Day Trip from Sofia
to Rila Monastery

Includes

Private Transportation
All transportation costs along the route, fuel, VAT, and parking fees
Pickup and drop off from your hotel in Sofia

Benefits

Flexible Departure: Departure time at your convenience, but not later than 11:00
Private Tour: Enjoy a personalized experience, with no other tourists!
Customizable Itinerary: Add Boyana Church if you want to know more about the Eastern Orthodox history 

Excludes

Food and Drinks: Not included in the tour price
Tips and Gratuities: Tipping is optional but appreciated. It is customary to offer a gratuity as a thank you for your guide’s knowledge and hospitality.
Entrance Fees: Admission fees vary depending on group size and can be paid directly at each site.
Personal Expenses: Any additional personal costs are not covered.

Tour Itinerary

Pick up from any location in Sofia (Flexible departure: 8:00-11:00)
Transfer to Rila National Park (Approximately 2 hours)
Explore the monastery complex, church St. Ivan of Rila, and the monastery museum
Stop for lunch in the monastery area (Optional)
Transfer back to Sofia (Approximately 2 hours)
Drop off at the hotel around 16:00 – 17:00

Good to Know

Duration of the Tour: The Rila Monastery tour typically lasts around 6-7 hours in total, but the schedule is flexible to accommodate your preferences.
Respectful Clothing: Please note that shorts and skirts above the knee are not permitted inside the monastery. Since Rila Monastery is a holy place, it is important to dress respectfully. Be sure to bring a scarf or long-sleeve clothing to cover your arms when entering the monastery’s church.
Weather Considerations: The tour operates year-round. During the summer months, be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses as it can get warm, while winter visits may require warmer clothes.
Photos and Camera Use: While photos are not allowed inside the Rila Monastery Museum and church, you can photograph the beautiful outdoor scenery and architecture.

More About the Rila Monastery

The Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery is the TOP landmark in Bulgaria and the biggest Bulgarian monastery, located in the heart of the majestic Rila mountain. It is the largest Eastern Orthodox Bulgarian monastery together with those in Bachkovo and Trojan.

The must-see Bulgarian landmark is located in the western part of the Rila mountain, at an altitude of 1,150 meters, near the Pastra village. It can be reached via the Sofia – Kulata international highway; the side road to the monastery deviates from the Kocherinovo village, and after about 30 kilometers reach the complex.

Rila Monastery is a much-visited sight, not only because it is part of the UNESCO list of precious heritage sights. It is scenically located in the upper section of the Rilska river basin, and above it rises the greenery-clad Rila mountain. The monastery’s founder was Ivan Rilski who established it in the 10^th century. The Rilska River flows past, and the Pastra village lies nearby.

The imposing building of the Rila monastery dating from the 18^th century rises on five floors, four of which can be seen. That is a peculiarity that was necessitated during the building period, imposed by the Ottoman rulers.

The Rila Monastery museum is arranged on the ground floor. The whole Rila monastery complex occupies an area of 8,800 m² and is rectangular, situated around the inner yard, where are located the main church and the old tower.

The Rila Monastery is of the stavropegial type, which means it is directly under the main country’s church authority’s rule, not subject to the regional church authorities. Founded by a hermit, Saint Ivan, who was proclaimed a saint after his death, it was ravaged by fires several times and the buildings were built in different periods.

One of the symbols of the Rila Monastery is the tower named after Hrelyo, a local ruler. It is the oldest preserved building in the whole Rila monastery complex. On top of the tower, a chapel boasts precious 14th-century frescoes.

During the Rila Monastery tour, you will also see one of the most revered miracle-working icons in Bulgaria, the golden iconostasis and the thematic openwork carving, which were made for more than 12 years, the frescoes of the main church made by Bulgarian Renaissance masters, the monastic cells and many more.

Other day trips from Sofia with us:

• Day tour to Plovdiv
• Day tour to Buzludzha monument and Kazanlak
• Day tour to Melnik and Rozhen Monastery (optional wine tasting)
• Day tour to Veliko Tarnovo and Etar Complex
• Day tour to Seven Rila Lakes