Rila Monastery Tours & Attractions

Enjoy a day in the mountains by exploring 2 UNESCO sites - the Rila Monastery and the Boyana church. The 8-hour day tour will be with a group and a professional guide in English. In the monastery, you will have a 40-minute guided tour and 2,5 hours free time to make photos, check the museums and the shops, and have lunch. The visit of the Boyana church, although short, is definitely worth since you will see its amazing 800-years old frescoes and learn their history from your guide!

*Women should have their knees and shoulders covered in the monastery!
*If your tour is on a weekend day during the summer, the restaurants could be crowded so you can bring your own food from Sofia in order to have more free time and the monastery.
*The Boyana church is closed on the 1st of January, on the Sunday of the Orthodox Easter, on the 24th of December, 25th of December - and on such days the tour is done only to the Rila Monastery.
Duration: 8 hours.

This self-guided, shared shuttle tour will take you to both the 7 Rila Lakes area in the morning and then in the afternoon to the UNESCO Rila Monastery in the Rila National park - Bulgaria's most famous natural and cultural sites. In the morning the shuttle bus tour bus will take you to the start of the hiking routes ar the Rila Lakes area and base station of the chair lift from where you can take the chair-lift up in the mountain. You have more than 5 hours for your self-guided tour of the Rila Lakes area. After that in the afternoon the shared shuttle will take you to the Rila Monastery - Bulgaria's most visited cultural and historical site. You have more than 1 hour to explore the monastery site on your own.
Duration: 13 hours.

See the best of Bulgaria in 1 day. This self-guided, shared shuttle tour will take you to both the UNESCO Rila Monastery in the Rila National park in the morning and then in the afternoon to the city of Plovdiv - the cultural capital of Bulgaria. In the morning the shuttle bus will take you to the Rila Monastery where you have more than 1 hour to explore the site at your own pace. The complex is compact in size so the time allows to see the most important parts of it. After that in the afternoon the shared shuttle will take you on a 3.5 hours journey through the scenic mountains of Bulgaria to the city of Plovdiv - one of Bulgaria's most visited cultural and historical sites. You have more than 4.5 hours to explore the historical city center on your own. Driver will provide you with a tourist map and tips for what to see.
Duration: 12 hours 30 minutes.

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.
The tour offers 3 different options:
1. The guided tour option is with an English-speaking live guide.
2. Tour with an an audio guide in Spanish, Italian, German, Russian or English.
3. Transport only (that option might not be bookable for some dates).
Duration: 8 hours.

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.
Duration: 10 to 11 hours.

You have the chance to visit two UNESCO world heritage sites in one day- Boyana church and Rila Monastery.
Duration: 6 to 9 hours.

The healing powers of Bulgaria's mineral springs, close to the only Gaiser on the Balkans within a day from Sofia and water heated by the Earth's core, popping out to 103 above ground. Rila Monastery is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria.

Duration: 9 hours.

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
Duration: 10 to 11 hours.

Visit Rila Monastery and Boyana church, UNESCO World Heritage sites. Relive history as your guide's commentary takes you back into time. This is a Private Tour so you will not be combined with other people besides those in your reservation- there will be a private car and a private driver- guide just for you! And you will be able to stop for pictures, shops and other things whenever you want! Enjoy a full-day tour out in the mountains with a convenient hotel pick up and drop off.

*Women should have thier knees and shoulders covered on the monastery.
*The Boyana church is closed on the 1st of January, on the Sunday of the Orthodox Easter, on the 24th of December, 25th of December and the 31st of December - and on such days the tour is done only to the Rila Monastery.

Most times the trips are done with eco friendly cars - with cng engine or electro mobiles, so that we can help fighting the air polution.
Duration: 8 hours.

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!
Duration: 4 to 5 hours.

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!


Duration: 9 to 10 hours.

Rila monastery shuttle will take you to Bulgaria's most important and visited historical site and even more - two UNESCO places, amongst with Boyana church. Enjoy the wonderful frescoes from 19th century, representing the achievement of the Bulgarian Revival painting school, feel the amazing spirit of the largest monastery in the country, surrounded by the indescribable beauty of Rila mountain. V travel team will represent to you all the secrets of this place. In the afternoon we will visit Boyana church, where murals from 13th century will show you the majesty of the Bulgarian medieval country.
Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes.

