
Rila Monastery day tour with Optional SPA/Thermal baths
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 21 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Rila Monastery day tour with Optional SPA/Thermal baths worth booking?
Rila Monastery day tour with Optional SPA/Thermal baths is a 9-hour experience in Sofia, Bulgaria, from $24 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 21 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 69 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (21)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $24 per person
This tour combines two of Bulgaria's most distinctive experiences in a single day — the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery, one of the country's most important spiritual and cultural landmarks, and the option to relax afterwar
What you get
About this experience
This tour combines two of Bulgaria's most distinctive experiences in a single day — the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery, one of the country's most important spiritual and cultural landmarks, and the option to relax afterwards at Aqua Club Kotvata, a natural mineral thermal spa in Sapareva Banya at the foot of the Rila Mountains. Few day trips from Sofia let you pair a guided historical and cultural visit with genuine mineral hot springs relaxation on the same day, making this ideal for travelers who want both culture and wellness without needing to plan two separate excursions.
What's included
Included
- English- speaking guide or driver, depending on the booked option.
- Entrance to Rila Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Optional experience of your choice:
- Spa option available Fri, Sat, Sun & Mon only (excl. last Monday of month)
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Scenic drive through the Rila Mountains
- Monastery Museum visit
Not included
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities (optional)
- Entrance fees
- Towels and bathrobes are not included in the price
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Sofia
The meeting point for the tour is Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7 – please arrive at 8:45 AM
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The meeting point for the tour is Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7 – please arrive at 8:45 AM
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Options you can book
Rila Monastery and SPA + Bonus Online Audio Guide
Rila & SPA EN Guide + Audio
Rila Monastery Only - NO SPA
Rila Monastery Only - NO SPA: Rila Monastery, a UNESCO site, is Bulgaria’s spiritual heart—famed for its vivid frescoes, striking architecture. NO SPA.
Rila Monastery and SPA - Spanish Guide
Rila and SPA - Spanish Guide
Rila Monastery and Spa - English Guide
Rila and SPA - English Guide
Rila Monastery and SPA - Italian Guide
Rila and SPA - Italian Guide
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- City Tour Ltd.
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- 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
- Please warn us if you have a 0-2 years old baby when you make the reservation so that we can prepare a special seat for them
- For the safety and enjoyment of all guests, any customer who appears intoxicated at the time of the tour will not be permitted to participate. In such cases, no refunds will be issued.
- Please note, women should have their knees and shoulders covered in the monastery
- Please note that the option for a visit to the Spa complex have separate entrance fees that are paid on spot
- Guides are not obligated to provide guided commentary while inside the bus. Explanations and guided tours typically take place at designated stops and attractions rather than during transit.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 21 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
21 verified traveler reviews for Rila Monastery day tour with Optional SPA/Thermal baths. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great place but provide the guests information on what to expect
Monastery was great but very confusing finding the right bus (a case of third time lucky) and a lack of detail around the organisation throughout. Arrived monastery and no information so people having to ask. I was told to wait at a point and the guide will come - would she. Been simple to say your guide is on the 3rd bus and will be here soon - instead I sat around for 15 mins and almost got went around myself. Simply put more info on the booking and confusion wil be resolved.
via Viator
A Nice Experience
Visiting the Rila Monastery was a very interesting experience Although it is a 2 hr ride that was somewhat boring the ride is worth it You have plenty of time to explore the monastery and it’s very expressive Fresco’s The church is also very beautiful but you can’t take pictures We had time to taste the sheep yogurt which was very tasty
via Tripadvisor
After the bus ride to the...
After the bus ride to the monastery, we got almost 4 hours to spare. The first 40 minutes were spent as guided tour with our tour guide Carolina, who is very friendly and knowledgable. She gave us an interesting lecture on the Monastery. A part from the main attraction, there are two small museums whose tickets cost 2.5 and 4.5 EUR respectively. Outside the Monastery, there is a cheap bakery where we could get a Mekitsa, a tradditional Bulgarian bread for just one EUR. There are also two other restaurants for lunch but I did not go. Additionally from the bakery, there is path down the slope towards an Ossuary. The walk down is peaceful as you walk a long a stream and there weren’t many people going down. Took about 7 min one way. Overall this tour is a great value for money.
via Viator
Wow place
Rila is a wow. Boyana is small. St. John cave only if you enjoy hiking. Antonio is a great guide and very knowledgeable. We set off at 9am and got back at 530pm
Response from the operator: Hello, thank you for giving us such a high rate. We really appreciate those kind words. We're also glad to hear you had a great time with our tour guide Antonio. We will be happy if you recommend our service to all your friends coming to Sofia. :) Best regards
via Viator
Unforgettable cultural experience
An unforgettable day at the Rila Monastery filled with a great spiritual experience and lots of learning about Bulgarian history. Our knowledgeable and highly professional guide Tuny made sure we all get immersed in the local culture, shared engaging stories and answered all our questions. What a day!
Response from the operator: Hello, thank you for giving us such a high rate. We really appreciate those kind words. We're also glad to hear you had a great time with our tour guide Tuny. We will be happy if you recommend our service to all your friends coming to Sofia. :) Best regards
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $24 to $30
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 69
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Rila Monastery day tour with Optional SPA/Thermal baths: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Sofia.
How much does Rila Monastery day tour with Optional SPA/Thermal baths cost?
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Prices start at $24 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Sofia usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Rila Monastery day tour with Optional SPA/Thermal baths take?
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Plan for about 9 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Sofia is not rushed.
Is Rila Monastery day tour with Optional SPA/Thermal baths worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 21 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Sofia, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Rila Monastery day tour with Optional SPA/Thermal baths?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Rila Monastery day tour with Optional SPA/Thermal baths suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Rila Monastery day tour with Optional SPA/Thermal baths?
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Around 7 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Sofia can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Sofia and add a light layer if any part of the 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Rila Monastery day tour with Optional SPA/Thermal baths start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Sofia within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Sofia?
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On Outty we rank every Sofia experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Communist Walking Tour of Sofia, Sofia Highlights 2 Hour Sightseeing Walking Tour, Sofia Escape Room - Teorema Rooms. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Sofia?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Sofia?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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