Rila Monastery & Boyana Church: Cultural Heritage

Embark on a captivating 8-hour day tour to the Rila Monastery and Boyana Church, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Explore ancient frescoes, learn their history, and enjoy free time in the picturesque mountains.

Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Vasil Levski Monument - The tour begins at the Vasil Levski Monument, located at Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7, at 8:40 am. Departure is scheduled for 9 am. Please ensure punctuality!
  • Rila Monastery - Rila Monastery is the largest monastery in Bulgaria, founded in the 10th century. The current structures date back to the mid-19th century, with a…
What's Included
  • Trip to Boyana Church and Rila Monastery
  • Transportation by comfortable bus/minibus
  • Parking fees
  • English-speaking guide or driver (depending on option)
What's Not Included
  • Boyana Church – Adults 6.14 EUR. Children over 7 years and students - 1.53 EUR
  • Rila Monastery museum & monk room entrance ticket- 4 EUR
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pick up and drop off
Additional Information

Participate in an 8.5–10 hour guided group tour to explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites – Rila Monastery and Boyana Church. Experience a 40-minute guided tour at Rila Monastery, followed by 2.5 hours of leisure time for taking photos, visiting museums, shopping, or enjoying lunch. At Boyana Church, marvel at its remarkable 800-year-old frescoes…

Location
bul. "Yanko Sakazov" 7
bulevard "Yanko Sakazov"
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.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(996 Ratings)
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Claire_m
Apr 22, 2026
On time, organized, great... - On time, organized, great tour, provided recommendations for where to eat, perfect amount of free time. Everything was very nice.
Review provided by Viator
Krystian_r
Apr 20, 2026
Great guide and a beautiful monastery - Ina was a great guide, she talked about history during the ride and took great care of us during the tour. Rila monastery is very impressing and definitely worth seeing, also is placed around the beautiful scenery of the mountain's. I recommend to get on to the top of the tower to see a monastery from the higher perspective.
Review provided by Viator
Spela_s
Apr 17, 2026
Nice tour - We had a nice and relaxed tour with Neli to Rila monestary. Just enough information and free time. Well organised.
Review provided by Viator
Miguel
Apr 14, 2026
All very well - The guide Maria phenomenal ready to help in everything and with a perfect Spanish. The bus very comfortable and the tour phenomenal.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jutta
Apr 14, 2026
Very impressive! - A great trip, everything was right. Iva our tour guide was very friendly and competent.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Art_c
Apr 14, 2026
Great city tour guide by Iva - Unique experience monastery with beautiful landscape situated between mountains with snow spring top.
Review provided by Viator
Teressabustamante
Apr 14, 2026
Monastery of Rila - We went with some friends to Rila Monastery and Boyana Church and we really liked, awesome the monastery.Our guide was Maria, she explained everything great, lovely.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Juanjosef550
Apr 13, 2026
Perfect excursion. - Perfect excursion. Spectacular places to visit if you are traveling in Bulgaria. Our guide, Iva, the best companion.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nina_f
Apr 11, 2026
Ina our guide was fantastic! - Ina was a fantastic guide at Rila Monastery and Boyana Church—helpful, cheerful, and incredibly informative. She shared in-depth history, from the founding of Rila Monastery in the 10th century by St. Ivan of Rila and its role in preserving Bulgarian culture, to the detailed stories behind Boyana Church’s exceptional 13th-century frescoes. Her explanations were engaging and easy to follow, making the entire experience both insightful and enjoyable. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Viator
Owen_s
Apr 8, 2026
Amazing day. Monastery is... - Amazing day. Monastery is set in spectacular scenery and has a long and interesting history. Respect the monks and always leave great reviews. They rely on tourist visitors to allow them to continue their prayers so please support them. Boyana church is steeped in history and is definitely worth visting
Review provided by Viator
From $23
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).