Rila Monastery and Hot Mineral Bath Spa Complex Tour
Overview
Available languages
11 hours
Mobile ticket
It's probably the best combination you can do for a tour outside of Sofia, where you will be able to see both Rila Monastery and after that enjoy the magical healing power of our hot Mineral baths high up in the mountain in the same day. Our driver will first take you to Rila Monastery and you will have about an hour to explore it. Then he will take you to the mineral bath spa complex where you will have time to relax with the majestic views of the Rila Mountain in front of your eyes, while you are in the hot mineral water. Don't forget your swimsuits, towels, flip-flops.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
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
The most beautiful, biggest and oldest monastery in Eastern Europe dating back to 10th century, in the heart of the Rila Mountain.
Sapareva Banya
The capital of Mineral Baths in Bulgaria - Sapareva Banya. We will visit a nice hot mineral bath complex there. The entrance to the spa is not included - its around 30 leva / 15 euro.
What‘s Included
WiFi on board
Driver
Air-conditioned vehicle
Lunch
Gratuities
The entrance to the spa complex - around 30 leva / 15 euro
Options
Rila Monastery and Hot Mineral Bath Spa Complex Tour
Reviews
32 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Very nice trip
557dariop,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00All very nice, both the monastery and the spa. The guides were very helpful and even helped us solve a personal problem by speaking Bulgarian with the host
Nice monastery prima Spa
Antoinette B,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The drive to the monastery takes over 1.5 hours is really worth the drive to the spa again 1.15 hours and the Spa was fine nice and warm but not everything was full of water about 35% not. And for what we're used to, it's a little more primitive. Mobiles are allowed and smoking is still allowed in Bulgaria.
Wonderful relaxing day
anonymousP797FR,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great day. Apostolos was a very safe driver and ensured that we had assistance with details such as knowing where less crowded restrooms could be located, ensuring that we had entry to the spa complex when we arrived, and pointing out interesting cultural details about the return of spring to Bulgaria. On the way to the monastery we we even stopped at a small cafe to have a quick coffee, which really helped with making the day feel like a complete experience at a relaxing pace while still having plenty of time at the intended stops. After the tour he sent us recommendations for food, drinks, etc. that were based on our conversations during the tour. I highly recommend this tour.
Perfect.
turlequea,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Everything went very well, Apostolos was really very nice and gave us a lot of information about the monastery of Rila.
Very nice.
807christellec,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our apostolos guide was very kind because as the only French it was not easy to understand everything...he was kind
Nice but more expensive in the end
Paula R,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Apostolos, our driver, was very nice. Everything was punctual and the day developed as described. The monastery is beautiful and the spa very complete and relaxing. Thank you for a wonderful day! My 3 stars are due to the price of the spa. Be aware that the price of the spa on the weekends is not the one announced in the description. To enter the inner and outer pools with bathrobe rental costs 51 euros per person. The cheapest entrance was 30 euros just for the outer pools and no bathrobe. You need to leave 20 euros deposit in cash at the entrance for locker key and bracelet. This should be corrected because the price in the end is higher than expected.
To do, no doubt possible
chantal1962,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The monastery of Rila was magical under the snow, the hot baths, a real delight. And our friendly companion gave us a lot of interesting information about the history of the Monastery and that of Bulgaria, making the road shorter.
Disappointed - Tickets were for transport only and didn't get any time at the beautiful monastery
mariefJ6283IW,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00Wish this would have been advertised as transport only. Tour guide didn't give us any information on the place, no history of the country or region. Didn't engage with us at all. It was just a trip to and from. Had I known that I wouldn't have paid €50 for the bus and an additional €20 for the spa entry, I would have just rented my own car. Only spent 45 minutes at the monastery but wasted 5 hours in a small town with nothing to do.
Beautiful place
jimmanon,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very nice building, atypical, in a nice setting, that is to see. And the church is really beautiful. Free entrance for the outside visit.
Really nice to tour!
67eliner,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We had a really great day. Booked this trip very last minute but everything worked out very well. They make sure you will get the best out of your day.
From €59.00
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Operated by Smart Trans Bulgaria