Rila Monastery and Mineral Baths Tour

Explore Rila Monastery and unwind in mountain hot springs. Discover culture and relaxation in one unforgettable day trip from Sofia.

Duration: 11 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Rila Monastery - Renowned as the most stunning, largest, and oldest monastery in Eastern Europe, Rila Monastery dates back to the 10th century and is nestled in the heart of the Rila Mountains.
  • Sapareva Banya - Known as the Mineral Baths Capital of Bulgaria, Sapareva Banya offers a delightful hot mineral bath complex. Please note that the spa…
What's Included
  • On-board WiFi
  • Driver
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities
  • The entrance to the spa complex - around 30 leva / 15 euro
Additional Information

This is likely the best tour option outside of Sofia, allowing you to visit both Rila Monastery and experience the enchanting healing properties of the hot mineral baths in the mountains, all in one day. The driver will first take you to Rila Monastery, where you will have approximately an hour to explore. Following this, you will be transported to the…

Location
ul. "Iskar" 31
ulitsa "Iskar"
Iskar 31 street - in front of a Big Yellow House - Only a few minutes away from Alexander Nevski Cathedral. Our driver will meet you on the address in front of the yellow house.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.7
(25 Ratings)
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1 star
Jimmanon
Jan 18, 2026
Beautiful place - Very nice building, atypical, in a nice setting, that is to see. And the church is really beautiful. Free entrance for the outside visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
C5443goamyr
Jan 4, 2026
Rila Monastery and Spa Tour - Apostolos was a fantastic guide and made everyone feel really comfortable. Rila Monastery was stunning. We couldn't get into the hotel spa but the outdoor pools were great fun although a few were closed when we went. We enjoyed the hot and cold contrast pools and the warm jacuzzi. Would highly recommend as a great day trip from Sofia.
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M7073zmlisaz
Dec 28, 2025
The key point was that the itinerary was very engaging and allowed us to truly discover Bulgaria. - Very good ! The guide was amazing he listen to us and our need. He give us good recommandations during all the day. I recommend it !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
843felix
Dec 12, 2025
Really great daytrip if you're staying in Sofia. - Our driver Apostolos drove us to the Monastery early in the morning, before the crowds arrived. He was really forthcoming about talking about Bulgaria, the place and gave great recommendations. Mineral baths are inexpensive and have a really down to earth atmosphere. Great package all in all.
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Growle
Dec 11, 2025
great day trip from Sofia - the day trip was very well organised , the driver/guide Apodollos was great . Rila monastery is well worth a visit and the thermal spa was great too
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Joshai5171tf
Dec 7, 2025
amazing 👍👍 - 10 out of 10 experience amazing guides explained everything perfectly and just overall great experience definitely would recommend and would come back and do it all over again🙌
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807beatan
Nov 9, 2025
A great guide and a fantastic time well spent. - There weren’t any crowds — we spent a few nice hours in beeautyfull place. Great relax! We highly recommend visiting! We recommend it for everyone!
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Excursion60414334796
Oct 26, 2025
An nice experience in Rila - Enjoyable despite rainy weather, the driver Apostolos went out of his way to make sure all those on board enjoyed the experience
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67eliner
Jan 4, 2026
Really nice to tour! - We had a really great day. Booked this trip very last minute but everything worked out very well. They make sure you will get the best out of your day.
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Mariefj6283iw
Jan 19, 2026
Disappointed - Tickets were for transport only and didn't get any time at the beautiful monastery - Wish this would have been advertised as transport only. Tour guide didn't give us any information on the place, no history of the country or region. Didn't engage with us at all. It was just a trip to and from. Had I known that I wouldn't have paid €50 for the bus and an additional €20 for the spa entry, I would have just rented my own car. Only spent 45 minutes at the monastery but wasted 5 hours in a small town with nothing to do.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $70
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).