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
20 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Really great daytrip if you're staying in Sofia.
843felix,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our driver Apostolos drove us to the Monastery early in the morning, before the crowds arrived. He was really forthcoming about talking about Bulgaria, the place and gave great recommendations. Mineral baths are inexpensive and have a really down to earth atmosphere. Great package all in all.
great day trip from Sofia
Growle,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00the day trip was very well organised , the driver/guide Apodollos was great . Rila monastery is well worth a visit and the thermal spa was great too
amazing 👍👍
joshaI5171TF,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.0010 out of 10 experience amazing guides explained everything perfectly and just overall great experience definitely would recommend and would come back and do it all over again🙌
A great guide and a fantastic time well spent.
807beatan,,Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00There weren’t any crowds — we spent a few nice hours in beeautyfull place. Great relax! We highly recommend visiting! We recommend it for everyone!
An nice experience in Rila
Excursion60414334796,,Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Enjoyable despite rainy weather, the driver Apostolos went out of his way to make sure all those on board enjoyed the experience
Pick the baths over the hike!
BlytheR,,Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Apostolos was an excellent guide. A very good driver, kind and personable. We had a lovely drive to Rila Monastery and then spent the afternoon at the mineral baths. You’ll need a swimsuit and flip flops for the baths. Highly recommend!
Excellent day with Apostolos
Pioneer753840,,Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Trip Advisor cancelled my original trip but this trip was offered instead. Apostolos gave us all so much useful information that helped us to make informed decisions and have a great day. The drive was comfortable and safe. He made sure we understood where to go and what to look for. Apostolos had excellent communication throughout the entire day. He was on time and made sure everything went smoothly. He was very nice! Highly recommend any tour with Apostolos. 5 stars for sure.
Highly recommended
sarahhC8681AI,,Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great driver - very informative and lovely scenic drive. Monastery is breathtaking - a must see. Would have liked longer at the monastery compared to spa. Spa was good although nothing historic or amazing (eg compared to roman baths in Bath) but clean, good value and with lots of space and loungers,
Great trip
Sarah W,,Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The monastery in the mountains was amazing to see; definitely worth the visit. The thermal spa was fine, although one of the pools was closed when we visited. The town has some lovely restaurants. Our driver was knowledgeable and safe.
Full-day escape to Rila was great
Heather H,,Sep 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our driver/tour guide Apostolos was terrific! There were 8 of us on the bus, although we broke into two groups after the monastery. (Most went to the Rila seven lakes, but my daughter and I went to the thermal spa town, Sapareva Banya.) Rila Monastery is lovely, and in an alpine setting. We spent about fifty minutes there. In Sapareva Banya, we had an excellent lunch at Golden Chicken, followed by several hours enjoying the baths at Five Elements Hotel. An all- inclusive day pass (indoor and outdoor pools, several hot pools, cold plunge, saunas, steam rooms, flavored water, robe and towels) is 70 BGN per person. Don't forget swimsuits and flip flops.
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Operated by Smart Trans Bulgaria