From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Plovdiv Day Trip
Overview
See the best of Bulgaria in 1 day. This self-guided, shared shuttle tour will take you to both the UNESCO Rila Monastery in the Rila National park in the morning and then in the afternoon to the city of Plovdiv - the cultural capital of Bulgaria. In the morning the shuttle bus will take you to the Rila Monastery where you have more than 1 hour to explore the site at your own pace. The complex is compact in size so the time allows to see the most important parts of it. After that in the afternoon the shared shuttle will take you on a 3.5 hours journey through the scenic mountains of Bulgaria to the city of Plovdiv - one of Bulgaria's most visited cultural and historical sites. You have more than 4.5 hours to explore the historical city center on your own. Driver will provide you with a tourist map and tips for what to see.
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
- Entrance fees (optional) Rila monastery museum : 8 BGN per person
- Guiding services
- Meals & personal expenses
Meeting Location
Sofia Center
1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
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Rila Monastery
1 hour Admission Ticket Free
Plovdiv
4 hours Admission Ticket Free
Rila National Park
1 hour Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Specialized infant seats are available
- 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
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Plovdiv Day Trip?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-15352P9
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.80 out of 5 stars based on 49 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EET).
- Professional driving services.
- Shared transfers to Plovdiv city and Rila monastery by comfortable A/C minibus.
- English speaking host.
- Transportation with airconditioned vehicle.
- Entrance fees (optional) Rila monastery museum : 8 BGN per person.
- Guiding services.
- Meals & personal expenses.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Plovdiv Day Trip is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Plovdiv Day Trip will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What'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
- Entrance fees (optional) Rila monastery museum : 8 BGN per person
- Guiding services
- Meals & personal expenses
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Specialized infant seats are available
- 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
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
