Ivan Rila

Discover two of Bulgaria’s UNESCO World Heritage gems on this day trip from Sofia. Traveling by minibus, admire rural Bulgaria on route to the Rila Monastery in the pine-carpeted Rila Mountains. Take a guided tour of the medieval treasure with its fresco-coated church, and visit its fascinating museum. Then, after time to explore independently, continue to Boyana Church, near Sofia, to marvel at its spectacular pre-Renaissance frescoes. Entrance fees not included. Important: As of November 2024, Boyana Church now does not take reservations in advance, so we can not guarantee all visits. If entry is unavailable on your booked day, you will be able to visit St. Ivan's Cave at Rila Monastery as an alternative.

IMPORTANT: Entrance in the monastery is only allowed with covered shoulders and covered knees. So please make sure you have appropriate clothes. Often called the 8th wonder of the world, the Seven Rila lakes are legendary for their beauty and awesomeness. They are one of the most visited natural sites of Bulgaria. We combine them with a visit to the 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. The tour starts at 08:00 and finishes around 19:00. The driver will pick you up, will take you to the Monastery and will show you around. After that he will take you to the lift to the 7 Rila Lakes, you will be able to go up to the lakes, the driver will stay down and wait for you there. When you come back, he will pick you from the lift and bring you back to Sofia.

Discover one of Bulgaria’s UNESCO World Heritage gems on this day trip from Sofia. Admire rural Bulgaria en route to the Rila Monastery in the pine-carpeted Rila Mountains. Take a guided tour of this medieval treasure with its fresco-coated church. After time to explore independently, visit the Cave of St. Ivan – one of the most sacred places in Bulgaria. Please kindly note that on some dates the free time at the Rila Monastery may be shorter due to traffic, group size, or complementary stop at Boyana church. Below you can find detailed itinerary of the tour: 09:00 – Alexander Nevsky Cathedral 12:00-12:15 – Estimated time of arrival at Rila Monastery 12:15-13:00 – Guided visit to the Monastery 13:00-14:00 – Free time for lunch or further explorations of the area on your own 14:00-15:00 – Visit the St. Ivan Cave 15:00 – Depart from Rila Monastery back to Sofia 17:00 – Estimated time of arrival at Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

IMPORTANT: Entrance in the monastery is only allowed with covered shoulders and covered knees. So please make sure you have appropriate clothes. The Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. It is situated in the Rila Mountains. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 – 946 AD). 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 key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and Southern Europe. If you want to be among the lucky ones who have visited this amazing site, join our tours and let’s have a great time together!

Enjoy a day out at the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. This product gives you an unique conversational audio guide and an electronic guide with full guides notes. Total flexibility and at your own pace. The Rila Monastery is located in 1147 meters altitude in the middle of the fragrant coniferous forests of Rila Mountain. The monastery is a complex of cultural, dwelling and farming buildings which take about 8800 square meters. The Rila Monastery has an unique architecture. Outside, the monastery looks like a fortress. It has 24-meter stone walls which forms irregular pentagon. That’s why when some tourist enters the monastery’s yard from some of the two iron gates he is surprised by its architecture: arches and colonnades, covered wooden stairs and carved verandas and the 300-400 monastic cells.

You have the chance to visit two UNESCO world heritage sites in one day- Boyana church and Rila Monastery.

IMPORTANT: Entrance in the monastery is only allowed with covered shoulders and covered knees. So please make sure you have appropriate clothes. The Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. It is situated in the Rila Mountains. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 – 946 AD). 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 key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and Southern Europe. If you want to be among the lucky ones who have visited this amazing site, join our tours and let’s have a great time together!

This tour is an excellent option for you to experience a wonderful adventure and see the most-visited UNESCO site in Bulgaria – Rila Monastery. We are offering day trip to Struma river gorge, where you will have 12 kilometers of rafting and fun and a sel-guided visit of RIla Monastery with audio-guide in Spanish, Italian, German, Russian, English.

