful. The frescoes, the perfect arches, the peace of the place marked the day without a doubt.

Well organized trip for such a big group. Our guide gave us a great explanation and history of Bulgaria as we were driving. He was very specific with departure times which kept us on track. It was nice to leave the city and see the monastery.

Unique and beautiful place despite the rain. Guide very prepared and helpful. Cheap tour and absolutely to recommend.

Didn't set off on time but considering the number of people going it wasn't surprising. The coach was comfortable and warm. The monastery is well worth a visit but it wasn't comfortable hanging about in such cold weather. Our guide was superb. Restaurant/cafe was well worth a visit and reasonably priced. All round - great day.

Was great tour. Bus was amazing, clean, charging outlet and new. The driver Assan and the tour guide Simone were great and funny.

Tour guide was very nice, driver was very good. The monastery is awesome! Word of advise: if you have mobility & severe chronic pains issues, do not just state so, speak up before the trip starts that the front seat is for such people, and be brave to ask your tour guide to put you there. Beware that fellow travellers (like the ones I found) might be egoistic and cruel not caring enough to understand even if you explain your pain, that the level of vibrations in the rest of the bus is unbearable for you! If you stay shy and laid back like I did you are in for a nasty two hour ride. Normal people though are perfectly comfortable in any part of the bus and vibrations are unnoticeable, apparently

We visited Rila Monastery and Boyana Church with Traventuria agency. We found a coach made up of only Italians with a guide in Italian. In the morning they welcomed us on a cozy and comfortable van. The guide, a Bulgarian girl who spoke perfect Italian was a cicero, very considerate and kind. She made sure, both on the way and on the way back she made the appeal to make sure no one stayed on the ground. 5 stars!

Excellent experience, great driving and organization. Bus clean and comfortable. Highly recommended