Overview
Available languages
9 hours
Mobile ticket
Guided Tour (English) and free online audio-guides in Eg, Fr, Sp, It, Ger, Rus. Rila Monastery UNESCO site and the healing powers of Bulgaria's mineral springs in a relaxing spa!
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Knees and shoulders need to be covered during the Monastery visit
Entrance fees for thermal complex not included and varies between 15 and 25 € per person
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Not recommended for people with health/hearth problems due to warm water
What To Expect
Rila Monastery
Rila Monastery -The Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. 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 must-visit tourist attraction for both Bulgarians and foreign visitors. It was built at its present place in the 14th century. The oldest buildings in the complex date from this period - the Tower of Hrelyu (1334–1335) and a small church just next to it (1343). However, the arrival of the Ottomans in the end of the 14th century was followed by numerous raids and a destruction of the monastery in the middle of the 15th century. The monastery complex, regarded as one of the most impressive masterpieces of Bulgarian National Revival architecture, was declared a national historical monument in 1976 and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
Rila
Rila National Park is the highest and most beautiful mountain on the Balkan penisula with its 2925 m. high peak Musala and beautiful forest, rivers, waterfalls and meadows.
Options
Rila & Thermae Pick up
The price includes pick up/drop off from your hotel, transportation, English speakig guide/driver, parking fees.
Rila & Thermae in Italian
Italian Live Guide: The tour is in Italian.
Budget Rila Monastery and Spa
Self-guided tour w/audio guide: On a budget: visit Rila Monastery & thermal pools (optional, extra entrance fees) with a audio in Eg, Fr, De, Rus, It, Sp.
Rila Monastery & Thermal Spa
Guided Tour (English): Live guide (English) and free online audio guide in Eg, Fr, Sp, It, Ger, Rus (smartphone and internet required) from meeting.
What‘s Included
English speaking driver or guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
Online audio-guide in Eg, Fr, Sp, It, De, Rus (use with your smartphone & earphones)
Food and drinks, unless specified
All Fees and Taxes
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
38 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Not a great experience.....
S8349VQyvonnem,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00Viewing the monastery is worthwhile BUT on this tour we were all crammed on to an old and dirty mini bus which had graffiti on the back of at least one headrest. My seat was broken and the general condition was very poor. The monastery is impressive and there are options to get food and drinks . The Thermae is just a series of swimming pools - nice on a hot day
Stefan was the perfect...
Marie B,May 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Stefan was the perfect guide. He had a wealth of knowledge about the the path to Rila Monastery and Thermae Spa. And pointing out the stork nests. The tour company were amazingly efficient providing excellent information. The meeting point was very clear. Stefan provided a description of Rila Monastery and then let us explore with several times pointing out amazing things that I would have missed. The audio guide was excellent. The Thermae Spa was wonderful. And clean. There a cool, warm and very warm pools. Fortunately with both the Monastery and the Spa it was not crowded. A perfect day.
Excellent experience
LAURA D,May 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a beautiful blend of culture and relaxation. The Rila Mountains and the monastery are magnificent and unique. The thermal baths punctuate this day with relaxation and a view of the mountains—top notch!
Perfect
khadijaj335,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A unique experience. The monastery was even more beautiful than I imagined, and the spa was very relaxing. The timing was perfectly planned. It was a rainy day, so it was ideal to spend it on an excursion and keep the sunny days for exploring Sofia and taking pictures. We also had Yvan as our guide, who was really great, knowledgeable, and easy to follow.
Adventure for a day
Nicola S,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a great trip, please bear in mind that when they say a full day they mean it. I have been on other trips where you are collected at 9 and you return around 4pm. We got back to our drop off point at around 7pm which was great as we really had a full day's experience. The monastery was beautiful and the guide was very knowledgeable. We stopped for lunch which is optional, as long as all the group agree. The food was delicious and good value. The spa was a wonderful experience. Don't forget your flip flops and towel!
Great value and great fun
Julia L,Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00There is quite a lot of driving to each venue. The scenery as we came home was magnificent (unfortunately, horrendous weather in the morning so our window was steamed up). The monastery was great - and enough time to enjoy fresh donuts as well as interesting architecture. We loved the thermal bath - it was just what we needed after travelling to Bulgaria the day before.
My favorite part was the hot springs was relaxing and not busy at all
perlyr2023,Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was great plenty of time in both locations to do your own things. The monastery is pretty but small so one hour was plenty enough.
Council
Enrick A,Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Ivan really a good person, very nice tour that made me spend a different day during my stay in Sofia
A beautiful experience in Bulgaria.
johntP3130AR,Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Tour was excellent. The monastery is beautiful although I would have liked to spend more time there. Finally the thermal water pools were very relaxing and had several temperatures to be able to choose the one you like the most. The trip was great and our guide very friendly and polite, did his best to make the trip much more enjoyable. Experience of 10!.
Great place
Eyal A,Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00Great place. Just need to Improve the restaurant on site. Limited selection. There were no trash cans outside the restaurant
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