Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Self-Guided Day Trip from Sofia: Discover UNESCO Heritage Sites

Embark on a self-guided day trip from Sofia to explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Rila Monastery and Boyana Church. Marvel at the medieval treasures and pre-Renaissance frescoes on this immersive cultural experience.

Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Vasil Levski Monument - Departure is scheduled for 09:00 from the starting location. Please ensure arrival at least 15 minutes prior to departure.
  • Boyana Church - Located on the outskirts of Sofia, Boyana Church is a small temple featuring frescoes from three distinct periods: the 11th, 13th, and 19th centuries. The most significant and…
What's Included
  • Multilingual cloud-based audioguide (Internet required)
  • Professional driver included
  • Transport via air-conditioned minivan
  • Parking fees covered
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Food and drinks
  • Entrance fees- Boyana curch- 12 BGN
  • Tour guide
  • Admission fees
Additional Information

Embark on a day tour from Sofia and explore two of Bulgaria’s UNESCO World Heritage wonders. Journey through the countryside in a minivan to reach the Rila Monastery nestled in the pine-lined Rila Mountains. Undertake a self-guided discovery of this medieval gem featuring a church adorned with frescoes and a captivating museum. Post the monastery…

Location
bul. "Yanko Sakazov" 9
bulevard "Yanko Sakazov"
The meeting point is next to the Vasil Levski Monument, in front of the Embassy of Slovakia
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(39 Ratings)
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W6501tojohnh
Oct 11, 2024
Excellent trip to boyana church and rila monastery - The visit to boyana church and rila monastery was excellent . It was very well organised in all ways. Also a relaxing way to go from sofia. Our guide dafina was very professional. Traventuria were superb
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Yekatetina
Mar 28, 2024
릴라수도원과 보야나교회 일일투어 - The bus was comfortable as it was a large bus, and the driver and guide were punctual and gave good explanations. I would like to recommend it to other people as well.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hannahlb553lt
Dec 15, 2023
Worth it - It worth spending your time. Lubo is an excellent tour guide, he explained it very clearly and rules were laid down clearly as well. We learned a lot today and we had amazing time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Franzisca1
Oct 11, 2023
Rila Monastery and Boyana Church - Excursion to the Rila monastery and Boyana church, about 120 km from Sofia, 2 hours by bus. Excellent organization, punctual and precise. Excellent service and helpful and thorough guide. advised !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rob_t
Sep 21, 2023
Excellent tourguide - Worth to do a guided daytrip to Rila Monastery and Boyana church by an enthusiastic guide. It's a lovely place to visit.
Review provided by Viator
Cherry_zam
May 19, 2022
Ancient church/ monastery with scenery plus live animals interaction on the road - My local guide name was Lubo and he was very informative. He stopped to some small villages on the road to Rila monastery to take pictures with the Shepherd and some herd sheep. 3 ponies on the road plus a bunch of cows were crossing the street too. We saw some storks nesting on chimneys as well as electrical posts. I also tried trout and bean soup in only restaurant inside the monastery plus the bread was freshly. The feral cats help me finished my fish. Over all a must see.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Julia_t
Feb 12, 2022
Fabulous Frescoes - So worth taking this tour to see the Boyana Church with its fabulous frescoes, and then on to the amazing Rila Monastery. Although the tour was self-guided, our driver Lubo was happy to answer questions and pass on interesting information. A good day out, and I thoroughly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
10mariarosad
Apr 26, 2025
Bellas - Beautiful both. The monastery, Hermosl. Pity you can't take pictures of the interiors. Boyana church, I was a little disappointed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Peterpaul2014
May 27, 2023
Interesting, but wouldn't do it again. - Beautiful Monastery, but a long trip. Lots of other beautiful churches in or near Sofia without the long ride. Guide was okay, not great.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Benedict_e
Jul 12, 2025
nice tour with very bad buses - Our guide is excellent. Boyona and Rila are a must sites to visit. We are actually on our way back to Sofia from Rila while writing this. The only downside side (big downside) are the buses! 40 to 50km/hr on our way to Rila (some injection pump issues as they claimed) and a bus with ZERO air conditioner system on our way back to Sofia which is very aggravating! I felt bad for the tour guides being caught between a rock and a hard place. Traventuria should step up with their equipments.
Review provided by Viator
From $35
up to 10 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).