From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Full-Day Tour

Highlights

• Visit two UNESCO World Heritage sites in one day
• Opt for a guided tour of Rila Monastery or explore independently
• Experience Bulgaria's picturesque countryside along the route
• Learn about the rich history of Eastern Orthodoxy in Bulgaria
• Admire the exquisite medieval frescoes in Boyana Church (if selected option)

Description

Experience the religious history of Bulgaria on a day tour to the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Rila Monastery and Boyana Church from Sofia. Follow your guide around the monastery to learn about this epic site or choose to explore it on your own before viewing Boyana Church's ancient frescoes. (if selected option) Meet your friendly group for the day at Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7. Settle down in your seat and set off out of the city as you drive along scenic roads with picturesque views of rural Bulgaria. Arrive at Rila Monastery, the largest Eastern Orthodox monastery in the country. If you've booked the tour, follow your guide around the historic site and learn about the main frescoes. If you're an explorer you can visit the museum, take photos, and check out the church at your own pace. Spend about 3-hours at the monastery where you will get the opportunity to take photos, check the shops, visit the museums, and have a lunch break in the nearby restaurant. Then start your journey back to Sofia with one more important stop along the way. If selected option, enter the medieval Boyana Church and stroll within the ancient walls, studying the artistic frescoes which make this place so special. Finish your journey at around 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM in the city center. Important: As of November 2024, Boyana Church does not take reservations in advance. Please keep in mind that not all visits will be guaranteed.

Includes

Day trip to Rila Monastery and Boyana Church English-speaking guide or driver, depending on the booked option Transportation with an air-conditioned vehicle

Important Information

• The visits within the Boyana Church itself are limited to 10 minutes per every group of 8 to 10 people. If you'd like to enter inside, you may also need to queue.
• The Boyana church is closed on the 1st of January, on the Sunday of the Orthodox Easter, on the 24th of December and the 25th of December ─ on such days the tour is done only to the Rila Monastery.
• Boyana Church offers entrance free of charge every last Monday of each month. On such days, you will be taken to the Church, however please keep in mind that your entrance is not guaranteed, especially if the Church is in high demand by other people on spot.
• On certain days, such as around holidays in Bulgaria, or when in groups over 100 people, delays are possible and the estimated tour finish time in Sofia could change as far as 18:30.
• Please warn us if you have a 0-2 years old baby when you make the reservation so that we can prepare a special seat for them.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund