Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
/ Person
Select date and participants
At least one participant is required. Please adjust and try again.

The Cave of Saint John and Rila Monastery – Day Tour from Sofia

4.5 (12)
Sofia, BG
Share

The Cave of Saint John and Rila Monastery – Day Tour from Sofia

4.5 (12)
Sofia, BG
Share
Please wait, fetching options!
Embark on a captivating journey with the Rila Monastery Shuttle Day Tour. This tour takes you on a comfortable transportation from the heart of Sofia to two UNESCO heritage sites - the magnificent Rila Monastery and the historic Boyana Church. As you board the van/bus, get ready for a scenic 2-hour drive through breathtaking landscapes. Once you arrive at the Rila Monastery, you'll have approximately 3 hours to explore the complex, visit the museums, and indulge in a delicious lunch. Choose between a self-guided tour or a guided option, which includes a 40-minute tour within the monastery. With an English-speaking guide or driver by your side, you'll gain insightful knowledge about these remarkable landmarks. The tour concludes with a return to Sofia, expected between 5:00 - 5:30 pm. Don't miss this opportunity to discover the rich cultural heritage of Bulgaria.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • Suitable for 1-15 Participants
  • Guided Experience
  • Comfortable transportation from Sofia to heritage sites
  • 3 hours of free time to explore Rila Monastery complex
  • Opportunity to see the 800-year-old frescoes at Boyana Church
  • Guided tour option available in Rila Monastery
  • Expected return to Sofia in the evening
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Trip to Rila Monastery and the cave of Saint John
  • English- speaking guide or driver, depending on the booked option.
  • Personal expenses
  • Gratuities (optional)

Popular Hotels Closeby

More about this experience

Introduction

The Rila Monastery Shuttle Day Tour offers an incredible opportunity to explore two UNESCO heritage sites in Bulgaria - the Rila Monastery and the Boyana Church. This tour provides a comfortable transportation from the center of Sofia to these iconic destinations, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rich history and cultural significance of these sites.

What to expect?

During the Rila Monastery Shuttle Day Tour, participants can anticipate a memorable experience filled with stunning landscapes, architectural marvels, and a deep sense of spirituality. The tour begins with a scenic 2-hour drive in a comfortable van or bus, offering breathtaking views along the way. At the Rila Monastery, visitors have the option to explore the complex independently for 3 hours or join a guided tour for a more informative experience. They can admire the intricate frescoes, visit the museums, and even enjoy a leisurely lunch break. The tour also includes a visit to the Boyana Church, known for its remarkable medieval frescoes. Overall, participants can expect a day filled with awe-inspiring beauty and cultural immersion.

Who is this for?

This tour is designed for individuals who have a keen interest in history, culture, and religious heritage. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, or a group of friends, the Rila Monastery Shuttle Day Tour welcomes all who seek to explore Bulgaria's UNESCO heritage sites. It caters to both independent travelers who prefer to explore at their own pace and those who enjoy a guided tour with insights from an English-speaking guide. The tour is suitable for all age groups and does not require any specific physical abilities, making it accessible to a wide range of individuals.

Why book this?

Booking the Rila Monastery Shuttle Day Tour promises a unique and enriching experience that combines natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural immersion. The tour provides hassle-free transportation from Sofia, ensuring a comfortable journey to these remarkable sites. The Rila Monastery, with its stunning architecture and spiritual atmosphere, offers a chance to step back in time and appreciate the centuries-old traditions of Bulgarian Orthodoxy. The Boyana Church, with its breathtaking frescoes, provides a glimpse into the country's medieval art. By booking this tour, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of Bulgaria's rich cultural heritage and create lasting memories.

Good to know

It is important to note that personal expenses and gratuities are not included in the tour price. Additionally, visitors have the option to purchase a ticket to the Rila Monastery Museum for an additional cost of 4 euros. The meeting point for the tour is behind the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, next to Cafe La Cathedrale. Participants are advised to arrive at 8:45 am and look for the travel agency City Tour. The expected return time to Sofia is between 5:00 pm and 5:30 pm. It is recommended to bring comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and any personal belongings necessary for the day.

Reviews

Visitors who have embarked on the Rila Monastery Shuttle Day Tour have expressed their satisfaction with the experience. They praise the knowledgeable guides who provided valuable insights into the history and significance of the sites. Many visitors were captivated by the stunning beauty of the Rila Monastery and the intricate frescoes of the Boyana Church. The convenience of the transportation and the well-organized itinerary were also commended by travelers. Overall, reviewers highly recommend this tour for those seeking a day filled with cultural enrichment and natural splendor in Bulgaria.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Reviews

(12)

4.5 (12)

tonyu637

Incredible trip, the Rila Monestry was stunning, in a fabulous location. Boyana church home to amazing mediaeval wall paintings.

Voyager789619

The tour was on time. The guide was nice and responsible. Both churches were beautiful and worth the time. We took our luggages to the bus. It's convenient to people who has one day time to see the wonder.

robertvI5733TI

The tour leader was very nice and helpful and knew what he was talking about, amazing views all over

emmetth717

Great experience. Yanislav was a brilliant guide,spoke perfect English and very knowledgeable. Highly recommended.

raffaellacW9172TS

I visited the Rila Monastery /Boyana church with City Tour and it was a really nice experience. I got Just the Trip and i felt Safe all the time. We left in time and could enjoy the Art and Nature around the Monastery. It is really worth the time and money. I can only recommend! Thanks so much City Tour Team ;)

fabianaclaudiap

Very organized transfer to Rila Monastiry and Boyana church (10lev not included as advertised). We chose a self guided tour but were still be able to get preciusinformation from the guide during the transfer. Staff is really really nice and kind and the guy with us was highly prepared and nice. Absolutely raccomeded!

329izanh

Both guides are awesome, a very recomendable experience in an incredible location with an rich history and an savage nature.

Virginieginette

Très bonne excursion, de magnifiques paysages, guide très sympa, les entrées aux différents lieux sont pratiquement tous gratuits

losnardos30

Our guide Philip was magnificent, friendly, prepared and very professional. The Rila monastery is spectacular and the Boyana church is amazing. We highly recommend this visit and tour.

izquierdoe

Sensational, our guide Antonio, super attentive and friendly, the visit is more than recommended, the Rila monastery is amazing and the icons and relics are very well preserved. The small church that we visited at the end with paintings from the 12th century are fantastic We went to eat on Antonio's recommendation to a restaurant a little further down from the monasteries and the food was brutal, delicious, very good price and quality, traditional Bulgarian food. The service was very good, we were so delighted with the guide that we will repeat tomorrow visit plovnid!12/10.highly recommended
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-04-25 07:26