Rila Monastery & Thermae Full-Day Tour from Sofia
Overview
Available languages
9 hours
Mobile ticket
The healing powers of Bulgaria's mineral springs, close to the only Gaiser on the Balkans within a day from Sofia and water heated by the Earth's core, popping out to 103 above ground. Rila Monastery is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria.
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
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
Options
Rila Monastery & Thermal Spa
Rila & Thermae Pick up
The price includes pick up/drop off from your hotel, transportation, English speakig guide/driver, parking fees.
Reviews
35 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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
An appointment not to be missed
Luca M,Sep 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The guide is very sweet and very prepared, arrived at the monastery the guide told us in great detail about the frescoes outside the church and inside the church, explained many details of the Orthodox religion, Then we went to relax in the thermal waters. The monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, not to be missed. The two-hour bus ride is worth the effort, mostly by highway
Rila and Spa
dunjao64,Aug 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was great😊. The monastery is beautiful and the spa is great, the water is warm and clean . Our driver Stefan was really nice and helpful. He even got back to the spa when I realized I had forgotten my earrings after a few kilometers. I recommend this trip😍🇧🇬👍
Rila monastery plus Spa experience
Gerardo B,Jul 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very nice experience to Rila Monastery from Sofia and a relaxing spa experience afterwards. This is a full day trip starting at 9am ending at 530pm.
From €36.00
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Operated by V Travel Ltd.