Rila Monastery and Rafting Tour with Hotel Pick-up
Your Rila Monastery and Thermal Baths Private tour
Your adventure begins in Sofia, where you will meet your group and embark on a scenic drive to the gorge, setting the stage for an exciting day. Upon arrival, a professional instructor will provide a thorough safety briefing and the necessary gear before you dive into the thrilling rafting experience. After navigating the exhilarating rapids, you will return to the base to change and, if hungry, have the option to enjoy a delicious lunch at a nearby restaurant. Following this, the journey continues to the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery, where you will have ample time to explore its breathtaking architecture with the help of an audio guide in multiple languages. Finally, after a day filled with adventure and cultural discovery, you will head back to Sofia, carrying unforgettable memories of the experience.
Quick information
Duration:
- Start: 8:30 h
- End: 17:30 h
- Driving time – 4h30. approx.
Accessibility:
- Not accessible
Important:
- Women must have knees and shoulders covered
- Swimsuit and extra t-shirt recommended
Overview
Tour Itinerary for Rila Monastery and Thermal Baths Private tour
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- 8:30 To begin with, your adventure kicks off from your hotel or accommodation address in Sofia From there, you will embark on a 1.5-hour scenic drive towards the breathtaking gorge
- 11:00 Upon arrival, you will first receive a comprehensive briefing from your professional instructor, who will provide essential safety guidelines. Following this, you will be equipped with all the necessary rafting gear and given final instructions before diving into the thrilling experience.
- 13:00 By this time, if the adrenaline rush has worked up your appetite, you may choose to enjoy a delicious lunch at a restaurant.
- 15:00 At around this time, you will arrive at the monastery, where you will have a full hour to explore the magnificent complex at your own pace. To enhance your experience, you can use our audio guides, available in English, Spanish, Italian, Russian, and German
- 16:00 Finally, as the day winds down, you will begin your return journey to Sofia, arriving back in the city center at approximately 18:00 PM, bringing your unforgettable adventure to a close.
Please keep in mind that the itinerary may change depending on road conditions, rafting possibilities, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Struma River rafting experience
Surely you will enjoy this adrenaline-pumping rafting adventure on the Struma River, one of Bulgaria’s top whitewater destinations. Navigate thrilling rapids surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, guided by professional instructors. Perfect for beginners and experienced rafters alike, this experience promises excitement, breathtaking nature, and unforgettable fun!
Rila Monastery Overview
The Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria’s most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a must-visit tourist attraction for both Bulgarians and foreign visitors. It was built at its present place in the 14th century. The oldest buildings in the complex date from this period – the Tower of Hrelyu (1334–1335) and a small church just next to it (1343). However, the arrival of the Ottomans in the end of the 14th century was followed by numerous raids and a destruction of the monastery in the middle of the 15th century.
The monastery complex, regarded as one of the most impressive masterpieces of Bulgarian National Revival architecture, was declared a national historical monument in 1976 and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. On 25 May 2002, Pope John Paul II visited Rila Monastery during his pilgrimage to Bulgaria. He was greeted by the Monastery’s igumen (hiero monk), Bishop Ioan, who had been an observer at the Second Vatican Council.
- Departure point for this tour is from your hotel or accommodation in Sofia on the condition that it is in the city limits.
Prices:
The private tour price is based on the number of people in your party. Also you can book our budget group option however available on certain days every week. For larger groups please send us a request at: info@vtravel.bg
2 persons
119 € per person
3 persons
79 € per person
4 – 8 persons
59 € per person
9 + persons
49 € per person
Included:
- Pick-up / drop-off from your accommodation in Sofia
- English-speaking driver
- Online audio guide in Eg, Fr, Sp, It, Rus, De (you need a smartphone, internet and earphones)
- Parking fees
Not included:
- Meals
- Rafting experience 35€ per person only cash to the driver!
- Personal expenses
Gallery
Highlights
Explore the Rila Monastery
Unforgettable rafting adventure
Optional lunch
Great for groups of 6+ persons
From our gallery
Current location photos
Rila Monastery and Rafting Private Tour
The private tour price is based on the number of people in your party. Also you can book our budget group option however available on certain days every week.Included:
- Pick-up / drop-off from your accommodation in Sofia
- English-speaking driver
- Online audio guide in Eg, Fr, Sp, It, Rus, De (you need a smartphone, internet and earphones)
- Parking fees
Not included:
- Meals
- Rafting experience 30€ per person only cash to the driver!
- Personal expenses