From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Group Tour

2091 Reviews
Tours Culture & history Activities Good for groups Day trips Day Trips From Eco Certified Things to do for adults Day Trips To Nature & adventure Sightseeing Tours Nature & Panorama Cruises & boat tours Architecture tours Viewing points Religious & spiritual activities History & heritage Churches & cathedrals UNESCO Sites Group activities Audio Guides

Explore Bulgaria's UNESCO World Heritage on a tour from Sofia. Visit the Rila Monastery and get breathtaking views of the mountains then explore the frescoes at the Boyana Church (if option selected).

Our Top Experiences and Tours in Bulgaria:
If youʻre booking your trip to Bulgaria last minute, we have you covered. Below are some of the top tours and experiences!
View All Experiences

Highlights

  • Explore 2 of Bulgaria most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites in one day
  • Visit Rila Monastery in the Rila Mountains
  • Marvel at the pre-Renaissance frescoes of Boyana Church
  • Taste mekitsi, yogurt or grilled trout in the nearby restaurants
  • Travel in comfort through the Bulgarian countryside

Description

Start your day with travel to the Boyana Church in the suburbs of Sofia (if option selected). See the historically significant frescoes of the Byzantine building, and hear how they started the fashion of illustrating biblical figures with emotions and placing them alongside the local aristocracy. After that, relax on the 2-hour drive to the Rila Monastery in the Rila Mountains. Upon arrival, explore the largest and most important Orthodox cloister in Bulgaria. Admire the arcaded balconies, and discover unique frescoes by one of the most famous painters of the Bulgarian National Revival period. See the gilded iconostasis and enjoy the fabulous mountain views. Hear the story of the monastery from your guide before enjoying some time to explore the monastic complex on your own. Learn more at the museum, or purchase souvenir icons and other items in the nearby shops. Take some time to refuel with lunch at one of the local restaurants, where you can purchase local dishes such as mekitsi (a traditional Bulgarian dish of kneaded dough made with yoghurt that is deep-fried).

Includes

Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle Driver/guide

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Gallery

My Guide Book Now! From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Group Tour

My Lists

Create New Guide

OR

Mini Guides
Arrow

Login to create your guides for Bulgaria.

Add to My Guide

Create New Guide

Cancel

Cancel

Recommended Experiences in Bulgaria

500+ trusted car hire partners globally

Create & Share your own Guide to Bulgaria with friends and family!

Add your recommended places to visit by browsing the website and pressing the icon.

Create your own guide of favourite 'must see' places

Earn your Local Expert badge by Sharing your guides with others

Get your guide seen by submitting it to the Mini Guides section

Lists

We Are Part of the My Guide Network!

My Guide Bulgaria is part of the global My Guide Network of Online & Mobile travel guides.

We are now in 120+ Destinations and Growing. If you are interested in becoming a local travel partner and would like to find out more then click for more info about our Website Business Opportunity.

Nearby Destinations

Events in Bulgaria

Filter Events by Sub-Category

Please select a Date first.

Search for a company in Bulgaria