Rila Monastery In-Depth Tour (Extended Free Time)

Name: Rila Monastery In-Depth Tour (Extended Free Time)
Brand: Viator
Price: 23.49 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (44 reviews)

4.8(44)8 hoursGerman, Russian, English, Italian +2Sofia, Bulgaria

From

$23

Book on Viator

Escape the rush of standard group tours and immerse yourself in Bulgaria’s rich history on this In-Depth Day Trip to the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery. Nestled high in the Rila Mountains, this medieval landmark features breathtaking frescoes, historic architecture, and surrounding alpine beauty.

Why choose this tour? Instead of rushing between multiple sites, this tour is designed for travelers who want Extended Free Time at Rila Monastery. After a guided introduction to the complex, you will have ample, unhurried time to deeply explore the inner museums (optional), take stunning photos, hike nearby nature paths, and enjoy a relaxed local lunch completely at your own pace.

Included

Extended free time to visit the Rila Monastery complex
Professional Live Tour Guide OR Cloud-based Audio Guide App (Service depends on the specific Option)
Driver
Round-trip transport by air-conditioned minibus or coach

Not included

Gratuities
Rila Monastery Museum (Optional; The History Museum, Tower, etc. Entry to the main monastery courtyard and church is free)
Entrance to Boyana Church (This listing does not include Boyana entry. The bus may only stop outside for logistics)
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Choose your option

8 options

Check availability on Viator

What you'll do

Vasil Levski Monument
Just North of Aleksander Nevski Cathedral, Sofia, Bulgaria
Duration: 15 minutes Description: Please arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time to check in and board the coach. Settle into your comfortable seat and enjoy the scenic drive through the Bulgarian countryside. (Note: The bus may make a brief logistical stop at Boyana Church on the way to or from the mountain. If this occurs, entry to the church is strictly excluded for this tour).
Rila Monastery
Rila, Bulgaria
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes - 3 hours. Admission Ticket: Free (Main courtyard & church) Description: Journey deep into the Rila Mountains to explore Bulgaria's largest and most famous UNESCO landmark. If you selected a Live Guide option, you will receive a captivating walking tour explaining the monastery's 1,000-year history. Afterward, enjoy your Extended Free Time. You will have hours to independently explore the main church, visit the historical museums (optional, entry paid locally), take photos, or enjoy a relaxed, traditional lunch at a nearby restaurant without feeling rushed.
3 hours
Vasil Levski Monument
Just North of Aleksander Nevski Cathedral, Sofia, Bulgaria
Relax on the return transfer to Sofia. You will be dropped off at the original morning meeting point. (Please note: Expected return times to Sofia are dynamic and depend heavily on traffic and the day's specific logistical routing

Meeting and pickup

2 locations

Pickup details

The meeting point is next to the Vasil Levski Monument, in front of the Embassy of Slovakia

Good to know

Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities
Not wheelchair accessible or stroller friendly
Comfortable walking shoes recommended
Boyana church will NOT be visited on the following days: 1st of January (the tour starts at 11 AM on that day only); The day of Orthodox Easter; 24th and 25th December.
Dress Code: Rila Monastery is an active religious site. Shoulders and knees MUST be covered for both men and women.