Tours/Sofia/From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Villa Montevino Half - Day Trip
From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Villa Montevino Half - Day Trip
5.0(6)Sofia6 hours
TRIPADVISOR5.0(6)
+20 photos
At a glance
Duration
6 hours
Price from
$149 / person
Location
Sofia, Bulgaria
Rating
5.0 / 5 · 6 reviews
Languages
DE, PT, CMN, JA
Group
Private
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Hotel pickup
Available
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Hola Bulgaria
Description
Enjoy a memorable trip to the most famous Bulgarian monastery - Rila Monastery - UNESCO heritage site. Relax on a convenient transportation and have the freedom to explore the monastery complex on your own pace. Take photos, check the souvenir shops, explore the history museum and try some of the delicious local pastries, offered in the monastery`s bakery.
Audio info (cloud-based) in the specified languages is included - smartphone and wi-fi are required to be used.
After the monastery visit, you will also stop at the charming boutique wine estate located at the foothills of Rila Mountain - Villa Montevino.
There you will be able to take some memorable photos, grab a coffee or drink a glass of local wine.
After a delightful trip, you will return in Sofia in the early afternoon, so that you can spend some free time there or continue to the airport for your return flight.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
8:00 AM and 9:00 AM
Next available
Fri, Oct 9
Adult (ages 5–85)
$149
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $297.
Larger groups pay less per person.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 7.
Tour Options
Private Option
Private Trip: This is a private option, just for you and your group! It includes hotel pick-up and drop off!
Pickup included
Itinerary
Rila Monastery
90 min
The tour starts with a convenient pick-up from your hotel in Sofia and we will take you to the most famous Bulgarian monastery! The traveling time is about 2 hours on a scenic road.
The Rila Monastery was established in the 10th century by the Bulgarian Saint John of Rila – the miracle maker. It is the biggest Bulgarian monastery and the most beautiful one.
The current monastery complex was built in the 19th century, and was covered with amazing frescoes! The access to the yard and to the church is free.
When you arrive there, you will have one and a half hours to explore it on your own pace. Take memorable photos, explore the history museum, check the souvenir shops and try the delicious Bulgarian pasties, made in the bakery of the monastery!
30 min
After the visit of the monastery, on the way back, you will stop at Villa Montevino - a charming boutique wine estate located at the foothills of Rila Mountain, offering a perfect blend of nature, gastronomy, and authentic Bulgarian wine culture.
Surrounded by vineyards and gentle hills, the villa provides a peaceful and elegant atmosphere, ideal for travelers seeking relaxation and unique local experiences.
Its unique medieval-based design makes it one of the best spots for memorable photos in the area!
In this complex, we will do a 30-minute break, during which you can take some amazing photos, drink a coffee or a glass of wine.
After the refreshing break, we will continue back to Sofia. T
What's included
Included
English- speaking host, who will accompany you during the day
Trip to Rila Monastery and Villa Montevino
Hotel pick-up and drop off
Audio info (cloud-based) in the specified languages - smartphone and active wi-fi required
Transportation by a comfortable A/C vehicle
Not included
Food, drinks, personal expenses
Gratuities/tips - recommended in the end of the tour
Entrance fee - Rila Monastery Museum - optional visit (cash or card on spot)
Pickup Locations & Times
Hotel pick-up - please indicate it when making the reservation.
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
6 reviews
5
6
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
How it compares in Sofia
Starting price $149 is 18% above the typical $126 for tours of similar length in Sofia
Excurgo comparison of 607 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Villa Montevino Half - Day Trip lasts about 6 hours. The itinerary has 2 stops.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $149 per person for this Sofia experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $297. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does this tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. Hotel pick-up - please indicate it when making the reservation. Pickup points include Hotel Sofia Palace, Juno Hotel Sofia.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in DE, PT, CMN, JA, EL, EN, EN, IT, PL, FR, HE, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 8 travellers can book together.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is this tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 6 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Hola Bulgaria.
Reviews(6)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
V
veronikapE502MI
July 24, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Amazing place
One of the most beautiful places in southwest Bulgaria. The views are absolutely breathtaking, and the setting feels like something straight out of a fairy tale.
The food is truly Michelin-level, with every dish beautifully presented and full of flavour. The staff are incredibly kind, welcoming, and attentive, making the whole experience even more special.
Our experience at Villa MonteVino was unforgettable, and I can recommend it highly. Be sure to book your table in advance, especially at weekends, as it's a very popular destination.
S
siro88
February 11, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Monastery of Rila
The Rila Monastery is beautiful and has some very curious rooms, such as the kitchen with giant utensils. Plus Vessy is very friendly and professional and explains everything great. Recommended!
F
Freedom05313836917
December 29, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Vessy
Vessy is the most beautiful woman in the world. She deserves the whole world for her. Simply the best. She is so sweet and intelligent so you can hear the history in the best mood. Highly recommend
P
P109NAdenisv
December 29, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Good experience visiting Sofia, Rila Monastery, and Boyana Church
I had a good experience visiting Sofia, Rila Monastery, and Boyana Church. The trip was well organized and everything went smoothly.
Rila Monastery was very impressive, and Boyana Church was also interesting and worth seeing. Sofia added a nice cultural touch to the trip.
Overall, it was a great trip, and I can recommend this tour.
M
M7604ASangelg
December 29, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Rila Monastery trip
Thank you for the great trip! I had a wonderful experience! I really enjoyed learning more about the history of the Rila Monastery.
V
viktorbB2540SQ
December 29, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Memorable One-Day Family Trip
We had a wonderful one-day trip with my family. The atmosphere was relaxed and enjoyable, and we spent quality time together away from our daily routine. The place was beautiful, well-organized, and perfect for a short escape. Everything went smoothly, and we returned home with great memories and smiles. It was a simple but truly meaningful experience.
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From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Villa Montevino Half - Day Trip
