Rila Monastery Afternoon Half Day tour
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
IMPORTANT: Entrance in the monastery is only allowed with covered shoulders and covered knees. So please make sure you have appropriate clothes.
The Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. It is situated in the Rila Mountains. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 – 946 AD). Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria’s most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and Southern Europe. If you want to be among the lucky ones who have visited this amazing site, join our tours and let’s have a great time together!
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Rila Monastery is about 1.5 - 2.5 hours driving from Sofia depending on traffic
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Rila Monastery
Visit to the Rila Monastery
What‘s Included
WiFi on board
Driver
Air-conditioned vehicle
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Options
Rila Monastery Afternoon Half Day tour
Reviews
27 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Very messy company
R81EEnicholasd,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00Originally booked this tour but it was cancelled the evening before, I booked a half day because I wanted a half day tour. I actually booked two half day tours with this company over the week and both were cancelled due to broken buses. The replacement offered was either a full day tour of the monastery with a stop in a spa town or a hike. We went for the spa day which was actually really good but the only challenging thing is you were dropped in the town for about 5 hours 15 minutes when the tour guide originally said 4-4.5 hours. This was annoying because you timed the spa so you also had time for lunch after but you could probably spend an extra hour in there. Also the tour company when I rescheduled said we'd be back 5-5.30pm so I made plans accordingly but you actually return around 6.30pm. Also one to note, the spa is 41 euros per person upgrade. Personally I'd say it's worth it but it's a bit of a shock if you moved from this half day tour to a full day one which now has a massive upcharge in it. Overall the tour was good but the experience of the company was bad so I would probably avoid them.
Excellent
ilz ted2024,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience! Thank you, Aleksandar! Our trip from Sofia to the Rila Monastery and back was absolutely perfect. We really enjoyed everything. The atmosphere was friendly, we felt completely safe, and Aleksandar helped us with everything we needed. He shared a lot about the history, the monastery, the city — and he seems able to talk about absolutely anything! He also gave us great recommendations on what else to see and do. A truly excellent guide and driver — we recommend him to everyone! 10/10.
Fatal
Mobile531917,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00We took a half-day trip to the Rila Monastery, we paid 49€ per person, when there is excursion for 20€ for not getting up early and not being so long hours, we were confirmed and charged, the night before the excursion at 21 hours they wrote to us informing us that it had been cancelled, the option they gave us was between two excursions, a treking and Rila or Rila and spa. I told him that we did not have appropriate clothes for any of the excursions, the answer is that it was what there was, no return or anything, we had scheduled everything according to the excursion that we had bought, we had to go at 8 in the morning visit Rila in 45 minutes and then we were taken and abandoned in the village of the resort that has nothing to the two alone, the other six travelers did the treaking, we left two people alone dead disgusted from 12 hours to 17.15 hours. The driver tried to get us down to Sofia but his boss wouldn't let him. Watch through which local agency they send their clients, we feel very scammed and abandoned at the end of the day the excursion we bought from you thinking they were serious and safe
Experience with a trip...
Alex M,Oct 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Experience with a long journey, and on arrival at the monastery it was all closed except the church. He deserves a picture but I had longer expectations. Better go in the morning.
Great trip to Rila Monastery
Fan L,Sep 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide is super friendly and informative. Talk us thru the history of Bulgaria. Patiently answers every questions we have along the way. Gave us great recommendations about the local food etc.
It was a very good...
hornbond,May 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a very good experience with the local Viator representative this time. He was the best one who I had with the Viator for the past many years.
Not a tour, just a shuttle!!!
Steven G,Sep 12, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00No onboard wifi, no knowledgeable driver. The guy wasn't even Bulgarian, and knew absolutely NOTHING about the place. Better book an actual tour with a guide.
Afternoon trip to Rila Monastery
Asier E,Aug 20, 2024
- Review from Viator
4.00The driver took us to the Rila Monastery mountains with nice driving, however we would have expected better guide type explanations at the site. It was a very short reading of the monastery architecture and religion.
Rila Monastery and Boyana Church
andrewwB6817EB,Mar 9, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent trip well worth while to see outside Sofia. My wife and I were picked up by a great young guide/driver in a yellow taxi and had a great day out.
Great Tour of Rila Monastery
Viking T,Jan 6, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The tour was great! We were happy to join this tour. Flexible time and private also! The guide also speak in english and explain to us. On time and well prepare.
From €49.00
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Operated by Smart Trans Bulgaria