From Sofia: Rila Monastery Day Tour

The Rila Monastery, also called the Treasury of Bulgaria, is located in the Rila mountains between the Drushlyavitsa and Rilska rivers. It was founded in the first half of the 10th century by St. Ivan Rilski, the spiritual protector of the Bulgarian people.

The monastery is a cradle and a keeper of the Bulgarian spirit and national identity.

Rila Monastery is the most important spiritual and literary center of the Bulgarian national revival, with an uninterrupted history from the Middle Ages until the present time.

Explore the Rila monastery with us and let our expert guides lead you through this historic journey back in time. After the guided tour, you can enjoy some free time to explore the monastic complex at your own pace. Visit the museum to deepen your understanding or browse the nearby shops for souvenir icons and other items.

When you're ready for a break, savor a meal at one of the local bakeries, where you can try traditional Bulgarian dishes like MEKITSI - a delicious deep-fried dough made with yogurt.

* The minimum age for this tour is 6 years old
* If you are travelling with a child, please contact us to arrange a child seat (as required by law)