Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Self-Guided Day Trip from Sofia: Discover UNESCO Heritage Sites

Embark on a self-guided day trip from Sofia to explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Rila Monastery and Boyana Church. Marvel at the medieval treasures and pre-Renaissance frescoes on this immersive cultural experience.

Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Vasil Levski Monument - Departure is scheduled for 09:00 from the starting location. Please ensure arrival at least 15 minutes prior to departure.
  • Boyana Church - Located on the outskirts of Sofia, Boyana Church is a small temple featuring frescoes from three distinct periods: the 11th, 13th, and 19th centuries. The most significant and…
What's Included
  • Multilingual cloud-based audioguide (Internet required)
  • Professional driver included
  • Transport via air-conditioned minivan
  • Parking fees covered
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Food and drinks
  • Entrance fees- Boyana curch- 12 BGN
  • Tour guide
  • Admission fees
Additional Information

Embark on a day tour from Sofia and explore two of Bulgaria’s UNESCO World Heritage wonders. Journey through the countryside in a minivan to reach the Rila Monastery nestled in the pine-lined Rila Mountains. Undertake a self-guided discovery of this medieval gem featuring a church adorned with frescoes and a captivating museum. Post the monastery…

Location
bul. "Yanko Sakazov" 9
bulevard "Yanko Sakazov"
The meeting point is next to the Vasil Levski Monument, in front of the Embassy of Slovakia
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.8
(41 Ratings)
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Jordanmcalister99
Nov 4, 2025
Include Rila in Your Bulgarian Itinerary - The Rila Monastery is not to be missed in any itinerary for Bulgaria, and the combination with the Church at Boyana makes for a great day of UNESCO treasures. Lubo is a terrific guide and Atanas is a super driver. Both were professional and took great care of our group of 32. I recommend this trip to people of all ages interested in history who are visiting Sofia. Be sure to bring cash (Lev or Euros). Rila Monastery is free to the public, but to enter the Church at Boyana, it is 12 Bulgarian Lev. Also, the bakery at Rila, which was the only supplier of food open when we visited in November, required cash. It is a longer day, but not bad (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joel_m
Sep 1, 2025
A very professional Agency - Advance information via internet and phone perfect. Pick-up and running of the day very well organized. We were able to appreciate fully and serenely the 2 sites visited. Nice and professional driver and guide. For these reasons we recommend this Agency Traventuria
Review provided by Viator
W6501tojohnh
Oct 11, 2024
Excellent trip to boyana church and rila monastery - The visit to boyana church and rila monastery was excellent . It was very well organised in all ways. Also a relaxing way to go from sofia. Our guide dafina was very professional. Traventuria were superb
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Yekatetina
Mar 28, 2024
릴라수도원과 보야나교회 일일투어 - The bus was comfortable as it was a large bus, and the driver and guide were punctual and gave good explanations. I would like to recommend it to other people as well.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hannahlb553lt
Dec 15, 2023
Worth it - It worth spending your time. Lubo is an excellent tour guide, he explained it very clearly and rules were laid down clearly as well. We learned a lot today and we had amazing time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Franzisca1
Oct 11, 2023
Rila Monastery and Boyana Church - Excursion to the Rila monastery and Boyana church, about 120 km from Sofia, 2 hours by bus. Excellent organization, punctual and precise. Excellent service and helpful and thorough guide. advised !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rob_t
Sep 21, 2023
Excellent tourguide - Worth to do a guided daytrip to Rila Monastery and Boyana church by an enthusiastic guide. It's a lovely place to visit.
Review provided by Viator
10mariarosad
Apr 26, 2025
Bellas - Beautiful both. The monastery, Hermosl. Pity you can't take pictures of the interiors. Boyana church, I was a little disappointed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Verdi2222
Jun 29, 2023
Visit to religious gems - Very nice trip with an enthusiastic guide who had knowledge of the facts. The Boyana Church is small and situated in a beautiful garden. The murals are beautiful. The Rila Monastery is located in the middle of beautiful nature. It is worth visiting the monastery domain but beware ladies, with short skirts, bare shoulders... you are not allowed to enter the religious part of the domain.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Benedict_e
Jul 12, 2025
nice tour with very bad buses - Our guide is excellent. Boyona and Rila are a must sites to visit. We are actually on our way back to Sofia from Rila while writing this. The only downside side (big downside) are the buses! 40 to 50km/hr on our way to Rila (some injection pump issues as they claimed) and a bus with ZERO air conditioner system on our way back to Sofia which is very aggravating! I felt bad for the tour guides being caught between a rock and a hard place. Traventuria should step up with their equipments.
Review provided by Viator
From $35
up to 10 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).