Tickets & tours
Choose between large coach tours, small group shuttles, or private drivers. Most tours cover transport only, leaving museum fees for you to pay on site.
Most bookedJoin an 8.5–10 hour guided group tour to Rila Monastery, with select options also including Boyana Church — please check your chosen option before booking. Enjoy a...
Best valueRila monastery shuttle will take you to Bulgaria's most important and visited historical site and even more - two UNESCO places, amongst with Boyana church. Enjoy the...
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...
Small groupSituated deep in the dense pine forests of Rila Mountain, Rila Monastery is the biggest and most important Orthodox cloister in Bulgaria.It is an outstanding example of...
Top ratedYou have the chance to visit two UNESCO world heritage sites in one day- Boyana church and Rila...
Visit Rila Monastery and Boyana church, UNESCO World Heritage sites. Relive history as your guide's commentary takes you back into time. This is a Private Tour so you...
Tour prices change based on demand and season. Museum entry fees are typically paid in cash (euros) on site.
Enter your group and compare totals on both platforms. From-prices; children are priced as adults unless the listing gives a child rate.
Compare current transport options from central Sofia.
| Option | Duration | Viator from | GetYourGuide from | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| classic full-day tour | 8 h | $23 | Compare | 4.6 (1,183) | first-time visitors |
| shuttle tour | 8 h 30 min | $40 | Compare | 4.5 (70) | independent explorers |
| flexible guided tour | 9 h | $23 | Compare | 4.6 (1,055) | flexible itineraries |
| small-group tour | 7 h | $103 | Compare | 4.9 (29) | a more intimate experience |
| private tour | 6 h to 9 h | $115 | Compare | 5.0 (25) | couples and small families |
| premium private trip | 8 h | $229 | Compare | 4.8 (124) | personalized comfort |
If you travel independently, advance booking is highly recommended. The church only allows 8-9 people inside at a time for 10 minutes. If you book a guided tour that includes Boyana, the operator usually secures this timeslot for the group.
Guided transport from Sofia costs €25 to €35. Rila Monastery courtyard is free, but the museum is about €4. Boyana Church entry is about €5.
Yes, multiple operators run daily tours from Sofia. Options range from 50-person coaches to private minivans. Most depart around 9:00 AM from central Sofia.
From Viator
1,183 reviews of the classic full-day tour on Viator
An excellent value day trip taking in both the Bayona Church and Rila Monastery. Iva was an excellent guide with perfect English (she also conducted the tour in Spanish), and a fantastic knowledge of Bulgarian history.
Lovely day trip to the two ancient sites. Despite unavoidable mishaps — our bus broke down on the return trip — our English guide Ornella was gracious and accommodating. Her complete knowledge of the frescoes at Rila was enlightening and she made valuable suggestions for transportation when we needed to leave Boyana early due to the bus delay.
I had a great time. The tour guide was very kind and helpful. I recommend it 100%. I will definitely book another trip with them next time.
