From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Villa Montevino Half - Day Trip
Overview
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
Enjoy a memorable trip to the most famous Bulgarian monastery - Rila Monastery - UNESCO heritage site. Relax on a convenient transportation and have the freedom to explore the monastery complex on your own pace. Take photos, check the souvenir shops, explore the history museum and try some of the delicious local pastries, offered in the monastery`s bakery.
Audio info (cloud-based) in English, Spanish and Italian is included - smartphone and wi-fi are required to be used.
After the monastery visit, you will also stop at the charming boutique wine estate located at the foothills of Rila Mountain - Villa Montevino.
There you will be able to take some memorable photos, grab a coffee or drink a glass of local wine.
After a delightful trip, you will return in Sofia in the early afternoon, so that you can spend some free time there or continue to the airport for your return flight.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Rila Monastery
The tour departs at 8:00 from Sofia city center and we will take you to the most famous Bulgarian monastery! The traveling time is about 2 hours on a scenic road. The Rila Monastery was established in the 10th century by the Bulgarian Saint John of Rila – the miracle maker. It is the biggest Bulgarian monastery and the most beautiful one. The current monastery complex was built in the 19th century, and was covered with amazing frescoes! The access to the yard and to the church is free. When you arrive there, you will have one and a half hours to explore it on your own pace. Take memorable photos, explore the history museum, check the souvenir shops and try the delicious Bulgarian pasties, made in the bakery of the monastery!
After the visit of the monastery, on the way back, you will stop at Villa Montevino - a charming boutique wine estate located at the foothills of Rila Mountain, offering a perfect blend of nature, gastronomy, and authentic Bulgarian wine culture. Surrounded by vineyards and gentle hills, the villa provides a peaceful and elegant atmosphere, ideal for travelers seeking relaxation and unique local experiences. Its unique medieval-based design makes it one of the best spots for memorable photos in the area! In this complex, we will do a 30-minute break, during which you can take some amazing photos, drink a coffee or a glass of wine. After the refreshing break, we will continue back to Sofia. The expected arrival there in the city center is at 14:00.
Options
Private Option
Private Trip: This is a private option, just for you and your group! It includes hotel pick-up and drop off! Pickup included
What‘s Included
English- speaking host, who will accompany you during the day
Trip to Rila Monastery and Villa Montevino
Hotel pick-up and drop off
Audio info (cloud-based) in the specified languages - smartphone and active wi-fi required
Transportation by a comfortable A/C vehicle
Food, drinks, personal expenses
Gratuities/tips - optional in the end of the tour
Entrance fee - Rila Monastery Museum - optional visit (cash or card on spot)
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
5 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Monastery of Rila
siro88,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Rila Monastery is beautiful and has some very curious rooms, such as the kitchen with giant utensils. Plus Vessy is very friendly and professional and explains everything great. Recommended!
Vessy
Freedom05313836917,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Vessy is the most beautiful woman in the world. She deserves the whole world for her. Simply the best. She is so sweet and intelligent so you can hear the history in the best mood. Highly recommend
Good experience visiting Sofia, Rila Monastery, and Boyana Church
P109NAdenisv,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a good experience visiting Sofia, Rila Monastery, and Boyana Church. The trip was well organized and everything went smoothly. Rila Monastery was very impressive, and Boyana Church was also interesting and worth seeing. Sofia added a nice cultural touch to the trip. Overall, it was a great trip, and I can recommend this tour.
Rila Monastery trip
M7604ASangelg,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thank you for the great trip! I had a wonderful experience! I really enjoyed learning more about the history of the Rila Monastery.
Memorable One-Day Family Trip
viktorbB2540SQ,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful one-day trip with my family. The atmosphere was relaxed and enjoyable, and we spent quality time together away from our daily routine. The place was beautiful, well-organized, and perfect for a short escape. Everything went smoothly, and we returned home with great memories and smiles. It was a simple but truly meaningful experience.
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Operated by Hola Bulgaria