A whole-day guided trek to the Rila Mountains with its top best locations - the Rila Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the 7 Rila Lakes. Experience the two most visited tourist sights in Bulgaria in just one day. Combine great hiking with a full of history visit to the biggest and most important cloister in the country.
Duration: 12 hours.

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. 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.
Duration: 2 to 6 hours.

This 2-Day trek will take you deep into the wilderness of the Rila Mountains where you will be amazed by the magical Seven Rila Lakes, sleep at the highest mountain hut on the Balkan peninsula - Vazov Hut (2300 m. a.s.l.) and finally after a descend filled with wonderful views of peaks, ridges and alpine forested valleys you will arrive at Rila Monastery - the largest and most significant active monastery in Bulgaria. Expect a challenging dive into the off beaten trails of Rila mountain that will reward you with natural splendor at every step.
Duration: 2 days.

Discover two of Bulgaria’s UNESCO World Heritage gems on this day self-guided day tour from Sofia. Traveling by minivan, admire rural Bulgaria en route to the Rila Monastery in the pine-carpeted Rila Mountains. Take a self-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.
This tour is with an English-speaking driver only.
Duration: 8 hours.

The tour stands out for several unique features:

Exclusive Use of Electric Vehicles: This eco-friendly approach minimizes environmental impact and provides travelers with a greener alternative to traditional tour transportation methods.
Expertly Guided Tours: Knowledgeable and friendly local guides accompany travelers throughout the tour, providing insightful commentary, historical context, and insider tips about Rila Monastery and Boyana Church.
Ample Free Time for Exploration: The itinerary includes generous free time at each location, allowing travelers to explore Rila Monastery and Boyana Church at their own pace. Whether it's admiring the intricate frescoes, visiting museum exhibits, or simply soaking in the serene surroundings, guests have the freedom to fully immerse themselves in the beauty and spirituality of these iconic landmarks.

Small Group Experience: ElectrEco Tours prioritizes small group sizes to ensure an intimate and personalized experience for every traveler.


Duration: 8 hours.

- Get more of your holiday by booking an intensive small group guided tour to the highlights of southwest Bulgaria;
- Tour the smallest Bulgarian town, famous for its architecture, stunning surroundings, and wine production.
- The Melnik Pyramids are a fantastic phenomenon. Use wisely the recommended photo stops! 🙂
- In Melnik discover the impressive Rivaval Period style house of Kordopoulo’s family and peek into its tunnel-like wine cellar.
- Enjoy the sights of the tranquil Bulgarian countryside and its sleepy villages, while your guide introduces you to Bulgarian everyday countryside life;
- Visit the overwhelming Rila Monastery and let the guide relive its history and enlight you on its present-day status;
- Admire the priceless frescoe masterpieces of the most notable 19th-century Bulgarian painters
- Enrich your experience by tasting local delicacies and in this way involve all your senses;
Duration: 11 hours.

Small group bigger experience!

Immerse your self in to the Rila National park, where we will show you the hidden treaser of the early Christianity.

Deep in the Rila Mountain, in the southwestern part of Bulgaria 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.

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 lokal grape variety like "Rubin" and "Shiroka Melnishka".
Тhe winery has spectacular mountain views

Last but not least, we will visit the very special Boyana church- аnоtther UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Boyana Church for short, is famous for its remarkable medieval frescoes, among which the remarkable images from 1259. That means 50years before Giotto


Duration: 8 hours.

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!
Duration: 4 to 5 hours.

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.
Duration: 7 hours.

This tour will show you one of the best Bulgarian monasteries and UNESCO sight - the Rila Monastery. Fully customizable and rich in information, off-the-beaten path sights and stops.
Choose between a privately-guided or a self-guided option for your convenience.
The privately-guided tour is up to 7 people in total.
Duration: 5 to 7 hours.

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.

Duration: 8 hours.

