Top activities
Top landmarks
Trip ideas
Nearby places
You booked this experience
Make your trip unforgettable

Rila Monastery Morning Half Day tour

37 Reviews 4.84 out of 5 stars Based on 37 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 95% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Sofia, Bulgaria
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 28 (0) days in advance.

4 to 5 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

IMPORTANT: Entrance in the monastery is only allowed with covered shoulders and covered knees. So please make sure you have appropriate clothes.

The Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. It is situated in the Rila Mountains. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 – 946 AD). Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria’s most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and Southern Europe. If you want to be among the lucky ones who have visited this amazing site, join our tours and let’s have a great time together!

What's Included

  • WiFi on board
  • Driver
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Entrance fees
See 3 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Sofia Center
ul. "Iskar" 31, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria

Show on Google Maps

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

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

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.
Read more

Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Rila Monastery

We explore the beautiful Rila Monastery.
Read more

1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Rila Monastery Morning Half Day tour?

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-102527P15

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.84
37 reviews

Average 4.84 out of 5 stars based on 37 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
34
4 stars
1
3 stars
1
2 stars
1
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 28 (0) days in advance.

Similar Tours & Activities

10-Day Bulgaria-Istanbul Private Tour: Sofia, Plovdiv & Bosphorus

Explore Bulgaria’s historic cities and monasteries, then cross into Turkey to discover Istanbul’s Old City and Bosphorus—all on a 10-day private tour from Sofia to …More

Explore Bulgaria’s historic cities and monasteries, then cross into Turkey to discover Istanbul’s Old City and Bosphorus—all on a 10-day private tour from Sofia to...

10 days Free Cancellation
5.0 (1)
from
$5,110

2 hour Small Group Walk with coffee & breakfast

Stroll through Sofia’s streets, uncover hidden history, and have a drink with traditional breakfast. Small groups (8–10) for a personal, authentic experience! …More

Stroll through Sofia’s streets, uncover hidden history, and have a drink with traditional breakfast. Small groups (8–10) for a personal, authentic experience!...

2 to 3 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (1)
from
$57

Sofia full day tour

You will have a chance to visit National Historical museum, Pancharevo lake near Sofia and the main sights in Sofia city center. …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out
4.8 (20)

Sofia full day tour

4.8 (20)

You will have a chance to visit National Historical museum, Pancharevo lake near Sofia and the main sights in Sofia city center....

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.8 (20)
from
$86

Full-day Rila Monastery, Stob Pyramids and St Ivan Rilski Cave from Sofia

Explore the picturesque Bulgarian countryside, visiting three famous Bulgarian attractions within a day tour from Sofia! Spend the morning in the Rila Monastery, one of …More

Explore the picturesque Bulgarian countryside, visiting three famous Bulgarian attractions within a day tour from Sofia! Spend the morning in the Rila Monastery, one of...

6 to 8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (19)
from
$57

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Plovdiv Small Group Full Day Guided Tour from Sofia

Travel hassle-free from Sofia to Plovdiv and back in the comfort of a modern and air-conditioned minibus. Plovdiv is one of the oldest towns in …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Travel hassle-free from Sofia to Plovdiv and back in the comfort of a modern and air-conditioned minibus. Plovdiv is one of the oldest towns in...

12 hours Free Cancellation
4.6 (251)
from
$22

Plovdiv and Koprivshtitsa Full-Day Trip

Enjoy a guided combo tour to two of the most fascinating towns in Bulgaria. These are Plovdiv - the European Capital of Culture 2019 and …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Enjoy a guided combo tour to two of the most fascinating towns in Bulgaria. These are Plovdiv - the European Capital of Culture 2019 and...

11 hours Free Cancellation
4.7 (179)
from
$22

Guided Walking Tour of Sofia

Meet your group near the Ivan Vazov National Theatre and discover over 20 landmarks on a walk through central Sofia. See the Roman ruins of …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out
4.7 (93)

Guided Walking Tour of Sofia

4.7 (93)

Meet your group near the Ivan Vazov National Theatre and discover over 20 landmarks on a walk through central Sofia. See the Roman ruins of...

2 to 3 hours Free Cancellation
4.7 (93)
from
$15

From Sofia Rila Monastery with Boyana Church or St. Ivan’s Cave

Maximize your time in Bulgaria by combining two UNESCO World Heritage Sites into one efficiently coordinated day trip from Sofia. Journey into the peaceful Rila …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Maximize your time in Bulgaria by combining two UNESCO World Heritage Sites into one efficiently coordinated day trip from Sofia. Journey into the peaceful Rila...

9 hours Free Cancellation
4.7 (777)
from
$23

What's Included

Activity name

  • WiFi on board
  • Driver
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Entrance fees

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name