Rila Monastery with Optional Boyana Church Day Trip from Sofia

Discover two of Bulgaria’s UNESCO World Heritage gems on this day trip from Sofia. Traveling by minibus, admire rural Bulgaria on route to the Rila Monastery in the pine-carpeted Rila Mountains. Take a guided tour of the medieval treasure with its fresco-coated church, and visit its fascinating museum. Then, after time to explore independently, continue to Boyana Church, near Sofia, to marvel at its spectacular pre-Renaissance frescoes. Entrance fees not included. Important: As of November 2024, Boyana Church now does not take reservations in advance, so we can not guarantee all visits. If entry is unavailable on your booked day, you will be able to visit St. Ivan's Cave at Rila Monastery as an alternative.

09:00 departure from the starting point. Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.

Boyana Church is a small temple at the outskirts of Sofia with frescoes dating back to three separate periods: 11th, 13th and 19th century. The most important and fascinating are the frescoes dating from 1259. They are Renaissance frescoes that predate the Italian Renaissance (triggered by the works of Giotto) and brake the strict Christian canon law to present pure human emotions, royal figures and folklore elements.

Rila Monastery is one of Bulgaria’s symbols and a popular tourist destination. The monastery is set deep in the heart of Rila Mountain, between the Rilska and Drushliavitza Rivers, at 1147 metres (3760 feet) above sea level. It is situated 120 kilometres south of Sofia.

Return to the starting point at approximately 17:00

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities
• Not wheelchair accessible or stroller friendly
• Comfortable walking shoes recommended
• Exceptions to the standard program:
• Boyana church will NOT be visited on the following days: 1st of January (the tour starts at 11 AM on that day only); The day of Orthodox Easter; 24th and 25th December.
• Hand disinfectant will be provided for free throughout the tour.
• All touch points in the vehicles will be cleaned frequently.
• Minimum traveler age is 5 years old

• English-guided (NO Boyana)
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  Guided in EN (No Boyana ch.): Join this English-guided tour to the Rila monastery with Traventuria's expert team. Boyana church is NOT included.
• Rila mon. and Melnik 11 hours
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  Melnik and Rila monastery: Join this 11 hr-tour to Rila monastery and Melnik with w/ EN guide. Starting time 08:00 am. Boyana church -NOT included.
• English-guided classic tour
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  Guided in English with Boyana: Join the classic English-guided tour to Rila monastery&Boyana church with a professional English-speaking guide.
• Spanish-guided (NO Boyana)
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  Guided in ES (No Boyana ch.) : Visita guiada en español al Monasterio de Rila. NO incluye la iglesia de Boyana.
• Online audio tour with Boyana
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  Audioguided tour with Boyana: Live guide, Boyana - included. Includes an online audioguide. Accompanying tour conductor will speak different language.
• Spanish-guided classic tour
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• Italian-guided classic tour
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• Online audio tour (NO Boyana)
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  Audioguided tour, No Boyana: Live guide, Boyana -NOT included. Includes an online audioguide. Accompanying tour conductor will speak different language.
• Online audio incl. Dragalevtsi
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  Audioguided tour: Enjoy the classic tour to the Rila monastery & Boyana church. Visit the beautiful Dragalevtsi monastery extra.
• Italian-guided (NO Boyana)
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  Guided in IT (No Boyana ch.): Visita guidata in italiano al monastero di Rila. NON include la chiesa di Boyana.
• Classic tour incl. Dragalevtsi
  Add
  English guided: Enjoy the classic tour to the Rila monastery & Boyana church. Visit the beautiful Dragalevtsi monastery extra

• Driver/Tour guide in English
• Transport by air-conditioned minibus

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Entrance fees- Boyana curch- 12 BGN, Monastery Museum - 8 BGN
• Audio guide in Spanish, Italian, German, Russian or English (approx. 5 euros per person)
• Food and drinks

Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by Traventuria.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at Europe/Sofia.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• This Tour is Rated 4.6 Stars based on 820 valid reviews on VIATOR.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 15 Travelers is accepted for booking.