From Sofia Rila Monastery with Boyana Church or St. Ivan’s Cave
607 activities · Bulgaria
Sofia, Bulgaria, has 607 activities, tours and experiences to book. Don't miss: Bulgarian Orthodox Church, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, SS. Cyril and Methodius National Library, Saint Sophia Church. Also worth exploring nearby: Borovets.
01Things to do
Must-see places
Bulgarian Orthodox Church
National Church
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Cathedral
SS. Cyril and Methodius National Library
Library
Saint Sophia Church
Church building
National Archaeological Museum, Bulgaria
Archaeological museum
Saint Nedelya Church
Eastern Orthodox cathedral
02Activities to book
The best experiences in Sofia
Free cancellation
Free cancellation
Free cancellation
Free cancellation
Free cancellation
Free cancellation
Free cancellation
Free cancellation
Free cancellation
Free cancellation
Free cancellation
Free cancellation03Explore nearby
Nearby cities
From Sofia Rila Monastery with Boyana Church or St. Ivan’s Cave
Duration
8 h
Language
allemand, russe, anglais, italien, français, espagnol
Guidance
Audio guide, Guide
Group
Up to 40 pers.
Booking
Instant confirmation
Lead time
Bookable until departure
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Tickets
One per booking
Cancellation
Free cancellation available
Overview
Maximize your time in Bulgaria by combining two UNESCO World Heritage Sites into one efficiently coordinated day trip from Sofia. Journey into the peaceful Rila Mountains to explore the sprawling Rila Monastery complex at your own pace, paired with a stop at the historic medieval Boyana Church. ⚠️ BOYANA ENTRY NOTICE: Inside entry is heavily regulated by UNESCO to protect the 13th-century frescoes. Indoor access is ONLY guaranteed if you select an option including Boyana at checkout. Standard transport tiers include an exterior garden visit only. - 2 UNESCO Icons in 1 Day: An efficiently paced route from central Sofia. - Secure your Boyana entry slot by upgrading your tier. - Uncover the secrets of 800-year-old art with your guide. - Enjoy traditional restaurants nearby or bring your own lunch. Note: Local entry fees apply based on your selected booking option
What's included
- ✓Professional Tour Guide OR Cloud Audio Guide App (depending on the selected option you have booked)
- ✓Visit to Boyana Church, St. Ivan Cave, OR The Bells Monument (depending on the option you booked)
- ✓Parking Fees
- ✓Round-trip transport by air-conditioned minibus or coach
Not included
- ✕Gratuities
- ✕Hotel pickup and drop-off
- ✕Rila Monastery Museum (Optional; entrance to the main courtyard/church is free)
- ✕Boyana Church
Available options
Choose your option when you book.
ENG Guide: Rila & Cave Tour
from 20 €⚠ Optional Forest Cave Walk: The pleasant forest walk to St. Ivan's Cave is optional. Choosing to do it will reduce your free time at the Rila Monastery. ✔ Live English Guided Tour: with a dedicated English-speaking guide for the bus transfer and on-site walking tours at Rila Monastery and the Cave. ★ Boyana Exterior Visit Only: Bus makes a logistical stop at Boyana Church, but entry is EXCLUDED. You visit Rila Monastery & Cave with a live guide. Vehicle & Group Size: : Transport is provided by large 45 to 65-seater tourist coaches (not small minibuses).
ITA Live: Rila & Boyana Church
from 25 €★ Visit Rila and Boyana Church: with an Italian guide. ⚠ NOTE: We prebook your Boyana slot! The 10 EUR entry fee is NOT included. You must pay local in cash. ⚠ Variable Return Logistics: depends strictly on confirmed Boyana Church entry slots. Note: The 09:50 AM departure usually results in a slightly longer da Vehicle & Group Size: : Transport is provided by large 45 to 65-seater tourist coaches (not small minibuses). ✔ The Original 2009 Tour: is this one! We pioneered this Rila and Boyana Church tour over 15 years ago, and it remains our most popular signature run.
ENG Live: Rila & Boyana Church
from 25 €★ Visit Rila and Boyana Church: with an English guide. ⚠ NOTE: We prebook your Boyana slot! The 10 EUR entry fee is NOT included & paid locally in cash. ⚠ Variable Return Logistics: depends strictly on confirmed Boyana Church entry slots. Note: The 09:50 AM departure usually results in a longer tour day. Vehicle & Group Size: : Transport is provided by large 45 to 65-seater tourist coaches (not small minibuses). ✔ The Original 2009 Tour: is this one! We pioneered this Rila and Boyana Church tour over 15 years ago, and it remains our most popular signature run.
