• Vasil Levski Monument - The tour begins at the Vasil Levski Monument, located at Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7, with a meeting time of 8:40 am. Departure is scheduled for 9 am. Punctuality is appreciated!
• Rila Monastery - Rila Monastery is the largest monastery in Bulgaria, founded in the 10th century. The current structures date back to the mid-19th century, featuring a defensive tower from the 14th century.

Within the monastery complex, visitors can marvel at the stunning architecture and frescoes. A 40-minute guided tour is provided, followed by 2.5 hours of free time to explore the museum, visit shops, take photographs, and enjoy a lunch break.

• Boyana Church - Another stop is the remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site, Boyana Church, which dates back to the 11th century. It boasts unique and well-preserved frescoes and paintings from the 11th to 14th centuries. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the church and learn about its fascinating history from the guide. Please note that due to its small size, inside visits are limited to 10 minutes per group. Additionally, time will be spent in the churchyard, where photos can be taken and interesting historical facts can be discovered.
• Vasil Levski Monument - The tour concludes with the van/bus returning to the original starting point at Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7.

• Trip to Boyana Church and Rila Monastery
• Transportation by comfortable bus/minibus
• Parking fees
• English-speaking guide or driver (depending on option)

• Boyana church entrance ticket - approx. 6 euro per person (12 lev)
• Rila Monastery museum + monk room entrance ticket - approx. 4 euro per person (8 lev)
• Food and drinks
• Gratuities
• Hotel pick up and drop off

Participate in an 8.5–10 hour guided group tour to explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites – Rila Monastery and Boyana Church. Experience a 40-minute guided tour at Rila Monastery, followed by 2.5 hours of leisure time for taking photos, visiting museums, shopping, or enjoying lunch. At Boyana Church, marvel at its remarkable 800-year-old frescoes during a short guided visit.

Note: Women are required to cover their shoulders and knees when visiting the monastery.

Tip: During busy summer weekends, consider bringing lunch from Sofia to save time.

*Boyana Church is closed on January 1, Orthodox Easter Sunday, and December 24–25. On these dates, the tour will only visit Rila Monastery.

This tour provides an excellent blend of cultural heritage, breathtaking mountain scenery, and engaging storytelling from a professional English-speaking guide. Travel is in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, and the group size ensures a more intimate experience. Perfect for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers!

• Women should have their knees and shoulders covered in the Monastery.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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