Rila Monastery & Thermae Full-Day Tour from Sofia
Sofia, Bulgaria

Rila Monastery & Thermae Full-Day Tour from Sofia

Outty Ranking 68 4.5 · 53 traveler reviews9 hoursFrom $34
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Outty Ranking

68/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.5/5

Based on 53 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Rila Monastery & Thermae Full-Day Tour from Sofia worth booking?

Rila Monastery & Thermae Full-Day Tour from Sofia is a 9-hour experience in Sofia, Bulgaria, from $34 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 53 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
68 / 100
Rating
4.5/5 (53)
Duration
9 hours
From
$34 per person

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!

What you get

    About this experience

    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!

    What's included

    Included

    • English speaking driver or guide
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Online audio-guide in Eg, Fr, Sp, It, De, Rus (use with your smartphone & earphones)

    Not included

    • Food and drinks, unless specified
    • All Fees and Taxes

    What you'll see and do

    1. Rila Monastery

      Rila Monastery -The Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. 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 must-visit tourist attraction for both Bulgarians and foreign visitors. It was built at its present place in the 14th century. The oldest buildings in the complex date from this period - the Tower of Hrelyu (1334–1335) and a small church just next to it (1343). However, the arrival of the Ottomans in the end of the 14th century was followed by numerous raids and a destruction of the monastery in the middle of the 15th century. The monastery complex, regarded as one of the most impressive masterpieces of Bulgarian National Revival architecture, was declared a national historical monument in 1976 and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

      60 minutes here

    2. Rila

      Rila National Park is the highest and most beautiful mountain on the Balkan penisula with its 2925 m. high peak Musala and beautiful forest, rivers, waterfalls and meadows.

      Pass by without stopping

    3. Aqua Club Kotvata&Restaurant Kotvata

      Kotvata Thermal Spa Complex offers excellent hot mineral water in many outside and inside pools. Relax, recover and enjoy a beer, no matter winter or summer. Inside thermal pool is cheaper and warmer for the winter, outside pools offer diffrent temperature and are perfect for both summer and winter months.

      120 minutes here · Admission not included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Sofia

    9:00 Departure from Serdika Meeeting Point (2, Maria Luiza boulevard across McDonalds on the main street next to the Mosque). Please show up at least 5 minutes earlier and look for a V Travel branded vehicle (car, minivan, van, minibus).

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    9:00 Departure from Serdika Meeeting Point (2, Maria Luiza boulevard across McDonalds on the main street next to the Mosque). Please show up at least 5 minutes earlier and look for a V Travel branded vehicle (car, minivan, van, minibus).

    Options you can book

    • Rila Monastery & Thermal Spa

      Guided Tour (English): Live guide (English) and free online audio guide in Eg, Fr, Sp, It, Ger, Rus (smartphone and internet required).

    • Budget Rila Monastery and Spa

      Self-guided tour w/audio guide: On a budget: visit Rila Monastery & thermal pools (optional, extra entrance fees) with a audio in Eg, Fr, De, Rus, It, Sp.

    • RIla and Thermae in Spanish

      Spanish Live Guide

    • Rila & Thermae in Italian

      Italian Live Guide: The tour is in Italian.

    • Rila & Thermae Pick up

      The price includes pick up/drop off from your hotel, transportation, English speakig guide/driver, parking fees.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    de, ru, en, it, fr, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    V Travel Ltd.

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Knees and shoulders need to be covered during the Monastery visit
    • Entrance fees for thermal complex not included and varies between 15 and 25 € per person
    • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
    • Not recommended for people with health/hearth problems due to warm water

    Photos

    Rila Monastery & Thermae Full-Day Tour from Sofia, photo 2Thermae Sapareva Bania, Rila Monastery & Thermae Full-Day Tour from SofiaOutdoor Thermae, Rila Monastery & Thermae Full-Day Tour from SofiaRila Monastery & Thermae Full-Day Tour from Sofia, photo 5Thermal Baths, Rila Monastery & Thermae Full-Day Tour from SofiaRila Monastery & Thermae Full-Day Tour from Sofia, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 51 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    8 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    5 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    3 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    51 verified traveler reviews for Rila Monastery & Thermae Full-Day Tour from Sofia. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    40
    4 star
    4
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    charmained800 · October 2026

    Good trip

    Really enjoyed the day. The Rila Monastery is beautiful and definitely worth a visit. The swimming was relaxing with different pools at different temperatures. Luckily we had a sunny day as not sure i would fancy it if the weather was bad. Our guide spoke great English and everything ran smoothly. My only criticism is the meeting point directions. The said meet next to the Mcdonald but this has gone so I spent a while trying to decide where I should be. Stressful when on your own

    via Tripadvisor

    Pascal_S · September 2026

    Spa or not spa ?

