9 hour(s)
English
Included
Visit Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site and spiritual landmark
Admire 200-year-old frescoes by master artists Zahary Zograf and Stanislav Dospevski
Enjoy traditional Bulgarian cuisine at a local restaurant
Relax in the mineral-rich thermal baths of Sapareva Banya with pools, hydro jets, and jacuzzi
Experience Bulgaria’s culture, history, and natural beauty in one day
€ 31.64
This activity is managed by our trusted partner FareHarbor.
Additional taxes and fees may apply — total shown at checkout.
Select your preferred date and time from the calendar above.
Free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling leads to total flexibility while you plan your travels
Lowest Price Guarantee — no other provider offers this tour for less
Experience the best of Bulgaria on a full-day tour from Sofia, combining spiritual heritage at Rila Monastery with the rejuvenating mineral springs of Sapareva Banya. This carefully crafted itinerary offers a unique glimpse into Bulgaria’s culture, history, and natural wonders.
Your day begins with a convenient pick-up near Serdika, within easy reach of public transport and central accommodations. The first stop is Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site founded by St. Ivan of Rila, the Miracle Worker and Spiritual Protector of the Balkans. Take time to admire the nearly 200-year-old frescoes, crafted by renowned artists such as Zahary Zograf and Stanislav Dospevski, set against the stunning backdrop of Rila Mountain.
Next, enjoy a taste of Bulgaria with a traditional meal at a local restaurant, offering options to suit group size and preferences. After lunch, head to Sapareva Banya, located about an hour away, where you can relax in outdoor pools, hydro jets, a jacuzzi, and a wet bar, all open year-round. The mineral-rich waters, heated naturally to 103°C, have been celebrated since Roman times for their healing properties, benefiting skin, bones, and heart.
After a day of culture, history, and wellness, return to Sofia with lasting memories of Bulgaria’s spiritual and natural treasures.
Pick-up and drop-off from Serdika Meeting Point in Sofia
Tour guide in English
Audio guide in multiple languages
Parking fees
Meals
Entrance fee to the thermal baths
Audio-guide device available
Personal expenses
Bring swimwear, flip-flops, warm clothes
Modest clothing for monastery
Cash for deposits: locker 10, towel 10, bathrobe 30 leva
Pool items available for a small fee
Wear comfortable walking shoes
Dress modestly when visiting the monastery
Spa swimwear required for thermal baths
Tour operates in all weather conditions
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Type in your hotel/accommodation to see how far the attraction or departure point is.
Loading pick up points...
Loading pick up points...
Very calm, comfortable and beautiful place. Relaxing in open bathes in February is a special pleasure - definitely recommended for visiting :)
Mikhail was very good. He was with us on every step of the way. The journey was smooth and everything went well. Rila Monastery was a nice sight in the Rila Mountains. The SPA at Aqua Club (Kotvata) was very nice with the mountains behind. Very good selection of thermal pools and Saunas. Incredible contrast pool as well.
I'm glad I choose to take this opportunity to travel with you
A great day trip to see outside of the city. Phillipe was a great guide and clearly very passionate in his job. We loved it!
Great day out, lovely and relaxing. The monastery is spectacular and the mekitsa from the shop behind it are delicious. The thermal baths were a wonderful experience. Excellent guide. Recommended.
Our guide Mihail was brilliant. He spoke clearly and his English was very good. Despite having an issue with the vehicle, this was resolved very quickly and we were comfortable at the service station. Mihail answered any questions we had and ensured we all had access to the audio guides. We particularly enjoyed the personal tip of where to get the best snacks in Bulgaria just outside of the monastery.
This was a great experience. After hiking, I directly came here and had a shower and enjoyed the pools. They were absolutely beautiful pools. The view is great. The price was the same as other places in town but their pools were bigger and higher quality in my opinion. They have a warm pool and cold pools. All mineral water and you can smell the hot pool to confirm any suspicions. The ladies changing room was clean and the showers were good. They offered towels and robes and lockers. They had a snack bar and drink station. I didn't use the sauna but I'm sure they were just as nice as their outside facilities. Swimming in the pools and looking at the trees and mountains after a day hiking was a really magical experience.
A great place to relax with your family. The location is A+, the 4 swimming pools have warm mineral water. I enjoyed a summer day with my 2year son and nephew. Recommended. You will love it.
The place is perfect. Bring your towel with a hoodie and flip-flops. If you're in luck you can see Cherni Vryh(Vitosha mountain) from here, while relaxing in the hot hot waters. There is also a SPA with surprisingly many rooms. Didn't try the restaurant, but got a beer next to the pool and it's awesome. Of course it will get a bit more crowded weekends, but still worth it.
If you want to have a nice warm mineral bath outside when it’s snowing in the winter this is your place. I absolutely loved it. I had visited in few times and unfortunately by the end of the week it becomes quite dirty in the locker rooms. Also the restaurant is not the best in the area, but i definitely recommend the outside pool for the winter time.