On this day tour you will have the chance to visit the biggest cloister in the country - Rila monastery and the beautiful Boyana church, both under the UNESCO protection. You will have Audio guide (English, Espanol, German, Italian, French, Русский) with you, who will tell you the history of the two sights and we will pick you up from your accommodation anywhere in Sofia.

Duration: 8 hours.

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!
Duration: 2 days.

Visit the Balkans in this 9 days tour in wich You will visit 8 countries: Romania, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia and Hungary. An unforgettable 9-day tour of the not-to-miss Balkan highlights, covering the very best of the Balkans attractions with a comfortable pace.
Duration: 9 days.

Rila Monastery private tour will take you to Bulgaria's most important and visited historical site and even more -  Bulgaria's most visited UNESCO place, the 14th century defensive tower and a local wine cellar. Enjoy the wonderful frescoes from 19th century, representing the achievement of the Bulgarian Revival painting school, feel the amazing spirit of the largest monastery in the country, surrounded by the indescribable beauty of Rila mountain. In the afternoon we will visit a special winery where you will try 3-5 different wines.
Duration: 8 hours.

This services included a shuttle taxi from Skopje to Sofia with stop and visit Rila Monastery and have a half day tour of Rila Monastery with licensed tour guide.
Duration: 6 hours.

Small group bigger experience!

• Visit the Boyana Church – an inspiring temple, with unique frescoes from the 13th century.
• Visit the top Bulgarian Landmark, a UNESCO site and the biggest Monastery in Bulgaria – Rila monastery.
• Know more about the Eastern Orthodox traditions, frescoes and history.
• Get close to the nature and enjoy the “Rila Mountain Natural Park”, the biggest in Bulgaria.
• Know more about Bulgarian culture
• Walking through an old beech forest, which takes us to a mystical place - the cave and the prayer rock of the hermit
Duration: 7 hours.

You will have the unique opportunity to visit and take wonderful photos of the two most interesting and popular destinations in Bulgaria in one day.

The excursion combines active recreation - hiking and cultural immersion in ancient times.

You will be captivated by the beautiful scenery during the trip!
Duration: 10 to 30 minutes.

With this, carefully selected itinerary, you will stay a bit out of the most touristic places of Bulgaria and get deeper into the atmosphere of our history, culture, way of living in different time periods, and, of course, the wine, which is seriously involved in it. We can say that this tour is more like a boutique one because it is a wonderful combination of nature, sightseeing, and traditions with 2 overnights in some of the best chateaus in Bulgaria, where you will enjoy great food, served with the appropriate wine.

For the rest of the evenings, you will enjoy beautiful towns and cities, like Trigrad, Melnik, and Plovdiv

Duration: 6 days.

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
Duration: 8 hours.

This is a Private Tour so you will not be combined with other people besides those in your reservation- there will be a private car and a private driver- guide just for you!

Rila monastery and hiking through the Stob pyramids with a taste of traditional Bulgarian banitsa!

If you join this tour you will: walk through the pyramids! See the 19-th century Monastery frescos from the Bulgarian revival and marvelous Iconostasis of the Church. See the unique miraculous icon of the Monastery. Go to the cave of Saint John of Rila. Visit the rich Monastery museum or/and/ the 14th century guard tower of the Monastery.

Most times the trips are done with eco friendly cars - with cng engine or electro mobiles, so that we can help fighting the air polution.
Duration: 9 hours.

With this tour, you will easily add one more country to your list-Bulgaria. During the day you will visit 2 UNESCO sites-some of the best examples of Orthodox Christian architecture in North Macedonia and in Bulgaria. Both are surrounded by very beautiful nature. The roads are also very scenic and definitely not boring. It is a great way to spare a day in Macedonia!
Duration: 10 hours.

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!
Duration: 6 to 8 hours.

If you are on a business trip or you have limited time in Bulgaria, this tour is your first step to discover this pearl in the Balkan crown! Join your guide in the streets with cobblestones in Sofia, Plovdiv, Bansko and Melnik. Visit the biggest monasteries – Rila and Bachkovo. Feel like a local and feel the Bulgarian spirit.
• Bachkovo monastery
• Plovdiv
• Dobarsko
• Bansko
• Rila monstery
• Sofia
Duration: 4 days.

