Rila Monastery Morning 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
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
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
We explore the beautiful Rila Monastery.
What‘s Included
WiFi on board
Driver
Air-conditioned vehicle
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Entrance fees
Options
Rila Monastery Morning Half Day tour
Reviews
16 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The taxi driver the best
Yaiza C,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Essential to go, it is very nice, it is worth it! Besides our driver was very nice and explained many things about Bulgaria and the monastery.
Rila
Sonya G,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing informative and thoroughly enjoyable tour, monastery was beautiful and then the blueberry wine from locals so tasty. Morgan was a wealth of knowledge and inspiration!
Amazing
Sofia G,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The experience was unbeatable. The driver couldn't have been better. He told us a lot about the history of Sofia and Bulgaria in general; he was clearly a very cultured person. He was incredibly kind and attentive to us, he adapted to our needs. I don't usually leave reviews, but this time he 100% deserves it.
First of all, we knew...
Sara R,Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00First of all, we knew only in the evening that the trip was cancelled and had changed. However, we were available for the whole day on sunday so they asked us if we were up for the same trip with an addition at no cost, which was nice but we were lucky we were available for whole day. The driver was quite rude and looked like he didn’t care about the trip; a lady asked for coffe and he kicked her out of the van. On top, he did not come in the mountains to do the hike and part of the goup and myself got lost and started paniking but he just sayd follow google maps that he could come up and help. Fortunately after a while i found the path again, but it was so scary. Time and pick up were respected, but not the best experience overall.
Great experience
Gerhard B,Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This should definitely be visited when you are in Sofia. Very worth seeing in the middle of the mountains😉
A Fabulous late afternoon experience Rila Monastery
Lisa C,Sep 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our leader was Nikolay on the 1/2 day trip from Sofia to the Rila Monastery. I cannot say enought about what a great and knowledgeable tour guide he was. It was a small group (7) in a van. We were on the 3:30 PM, so when we arrived, we had the place to ourselves; there were zero tour buses there. He also took great photos for us. He talked the perfect amount and pointed out areas of interest. Highly recommend this experience! And the Monastery cannot be missed.
Half-Day Tour to Rila Monastery
Gennadiy D,Aug 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Due to lack of time we had decided for the half-day tour to Rila monastery. Our expectations were not disappointed.
Amazing!
680amayag,May 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing, Vicent was our guide and we had an amazing time thanks to him, absolutely amazing views in the car ride and Vincent was super attentive with everything, gave us recommendations and great talk!! Would absolutely go back to bulgaria and take this tour again with a bit more time
Amazing
Denise J,May 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing trip from start to finish. The Rila monastery was beautiful. Vincent our tour guide was brilliant and full of knowledge
Half Day Rila Monastery Trip
Milind S,Apr 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We selected this tour as we had limited time to do anything else that day due to evening return flight . Had a great time with Guide Vincent - He was very professional , enthusiastic and punctual. We were very lucky to spot Storks on the way ( Again thanks toVincent who knew where to look out for them ) . Storks come in specific time of the year . Rila Monastery is very good
From €49.00
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