Embark on a captivating 8-hour day tour to the Rila Monastery and Boyana Church, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Explore ancient frescoes, learn their history, and enjoy free time in the picturesque mountains.
Embark on a captivating 8-hour day tour to the Rila Monastery and Boyana Church, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Explore ancient frescoes, learn their history, and enjoy free time in the picturesque mountains.
- St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral - The meeting point for the tour is Behild Alexander Nevsky Cathedral at 8:45. The departure is at 9am. Please be on time!
- St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral - The meeting point for the tour is Behild Alexander Nevsky Cathedral at 8:45. The departure is at 9am. Please be on time!

- Trip to Boyana Church and Rila Monastery
- Transportation by comfortable bus/minibus
- Parking fees
- English-speaking guide or driver (depending on option)
- Trip to Boyana Church and Rila Monastery
- Transportation by comfortable bus/minibus
- Parking fees
- English-speaking guide or driver (depending on option)
- Boyana church entrance ticket - approx. 6 euro per person (12 lev)
- Rila Monastery museum + monk room entrance ticket - approx. 4 euro per person (8 lev)
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- Boyana church entrance ticket - approx. 6 euro per person (12 lev)
- Rila Monastery museum + monk room entrance ticket - approx. 4 euro per person (8 lev)
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Hotel pick up and drop off
Participate in an 8.5–10 hour guided group tour to explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites – Rila Monastery and Boyana Church. Experience a 40-minute guided tour at Rila Monastery, followed by 2.5 hours of leisure time for taking photos, visiting museums, shopping, or enjoying lunch. At Boyana Church, marvel at its remarkable 800-year-old frescoes…
Participate in an 8.5–10 hour guided group tour to explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites – Rila Monastery and Boyana Church. Experience a 40-minute guided tour at Rila Monastery, followed by 2.5 hours of leisure time for taking photos, visiting museums, shopping, or enjoying lunch. At Boyana Church, marvel at its remarkable 800-year-old frescoes during a short guided visit.
Note: Women are required to cover their shoulders and knees when visiting the monastery.
Tip: During busy summer weekends, consider bringing lunch from Sofia to save time.
*Boyana Church is closed on January 1, Orthodox Easter Sunday, and December 24–25. On these dates, the tour will only visit Rila Monastery.
This tour provides an excellent blend of cultural heritage, breathtaking mountain scenery, and engaging storytelling from a professional English-speaking guide. Travel is in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, and the group size ensures a more intimate experience. Perfect for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers!
- Women should have their knees and shoulders covered in the Monastery.
- There are not many dining options around the Monastery - there are bakeries where you can enjoy pastry. As an alternative, you can always bring your own food with you.
- Bring cash with you (preferably local currency) – the shops and the restaurants in the area of the monastery accept mostly cash payments so it is important to have some money with you.
- Please warn us if you have a 0-2 years old baby when you make the reservation so that we can prepare a special seat for them
- The visits within the Boyana Church itself are limited to 10 minutes per every group of 8 to 10 people. If you’d like to enter inside, you may also need to queue.
- On certain days, such as around holidays in Bulgaria, or when in groups over 100 people, delays are possible and the estimated tour finish time in Sofia could change as far as 18:30.
- Boyana Church offers entrance FREE of charge every last Monday of each month. On such days, you will be taken to the Boyana Church, however please keep in mind that your entrance WON’T be guaranteed, especially if the Church is in high demand by other people on spot.
- The Boyana church is closed on the 1st of January, on the Sunday of the Orthodox Easter, on the 24th of December, the 25th of December - and on such days the tour is done only to the Rila Monastery.
- For the safety and enjoyment of all guests, any customer who appears intoxicated at the time of the tour will not be permitted to participate. In such cases, no refunds will be issued.
- The order of visits to the Rila Monastery and Boyana Church may be adjusted due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.