From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Villa Montevino Half - Day Trip

5.0 (6 reviews) 6 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

6 reviews

5.0

Rila Monastery — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Enjoy a memorable trip to the most famous Bulgarian monastery - Rila Monastery - UNESCO heritage site. Relax on a convenient transportation and have the freedom to explore the monastery complex on your own pace. Take photos, check the souvenir shops, explore the history museum and try some of the delicious local pastries, offered in the monastery`s bakery.

Audio info (cloud-based) in the specified languages is included - smartphone and wi-fi are required to be used.

After the monastery visit, you will also stop at the charming boutique wine estate located at the foothills of Rila Mountain - Villa Montevino.

There you will be able to take some memorable photos, grab a coffee or drink a glass of local wine.

After a delightful trip, you will return in Sofia in the early afternoon, so that you can spend some free time there or continue to the airport for your return flight.

Day Trips Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Audio Guides Cultural Tours Historical Tours Likely to Sell Out

At a glance

Duration: 6 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–8
Audio guide: German, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Greek, English, Italian, Polish, French, Hebrew, Spanish
Guide: English
Operated by: Hola Bulgaria

Ages: Adults (5–85 years)

What is included

Included

Included: English- speaking host, who will accompany you during the day
Included: Trip to Rila Monastery and Villa Montevino
Included: Hotel pick-up and drop off
Included: Audio info (cloud-based) in the specified languages - smartphone and active wi-fi required
Included: Transportation by a comfortable A/C vehicle

Not included

Not included: Food, drinks, personal expenses
Not included: Gratuities/tips - recommended in the end of the tour
Not included: Entrance fee - Rila Monastery Museum - optional visit (cash or card on spot)

Itinerary

Rila Monastery

1 h 30 min

The tour starts with a convenient pick-up from your hotel in Sofia and we will take you to the most famous Bulgarian monastery! The traveling time is about 2 hours on a scenic road.

The Rila Monastery was established in the 10th century by the Bulgarian Saint John of Rila – the miracle maker. It is the biggest Bulgarian monastery and the most beautiful one.

The current monastery complex was built in the 19th century, and was covered with amazing frescoes! The access to the yard and to the church is free.

When you arrive there, you will have one and a half hours to explore it on your own pace. Take memorable photos, explore the history museum, check the souvenir shops and try the delicious Bulgarian pasties, made in the bakery of the monastery!
Stop 2

30 min

After the visit of the monastery, on the way back, you will stop at Villa Montevino - a charming boutique wine estate located at the foothills of Rila Mountain, offering a perfect blend of nature, gastronomy, and authentic Bulgarian wine culture.

Surrounded by vineyards and gentle hills, the villa provides a peaceful and elegant atmosphere, ideal for travelers seeking relaxation and unique local experiences.

Its unique medieval-based design makes it one of the best spots for memorable photos in the area!

In this complex, we will do a 30-minute break, during which you can take some amazing photos, drink a coffee or a glass of wine.

After the refreshing break, we will continue back to Sofia. T

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Hotel Sofia Palace
Juno Hotel Sofia
Grand Sofia Hotel
Hotel Cheap
Hotel California
Anel Hotel
B1 Downtown Hotel
Mercure Sofia City
Aris Hotel Sofia
Aurora Sofia Hotel
Diter Hotel
Kapri Hotel Sofia

and 153 more pickup points

Hotel pick-up - please indicate it when making the reservation.

Using your ticket

Women should have their knees and shoulders covered in the monastery.

Children under 5 are not allowed, since we do not have baby seats in the cars.

Toilets at the monastery are paid - you should have a coin of 50 euro cent to use it.

The trip does not have a time for a typical lunch break, however, you can use the time at the monastery to have a 'late' breakfast and try some of the pastries in the bakery.

Audio info (cloud-based) will be sent in the specified language - smartphone and wi-fi are required to be used.