Rila Monastery and Wine Tasting Tour
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
Rila Monastery private tour will take you to Bulgaria's most important and visited historical site and even more - Bulgaria's most visited UNESCO place, the 14th century defensive tower and a local wine cellar. Enjoy the wonderful frescoes from 19th century, representing the achievement of the Bulgarian Revival painting school, feel the amazing spirit of the largest monastery in the country, surrounded by the indescribable beauty of Rila mountain. In the afternoon we will visit a special winery where you will try 3 different wines.
Additional Info
Specialized infant seats are available
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended this tour does involve a moderate amount of walking
Minimum age is 2 years
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Rila Mountains
The highest Balkan peninsula mountain!
Rila Monastery
Rila Monastery visit
What‘s Included
Professional guide
Private tour
Wine tasting
Driver/guide
Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Hotel/port pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Private day tour
5 wines tasting with snacks
Inclusions:: transfer to/from your hotel/accommodation in Sofia, guide in English, parking fees, entrance fees. Meals and personal expenses are not included.
Pickup included
Reviews
9 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Culture and wine
Vijay P,,Mar 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00If you're looking for a perfect blend of history, culture, and wine, this day trip to Rila Monastery and Medi Valley Winery is an absolute must! Our guide, Georgi, made the experience truly exceptional with his deep knowledge, professionalism, and warm personality.
Unreliable service provider
508nadezhdam,,Sep 11, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00The trip was canceled last moment although it was booked well in advance. The operator excused themselves with the grape picking season :o. "Because it was the grape picking season the winery they partnered with could not offer the wine tasting." :-0. As if grape picking happened by surprise and could not be planned accordingly. Or the one hour wine tasting would jeopardise the whole harvesting. No other options were offered to compensate for the inconvenience. Unreliable service provider.
Would Recommend
FellowTraveler623488,,Nov 6, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The monastery is truly a must see, one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited. Ivan was a brilliant tour guide who was very passionate about the monastery and had a lot of knowledge about Bulgarian wine. Would recommend to anyone
Great Trip
JehanCarew,,Feb 28, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a place not to be missed. It has a certain about of charm and the artistry on the wall is immense/ strikingly beautiful. We went to the Rila Monastery and the Boyana trip for as the wine tasting tour is out of season at the moment. Michael the tour guide looked after us and explained the history of the place. We went in February and it even snowed. They also stop for lunch at a quaint restaurant that had a fire. Try the fresh trout if you like fish. Definitely a lovely trip to go on.
Rila and Wine tasting review
Sherri D,,Jun 4, 2019
- Review from Viator
5.00My friend and I had a great trip to the Rila Monastery and Wine Tasting. Our guide Victor was excellent and gave us much information about the Monastery that we would have never known had we gone on our own. We had a nice lunch in a cozy restaurant where Victor continued to share personal stories of the Bulgarian history with us, which was all very eye opening. The winery part was good, perhaps a little rushed, but the wine was excellent. I highly recommend this tour for a personalized experience with loads of information. It was a great combination of sightseeing, walking and relaxation.
Historical and educational
Ebonnie M,,May 28, 2018
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The monastery was very picturesque against the mountain backdrop. The paintings on the wall of the church, both inside and outside, were very historical and educational, which makes the visit very interesting. Although the travel time was long, more than 2 hours, but it was well worth it. The wine tasting after the monastery visit was an added plus, a needed break from the bus travel. The sommelier was very knowledgeable and the wine offered for tasting was of very good quality.
Visit to recommend
Christiane M,,May 1, 2018
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Very nice site, very nice and competent guide. Wine tasting ok without more The tour starts at 9:00 am and lasts until about 5:30 pm.
I really enjoyed this tour. It was...
Danielle F,,Dec 12, 2017
- Review from Viator
5.00I really enjoyed this tour. It was me, my husband and the guide. This is a nice side tour when visiting Sofia. It gets you out of the city and you are able to explore more of Bulgaria. The Monastery was beautiful and our guide was able to explain things to us that I would have missed otherwise if I went on my own. We also had time on our own to explore. After the monastery we went to a winery, had a tour and got to taste several wines...they were tasty so we brought some home with us as a souvenir won't last long.
Good tour and wine tasting excellent...
philip m,,May 19, 2016
- Review from Viator
3.00Good tour and wine tasting excellent. Poor value for money.
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Operated by V Travel Ltd.