Rila Monastery Morning Half Day tour

Overview

Available languages

English

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‘s Included

WiFi on board

Driver

Air-conditioned vehicle

Food and drinks

Gratuities

Entrance fees

What To Expect

Rila Monastery

We explore the beautiful Rila Monastery.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Rila Monastery Morning Half Day tour

Reviews

4.46

13 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

First of all, we knew...
Sara R,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00
First 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
5.00
This 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
5.00
Our 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
5.00
Due 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
5.00
Amazing, 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
5.00
Amazing 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
5.00
We 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
Perfect for a half day
Harriet T,
Apr 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Perfect for half a day. Vincent was very friendly. Not much more to say still need to type some more characters
Good monastery, but not a pleasant drive
953stephanj,
Mar 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00
The monastery was good. However, the drive there and back was not too pleasant. The driver drove at a high speed (mostly between 130-140kmh). On the way back from Rila to Sofia the driver made an unexpected stop for fuel. This was not too considerate. The vehicle should have been filled beforehand. In Sofia of us also had to ask the driver to put down his cellphone and concentrate on his driving since he nearly bumped into a car next to us. This made the entire experience rather forgettable.
Nice visit
Happiness793936,
Dec 4, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
The driver guide very friendly and friendly, the church outside cheats, the inside is very nice, a shame that you can not take photos... The bad thing was that the weather did not accompany but if you are in Sofia you must go to see this World Heritage place.