Explore the picturesque Bulgarian countryside, visiting three famous Bulgarian attractions within a day tour from Sofia! Spend the morning in the Rila Monastery, one of the country’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage sites, a "must see" for anyone visiting Bulgaria. Discover the centuries old forests of the Rila Mountains on a scenic walk to the cave of St. Ivan Rilski (St. John of Rila), where the founder of the monastery lived as an anchorite and explore the amazing rock formations of the Stob’s Pyramids nature phenomenon. Escape the Sofia crowds for a memorable full-day trip led by an expert!

Situated deep in the dense pine forests of Rila Mountain, Rila Monastery is the biggest and most important Orthodox cloister in Bulgaria.It is an outstanding example of the Bulgarian cultural and historical heritage, in which architecture and painting merge harmoniously. The site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. Rila Monastery was founded in the 10th century by St Ivan Rilski, a hermit canonized by the Orthodox Church. His ascetic dwelling and tomb became a holy place and later on, a monastic complex was formed. It played an important role in the spiritual and social life of medieval Bulgaria. After the guided visit to the Monastery complex and lunch, we will head back to Sofia. On the way, we will stop at the second UNESCO site for the day Boyana church. Small but unique with the most preserved frescoes from 1259 in this part of Europe. The tour will end with drop-off at your hotel/accommodation.

Unveiling the Rila Monastery: A Personalized Journey Experience the awe-inspiring Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a truly unique experience. Your Personal Guide: Navigate effortlessly with an engaging audio guide and a comprehensive electronic guide filled with insightful notes, expert tips, and exclusive information. Flexibility at Your Fingertips: Explore at your own pace, linger at captivating spots, and delve deeper into the aspects that intrigue you most. Immersive Storytelling: Uncover the monastery's rich history and profound spirituality through captivating narratives that bring its past to life. This isn't just a visit; it's a personalized pilgrimage. Book your tour today and embark on an unforgettable journey of discovery.

Discover Bulgaria's magic with our one-day tour blending natural wonders and spiritual sanctuaries. Itinerary: Sofia – Stob Pyramids – Rila Monastery – Grave of St. Ivan Rilski – Sofia Program: 7:30 AM: Depart from Serdika Bus Station in a comfortable bus. Stob Pyramids: Unique rock formations up to 12 meters high above the village of Stob in the Rila Mountains. Rila Monastery: Founded in the 10th century by St. Ivan Rilski, this UNESCO World Heritage site preserves invaluable manuscripts and artifacts. Hiking Trail: Visit the grave of St. Ivan Rilski via a picturesque path, offering a spiritual experience amidst the tranquility of the Rila Mountains. Free Time: Explore the monastery and its surroundings, immersing yourself in the history and beauty of this holy place. 4:00 PM: Return to Sofia, arriving around 6:00 PM.

You will be еxperience hiking in to the Rila National park to see the crystal pure lakes. Our trekking starts at 1800 m. altitude and ends at 2535 m. at the Tear lake – from here you can admire all 7 lakes! Perched high in the vicinity – from 2535 to 2095 m, they cascade down and flow into each other. The sun shines and plays in their blue, crystal-clear waters, but in the shadows of the cirques, the snow remains all year round. 3.30 pm arriving at the complex “Kotva” , the biggest SPA place in the town with a great view to the mountain. . After the hiking, we will immerse in the warmest mineral spring to relax the body. See the only natural geyser in Bulgaria. The last natural beauty we will see after, a short walk is the highest waterfall in the region – Goritsa waterfall 5.00 pm departing for Sofia. Bring with you: – towel – flip-flops – swimsuit Additional info: • A moderate walking is involved • Duration: 8-9 hours • Prepaer snacks food and water

