Bulgaria · RILA MONASTERY TOURS

Rila Monastery Tours: The 15 Best Trips from Sofia

33 tours  ·  from $11

The monastery is two hours south and every operator leaves at eight, so the choice is what gets added on the way back. The 15 below compare the Boyana pairing, the Seven Lakes long day and the self-guided shuttle, with prices and the hour you get home.

Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Full-Day Tour - The morning departure from central Sofia
Boyana Church Tours, Full-Day, Monastery Tours, Rila Monastery Tours, Sofia Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Full-Day Tour

1.Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Full-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 918 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $24Our pick

Travel from central Sofia to Rila Monastery and UNESCO-listed Boyana Church in about eight hours. Expect an English-speaking guide or driver-guide, a 40-minute monastery tour, free time for lunch and museums, and only 10 minutes inside Boyana Church. Bring cash, food, and clothing that covers shoulders and knees.

“Excellent guide Maria Well organised Rila Monastery is an amazing place unlike anything I’ve seen before Try something from the bakery Would recommend a visit”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Sofia: Rila Monastery & Boyana Church Day Tour - Boyana Church and its early Renaissance-style frescoes
Boyana Church Tours, Monastery Tours, Rila Monastery Tours, Sofia Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

From Sofia: Rila Monastery & Boyana Church Day Tour

2.From Sofia: Rila Monastery & Boyana Church Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 866 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $24

Travel by air-conditioned minibus from central Sofia to Boyana Church and Rila Monastery. You’ll see medieval frescoes, carved icons, mountain scenery, and have free time to explore. Guides such as Lubo and Liubomir are often praised for clear historical commentary. Boyana Church and the monastery museum cost extra.

“We had a good time travelling with Maksim who was a professional and knowledgeable tourguide. We learned a lot from him”

Check availability →Read our full review

Rila Monastery and 7 Rila Lakes Self-Guided Shared Trip from Sofia - Reaching the Seven Rila Lakes by chairlift
Monastery Tours, Rila Monastery Tours, Self-Guided Tours, Seven Rila Lakes Tours, Sofia Tours, Tour Reviews

Rila Monastery and 7 Rila Lakes Self-Guided Shared Trip from Sofia

3.Rila Monastery and 7 Rila Lakes Self-Guided Shared Trip from Sofia

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 280 reviews · 13 hours (approx.) · from $54Top rated

Join Philip and a shared minivan from central Sofia for a long but rewarding day in the Rila Mountains. You’ll ride the chairlift, hike the Seven Rila Lakes at your own pace, then visit Rila Monastery. The walk is unguided, but maps, route advice, timing help, and WhatsApp support keep the day on track.

“The entire day is incredible! The guide was informative, friendly, spoke great English and had a good sense of humour! The seven lakes was beautiful, not to challenging at all and finished within a few hours! But you need to do this hike, it’s stunning! The monastery was so rich in history as well, very stunning and a special place to visit”

Check availability →Read our full review

7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Tour - The Seven Rila Lakes: beautiful, physical, and weather dependent
Monastery Tours, Rila Monastery Tours, Seven Rila Lakes Tours, Sofia Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Tour

4.7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 165 reviews · 10 to 11 hours (approx.) · from $71

Spend a full day from Sofia visiting the peaceful Rila Monastery and hiking toward the Seven Rila Lakes. Guides such as Alexander, Apostolos, and Stoyan have driven this route, but the mountain section is largely self-guided. The lift costs €15 extra, and snow, mud, storms, or poor visibility can change the plan.

“An overall great experience..!! A day away from the city and close to nature. A beautiful monastery in a green landscape. As for the 7 lakes, it's a stunning scenery with breathtaking views. It is recommended for everyone to visit it, either take the short route with fewer lakes or the long one with all 7 lakes.”

Check availability →Read our full review

The Seven Rila Lakes & Rila Monastery - The 7:00 departure from central Sofia
Monastery Tours, Rila Monastery Tours, Seven Rila Lakes Tours, Sofia Tours, Tour Reviews

The Seven Rila Lakes & Rila Monastery

5.The Seven Rila Lakes & Rila Monastery

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 109 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $54

Spend about 12 hours pairing a mountain hike with Bulgaria’s grandest monastery. Ride the chairlift to the Seven Rila Lakes, hike as far as your fitness and weather allow, then tour Rila Monastery with an English-speaking guide such as Maya, Todor, Peter, or Megi. Bring cash, food, waterproof shoes, and a warm layer.

