From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Plovdiv Day Trip
4.9
37 Ratings
Sofia
Experience the best of Bulgaria in just one day with a self-guided, shared shuttle tour. Visit the UNESCO Rila Monastery in the morning and explore the cultural capital of Plovdiv in the afternoon.
Duration: 12 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Rila Monastery - Explore the UNSECO Rila Monstery at your own pace
  • Plovdiv - Scroll through the culture capital of Bulgaria at your own pace. Or maybe join the free walking tour of the city. Your driver will leave you at a convenient place close to the city center for a tour of your own.
  • Rila National Park - Enjoy the stunning views of Rila National park while at the Rila monastery.
  • Rila Mountains - Enoy the stunning views of the Rila Mountains
What's Included
  • Professional driving services
  • Shared transfers to Plovdiv city and Rila monastery by comfortable A/C minibus
  • English speaking host
  • Transportation with airconditioned vehicle
What's Not Included
  • Entrance fees (optional) Rila monastery museum : 8 BGN per person
  • Guiding services
  • Meals & personal expenses
Additional Information

Discover the highlights of Bulgaria in just one day on this independently-guided, collective shuttle excursion. The trip covers two significant spots - the UNESCO World Heritage Rila Monastery situated in the Rila National Park during the daybreak, and later in the noon, it would be the town of Plovdiv, recognized as Bulgaria’s cultural heartthrob. The shuttle service in the morning will drive you to the Rila Monastery, offering you more than an hour to independently explore the location. The area is not extensive, thus the duration is sufficient to view its vital features. Afterward, in the afternoon, the communal shuttle winds through Bulgaria’s picturesque mountains for a 3.5-hour journey to reach Plovdiv town - an often frequented cultural and historic attraction in the country. You accrue over 4.5 hours to independently explore the historic town center. The driver is equipped with a tourist map and notable sightseeing suggestions.

  • A dress code is required to enter the Rila Monastery. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
  • A moderate amount of walking is involved in the city of Plovdiv
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
Location
Parking „Knyaz Aleksander I Sq.“
Directions: The car parking is located at Knyaz Aleksander I square, in front of The Palace - National Art Gallery. The nearest metro station is Serdika. Vehicles have Rila Shuttle sign on the front window.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.9
(37 Ratings)
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419geoffreyo
May 20, 2024
Perfect Tour - This was the perfect tour for us because our guide Philip explained in detail all of the options at each location and we could pick and choose based on our interests. A long but very enjoyable day - lots of great memories! We could not have asked for a better guide or driver. 5 out of 5!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jemsunit
May 16, 2024
Really recommend it, beautiful tour! - "Rila Shuttle" was very a good option for our tour from Sofia to Rila Monastery and Plovdiv city. Everything was on time, well organized and we had enough time to see all the locations without many tourists. A special mention to Philip, our tour leader of the day: he was very professional and very kind (he answered to all my hundred questions). :-)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Veronikae865
Apr 27, 2024
Must see attractions while in Sofia, Bulgaria. - The combo visit to the monastery and the city of Plovdiv is a great compromise if you only have one day in Sofia. I would have liked another half hour at the monastery and a minimum of 2 more hours in the city. Philip was a good tour manager who communicated with the whole group via WhatsApp during the tour. He also provided good historical info on the monastery and Plovdiv while we were in the bus.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jeff_h
Apr 26, 2024
A great day - Excellent day to see Rila Monastery and Bulgaria’s second largest city - Plovdiv. Phillip, our host was clear with his communication and the two locations we visited were really interesting. I would highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Elit481
Apr 26, 2024
Super recommended excursion - The monastery is beautiful and Plovdiv has its charm. The excursion is very well organized, the guide is very friendly and explains everything perfectly.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Soundchaseruk
Apr 22, 2024
Rila Monastery is Magnificent - The bus guide gave us lots of general and specific information about our visit, and the history of Bulgaria. It was about a 2.30hr trip through interesting countryside with about 15 in the mini bus. Started at 7am which meant we missed the masses. The monastery is fascinating with a few surprises. Toilets are available but for us there was no toilet paper. We had roughly 1hr to explore the area by the river, but the only coffee available before 10.30am, was from a machine. The café didn't open until 10.30am which we couldn't wait for.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Huanz126
Apr 22, 2024
Very nice trip!! - We had a nice time with Philip, the trip was very on time and everything is smooth. Driving was fast but smooth as well. overall very good experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Giuliarb4861br
Apr 21, 2024
If I could I would give it even more than 5 stars - Beautiful experience, impeccably organised. The guide Philip is kind, friendly and very available for any information or curiosity about the places of the tour and, in general, about Bulgaria. He gave us a lot of preliminary advice but also left us a lot of freedom to visit and see things independently. Finally, the places are Bulgarian gems, I highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
169vitoi
Apr 28, 2024
Very interesting trip - The guide and driver were very friendly and professional. I really appreciated the warnings and descriptions of places to visit written in the whatsapp group created by the organiser
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dantò
Apr 27, 2024
Excellent trip - Excellent trip, everything on time. Clean van, perfect driver guide. Filip was kind and professional. The monastery is a place worth visiting, enchanted!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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