    Quite a long way to do the whole tour. The audio guide is short. The spa hasn't any hamman, it's more a swimming pool with disco music.

    via Viator

    Agata_G · July 2026

    We had a very nice day...

    We had a very nice day trip out of Sofia. The place is definitely worth visiting and should be on your must-see list. We had a few issues at the start of the trip. Finding our guide was a bit challenging because the pick-up point was very busy, with lots of coaches, making it difficult to know which one was ours. Our guide was amazing. She was very informative, friendly, and took great care of all of us throughout the day, even when our transportation broke down just 1 km before our destination. The destination itself is absolutely worth seeing. The spa with its natural hot mineral pools was a nice and relaxing way to spend the afternoon after the morning tour. Overall, despite the minor issues at the beginning, we had a great experience and would recommend this trip.

    via Viator

    Marie_G · July 2026

    Great Experience and would highly recommend if you are looking for some relaxation.

    Company was very good with their communication prior to the tour started. For someone who came over 6k miles to Bulgaria, this is important. Ivan was a great tour guide. The Monastery was beautiful and it was such a scenic drive while Ivan gave us some background information about Bulgaria. Thermal pools were my favorite. They were perfect and very relaxing. There were no crowds so I could easily enjoy with relaxation. The amount of time we spent there was perfect (3 hours). We made it back to Sofia at about 5:50pm which also allowed me to attend the 6pm free walking tour.

    via Viator

    Marcelo_C · June 2026

    Amazing Tour!

    The tour is really good, Rila Monastery is incredible and worth checking. The Spa trip is also great. The tour guide Georgi Ivanov was great too, he taught a lot about the history of Rila. I highly recommend the visit.

    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
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    19
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by V Travel Ltd., who run 26 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 55.2.

    See everything V Travel Ltd. runs

    Why this scores 68

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)68
    Review evidence (18% weight)61
    Booking momentum (14% weight)54
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)64
    Local standing (8% weight)31
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Rila Monastery & Thermae Full-Day Tour from Sofia: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Sofia.

    How much does Rila Monastery & Thermae Full-Day Tour from Sofia cost?

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    Prices start at $34 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 & Thermae Full-Day Tour from Sofia 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 & Thermae Full-Day Tour from Sofia worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 53 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 & Thermae Full-Day Tour from Sofia?

    +

    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 & Thermae Full-Day Tour from Sofia 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 & Thermae Full-Day Tour from Sofia?

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    Around 19 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 & Thermae Full-Day Tour from Sofia 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 Sofia Highlights 2 Hour Sightseeing Walking Tour, Communist Walking Tour of Sofia, Museum of illusions Sofia Official Entry ticket. 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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.

    What is included in Rila Monastery & Thermae Full-Day Tour from Sofia?

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    Included: English speaking driver or guide; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Online audio-guide in Eg, Fr, Sp, It, De, Rus (use with your smartphone & earphones). Not included: Food and drinks, unless specified; and All Fees and Taxes. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Rila Monastery & Thermae Full-Day Tour from Sofia?

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    9:00 Departure from Serdika Meeeting Point (2, Maria Luiza boulevard across McDonalds on the main street next to the Mosque). Please show up at least 5 minutes earlier and look for a V Travel branded vehicle (car. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Rila Monastery & Thermae Full-Day Tour from Sofia offered in?

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    It is offered in German, Russian, English, Italian, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Rila Monastery & Thermae Full-Day Tour from Sofia?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Rila Monastery & Thermae Full-Day Tour from Sofia wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Specialized infant seats are available; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Rila Monastery & Thermae Full-Day Tour from Sofia if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Sofia. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Rila Monastery & Thermae Full-Day Tour from Sofia?

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    Across 53 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for Rila Monastery & Thermae Full-Day Tour from Sofia?

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    There are 5 options to choose from, including Rila Monastery & Thermal Spa, Budget Rila Monastery and Spa, RIla and Thermae in Spanish, Rila & Thermae in Italian. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Rila Monastery & Thermae Full-Day Tour from Sofia.

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