Embark on an exciting journey combining two UNESCO sites in one day! Immerse yourself in ancient times exploring the majestic Rila Monastery, the largest in Bulgaria. Then discover the unique medieval frescoes at Boyana Church. Spend the day surrounded by mountain landscapes, absorbing the historical heritage and legends narrated by your experienced guide.
Languages of the tour
- English
Route
The group tour starts at 9:00 a.m. from Alexander Nevsky Square behind the cathedral. The first stop is the Rila Monastery, where you'll delve into its rich history and admire the frescoes. Then you'll have about 2.5 hours of free time for museum visits, photos, and lunch. At 2:15 p.m., the return journey to Sofia begins, where you'll visit Boyana Church with its unique frescoes. Expected return time to the city center: from 5:00 to 5:30 p.m.
Information
Audio guides are available for the monastery and church in the following languages: Spanish, Italian, German, French, and Russian. They cost an additional 5 euros per device and should be ordered before the tour!
Included in the price:
- Professional live guide - English (daily), Spanish (Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday)
- Group tour
- Transportation by comfortable bus/minibus
- Trip to Boyana Church and Rila Monastery
Not included in the price:
- Entrance fee to Boyana Church - 5 euros (10 levs)
- Rila Monastery Museum + entrance fee to the monk's room - 4 euros (8 levs)
- Audio guide (optional) - 5 euros per device
- Food and drinks
- Tips (optional)
Cancellation within less than 72 hours - 100% penalty.
Attractions
Discover the ancient mysteries and grandeur of the Rila Monastery — a symbol of Bulgaria, renowned for its rich history and spiritual significance. Founded in the distant 10th century by Saint John of Rila, this monastery remains a manifestation of Orthodox culture and national heritage to this day. As you stroll through its grounds, you immerse yourself in a world of incredible treasures and artifacts, housing over 35,000 unique exhibits. Among them are ancient manuscripts, holy relics, and precious church valuables. A journey through the monastery's museums will be a true revelation for every guest, as here you can encounter the Cross of Rafail and the historical Miraculous Icon of the Holy Mother of God, surrounded by 32 relic-keepers with the remains of saints. Step onto the land of ancient wonders and delve into the grandeur of the Rila Monastery, where every stone holds its own story.
Boyana Church is a gem among medieval Christian art monuments, remarkably preserved to this day in almost perfect condition. Dating back to the 11th century, it gained worldwide fame for its unique frescoes