Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Full-Day Tour
Join 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 40-minute guided tour at Rila Monastery, followed by 2.5 hours of free time for photos, museums, shopping, or lunch. On options that include Boyana Church, admire its stunning 800-year-old frescoes with a brief guided visit.
Note: Women must cover shoulders and knees in the monastery.
Tip: On busy summer weekends, bring lunch from Sofia to save time.
*Boyana Church is closed on Jan 1, Orthodox Easter Sunday, and Dec 24–25. On these dates, the tour visits only Rila Monastery.
This tour offers a perfect mix of cultural heritage, scenic mountain landscapes, and insightful storytelling from your professional English-speaking guide. Transport is provided by a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, and the group size allows for a more personal experience. Ideal for history lovers and nature enthusiasts alike!
Duration: 8 hours
- Free cancellation
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 Mountains to explore the sprawling Rila Monastery complex at your own pace, paired with a stop at the historic medieval Boyana Church.
⚠️ BOYANA ENTRY NOTICE: Inside entry is heavily regulated by UNESCO to protect the 13th-century frescoes. Indoor access is ONLY guaranteed if you select an option including Boyana at checkout. Standard transport tiers include an exterior garden visit only.
- 2 UNESCO Icons in 1 Day: An efficiently paced route from central Sofia.
- Secure your Boyana entry slot by upgrading your tier.
- Uncover the secrets of 800-year-old art with your guide.
- Enjoy traditional restaurants nearby or bring your own lunch.
Note: Local entry fees apply based on your selected booking option
Duration: 9 hours
- Free cancellation
From Sofia: Plovdiv, Starosel Temple and an Art Village
Traverse millennia of history on a seamless day trip from Sofia. Traveling by air-conditioned coach, explore ancient Plovdiv, the mystical Starosel Thracian Temple, and the open-air street art village of Staro Zhelezare.
- Plovdiv Old Town: Walk through historic cobblestone streets and major Roman ruins.
- Lunch & Walk: Enjoy local food along Europe's longest pedestrian zone.
- Starosel Temple: Discover an ancient 4th-century BC Thracian site.
- Staro Zhelezare: Capture vibrant street art in a unique rural village.
- Scenic Drive: Relax through the scenic Thracian Valley.
Important Details
This tour operates as a large group tour. Transport is provided by large 45 to 65-seater tourist coaches (not small minibuses). You will share the vehicle with other travelers and multi-language guided groups
Passengers with different options may share transport; add-ons may require vehicle/guide changes.
Closed-toe walking shoes are strictly required for uneven cobblestone streets.
Duration: 10 hours
- Free cancellation
Day tour to Skopje, North Macedonia - Small Group
Appreciating the diversity of Balkan culture can be difficult, especially with limited time in the region. Explore Macedonian culture on a day tour to Skopje from Sofia, and tick off another Balkan capital in just 1 day. Enjoy the company of 2 professional guides - one from Bulgaria and one local from Macedonian. Travel the distance with ease via modern vehicle, and discover landmarks including the Skopje Fortress, Memorial House of Mother Teresa, and Old Bazaar, with insights provided by your guides. During this day tour you will have the chance to visit one of the most bizarre cities on the Balkan Peninsula. Skopje is a mixture of authentic monuments from the Ottoman period, and new neo-classical buildings, complete with ornate columns and rooftop figures of nymphs. After the reconstruction of the new center has been done, as per the “Skopje 2014” project, the city became one of the popular destinations in Eastern Europe.
Duration: 12 hours
- Free cancellation
Must-See Plovdiv Day Tour from Sofia
Join us for an unforgettable journey to Plovdiv, the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe. Nestled among picturesque hills, this vibrant destination offers a rich blend of history, culture, and charm.
Stroll along one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets, explore the beautifully preserved Revival-era Old Town, and marvel at the impressive Roman Theatre. Your knowledgeable local guide will bring the city’s fascinating past to life during a 2-hour guided tour.
Afterward, enjoy around 3 hours of free time to discover Plovdiv at your own pace—relax in a café, browse local shops, or wander its charming streets.
Total duration: 8.5 to 10 hours
A perfect day trip filled with culture, sights, and unforgettable experiences!
Duration: 9 hours
- Free cancellation
Small group tour to Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery
During this day tour, you will be able to visit one of the must-see places in Bulgaria, not surprisingly elected European Capital of Culture for 2019, as well as two of the highlights in the region - Asen's fortress and Bachkovo Monastery
Duration: 9 hours
- Free cancellation
Guided Walking Tour of Sofia
The guide will meet you near the National Theater Ivan Vazov. You will visit more than 20 attractions and cultural monuments of Sofia. For convenience and good audibility of the excursion, you will be given audio guides and headphones. You will move comfortably, enter the temples, take photographs, and all this will allow you not to stand next to the guide.