We are the only company that offers this unique combination of tour to Rila Monastery and Plovdiv in just one day. Visit the two most visited locations in one day with this amazing tour. The Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila is the largest and most famous monastery in Bulgaria. Plovdiv’s history spans 8,000 years, it’s the second biggest city in Bulgaria. IMPORTANT: Entrance in the monastery is only allowed with covered shoulders and covered knees. Please have appropriate clothes. We won't have time for a restaurant meal, just packed lunch or fast food. Approximate schedule, it can be plus/minus 30 minutes at those stops depending on the day and the traffic: 08:30 Meet and leave Sofia 11:00 Joining the Free Plovdiv Tour (this is a donation based tour, and the tip for the guide is not included in the price of the tour) 13:30 Little time for packed or fast food lunch 14:00 We leave Plovdiv 16:45 We explore the Rila Monastery 18:00 We leave for Sofia 19:30 We arrive back in Sofia

You will have the unique opportunity to visit and take wonderful photos of the two most interesting and beautiful destinations in Bulgaria in one day. The excursion combines active recreation – hiking and cultural immersion in ancient times. Energy and magic are usual words in the descriptions of the Seven Rila Lakes – The Tear, The Eye, The Kidney, The Twins, The Trefoil, The Piscine an The Lower lake. At the end of the hiking is waiting 360 panoramic view. A moderate amount of walking is involved. After the hike we are heading southwes where we will show you the hidden treasure of the early Christianity. Deep in the Rila Mountain is situated the biggest symbol of Christianity in Bulgaria- Rila Monastery. The Monastery was founded by the hermit St. Ivan Rilski in the beginning of X century. The monastery is the most visited cultural site in Bulgaria. Part of UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will be captivated by the beautiful scenery during the trip!

Feel the magic of Southwestern Bulgaria by visiting Rila monastery and Melnik just in one day. Feel the spirit of the holiest bulgarian monastery. Sense the power of mother nature by visiting the Melnik pyramids. Taste one of the most famous bulgarian wines. Three different experiences that will create a day full with emotions. Do not hesitate to save money and time with this extraordinary tour!

This is a great opportunity to visit the most popular Bulgarian landmark – Rila Monastery, UNESCO site and the cave of Ivan Rilski on a guided tour in a small group. Benefit from personal attention and avoid queues and crowded places and learn more about the Bulgarian history and culture from our professional service. Get the advantage of the small group to fully enjoy this marvelous place, the temple of the Bulgarian language.

Very unique experience to stay overnight in Rila Monastery and touch the spiritual life of this sacred place! If you interested in this very special opportunity we'll arrange everything for you, including a private transport if you need such (additional cost). Keep in mind you have to travel from Sofia to the monastery in Rila, which take around 3,5 hours by bus and 2,5 hours by car! The Cave of St. Ivan Rilski is a sacred place to visit and its only a very nice walk away – 3,4 km!

Come to this beautiful via ferrata in the Rila Mountains for a day of active exploring! If you have never been on a via ferrata and are interested in doing it in Bulgaria, then this is the trip for you! Join for this day-trip in the Rila Mountains, the highest mountains in the Balkan peninsula!

9.40 am Arrive at Rila monastery Deep in the Rila Mountain in the southwestern part of Bulgaria, about 1h 30min drive from Sofia is situated the biggest symbol of Christianity in Bulgaria- Rila Monastery. The Monastery was founded by the hermit St. Ivan Rilski in the beginning of the X century. The monastery is the most visited cultural site in Bulgaria. Part of UNESCO. Lunch is available at a restaurant along the Rilska river, 20 minutes from the monastery. After our immersion in ancient times, we will go to a winery named "Medy valley" to taste the fruits of this holy mountain. There we can find some local grape varieties like "Rubin" and "Shiroka Melnishka". Тhe winery has spectacular mountain views 3.00 pm Arrive at the church. Last but not least, we will visit the very special Boyana church- аnоther UNESCO world Heritage Site. Boyana Church for short, is famous for its remarkable medieval frescoes, among which the images from 1259. That means 50years before Giotto.