“Well worth it , we were lucky with pleasant weather perfect for the hike.... A very well organised trip, started bang on time. Make sure you have enough cash(no cards accepted) , packed lunch and drinks. We visited the Rila monastery first and then headed to the Rila lakes which was ideal for us as being the last Monday of the Month the cable chair lift was on maintenance. The jeep journey to replace the cable chair lift was rather an adventurous one, especially for our teen daughter who enjoyed it the most. We were a small group and literally had the mountain for ourselves. Could only do the 5…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Private Day Trip to Boyana Church and Rila Monastery - The drive from Sofia to the monastery
1-Day Tours, Boyana Church Tours, Monastery Tours, Private, Rila Monastery Tours, Sofia Tours, Tour Reviews

Private Day Trip to Boyana Church and Rila Monastery

6.Private Day Trip to Boyana Church and Rila Monastery

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 108 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $193

Travel from Sofia to Rila Monastery and Boyana Church in a private, air-conditioned car with an English-speaking driver-guide. Explore medieval frescoes, a monk’s room, monastery treasures, and a UNESCO site. Guides such as Alexander, Maria, Julian, Nikola, and Iwan have led this trip, though assignments vary.

“Julian was our guide for the day. He was very informative and brought his own story to the places we visited. Beautiful day. Highly recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Plovdiv and Rila Monastery tour in one day - Plovdiv Old Town in about three hours
1-Day Tours, Monastery Tours, Rila Monastery Tours, Sofia Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Plovdiv and Rila Monastery tour in one day

7.Plovdiv and Rila Monastery tour in one day

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 87 reviews · 10 to 11 hours (approx.) · from $119

This 10 to 11-hour trip pairs Plovdiv’s Old Town with Rila Monastery from Sofia. You travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi, usually in a group capped at six, though the Plovdiv walk may join a much larger free tour. Guides such as Apostolos, Alexander, and Tony have led recent departures.

“We enjoyed Plovdiv and the Rila Monastry. Both are must sees when you are in Bulgaria. In retrospect we don't find the combination of these two tours in one day convenient because there is too little time to look around, no time for lunch, and you are in a van for a total of 8 hours. Tip not to join the hike in Plovdiv because you will not see everythingAuto-translated”

Check availability →Read our full review

Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Shuttle Tour - Boyana Church and its short, precious viewing time
Boyana Church Tours, Monastery Tours, Rila Monastery Tours, Sofia Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Shuttle Tour

8.Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Shuttle Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 69 reviews · 8 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $42

Travel from central Sofia by air-conditioned minivan to Rila Monastery and Boyana Church. An English-speaking guide, such as Adrian, Hristo, or Lubo, explains the art, faith, and Bulgarian history behind both sites. Plan for a long day, a separate Boyana entrance fee, and modest clothing for these places of worship.

“Rita monastery is excellent. But traffic is a headache, especially during this hot season.”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Plovdiv Day Trip - Rila Monastery and the Rila Mountains
1-Day Tours, Monastery Tours, Rila Monastery Tours, Sofia Tours, Tour Reviews

From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Plovdiv Day Trip

9.From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Plovdiv Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 52 reviews · 12 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $71

Leave central Sofia for UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery and historic Plovdiv on a 12.5-hour shared minibus trip. Host Philip handles timing, directions, maps, and useful tips while you explore independently. Expect about 6 to 7 hours on the road, early departure, free time at both stops, and a maximum group of 15.

“Tutti momenti molto belli. Organizzazione perfetta. Il monastero è magico e la cittadina di Plovdiv molto suggestiva”

Check availability →Read our full review

Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Self-Guided Day Trip from Sofia - The mountain road to Rila Monastery
1-Day Tours, Boyana Church Tours, Monastery Tours, Rila Monastery Tours, Self-Guided Tours, Sofia Tours, Tour Reviews

Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Self-Guided Day Trip from Sofia

10.Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Self-Guided Day Trip from Sofia

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 41 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $36

Leave central Sofia at 9:00 for Boyana Church’s remarkable 13th-century frescoes, then continue to Rila Monastery in the mountains. You get air-conditioned minivan transport, parking, and an online audio guide, while the driver handles the road. Allow extra money for Boyana Church and the Monastery Museum.

“So worth taking this tour to see the Boyana Church with its fabulous frescoes, and then on to the amazing Rila Monastery. Although the tour was self-guided, our driver Lubo was happy to answer questions and pass on interesting information. A good day out, and I thoroughly recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Rila Monastery & Thermae Full-Day Tour from Sofia - The road from Sofia to the Rila Mountains
Full-Day, Monastery Tours, Rila Monastery Tours, Sofia Tours, Spa & Hot Springs, Spa and Thermal Baths in Sofia, Tour Reviews, Tours

Rila Monastery & Thermae Full-Day Tour from Sofia

11.Rila Monastery & Thermae Full-Day Tour from Sofia

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 34 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $43

Travel from Sofia to Rila Monastery with an English-speaking guide such as Georgi or Ivan, hear the story behind Bulgaria’s great Orthodox sanctuary, then relax at Aqua Club Kotvata’s indoor and outdoor mineral pools. The $43.25 price covers transport and guiding, but lunch, spa entry, towels, and lockers cost extra.

“Very 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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Rila Monastery and St. Ivan Cave History & Nature Trip from Sofia - Two hours inside Bulgaria’s best-known monastery
Cave Tours, Historical Tours, Monastery Tours, Rila Monastery Tours, Sofia Tours, Tour Reviews

Rila Monastery and St. Ivan Cave History & Nature Trip from Sofia

12.Rila Monastery and St. Ivan Cave History & Nature Trip from Sofia

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 25 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $24

Spend about eight hours traveling from Sofia to Rila Monastery, one of Bulgaria’s most important religious sites, then walk through the forest to St. Ivan of Rila’s cave and holy spring. An English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transport, parking, and a cloud-based audio guide are included. Wear shoes with good grip.