Audio App: Rila & Cave Tour
from 20 €⚠ Optional Forest Cave Hike: The steep, scenic hike to St. Ivan's Cave is optional. Choosing to do it will reduce your free time at the Rila Monastery. ❌ NO Live Guide In ANY Lang: This is an AUDIO app tour on a shared bus. Foreign commentary may be audible, so please bring headphones! Basic English host. ★ Boyana Exterior Visit Only: Bus makes a logistical stop at Boyana Church, but entry is EXCLUDED. You visit Rila Monastery & Cave via a phone audio app. Vehicle & Group Size: : Transport is provided by large 45 to 65-seater tourist coaches (not small minibuses).
Audio App: Rila, Boyana Church
from 20 €★ Visit Rila and Boyana Church: via web audio. ⚠ NOTE: We prebook your Boyana slot! The 10 EUR entry fee is NOT included. You must pay locally in cash to us. ℹ Phone Audio App Requirements: You get access to a webpage audio guide. Bring your own fully charged smartphone, mobile internet, and a pair of headphones. ⚠ Variable Return Logistics: depends on confirmed Boyana Church entry slots. Note: The 09:50 AM start time usually results in a longer tour day. ⚠ Large Shared Bus Logistics: mean you may share a bus with another language group. Their live guide commentary might interfere with your app experience. ✔ The Original 2009 Tour: is this one! We pioneered this Rila and Boyana Church tour over 15 years ago, and it remains our most popular signature run.
ITA Guide: Rila & Cave Tour
from 20 €⚠ Optional Forest Cave Walk: The pleasant forest walk to St. Ivan's Cave is optional. Choosing to do it will reduce your free time at the Rila Monastery. ✔ Live Italian Guided Tour: with a dedicated Italian-speaking guide for the bus transfer and on-site walking tours at Rila Monastery and the Cave. ★ Boyana Exterior Visit Only: Bus makes a logistical stop at Boyana Church, but entry is EXCLUDED. You visit Rila Monastery & Cave with a live guide. Vehicle & Group Size: : Transport is provided by large 45 to 65-seater tourist coaches (not small minibuses).
ENG Guide: Boyana & Cave Hike!
from 27 €★ Visit Rila, Boyana, and Cave: with an English guide. ⚠ NOTE: We prebook your Boyana slot! The 7 EUR entry fee is NOT included. You must pay local in cash. ➤ Guided Cave Forest Hike Walk: is included. Enjoy a guided 30-minute forest walk to the sacred St. Ivan Rilski Cave. Please wear comfortable walking shoes. Vehicle & Group Size: : Transport is provided by large 45 to 65-seater tourist coaches (not small minibuses). ✔ The Original 2009 Tour: is this one! We pioneered this Rila and Boyana Church tour over 15 years ago, and it remains our most popular signature run.
Itinerary
Vasil Levski Monument
09:00 departure from the starting point. Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.
· 15 minBoyana Church is a small temple at the outskirts of Sofia with frescoes dating back to three separate periods: 11th, 13th and 19th century. The most important and fascinating are the frescoes dating from 1259. They are Renaissance frescoes that predate the Italian Renaissance (triggered by the works of Giotto) and brake the strict Christian canon law to present pure human emotions, royal figures and folklore elements.
· 45 min· Admission not includedMonastère de Rila
Rila Monastery is one of Bulgaria’s symbols and a popular tourist destination. The monastery is set deep in the heart of Rila Mountain, between the Rilska and Drushliavitza Rivers, at 1147 metres (3760 feet) above sea level. It is situated 120 kilometres south of Sofia.
· 2 hVasil Levski Monument
Return to the starting point at approximately 17:00
· Non-stop passage
How to use your ticket
Meeting point
IMPORTANT: The meeting point is next to the Vasil Levski Monument, in front of the Embassy of Slovakia. Please be there 15 minutes in advance. This tour is not suitable for children under the age of 5.
The return is at the same place.
What to know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities
- Comfortable walking shoes recommended
- Exceptions to the standard program:
- Boyana church will NOT be visited on the following days: 1st of January (the tour starts at 11 AM on that day only); The day of Orthodox Easter; 24th and 25th December.
- Minimum traveler age is 6 years old
Travelers
1 traveler(s) minimum · 15 maximum per booking.
At least one adult required per booking.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- From 1 days before : 100% refunded
- From 0 days before : 0% refunded
Reviews
Product code: 6992RILA
Activity offered by Traventuria via Viator.