Escape the city and discover two of Bulgaria's most unforgettable experiences in one day trip – the iconic Rila Monastery and, on select departure days, an optional visit to Aqua Club Kotvata, a thermal spa complex in Sapareva Banya.
Please note before booking: “Optional” means the spa visit is available as an add-on choice — it does not mean it's automatically included. There are two distinct options for this tour:
Rila Monastery + Spa — includes transport to Aqua Club Kotvata and free time there. Available only on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday (excluding the last Monday of the month). Spa entrance fee is paid on site, in cash, and is not included in the tour price.
Rila Monastery only / No Spa visit — no spa transport or spa time is included at all. Instead you get extra free time at the monastery, museum and souvenir shops. This option runs on all other days.
Please check the specific date and option you are booking carefully — the two are not interchangeable, and the spa is not available on days outside Fri–Mon.
Discover the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery
Enjoy a scenic drive through the spectacular Rila Mountain before arriving at the world-famous Rila Monastery – Bulgaria's largest and most important Eastern Orthodox monastery and one of the country's top UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Founded in the 10th century by Saint John of Rila, the monastery is renowned for its colourful frescoes, elegant arcades, intricate wood carvings, ancient icons and remarkable Bulgarian Revival architecture. Your English-speaking guide will share the history of the monastery, the life of Saint John of Rila, and the symbolism behind its frescoes.
Optional (Fri–Mon only): Aqua Club Kotvata, Sapareva Banya
On departures where the spa option is selected and available (Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday — excluding the last Monday of the month), you'll be driven to Aqua Club Kotvata in Sapareva Banya, with approximately 2–3 hours free for the thermal pools. Entry tickets, towel/dressing gown hire and lockers are paid directly at the spa, in cash (entry approx. €X, plus €5 locker deposit, €5 entrance chip deposit, €10 towel/dressing gown deposit). Bring your swimming costume, towel and flip-flops if you plan to swim.
If you book the Rila Monastery only / No Spa visit option, or if your travel date falls outside Fri–Mon (or is the last Monday of the month), the spa is not part of your itinerary — you'll instead have extra free time to explore the monastery courtyard, museum and souvenir shops.
Scenic Return to Sofia
After a day filled with history, mountain scenery and (where applicable) spa relaxation, enjoy a comfortable drive back to Sofia. Expected return time is approximately 18:30–18:40 PM, depending on traffic.
