Rila Monastery and Rafting Tour (Hotel Pickup)
Duration
8 hour(s) 30 minute(s)
Languages
English
Skip the line
Included
Thrilling 90-minute rafting adventure with professional guidance
Scenic drive through Bulgarian landscapes
Visit UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery with personal audio guide
Explore monastery’s architecture, frescoes, and peaceful grounds
€ 51.7
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Begin your day with an exciting adventure on the water, starting with a thorough safety briefing from your professional rafting instructor. You’ll receive all the necessary equipment and detailed instructions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience before you set off. The rafting journey lasts approximately 90 minutes, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy the thrill of navigating the rapids and the beautiful surrounding landscapes. At the end of the rafting trip, a vehicle will be ready to transport you back to the base, where you can return your equipment, change into comfortable clothes, and freshen up.
If you’re feeling hungry after the adrenaline rush, you have the option to enjoy a delicious lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling local dishes and refreshments. Following lunch, embark on a scenic one-hour drive to the magnificent Rila Monastery, the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. Once there, explore the UNESCO World Heritage site at your own pace using a personal audio guide available in English, Spanish, Italian, Russian, and German. Discover the monastery’s rich history, stunning architecture, and intricate frescoes while wandering through its peaceful grounds.
After a fulfilling visit to Rila Monastery, relax on the drive back to Sofia, reflecting on an action-packed and culturally enriching day. This combination of adventure, history, and spirituality makes for an unforgettable experience in Bulgaria.
Professional rafting instructor and safety briefing
All rafting equipment
Transport to and from rafting and Rila Monastery
Personal audio guide at Rila Monastery
Lunch (optional)
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Comfortable shoes
Comfortable Clothes
Water Bottle
Bring swimwear, flip-flops, and a change of clothes
Comfortable shoes recommended for the monastery
Knees and shoulders must be covered for Rila Monastery visit
Suitable for all ages with basic physical fitness
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Type in your hotel/accommodation to see how far the attraction or departure point is.
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Activity Provider: V Travel Ltd
Customer Reviews
Ali

Rila Monastery is truly breathtaking. Nestled in the mountains, it feels like stepping into a peaceful world far removed from everyday life. The architecture is stunning—colorful arches, intricate frescoes, and beautifully preserved details everywhere you look. The courtyard is especially magical, with the striped façade and central church creating a postcard-perfect view. Inside the church, the frescoes are extraordinary and worth taking your time to appreciate. The surrounding nature is equally impressive; the fresh mountain air and quiet trails make the whole visit feel rejuvenating. Parking and access are straightforward, and there are small shops nearby with local treats and souvenirs. A must-visit if you’re in Bulgaria—both for its history and its serene atmosphere.
Thanos

Really beautiful monastery. Wonderful endless murals right outside of the church. Free to enter (didn't try to visit the museum) You need to pay for the parking lot, 5 leva (~2.5 euro). The road to reach it was very nice, some parts alongside the river, made a great photo stop as well
Uwe

Best place to bei. Spiritual and cultural Highlight placed in magical mountain scenery. Parking ahead with a few Meters walkway possible free of Charge. Highly recommend. If you avoid peaktime, than It ist more relaxing. Full around noon.
George

Magnificent and unforgettable! Rila Monastery is truly one of Bulgaria’s greatest treasures. The architecture is stunning, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery, and the atmosphere is peaceful and spiritual. The frescoes and details inside are incredible — a must-visit for anyone traveling in Bulgaria. Absolutely worth the trip from Sofia!
Marta

Beautiful Monastery and beautiful surrounding. The road from Rila to Monastery was magical as forest around this Autumn was like fairy tale. It was on and off rain so not many tourists came (perfect!). You are not allowed to take photos inside the church and walk into the residential area. Entry is free (not sure about museum as I didn’t get in)
GetYourGuide

Alles prima, alleen het raften mocht iets heftiger. Dit lag aan het seizoen vh jaar, volgens de gids.
Tia

The activity was great - Maria from the river rafting company was funny, energetic and vastly experienced.
