Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Full-Day Tour
4.6 / 5 · 1,206 traveler reviews
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!
Your experience
Stop 1
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!
Stop 2
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 yogurt.
Stop 3
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.
Stop 4
At the end of the tour, the van/bus returns to the same starting point, Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7
What’s included
- A trip to Boyana Church and/or Rila Monastery, depending on the booked option
- Smart audio commentary in 12 different languages (depending on the chosen option)
- Transportation by a comfortable bus/ minibus
- Expert guide in English, Spanish or Italian – (depending on the chosen option)
- Parking fees
Not included
- Boyana Church entry: 10 € adults, 3 € ages 7+/students, cash only - if the option is chosen
- Rila Monastery museum & monk room entrance ticket- 4 EUR
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Hotel pick up and drop off
Meeting and pickup
The meeting point for the tour is Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7 . Ask for travel agency City Tour. Please be there at 8:40 am. The van/bus departs at 9am and will not wait for you if you are late.
Before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Women should have their knees and shoulders covered in the Monastery.
- Please note that some of the tour options do not include a visit to Boyana Church, even if it may appear in general destination descriptions. We kindly ask you to read each tour description carefully to ensure it includes the sites you wish to visit before booking. If you are unsure, feel free to contact us for clarification.
- Bring cash with you (preferably local currency) – the shops and the restaurants in the area of the monastery accept mostly cash payments so it is important to have some money with you.
- Please warn us if you have a 0-2 years old baby when you make the reservation so that we can prepare a special seat for them
- The visits within the Boyana Church itself are limited to 10 minutes per every group of 8 to 10 people. If you'd like to enter inside, you may also need to queue.
- On certain days, such as around holidays in Bulgaria, or when in groups over 100 people, delays are possible and the estimated tour finish time in Sofia could change as far as 18:30.
- The Boyana church is closed on the 1st of January, on the Sunday of the Orthodox Easter, on the 24th of December, the 25th of December - and on such days the tour is done only to the Rila Monastery.
- Safety Notice: For the safety and enjoyment of all guests, anyone who appears intoxicated or behaves in a way that makes guides uncomfortable may be removed from the tour. No refunds will be issued in such cases.
- The order of visits to the Rila Monastery and Boyana Church may be adjusted due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control.
- On certain days as 18th of May , 17th of September and 1st of November - Your entry to the Boyana church might NOT be guaranteed.
- There are not many dining options around the Monastery - there are bakeries where you can enjoy pastry. As an alternative, you can always bring your own food with you.
- Customers who book the Self-Guided Tour (Transportation Only) option do not have guaranteed entry to Boyana Church. Due to the church’s strict timed entry regulations and limited visitor capacity, access inside the church depends on ticket availability at the time of arrival.
- Guides are not obligated to provide guided commentary while inside the bus. Explanations and guided tours typically take place at designated stops and attractions rather than during transit.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
Check dates and book on Viator →Confirm the meeting point, inclusions, cancellation policy and final price on Viator. We may earn a commission from your booking.