Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Full-Day Tour

Small group guided day trip from Sofia to the Rila Monastery and Boyana Church.

Join an 8.5–10 hour guided group tour to Rila Monastery, with select options also including Boyana Church — please check your chosen option before booking. Enjoy a 40-minute guided tour at Rila Monastery, followed by 2.5 hours of free time for photos, museums, shopping, or lunch. On options that include Boyana Church, admire its stunning 800-year-old frescoes with a brief guided visit.

Note: Women must cover shoulders and knees in the monastery.

Tip: On busy summer weekends, bring lunch from Sofia to save time.

*Boyana Church is closed on Jan 1, Orthodox Easter Sunday, and Dec 24–25. On these dates, the tour visits only Rila Monastery.

This tour offers a perfect mix of cultural heritage, scenic mountain landscapes, and insightful storytelling from your professional English-speaking guide. Transport is provided by a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, and the group size allows for a more personal experience. Ideal for history lovers and nature enthusiasts alike!

Please note

Public transportation nearby

Not wheelchair accessible
Not stroller accessible
Not suitable for pets
Infants must not sit on laps
Infant seats unavailable
Not recommended for people with heart conditions
Women should have their knees and shoulders covered in the Monastery.
Please note that some of the tour options do not include a visit to Boyana Church, even if it may appear in general destination descriptions. We kindly ask you to read each tour description carefully to ensure it includes the sites you wish to visit before booking. If you are unsure, feel free to contact us for clarification.
Bring cash with you (preferably local currency) – the shops and the restaurants in the area of the monastery accept mostly cash payments so it is important to have some money with you.
Please warn us if you have a 0-2 years old baby when you make the reservation so that we can prepare a special seat for them
The visits within the Boyana Church itself are limited to 10 minutes per every group of 8 to 10 people. If you'd like to enter inside, you may also need to queue.
On certain days, such as around holidays in Bulgaria, or when in groups over 100 people, delays are possible and the estimated tour finish time in Sofia could change as far as 18:30.
The Boyana church is closed on the 1st of January, on the Sunday of the Orthodox Easter, on the 24th of December, the 25th of December - and on such days the tour is done only to the Rila Monastery.
Safety Notice: For the safety and enjoyment of all guests, anyone who appears intoxicated or behaves in a way that makes guides uncomfortable may be removed from the tour. No refunds will be issued in such cases.
The order of visits to the Rila Monastery and Boyana Church may be adjusted due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control.
On certain days as 18th of May , 17th of September and 1st of November - Your entry to the Boyana church might NOT be guaranteed.
There are not many dining options around the Monastery - there are bakeries where you can enjoy pastry. As an alternative, you can always bring your own food with you.
Customers who book the Self-Guided Tour (Transportation Only) option do not have guaranteed entry to Boyana Church. Due to the church’s strict timed entry regulations and limited visitor capacity, access inside the church depends on ticket availability at the time of arrival.
Guides are not obligated to provide guided commentary while inside the bus. Explanations and guided tours typically take place at designated stops and attractions rather than during transit.