Private Tour
Rila Monastery and Boiana church private tour
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
You have the chance to visit two UNESCO world heritage sites in one day- Boyana church and Rila Monastery.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Specialized infant seats are available
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 is the biggest active male orthodox monastery in Bulgaria, founded by the first Bulgarian hermit- Saint Ivan Rilski in the 10th century. After the big fire in 1833 the monastery was rebuilt anew, the only building which remained from the old monastery is the defense tower. In the Monastery you will have the chance to visit: The Church “Birth of the Holly Virgin” with the relics of Saint John of Rila (Ivan Rilski), the coffin of Tsar Boris III, the monastery kitchen /called Magernitsa/, Hrelyo’s defence tower, history and monastery economy museum. Visit to Saint Yoan’s Cave possible only in good weather.
Boyana Church
Boyana church and its beautiful frescos.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Bottled water
WiFi on board
Air-conditioned vehicle
Boyana church entry ticket- 12 lv (6 euro) per person
Lunch
Gratuities
Rila Monastery museums- History museum, Monastery ecconomy museum, Hrelyo defense tower
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Rila Monastery and Boiana chur
Walk to St. John's cave: Stop at at antique museum
Duration: 1 hour
Pickup included
Reviews
23 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Nice day out to see Boyana Church and Rila Monastery
Kristen W,Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We really enjoyed our day trip to visit Boyana Church and Rila Monastery. Boyana Church is really small, but it is interesting to see the layers of painting inside the church. Plus, the setting is very pretty. Rila Monastery is a can't miss site in Bulgaria. The setting is stunning as is the painted church. Both the interior and exterior are covered in paintings. We also stopped for a very nice lunch- overall it was the perfect way to spend a day.
Vladi made it possible!
Ana S,Oct 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We were a party of 7 and it was a last minute booking. We could not get entrance tickets to Boyana Church but Vladi made it happen! Very resourceful and creative in how he made it happen. Rila Monastery was also a sight to behold. Excellent day handled beautifully!
Day Trip to Boyana Church and Rila Monastery
Jamie P,Oct 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was very interesting and enjoyable. It was a full day from Sofia, but very well organized and efficient. I got to see a lot of the countryside and learn a great deal about Bulgarian history and culture. The two sites (Boyana Church and Rila Monastery) were interesting to visit and we had a nice Bulgarian lunch on the way back to Sofia. Vlady did a wonderful job explaining everything to me and was very friendly and professional. A terrific experience.
Beautiful memories made !
asha542,Aug 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was an amazing trip to the Rila Monastery! Vladi was amazing as a guide and driver ! He was kind & informative ! He was very knowledgeable ! We had an amazing experience!
Outstanding must do day trip from Sofia
Ram M,Jun 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Memorable day at awesome UNESCO world heritage site… absolutely stunning, beautiful, historic, cultural experience in a serene peaceful gorgeous setting. Many thanks to our excellent guide Vladi who made the overall experience memorable with his deep knowledge, insights and kindness. Vladi took us to a beautiful restaurant by the river for an outstanding traditional lunch. Highly recommended … a must do .. if you are visiting Bulgaria.
Beautiful stop
Sue S,May 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The drive to the monastery was beautiful. The monastery itself offers many things to see. The museum is worth the small extra charge. Our guide/driver was fantastic!
Good
stefania a,Apr 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00the experience went well. Our driver Rusha was friendly and helpful. the monastery and the boyan church are definitely worth seeing.
Excellent experience - thanks Vladi
MARK H,Apr 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Comfortable private ride, professional service and a very friendly and knowledgable driver. Highly recommend!
Amazing tour with the best guide - Vladi
Federico M,Nov 30, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Vladi (I hope I’m spelling his name correctly) was incredibly good. Starting with his flexibility- I only had 1 afternoon to do this tour, and he accommodated my schedule. It was just me on this tour, so I certainly got all of his attention. He’s extremely knowledgeable and was great at pointing out all the historical facts. The tour to Rila Monastery and Boyana Church couldn’t have been better! Thanks so much!
Fantastic Tour
Koko063,Oct 18, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide/driver Vlad was excellent. He was punctual, polite, informative, discreet, fluent in English and a good driver. He told us not only interesting things about the sights we were visiting, but also a lot about Bulgaria. At our request, he took us to a lovely quiet restaurant by the river for lunch that served tasty food. We enjoyed the tour very much. We would definitely ask for Vlad again if we want to plan another private car tour in Bulgaria.
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