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Rila Monastery and Melnik, Day Tour from Sofia with Pickup

8 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 8 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Sofia, Bulgaria
Book online or call us

from $85.48 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
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Rila Monastery and Melnik, Day Tour from Sofia with Pickup Image 2
Rila Monastery
Rila Monastery
Rila Monastery and Melnik, Day Tour from Sofia with Pickup Image 5
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 23 (0) days in advance.
9 to 10 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Feel the magic of Southwestern Bulgaria by visiting Rila monastery and Melnik just in one day. Feel the spirit of the holiest bulgarian monastery. Sense the power of mother nature by visiting the Melnik pyramids. Taste one of the most famous bulgarian wines. Three different experiences that will create a day full with emotions. Do not hesitate to save money and time with this extraordinary tour!

What's Included

  • Entrance fee to Kordopulova house
  • Hotel pickup and drop off
  • Free transport with comfort minivan
  • Personal expenses
  • Lunch, Food and beverages
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
OR
Meeting point
End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Sofia

The travel time from Sofia to Rila Monastery is around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
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1 hour 45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Rila Monastery

Rila monastery is part of UNESCO world cultural heritage list and It’s one of the symbols of Bulgaria. Rila Monastery was founded in the 10th century by St John of Rila, a hermit canonized by the Orthodox Church. His ascetic dwelling and tomb became a holy site and were transformed into a monastic complex which played an important role in the spiritual and social life of medieval Bulgaria. A characteristic example of the Bulgarian Renaissance (18th–19th centuries), the monument symbolizes the awareness of a Slavic cultural identity following centuries of occupation. You will have enough time to explore the monastery, the main church and the monastery museum.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Melnik

Travel time from Rila monastery to Melnik is around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
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1 hour 45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Melnik

Melnik is the smallest town in Bulgaria nowadays. The first settlers of this region were the Tracian tribe Medi, from which the legendary rebel Spartacus originated. During the Revival Melnik was a blooming big city with big market. Since that times the city is famous with its high quality wines. During the tour we will visit the Kordopulova house where we can taste the local wine. Near Melnik we will see the Pyramids of Melnik. Entrance fee to Kordopulova house is 3 levs.
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1 hour 30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Melnik

Before traveling back to Sofia we will make lunch break (lunch is not included in the tour price).
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Melnik

The travel time from Melnik back to Sofia is around 2 hours and 15 minutes.
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2 hours 15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Show 5 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Proper clothing required - all clothes have to cover the shoulders, tank tops, short skirts are not allowed!
  • Travel time to Rila monastery is around 1 hour 45 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Rila Monastery and Melnik, Day Tour from Sofia with Pickup?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. 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).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-314070P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
8 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 8 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
8
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 23 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Rila Monastery and Melnik, Day Tour from Sofia with Pickup?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • 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).
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Entrance fee to Kordopulova house.
  • Hotel pickup and drop off.
  • Free transport with comfort minivan.
  • Licensed English speaking guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Personal expenses.
  • Lunch, Food and beverages.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

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 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 5..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If 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 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Rila Monastery and Melnik, Day Tour from Sofia with Pickup is as follows:

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Rila Monastery and Melnik, Day Tour from Sofia with Pickup 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 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once 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 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Entrance fee to Kordopulova house
  • Hotel pickup and drop off
  • Free transport with comfort minivan
  • Licensed English speaking guide
  • Personal expenses
  • Lunch, Food and beverages

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Proper clothing required - all clothes have to cover the shoulders, tank tops, short skirts are not allowed!
  • Travel time to Rila monastery is around 1 hour 45 minutes
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 7 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name