The tour will end at the Presidency, where you will be able to video and film the changing of the presidential guard.
With us you will see the sights of Sofia freely, in your own language, and at your own pace!
Duration: 2–3 hours
- Free cancellation
Rila Monastery Afternoon Half Day tour
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!
Duration: 4–5 hours
- Free cancellation
Private Day Trip to Boyana Church and Rila Monastery
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 will not be combined with other people besides those in your reservation- there will be a private car and a private driver- guide just for you! And you will be able to stop for pictures, shops and other things whenever you want! Enjoy a full-day tour out in the mountains with a convenient hotel pick up and drop off.
*Women should have thier knees and shoulders covered on the monastery.
*The Boyana church is closed on the 1st of January, on the Sunday of the Orthodox Easter, on the 24th of December, 25th of December and the 31st of December - and on such days the tour is done only to the Rila Monastery.
Duration: 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Rila Monastery Morning Half Day tour
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!
Duration: 4–5 hours
- Free cancellation
Sofia Food & History Tour with Communist-Era Tram Ride
On this small-group tour, you'll taste your way through the city with 5 authentic Sofia food stops off the beaten path: from flaky banitsa and grilled cheese on a tile, to peppers stuffed the old way, slow-cooked lamb, and a surprise dessert. Each stop reveals a piece of local life, history, and flavor — all guided by a passionate local host. Taste authentic Bulgarian specialties at multiple stops while traveling on Sofia’s historic public tram with a city card for the day! Please note: the tasting menu is optional and may be adjusted according to availability or seasonal ingredients. We recommend coming with an empty stomach and skipping a big breakfast beforehand!
Duration: 3 hours
- Free cancellation
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 Koprivshtitsa - a picturesque town with an epic history and a striking architecture. Explore all major attractions in the old town of Plovdiv with a professiona English-speaking guide and admire the marvelous heritage left by Thracians, Romans, Byzantines, Jews, Greeks, Armenians and Bulgarians. The route between Plovdiv and Koprivshtitsa crosses rose valleys, charming villages and the gentle hills of Sredna Gora Mountain. Koprivshtitsa is unforgettable with its spectacular Bulgarian Renaissance mansions and filled with battles chronicles. Despite the long and intensive itinerary, there is free time planned for shopping, self-guided wandering and eating.
Duration: 11 hours
- Free cancellation
Full-day Nis and Serbian History Tour from Sofia
Located only 163 kilometers from Sofia, Nis is a fantastic option to add a Serbian stamp in your passport, without checking out from your hotel in Bulgaria. Nis is the third largest city in Serbia and the birthplace of Constantine the Great, one of the most important emperors in the Roman history. Explore the intriguing history of former Yugoslavia, while having delicious authentic Serbian roshtil (grill) either in a traditional restaurant where you can pay with a card (plenty of vegetarian and vegan options available) or try the Serbian street food.
Duration: 10 hours
- Free cancellation
Sofia: History and Heritage - Small Group City Tour
Discover the highlights of Sofia with this great 2-hours city tour! Learn about the rich history of the town and its famous sites, as well as interesting facts such as: why Alexander Nevsky Cathedral was built, why the town was associated with the Roman emperor Constantine the Great, who and why invented the Cyrillic alphabet, where was situated the mausoleum of the first Bulgarian communist dictator, what happened to the last Bulgarian royal family, and many more!
Duration: 2 hours – 2 hr 30 min
- Likely to sell out
- Free cancellation
Day Tour to Nis, Serbia - Small group with pick-up and tickets
If you want to understand better the Balkans with all its complexity, rich history and colorful mixture of different cultures and habits, we recommend you to visit Nis with us. During this day tour you will travel through history with the professional lead of your guide. Our journey through time will start from the Roman period, when Nis gave to the world one great man – The Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. Then we will continue through the Middle Ages and the period of Ottoman rule which left constructions like the Nis Fortress and the Skull Tower – a symbol of the struggle for freedom and independence from the Ottomans. In the end we will pay attention to the Modern history and the period of Nazi occupation of former Yugoslavia, visiting the Nazi Concentration Camp. Of course after all the impressions that you get, it will be time for some rest. You will have the chance to taste the famous Serbian cuisine - one of the most delicious on the Balkans.
Duration: 10 hours
- Free cancellation
Rila Monastery and St. Ivan Cave History & Nature Trip from Sofia
This day tour perfectly combines history, culture, and nature experiences. Enjoy a comfortable ride through the beautiful green countryside as you head toward the majestic Rila Mountains. Discover Bulgaria’s most famous UNESCO site, the Rila Monastery, with a guided or audio-guided tour. Afterward, take a relaxing walk through the woods to reach the Cave of Saint Ivan. You will also have free time to explore the monastery on your own before we drive back to Sofia.
