Rila Monastery Half Day Tour from Bansko
The Rila Monastery is one of Bulgaria’s symbols and one of the most popular tourist destinations. It’s included in the List of World Heritage of UNESCO. Traventuria (Ski & Board Traventuria Bansko and Borovets) is one of the leading providers for cultural tours from Sofia (and from Bansko and Borovets). With more than 10 years of experience, Traventuria has brought thousands of tourists to visit Rila Monastery and continue to deliver quality travel services.
If you are in Bansko and you have a spare day – take our half day self-guided tour to Rila Monastery. You can still enjoy skiing in the morning and join our trip in the afternoon.
Meet your driver at Ski & Board Traventuria Bansko (see map here) and board the air-conditioned vehicle to travel to the Rila Monastery. Relax during the 1.5-hour drive as you admire the beautiful Bulgarian landscape. Arrive at the monastery at approximately 3 PM, giving you plenty of time to explore the complex inside and out.
Admire its balconies and discover unique frescoes by one of the most famous painters of the Bulgarian National Revival period. See gilded iconostasis and enjoy the fabulous mountain views. Stop at one of the two restaurants in the complex to have something to eat or drink.
Take the opportunity to discover more at the museum, or purchase souvenir icons and other items in the nearby shops. The departure time from Rila Monastery will be between 5:00 and 5:30 PM. At the end of the tour, your driver will drop you off at the starting point of the tour – Ski & Board Traventuria Bansko Ski Shop.
Important to know:
*Dress Code: The monastery is functioning as an Orthodox temple. Strict dress code is imposed and should be respected. Man and women should be wearing clothes covering their shoulders. Women should not wear short shorts or skirts.
*Photos: Taking photos in the courtyard and of the frescoes on the outer fresco gallery of the main church of Rila Monastery is allowed. Taking photos inside the main church, the residential parts, and the museum is NOT permitted.
*Cash is the king: There is a cash machine at the Rila Monastery, but most of the time it is not working. The restaurants around the monastery are not accepting debit/credit cards. For your personal expenses, we recommend bringing leva in cash with you. The duration of the activity is 6 hours (including transportation).
Included in the price:
– Transportation with an air-conditioned vehicle
– English-speaking driver
Not included in the price:
– Pick-up and drop-off from/to hotel
– Food and drinks
– Personal expenses
– Gratuities
This activity is not private and it may be shared with others.
Availability: 15th March – 15th April, every Tuesday and Thursday
Departure time: 13:30 from Ski & Board Traventuria ski shop – see map here
Please, arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes in advance.
