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Self-guided tour in Rila Monastery37922010-4b19-4f1f-b102-1d5e75e5a8ce.jpegf9dcbf50-50f9-4754-bd45-d400b755d736.jpeg
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Self-guided tour in Rila Monastery

Free cancellation
Place: Sofia
Duration: up to 3 hours
Language: English, Italian, French, Spanish, German, Russian, Dutch
Mobile voucher accepted

Do this because

  • Enjoy a day out at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Monastery of Saint Ivan
  • See the biggest and the most respected Bulgarian monastery
  • Explore the grounds at your own pace with reading material

What to expect

Enjoy a day out at the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, with your entrance ticket. Better known as the Rila Monastery, it is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. The Rila Monastery is located in 1147 meters altitude in the middle of the fragrant coniferous forests.

Explore the 8800 square meters complex with your self-guided tour including the dwellings and farming buildings. Admire the The Rila Monastery's unique architecture which from the outside resembles a fortress. It has 24-meter stone walls which form an irregular pentagon. When you enter the monastery’s yard from one of the two iron gates you will be surprised by the arches and colonnades, covered wooden stairs and carved verandas and the 300-400 monastic cells.

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Important to know

  • Entrance in the monastery complex and church is free of charge. If you choose to enter the History museum you must pay 8.00 BGN per person, on-site
  • Note this is a self-guided tour, you will need to arrange your own transportation to/from the activity location(s)
  • Self-guided tour includes reading material (via PDF) available in English, Russian, Bulgarian, Italian, French, German, Romanian, Spanish, Dutch
  • Please contact the tour operator to request your preferred language. You will find their information on the voucher after booking
  • The reading material (PDF) will be sent to your email address
  • This reading material will be a customized PDF in your selected language and will include instructions on how to arrive to the starting location, travel tips and detailed explanations about the sights you will visit
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What’s included

Personalized reading material (PDF)

What’s not included

Tour guide

Transportation to/from attractions

Additional entrance fees for other sights inside

Cancellation policy

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.

Location

Rila, 2643, Bulgaria

Meeting point:

Begin your self-guide tour at the entrance of the Monastery during open hours.

Provider

VIP-Sliven Ltd.

Need a hand?

Would you like some help making a booking? Or perhaps you just want to ask a few questions. Whatever the reason, don't hesitate to get in touch.

Opening hours: Our team is available from 10.00 to 18.00 CET

Phone number: +44 121 468 3145