Day tour to Rila monastery, hiking to the cave of St. John and Boyana church
Overview
Available languages
7 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Small group bigger experience!
• Visit the Boyana Church – an inspiring temple, with unique frescoes from the 13th century.
• Visit the top Bulgarian Landmark, a UNESCO site and the biggest Monastery in Bulgaria – Rila monastery.
• Know more about the Eastern Orthodox traditions, frescoes and history.
• Get close to the nature and enjoy the “Rila Mountain Natural Park”, the biggest in Bulgaria.
• Know more about Bulgarian culture
• Walking through an old beech forest, which takes us to a mystical place - the cave and the prayer rock of the hermit
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Rila Monastery
Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Day Tour The two most famous UNESCO sites in Bulgaria in One day! Experience two of Bulgaria’s most special places recognized for their religious significance, historical importance and cultural dignities. We will lead you through the fascinating pre-Renaissance frescoes of the Boyana Church, the small charm towns all the way to the heart of the “Rila Monastery” Nature Park – the trip is involved also with Rural tourism. Admire the unique architecture and learn all the details about the spacious history of the largest Bulgarian monastic complex. Additional trip: Оn the way back we will have small walking to the “Stob pyramids” – а natural wonder. Sandstone pyramids. Complimentary: Wine tasting in magnificent "Medi valley winery": TOUR HIGHLIGHTS • Visit the Boyana Church – an inspiring temple, with unique frescoes from the 13th century. • Visit the top Bulgarian Landmark, a UNESCO site and the biggest Monastery in Bulgaria – Rila monastery. • Know more about the Eastern Orthodox traditions, frescoes and history. • Get close to the nature and enjoy the “Rila Mountain Natural Park”, the biggest in Bulgaria. • Know more about Bulgarian culture, nature and traditions. • Local Wine tasting Additional info: • Мееting point Alexander Nevsky cathedral 8.00am • Return to your hotel around 3.30pm / Duration: 7.5 hours • 3 pax - 45.00 EUR per person • 4 to 7 pax - 35.00 EUR per person • For children under 18 years - 20% off the price! • Inclusions: English speaking guide / Small-group, Personal atention / Transport • Exclusions: Food and drinks/ Ticket for the Boyana church – 5EUR. For students and Schoolers is 1EUR!
Boyana Church
From an architectural point of view, Boyana Church is a pure example of a church with a Greek cross ground-plan with dome. It is one of the most remarkable medieval monuments with especially fine wall paintings. The paintings with the most outstanding artistic value are those from 13th century. Whilst they interpret the Byzantine canon, the images have a special spiritual expressiveness and vitality and are painted in harmonious proportions.
What‘s Included
Driver guide
Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle
Coffee and/or Tea
Lunch
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Day tour to Rila monastery
Duration: 8 hours
Water and coffee
Van VW
Pickup included
Reviews
15 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Outstanding trip with knowledgeable guide
Vess D,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour to the Rila Monastery was like a fairy tale! Thanks to the beautiful winter landscape and our guide, who created a fun atmosphere and told us detailed facts about the places we passed by. The Boyana Church is a unique historical heritage site because it is a pre-Renaissance masterpiece!
Excellent tour and service! Our guide was exceptional. We really enjoy the Rilla monestary..
Ves D,,Apr 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We visited the monastery complex which includes the monastery church, hotel part, rooms, tower and 4 museums. Boyana church is must see
Must see while in Sofia
Kristen M,,Jul 18, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00We ended upgrading to a private tour and I am glad we did. Demeter was an expert guide. He was well versed in not only the history of the monastery and church, but also on the country and area. I left my phone in his car and he was very quick to return it. The tour organizer was very professional and had good communication. He helped me also when I left my phone. Bulgaria is a beautiful county. Don’t skip the Rila monastery or Boyana Church. This company is honest, organized and professional.
A Must-See Tour
Tatiane R,,Jul 10, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00One of the highlights was the visit to the magnificent monastery, set in a breathtaking location. The beauty of the monastery and its surroundings is truly impressive, and our guide shared the rich history and fascinating details of the site. The trail to the cave was peaceful and accessible. Our guide always respected the pace of each participant, ensuring that everyone could enjoy the walk comfortably and safely. Before visiting the Boyana church, we stopped for coffee at a cozy spot. The service was exceptionally friendly, and the desserts were delicious, providing a perfect moment of rest. We learned a lot about Sofia and Bulgaria with the information provided by our guide, delivered with such enthusiasm and passion that we felt deeply connected to the country's culture and history. In summary, this tour was a fantastic experience. The guide's knowledge and friendliness, the beauty of the monastery and its surroundings, the peaceful trail, and the warm service at the café made our visit to Bulgaria truly memorable.
Three culturally significant sights in one day!
Maria P,,Jun 21, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00We were lucky enough to be the only couple on this tour the day we went. Our tour guide, Marin, was very flexible, adjusting the usual tour start time so that we made it back to Sofia for our flight back home, while still ensuring that we had ample opportunity to see each of the sights. The tour itself was fabulous! Rila Monastery was just beautiful - there is just so much to see in this stunning complex. I would recommend buying a combined ticket to see the museums, kitchen, guest rooms, and kitchen, and to climb the tower for a lovely view of the monastery and surrounding mountains. The walk to St. Ivan's cave through the nearby forrest was just lovely, as was the little church and cave. It was interesting to learn more about the history of this place and we also enjoyed climbing out of the little cave opening at the end. The frescoes in Boyana Church are fascinating. Recommend paying a little extra for the guide who will explain the significance and stories behind many of these unique works of art. Marin then kindly dropped us off at the airport, which was very much appreciated. Cannot recommend this tour and tour guide highly enough.
Rila Monastery
Discover06060557127,,Nov 4, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Through Tripadvisor we arranged a visit to the Rila Monastery and the frescoes of the Buyana Church. Our guides Filip and Antonio accompanied us fantastically on the route. With both their knowledge and their recommendations, they were attentive at all times. The visit is worth a must if you visit Sofia. The local company citytour.bg has been in charge of all this.
Nice excursion
392karineg,,Nov 21, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Beautiful monastery , beautiful preservations of various objects. Too bad it is impossible to take pictures in the interior rooms.
Perfect day for a trip to Rila Monastery
Markus E,,Oct 16, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Anyone who didn't see Rila Monastery, was not in Bulgaria, that's a Bulgarian saying. And - it's true. Booking an organized tour is the best option to do so if you stay for a city sightseeing trip in Sofia. Departure is early, so you have the chance to see Rila monastery in the morning withoout bigger tour groups walking around in the inner courtyard and the church of the monastery. After that a hike to Rilski cave in the woods follows. At the end of the trip a visit to Boyana church is on the programme. This tour is well organized and you have the time you need at every stop of the programme. I can recommend this day trip!
Strongly recommend this company and experience.
Boryaba,,Sep 14, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent guide, very small group tours, beautiful sights, nature all around, relaxed pace, lots to see and learn, church frescoes that take your breath away.
Grey day out of the city
Annelize B,,Jun 6, 2022
- Review from Viator
5.00Great day out with Nadya, who took us to the monastery, wine tasting and the Boyana church in her car. Sadly as we were only a party of 2, we didn’t get to do the normal wine tasting, but we were given two bottles of wine instead. Hearing about the size of the tasting (three full glasses), I’m great full it didn’t happen - in that heat, I’d have passed out. Nadya was great, and I’d highly recommend going on this trip if visiting Sofia - beautiful scenery on the drive, and fab to get out of the city. We’re not religious, but enjoyed the architecture and information about the area.
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