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A historic church with a bell tower and domed roof, surrounded by cobblestone streets and mountains. 1
A group of people standing in front of a historic building with domed architecture and stone walls. 2
A group of people in front of a historic building with arches and domes. 3
A group of people standing in front of a historic building with arches and domes. 4
A group of people in front of a historic building with arches and domes. 5

Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Full-Day Tour

By City Tour Ltd.
9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
Free cancellation available
Price is S$29 per adult
See tickets

Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 8h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
  • Multiple languages

Overview

Join an 8.5–10 hour guided group tour to Rila Monastery, with select options also including Boyana Church — please check your chosen option before booking. Enjoy a 40-minute guided tour at Rila Monastery, followed by 2.5 hours of free time for photos, museums, shopping, or lunch. On options that include Boyana Church, admire its stunning 800-year-old frescoes with a brief guided visit.

Note: Women must cover shoulders and knees in the monastery.

Tip: On busy summer weekends, bring lunch from Sofia to save time.

*Boyana Church is closed on Jan 1, Orthodox Easter Sunday, and Dec 24–25. On these dates, the tour visits only Rila Monastery.

This tour offers a perfect mix of cultural heritage, scenic mountain landscapes, and insightful storytelling from your professional English-speaking guide. Transport is provided by a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, and the group size allows for a more personal experience. Ideal for history lovers and nature enthusiasts alike!

Activity location

  • Vasil Levski Monument
    • Just North of Aleksander Nevski Cathedral,
    • Sofia, Bulgaria

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • bul. "Yanko Sakazov" 7
    • 7 bulevard "Yanko Sakazov"
    • 1527, Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria

Check availability

[TR] Self-guided Tour

  • Activity duration is 8 hours8h
    8h
  • English

Self-guided Tour : With this option, you can discover the two UNESCO sites WITHOUT A GUIDE.

Language options: English
Starting time: 9:00
Price details
S$29.42 x 1 AdultS$29.42
Total
Price is S$29.42
Until Mon, 7 Sept

[EN] Guided Tour in English

  • Activity duration is 8 hours8h
    8h
  • English

Guided Tour in English: Enjoy an English-guided visit to both Rila Monastery and Boyana Church.

Language options: English
Starting time: 9:00
Price details
S$36.78 x 1 AdultS$36.78
Total
Price is S$36.78
Until Mon, 7 Sept

[ES] Guided Tour in Spanish

  • Activity duration is 8 hours8h
    8h
  • Spanish

Guided Tour in Spanish : Enjoy a Spanish-guided tour of the Rila Monastery and the Boyana Church.

Language options: Spanish
Starting time: 9:00
Price details
S$36.78 x 1 AdultS$36.78
Total
Price is S$36.78
Until Mon, 7 Sept

[IT] Guided Tour in Italian

  • Activity duration is 8 hours8h
    8h
  • Italian

Guided Tour in Italian: Enjoy a Italian-guided tour of the Rila Monastery and the Boyana Church.

Language options: Italian
Starting time: 9:00
Price details
S$36.78 x 1 AdultS$36.78
Total
Price is S$36.78
Until Mon, 7 Sept

[SG] Smart Audio Guide

  • Activity duration is 8 hours8h
    8h
  • German

Smart Audio Guide: Travel in comfort to Rila Monastery and Boyana Church and discover both sites with an online audio guide (NO LIVE GUIDE).

Starting time: 9:00
Price details
S$36.78 x 1 AdultS$36.78
Total
Price is S$36.78
Until Mon, 7 Sept

[AG] Tour with Audio Guide

  • Activity duration is 8 hours8h
    8h
  • German

Tour with Audio Guide: Travel in comfort to Rila Monastery and Boyana Church and discover both sites with an audio guide (NO LIVE GUIDE).

Starting time: 9:00
Price details
S$51.49 x 1 AdultS$51.49
Total
Price is S$51.49
Until Mon, 7 Sept

Activity itinerary

Vasil Levski Monument

  • 30m
The meeting point for the tour is Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7 at 8:40am . The departure is at 9am. Please be on time!

Rila Monastery

  • 3h
Your day begins with comfortable, air-conditioned transport from Sofia city centre, travelling through green valleys and forested mountain scenery with an international group. Upon arrival at Rila Monastery – the largest and most important Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and one of the country's most visited landmarks – you'll have guided or free time to explore its striking black-and-white arcades, richly coloured frescoes, gold iconostasis and peaceful courtyards. Founded in the 10th century, the monastery sits dramatically among the Rila mountains and offers plenty to see, photograph and learn about. During your free time you can also visit the monastery museum, browse for local souvenirs, or try traditional Bulgarian food such as homemade mekitsi and local yoghurt.

Boyana Church

  • 30m
  • Admission ticket not included
If you have booked an option that includes Boyana Church, your tour continues from Rila Monastery to this UNESCO-listed medieval church, famous worldwide for its exceptionally preserved 13th-century frescoes – considered among the most important examples of medieval European art, and noted for the realism that influenced later Renaissance painting. Entry is time-slotted and visits are limited to small groups in order to protect the fragile artwork, so please allow extra time for queuing.

Vasil Levski Monument

  • 5m
At the end of the tour, the van/bus returns to the same starting point, Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    Vasil Levski Monument
    • Just North of Aleksander Nevski Cathedral,
    • Sofia, Bulgaria

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    bul. "Yanko Sakazov" 7
    • 7 bulevard "Yanko Sakazov"
    • 1527, Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria

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