Duration: 9 hours
- Free cancellation
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 the world. More ancient than Rome! With an expert guide at your side, explore and experience its millennia of epic history, monumental attractions, unique Bulgarian culture, and way of life. Your guide will take you to the most interesting sites and pinpoint fascinating details missed by the general public. Still, you will have ample free time to stroll on your own along the longest pedestrian street in Europe and sample local food and drinks.
Duration: 12 hours
- Free cancellation
Kosovo and North Macedonia in 2 Days from Sofia
During this intensitive 2 days tour from Sofia, we will explore the heritage and culture of two countries in the Western Balkans – North Macedonia and Kosovo. You will learn about the rich and fascinating ancient history of these lands and understand a bit better the complexity of the politics and the search for identity in the modern age.
In North Macedonia, we will visit the capital of the country – Skopje. This city is one of the most bizarre cities on the Balkan Peninsula - a mixture of authentic monuments from the Ottoman period, and new neo-classical buildings. In Kosovo – Europe’s newest country, we will explore two of the most popular cities- Pristina (the capital of Kosovo) and Prizren. Please prepare for long distances and a lot of new impressions.
Duration: 2 days
- Free cancellation
Tour to Lovech, Devetaki cave & Krushuna waterfalls
Escape the bustling streets of Sofia and step into a world where nature and history collide. Imagine a day where you walk through massive caverns that have sheltered humans for millennia, relax by the emerald waters of enchanting waterfalls, and gaze out from the ramparts of a medieval fortress. This tour isn't just a sightseeing trip; it’s a journey into the heart of Bulgaria’s most breathtaking landscapes and ancient legends.
Duration: 10 hours
- Free cancellation
Rila Monastery and Hot Mineral Bath Spa Complex Tour
It's probably the best combination you can do for a tour outside of Sofia, where you will be able to see both Rila Monastery and after that enjoy the magical healing power of our hot Mineral baths high up in the mountain in the same day. Our driver will first take you to Rila Monastery and you will have about an hour to explore it. Then he will take you to the mineral bath spa complex where you will have time to relax with the majestic views of the Rila Mountain in front of your eyes, while you are in the hot mineral water. Don't forget your swimsuits, towels, flip-flops.
Duration: 11 hours
- Free cancellation
Rila Monastery & Thermae Full-Day Tour from Sofia
Guided Tour (English) and free online audio-guides in Eg, Fr, Sp, It, Ger, Rus. Rila Monastery UNESCO site and the healing powers of Bulgaria's mineral springs in a relaxing spa!
Guided tour (Spanish and Italain) available on certain days of the week!
Skip the line and reserved spots!
Duration: 9 hours
- Free cancellation
Private Plovdiv Day Trip from Sofia
Plovdiv is the highlight of the tour as it's the European Capital of Culture for 2019 and it's also one of the oldest towns in Europe. It was inhabited by lots of tribes and it's a mixture of different cultures. A superb Old Town awaits you, beautiful views and walks over standing history.
Join this in-depth, private tour with most of the attractions included for free.
Choose between a privately-guided or a self-guided tour.
Duration: 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
From Sofia: Serbia and Macedonia Guided Tour
An English-speaking guide will pick you up from the meeting point in Sofia at 9:00AM and, after about a 2-hours drive with various landscapes to admire along the way, you will reach the Serbian border.
After crossing the border you will go the nearby town of Bosilegrad (the former Yugoslavia's main state) before you cross back over the border with Bulgaria and head for Northern Macedonia.
After another short drive, you will arrive at the beautiful Monastery of Osogovo – an incredibly powerful place in the hills from the 12th Century, which was later turned into a mosque by the Ottomans, and then again converted into a church. This place is very scenic and peaceful - take time to go for a walk around the area. Afterwards, you will have lunch in a nice restaurant with good Macedonian grill (meat or fish) and Skopsko beer, of course.
Please note that the total driving time is around 5 hours.
Duration: 3 hours
- Free cancellation
Plovdiv Afternoon Half Day tour
Plovdiv was originally a Thracian city before later becoming a Greek city, and then a major Roman city. In the Middle Ages, it retained its strategic regional importance, changing hands between the Byzantine and Bulgarian Empires. Plovdiv’s history spans 8,000 years, it’s the second biggest city in Bulgaria, it has traces of a Neolithic settlement dating to roughly 6000 BC.
Approximate schedule, it can be plus/minus 30 minutes at those stops depending on the day and the traffic:
12:00 Meet and leave Sofia
13:30 We arrive in Plovdiv and have some time to walk around
14:00 Joining the Free Plovdiv Tour (this is a donation based tour, and the tip for the guide is not included in the price of the tour)
16:00 Time to walk around Plovdiv and optionally grab some food
17:00 We leave Plovdiv
18:30 We arrive back in Sofia
Duration: 6–7 hours
- Free cancellation