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Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Shuttle Tour

36 Reviews 4.69 out of 5 stars Based on 36 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 94% of reviewers
94% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Sofia, Bulgaria
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from $39.73 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Shuttle Tour Image 1
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 15 (0) days in advance.
8 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 4 more
German, Italian, Spanish, Russian

Overview

Rila 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 wonderful frescoes from 19th century, representing the achievement of the Bulgarian Revival painting school, feel the amazing spirit of the largest monastery in the country, surrounded by the indescribable beauty of Rila mountain. V travel team will represent to you all the secrets of this place. In the afternoon we will visit Boyana church, where murals from 13th century will show you the majesty of the Bulgarian medieval country.

What's Included

  • Transport by air-conditioned minivan
  • Online audio-guide in Eg, Fr, Sp, It, De, Rus (use with your smartphone & earphones)
  • English/Italian/Spanish-speaking guide depending on day
  • Entrance fee for Boyana church
  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel pickup
See 1 moreSee 4 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Sofia Center
bul. "Yanko Sakazov" 7, 1527 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, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Rila Monastery

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. Destroyed by fire at the beginning of the 19th century, the complex was rebuilt between 1834 and 1862. A characteristic example of the Bulgarian Renaissance (18th–19th centuries), the monument symbolizes the awareness of a Slavic cultural identity following centuries of occupation.
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2 hours Admission Ticket Free

Boyana Church

Located on the outskirts of Sofia, Boyana Church consists of three buildings. The eastern church was built in the 10th century, then enlarged at the beginning of the 13th century by Sebastocrator Kaloyan, who ordered a second two storey building to be erected next to it. The frescoes in this second church, painted in 1259, make it one of the most important collections of medieval paintings. The ensemble is completed by a third church, built at the beginning of the 19th century. This site is one of the most complete and perfectly preserved monuments of east European medieval art.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Show 1 more stop

Additional Info

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. 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
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Shuttle 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-20487P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.69
36 reviews

Average 4.69 out of 5 stars based on 36 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
27
4 stars
7
3 stars
2
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 15 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Shuttle 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.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Transport by air-conditioned minivan.
  • Online audio-guide in Eg, Fr, Sp, It, De, Rus (use with your smartphone & earphones).
  • English/Italian/Spanish-speaking guide depending on day.
The following is NOT included:
  • Entrance fee for Boyana church.
  • Food and drinks.
  • Hotel pickup.
  • Hotel drop-off.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 1. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

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 Boyana Church Shuttle Tour is as follows:

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • 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 Boyana Church Shuttle Tour will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. 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

  • Transport by air-conditioned minivan
  • Online audio-guide in Eg, Fr, Sp, It, De, Rus (use with your smartphone & earphones)
  • English/Italian/Spanish-speaking guide depending on day
  • Entrance fee for Boyana church
  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel pickup
  • Hotel drop-off

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • 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 places of worship and selected museums. 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
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name