Visit the Balkans in this 14 days tour in wich You will visit 9 countries: Romania, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia and Hungary. Enjoy a small group tour from 1 to 15 with a tourguide that will fit on your interests and will make this experience unforgettable. In this tour of the Balkans You will have the possibility to understand better the history that separated or connected different countries and experience as well mostly of the Unesco sites.
Duration: 14 days.

During the 8-9 hours trip, you will see really amazing places and landmarks, starting from our meeting point St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, then going by luxury SUV to the popular UNESCO heritage - about 900 years old - Boyana Church, situated in the heart of Vitosha mountain. After the visit we will bring you to a very nice traditional Bulgarian restaurant in the middle of Rila mountain. When we finish our lunch we will go to the most popular UNESCO Heritage - Rila Monastery. You will have the opportunity to touch the spiritual life of this sacred place and discover its hidden treasures! Our next stop will be another amazing place in the nature - Sapareva Banya village and the hot spring mineral pools there :)! Regardless of the weather you will have the pleasure to dip yourself in the hot mineral waters in an outdoor swimming pools with a magnificent views! We will spend 2 hours there and then we will bring you back to the starting point in Sofia - St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral :)!
Duration: 9 hours.

Visit the Balkans in this 17 days tour in wich You will visit 9 countries: Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia and Hungary. An unforgettable 17-day tour of the not-to-miss Balkan highlights, covering the very best of the Balkans attractions with a comfortable pace.
Duration: 17 days.

Enjoy a guided tour of the Balkans and discover more than 15 Unesco World heritage sites in 9 contries: Romania, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia and Hungary. You will have the comfort of a small group tour, modern transportation with a air-conditioned minivan and a professional driver/tourleader that will make this experience unforgettable.
Duration: 19 days.

The Essential Western Bulgaria - Rila Monastery, Boyana, Bansko, Plovdiv, Kazanlak, Veliko Tarnovo, Troyan

Western Bulgaria offers you a full variety of cultural and historical sights to help you explore Bulgarian lands from Antiquity, Mid centuries and Revival period (18th-19th century). The tour is ideal if you wish to spend 2-3 days in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria and then spend the rest of your week on this loop trip to the country side. Compared to day tours from Sofia, this 4-Day Bulgaria trip will give you more intimate contact with your guide and with local people, it will save you time spent sitting in a car for several return trips, and it will also save you money for more expensive Sofia hotels. In our tours we have included accommodation in our chosen family 2* or 3* hotels, where we have confidence in their quality of service. Whenever possible, you can upgrade to 4* and 5* hotels or opt for a more budget accommodation.
Duration: 4 days.

Two UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1 day only. Rila Monastery is the largest, the most beautiful and the most important Bulgarian monastery, Boyana Church is famous for its proto-Renaissance wall paintings from the 13th century.

Enjoy all this either in a self-guided or privately-guided tour.
Duration: 10 hours.

Discover two of Bulgaria’s UNESCO World Heritage gems on this day trip from Sofia in Italian. Visit Boyana Church, near Sofia, to marvel at its spectacular pre-Renaissance frescoes. Admire rural Bulgaria en 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 then time to explore independently. Please kindly note that on some dates the free time at the Rila Monastery may be shorter due to traffic, group size, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Duration: 9 hours.

The tour is one of the classic cultural and heritage tours and with us you will you learn not only about the monastery and the church, but also history of Bulgaria, some Orthodox Christianity basics or details on Orthodox traditions, as well as you will get information on modern daily lifestyle of the average Bulgarian family, and last but not least - great professional and friendly attitude by knowledgeable tour guides!
Duration: 7 to 9 hours.

If you are visiting Bulgaria for a weekend trip this tour is a great option to see its most famous sites. For these two days, you will visit and explore the Rila monastery, Plovdiv, and Koprivshtica. You will learn a lot about our history, culture, and traditions. You will spend a night in the most vivid cities in Bulgaria, selected for the Cultural Capital of Europe in 2019th. Its artistic spirit and great nightlife will leave unforgettable memories and you can say without hesitation that you have been to Bulgaria.
Duration: 2 days.