“Wonderful tour from the organization to the tour guide, would recommend and hope to have the opportunity to book another trip again. Anthony was a great guide, friendly, kind, gave a very good description of the important points to see, good sense of humor. The driver was amazing driving very safely too.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Rila Monastery Afternoon Half Day tour - The long mountain drive
Half-Day, Monastery Tours, Rila Monastery Tours, Sofia Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Rila Monastery Afternoon Half Day tour

13.Rila Monastery Afternoon Half Day tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 24 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $59

Leave central Sofia at 3:30 pm for Rila Monastery in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver. Expect about 90 minutes to 2.5 hours each way, roughly two hours at the monastery, and return to Sofia in the evening. Guides such as Dennis and Apostolos have provided friendly commentary and flexible help on site.

“Noi abbiamo fatto solo il tour del Monastero, ma l'agenzia organizza anche tour di una giornata intera che prevede anche i 7 laghi. Se si sceglie di fare solo il monastero si passa molto tempo in auto (circa 5 ore tra andata e ritorno). La vista al monastero dura un'ora ,ma è davvero molto bello! La guida è stata cordiale e molto disponibile.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Rila Monastery and Boiana church private tour - Rila Monastery: Bulgaria’s grand mountain stop
Boyana Church Tours, Monastery Tours, Private, Rila Monastery Tours, Sofia Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Rila Monastery and Boiana church private tour

14.Rila Monastery and Boiana church private tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 23 reviews · 6 to 9 hours (approx.) · from $120

Travel privately from Sofia to Boyana Church and Rila Monastery in an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi and bottled water. Guides such as Vladi, Vlady, Rusha, and Philip provide flexible timing and clear historical context. Expect six to nine hours, a mountain drive, a small church with limited entry, and optional museum visits.

“What a terrific trip. A combination of wonderful culture and a foray into the beautiful countryside. Philip my guide was a great companion. He was very knowledgeable about the various elements of the day and extremely flexible. Would highly reccomend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Small Group Tour to Rila Monastery and Boyana Church - The mountain road to Rila Monastery
Boyana Church Tours, Monastery Tours, Rila Monastery Tours, Sofia Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Small Group Tour to Rila Monastery and Boyana Church

15.Small Group Tour to Rila Monastery and Boyana Church

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $108

Travel from Sofia to two UNESCO sites with a professional English-speaking guide. You’ll see Rila Monastery, its gilded iconostasis, and Boyana Church’s 13th-century frescoes. Guides such as Ilian, Daniel, Maria, Todo, Adrian, and Lubo have led this small-group trip, which includes transport, hotel pickup, and admission.

“Good tour but our guide decided to do their own thing and take us on a hike to see a cave. Not great for those with walking difficulties. This delayed everything. No lunch until 4pm. Did not return to hotel until after 7pm. Long day. Also we should have had a coach. We ended up on a school bus with no air conditioning. However, the mountains were beautiful.”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Rila Monastery Tours

★ 5.0Unique experience to sleep in Rila MonasteryFrom $866 reviews
★ 5.0Rila Monastery and hiking to the Stob Pyramids- Private Day Trip from SofiaFrom $1895 reviews
★ 4.0Rila Monastery and Wine Tasting TourFrom $2039 reviews
★ 5.0Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Day Trip in ItalianFrom $284 reviews
★ 5.0Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Eco Private TourFrom $1383 reviews
★ 4.5Rila Monastery Private TourFrom $1263 reviews
★ 4.0Rafting Tour & Rila Monastery visit from SofiaFrom $384 reviews
★ 5.0Rila Monastery Bike Tour from SofiaFrom $1786 reviews
★ 5.0Incredible Day tour from Sofia to 7 Rila lakes and Rila monasteryFrom $15610 reviews
★ 5.0Luxury Day Trip to Boyana Church and Rila MonasteryFrom $3087 reviews
★ 5.0Seven Rila lakes to Rila monastery guided TrekFrom $3353 reviews
★ 5.0Rila Monastery and Melnik, Day Tour from Sofia with PickupFrom $1016 reviews

Keep browsing

Monastery Tours49Boyana Church Tours14Bachkovo Monastery Tours10Historical Tours9Castles and Fortresses15Thracian Heritage Tours5
Scroll to Top

Explore Bulgaria

Pick a mountain, a monastery or a table.

Monasteries

Rila MonasteryBoyana ChurchBachkovoEvery Monastery DayHistory Tours

The mountains

Seven Rila LakesHiking DaysVitoshaWaterfallsCaves

On snow

SkiingSki HireLessonsSnowshoe DaysWinter Days Out

Table and water

Food and DrinkWine TastingsThermal BathsBoat TripsMuseum Tickets