From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Plovdiv Day Trip
Overview
Available languages
12 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
See the best of Bulgaria in 1 day. This self-guided, shared shuttle tour will take you to both the UNESCO Rila Monastery in the Rila National park in the morning and then in the afternoon to the city of Plovdiv - the cultural capital of Bulgaria. In the morning the shuttle bus will take you to the Rila Monastery where you have more than 1 hour to explore the site at your own pace. The complex is compact in size so the time allows to see the most important parts of it. After that in the afternoon the shared shuttle will take you on a 3.5 hours journey through the scenic mountains of Bulgaria to the city of Plovdiv - one of Bulgaria's most visited cultural and historical sites. You have more than 4.5 hours to explore the historical city center on your own. Driver will provide you with a tourist map and tips for what to see.
Additional Info
Specialized infant seats are available
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A dress code is required to enter the Rila Monastery. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
A moderate amount of walking is involved in the city of Plovdiv
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Rila Monastery
Explore the UNSECO Rila Monstery at your own pace
Plovdiv
Scroll through the culture capital of Bulgaria at your own pace. Or maybe join the free walking tour of the city. Your driver will leave you at a convenient place close to the city center for a tour of your own.
What‘s Included
Professional driving services
Shared transfers to Plovdiv city and Rila monastery by comfortable A/C minibus
English speaking host
Transportation with airconditioned vehicle
Entrance fees (optional) Rila monastery museum : 8 BGN per person
Guiding services
Meals & personal expenses
Options
07:30 h Departure
From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Plovdiv Day Trip
Reviews
55 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Terrible experience. No showing
Tianyi W,May 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00The operator never showed up. Me and other people in total 6 people waited for over an hour. No showing up no contact no notice. We just left. Terrible terrible experience. I have never seen anything like this.
Highly recommended excursion. Stunning monastery.
Emtupi,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excursion essential to know more about Bulgaria than its capital. Detailed information at each moment of the visit by our guide Philip.
Very well organized, very...
Patricia T,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very well organized, very punctual. The guide has sent us the whole organization by whatsap so that nothing can escape us.
Great day trip
LauraC12751,Aug 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the day tour to the 7 lakes and Rila Monastery and it was a success. It was not a guided tour, but our manager Philip took great care of us, he is very detailed. He received us with all the necessary information, sent us pictures marked the different routes of the trekking, provided us with a couple of folios with a map of the lakes and a small guide of the monastery... It was better than many guided tours I've ever done. I recommend it!!
Private trip to Plovdiv, Nacho Monastery and Asen Fortress
pilarp335,Mar 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00chauffeur trip to Plovdiv, Bachkovo Monastery and Asen Fortress. Super trip in duration, punctuality. the driver Philip extraordinary. Highly recommended.
Ghost excursion
L8087PCelsal,Dec 10, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00We were advised at short notice that the excursion was cancelled. We actually found out when we were already at the meeting place at 7 a.m. and there was no coach. I think they could report in the same way, as when you have already made an excursion, that since they want feedback they send you messages, whatsapps and emails insisting until you make it.
Amazing
Sara F,Nov 25, 2024
- Review from Viator
4.00I recommend this trip that allows you to see the most important things in the surroundings of Sofia in one day. The guide Philip was very professional and clear.
Recommended tour!
michelabV5772BT,Nov 19, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were very pleased with this trip! Philip was really good, always available in explanations and never intrusive.
Do it!
K4663YTmichelleg,Oct 26, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful experience, in one day you can see two completely different locations. From the monastery to Plovdiv the road is long enough, but it is absolutely worth it. Fundamental was our guide, Philip, who was able to give us valuable advice and was always available for clarification and curiosity
Interesting day to get a feeling of the countryside of Bulgaria
huijbens57,Sep 10, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We liked the tour and the tour guide (Philip) very much. Although we had to travel quite some time, is was interesting to see the countryside of Bulgaria. And all the information we received was interesting and never boring, or too long.
From €65.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by URCA Ltd