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Rila Monastery day tour with Optional SPA/Thermal baths
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9 hours (approximately)
Offered in:
German
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Offered languages
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- German
- English
- English
- Italian
- Italian
- French
- Spanish
- Spanish
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
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)
Air-conditioned vehicle
Scenic drive through the Rila Mountains
Monastery Museum visit
Personal expenses
Gratuities (optional)
Entrance ticket to SPA complex ( 15 Euro - Monday to Friday) (20 Euro - Saturday and Sunday)
Towels and bathrobes are not included in the price
Meeting and pickup
Meeting point
The meeting point for the tour is Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7 – please arrive at 8:45 AM
End point
This activity ends in a different location. You can choose from multiple locations at checkout.
What to expect
Choose between the Rila Monastery only, or Rila Monastery + optional Aqua Club Kotvata spa visit (select days).
Enjoy a scenic drive through the stunning Rila Mountains before arriving at the magnificent Rila Monastery — the largest and most important monastery in Bulgaria. Founded in the 10th century by Saint John of Rila, the monastery is considered one of the country's most treasured cultural and spiritual landmarks. Surrounded by pine forests and dramatic mountain peaks, the monastery impresses visitors with its colorful frescoes, striped arcades, intricate wood carvings, and peaceful atmosphere.
If you choose the guided option, your expert guide will introduce you to the fascinating history of the monastery, the life of Saint John of Rila, and the symbolism hidden within the spectacular frescoes and icons inside the monastery church.
After the guided visit, enjoy free time to:
Explore the monastery courtyard
Take stunning photos of the Rila Mountains
Visit local souvenir shops
Taste traditional Bulgarian food
Enjoy the peaceful mountain atmosphere
Optional SPA & Thermal Baths Experience ♨️
If you book the Rila Monastery + Spa option, complete your day with a visit to Aqua Club Kotvata, a thermal spa complex in Sapareva Banya, at the foot of the Rila Mountains. Unwind in warm mineral pools surrounded by nature after your cultural adventure at the monastery — ideal for couples, families, and solo travelers.
Please note: this is a separate, bookable option — the spa is not part of the standard Rila Monastery tour. It's available on select days (Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday, excluding the last Monday of the month), and the spa entrance fee (€15–20) is paid directly on site, not included in the tour price.
Return to Sofia
After your experience, relax on the scenic drive back to Sofia. Expected arrival is between 18:30 and 18:40, depending on traffic and group size.
Enjoy a scenic drive through the stunning Rila Mountains before arriving at the magnificent Rila Monastery — the largest and most important monastery in Bulgaria. Founded in the 10th century by Saint John of Rila, the monastery is considered one of the country's most treasured cultural and spiritual landmarks. Surrounded by pine forests and dramatic mountain peaks, the monastery impresses visitors with its colorful frescoes, striped arcades, intricate wood carvings, and peaceful atmosphere.
If you choose the guided option, your expert guide will introduce you to the fascinating history of the monastery, the life of Saint John of Rila, and the symbolism hidden within the spectacular frescoes and icons inside the monastery church.
After the guided visit, enjoy free time to:
Explore the monastery courtyard
Take stunning photos of the Rila Mountains
Visit local souvenir shops
Taste traditional Bulgarian food
Enjoy the peaceful mountain atmosphere
Optional SPA & Thermal Baths Experience ♨️
If you book the Rila Monastery + Spa option, complete your day with a visit to Aqua Club Kotvata, a thermal spa complex in Sapareva Banya, at the foot of the Rila Mountains. Unwind in warm mineral pools surrounded by nature after your cultural adventure at the monastery — ideal for couples, families, and solo travelers.
Please note: this is a separate, bookable option — the spa is not part of the standard Rila Monastery tour. It's available on select days (Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday, excluding the last Monday of the month), and the spa entrance fee (€15–20) is paid directly on site, not included in the tour price.
Return to Sofia
After your experience, relax on the scenic drive back to Sofia. Expected arrival is between 18:30 and 18:40, depending on traffic and group size.
Additional info
- 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
Supplied by
City Tour Ltd.
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Additional info
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- 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.
Tags
Historical Tours
Bus Services
Excellent Quality
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
Short term availability
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
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Free cancellation
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
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Free cancellation
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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