The Rila Monastery is Bulgaria's "must see" UNESCO site to visit. Among many offers for a day tour to Rila Monastery, we are now happy to offer some unique and customized day tours - dedicated service, knowledgeable guides, perfectly maintained vehicles and personal touch. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments. It is traditionally thought that the monastery was founded by the hermit St. Ivan of Rila. The hermit actually lived in a cave without any material possessions not far from the monastery's location, while the complex was built by his students, who came to the mountains to receive their education. The monastery was established in it,s today location in 14th century. After two major fires the monastery was restored in 1837. It is part of UNESCO’s world heritage list since 1983 and it is still an active monastery.
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $283.
Larger groups pay less per person.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 6.
Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a must-visit tourist attraction for both Bulgarians and foreign visitors. The Monastery was founded by the hermit St. Ivan of Rila, whose name it bears, during the rule of Tsar Peter I (927-968). The hermit actually lived in a cave without any material possessions not far from the monastery's location, while the complex was built by his students, who came to the mountains to receive their education.
Located on the outskirts of Sofia, Boyana Church consists of three buildings. The eastern church was built in the 10th century, then enlarged at the beginning of the 13th century by Sebastocrator Kaloyan, who ordered a second two storey building to be erected next to it. The frescoes in this second church, painted in 1259, make it one of the most important collections of medieval paintings. The ensemble is completed by a third church, built at the beginning of the 19th century. This site is one of the most complete and perfectly preserved monuments of east European medieval art.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Excurgo comparison of 605 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Rila Monastery Private Tour lasts about 8 hours. The itinerary has 2 stops.
Prices start at $170 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 $283. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 9:00 AM.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Yes, pickup is offered. Pickup points include Gloria Palace Hotel, Maxim Boutique Hotel.
The experience is available in DE, EN, EN, IT, FR, ES.
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 15 travellers can book together.
Confirmation is sent by the operator within 24 hours of booking.
Travellers rate it 4.3 out of 5 across 3 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by V Travel Ltd..
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Very enjoyable experience with a great guide, Philip. Very helpful and friendly doing everything he could to accommodate us. The monastery itself is quite expansive and beautiful. Be sure to visit the museum. The Boyana church is off the charts a cool place to visit. Very small, but the resident archaeologist made a story of each fresco. Great tour even with the long car ride.
very good service for private tour and airport transfer. Alex the guide/driver was nice nowledgable and acomodating
Booked a private tour with V Travel , tour guide was excellent very friendly &’very informative. The tour was a hike to Stob pyramids & Rila Monastery , both throughly enjoyable. I arrived in Bulgaria with zero knowledge about its history & left with enough to write a short thesis. Thank you to the driver.
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rila Monastery Private Tour | 8 hours | 4.3 (3) | $170 | |
 Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Full-Day Tour | 8 hours | 4.6 (1,173) | $23 | View |
 From Sofia Rila Monastery with Boyana Church or St. Ivan’s Cave | 8 hours | 4.6 (1,018) | $23 | View |
 Rila Monastery and 7 Rila Lakes Self-Guided Shared Trip from Sofia | 13 hours | 4.8 (336) | $54 | View |
 Private Day Trip to Boyana Church and Rila Monastery | 8 hours | 4.8 (121) | $228 | View |
 Rila Monastery Afternoon Half Day tour | 4–5 hours | 4.6 (48) | $56 | View |
 Rila Monastery and St. Ivan Cave History & Nature Trip from Sofia | 8 hours | 4.8 (45) | $23 | View |