Rila Monastery and Melnik, Day Tour from Sofia with Pickup
+7 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 9–10 hours
- Price from
- $97 / person
- Location
- Sofia, Bulgaria
- Rating
- 5.0 / 5 · 8 reviews
- Languages
- EN
- Group
- Small group, up to 7
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Hotel pickup
- Available
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Multi Travel Bulgaria
Description
Feel the magic of Southwestern Bulgaria by visiting Rila monastery and Melnik just in one day. Feel the spirit of the holiest bulgarian monastery. Sense the power of mother nature by visiting the Melnik pyramids. Taste one of the most famous bulgarian wines. Three different experiences that will create a day full with emotions. Do not hesitate to save money and time with this extraordinary tour!
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Every day
- Start times
- 8:00 AM
- Next available
- Thu, Oct 22
- Adult (ages 26+)
- $97
- Child (ages 5–14)
- $57
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $125.
Larger groups pay less per person.
In demand: 3 of the next 15 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 13.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Sofia
The travel time from Sofia to Rila Monastery is around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Rila Monastery
Rila monastery is part of UNESCO world cultural heritage list and It’s one of the symbols of Bulgaria. Rila Monastery was founded in the 10th century by St John of Rila, a hermit canonized by the Orthodox Church. His ascetic dwelling and tomb became a holy site and were transformed into a monastic complex which played an important role in the spiritual and social life of medieval Bulgaria. A characteristic example of the Bulgarian Renaissance (18th–19th centuries), the monument symbolizes the awareness of a Slavic cultural identity following centuries of occupation. You will have enough time to explore the monastery, the main church and the monastery museum.
Melnik
Travel time from Rila monastery to Melnik is around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Melnik
Melnik is the smallest town in Bulgaria nowadays. The first settlers of this region were the Tracian tribe Medi, from which the legendary rebel Spartacus originated. During the Revival Melnik was a blooming big city with big market. Since that times the city is famous with its high quality wines. During the tour we will visit the Kordopulova house where we can taste the local wine. Near Melnik we will see the Pyramids of Melnik. Entrance fee to Kordopulova house is 3 levs.
Melnik
Before traveling back to Sofia we will make lunch break (lunch is not included in the tour price).
Melnik
The travel time from Melnik back to Sofia is around 2 hours and 15 minutes.
What's included
Included
Entrance fee to Kordopulova house
Licensed English speaking guide
Hotel pickup and drop off
Free transport with comfort minivan
Not included
Personal expenses
Lunch, Food and beverages
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
8 reviews
How it compares in Sofia
- Starting price $97 is 26% below the typical $131 for tours of similar length in Sofia
Excurgo comparison of 608 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Proper clothing required - all clothes have to cover the shoulders, tank tops, short skirts are not allowed!
- Travel time to Rila monastery is around 1 hour 45 minutes
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 Rila Monastery and Melnik, Day Tour from Sofia with Pickup take?
Rila Monastery and Melnik, Day Tour from Sofia with Pickup lasts about 9–10 hours. The itinerary has 6 stops.
How much does Rila Monastery and Melnik, Day Tour from Sofia with Pickup cost?
Prices start at $97 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 $125. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Rila Monastery and Melnik, Day Tour from Sofia with Pickup run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 8:00 AM.
How much does Rila Monastery and Melnik, Day Tour from Sofia with Pickup cost for children?
Children aged 5–14 pay from $57, adults from $97.
Does Rila Monastery and Melnik, Day Tour from Sofia with Pickup sell out?
It can: 3 of the next 15 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Can I cancel Rila Monastery and Melnik, Day Tour from Sofia with Pickup 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. Pickup points include Hotel Latinka.
What languages is Rila Monastery and Melnik, Day Tour from Sofia with Pickup offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 7 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Reviews(8)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Compare similar tours in Sofia
- Lowest price: From Sofia Rila Monastery with Boyana Church or St. Ivan’s Cave — $23
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- Shortest: Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Day Tour | Small-Group & Pickup — 8 hours
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rila Monastery and Melnik, Day Tour from Sofia with Pickup | 9–10 hours | 5.0 (8) | $97 | |
 From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Melnik Small Group Tour | 11 hours | 4.8 (13) | $34 | View |
 Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Day Tour | Small-Group & Pickup | 8 hours | 5.0 (1) | $46 | View |
 From Sofia Rila Monastery with Boyana Church or St. Ivan’s Cave | 9 hours | 4.6 (1,048) | $23 | View |
 From Sofia: Rozhen monastery and Melnik with wine tasting | 11 hours | — | $103 | View |
 Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery small group tour with pickup | 9–10 hours | 5.0 (27) | $95 | View |
 Full-day Rila Monastery, Stob Pyramids and St Ivan Rilski Cave from Sofia | 6–8 hours | 5.0 (24) | $111 | View |
from$97
5.0(8) Free cancellation