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

6 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 6 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Sofia, Bulgaria
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 23 (0) days in advance.

6 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 10 more
French, German, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Mandarin, Portuguese, Japanese, Polish, Hebrew
Instant confirmation

Overview

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 English, Spanish and Italian 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.

What's Included

  • English- speaking host, who will accompany you during the day
  • Trip to Rila Monastery and Villa Montevino
  • Hotel pick-up and drop off
  • Food, drinks, personal expenses
  • Gratuities/tips - recommended in the end of the tour
  • Entrance fee - Rila Monastery Museum - optional visit (cash or card on spot)
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

Hotel pick-up at 8:00 - please indicate it when making the reservation.

What To Expect

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Rila Monastery

The tour departs at 8:00 from Sofia city center 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!
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1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Kocherinovo

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. The expected arrival there in the city center is at 14:00.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • 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

Frequently Asked Questions (6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Villa Montevino Half – Day Trip?

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 (EEST). 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?

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Activity code: C-5556909P2

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
6 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 6 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
6
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 23 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • English- speaking host, who will accompany you during the day
  • Trip to Rila Monastery and Villa Montevino
  • Hotel pick-up and drop off
  • Audio info (cloud-based) in the specified languages - smartphone and active wi-fi required
  • Transportation by a comfortable A/C vehicle
  • Food, drinks, personal expenses
  • Gratuities/tips - recommended in the end of the tour
  • Entrance fee - Rila Monastery Museum - optional visit (cash or card on spot)

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • 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
  • Operated by a business

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