From Sofia: Rila Monastery & Boyana Church Small Group Tour

From Sofia: Rila Monastery & Boyana Church Small Group Tour

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Explore 2 of Bulgaria's UNESCO World Heritage Sites on an exciting minibus tour from Sofia. Visit the Rila Monastery and get breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Then, see stunning pre-Renaissance frescoes at the Boyana Church.

Highlights

Visit 2 of Bulgaria most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites in a day
Go to Rila Monastery in the Rila Mountains
Marvel at the pre-Renaissance frescoes of Boyana Church
Taste organic food in the nearby restaurants, such as mekitsi, yogurt or grilled trout
Travel in comfort through the Bulgarian countryside

Description

Depart Sofia at 09:00 AM sharp, and 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 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 specialties such as mekitsi (a traditional Bulgarian dish of kneaded dough made with yogurt that is deep-fried). Depart at 01:30 PM and travel to Boyana Church in the suburbs of Sofia. See the historically significant frescoes of the Byzantine building, and hear how they started the fashion for illustrating biblical figures with emotions and placing them alongside the local aristocracy. With an estimated arrival time at the church of approximately 03:40 PM, enjoy about 30 minutes to explore. Leave at around 04:10 PM for the drive to Alexander Nevski Cathedral in Sofia city center by 04:30 PM to 05:00 PM.

Includes

Transportation by modern, comfortable air-conditioned vehicle English-speaking driver/guide

Important Information

There is a dress code in the Monastery that should be respected. Men and women should wear clothes covering their shoulders. Women should not wear short shorts or skirts (above the knees)
If you want to have more free time at the Monastery, it is advised that you bring your own snacks. There are 2 restaurants in the area that offer local specialties, but service there could slow on busy days
The entrance fee to the Boyana Church is 10 BGN (5 EUR) per person
The tour will not visit the church on January 1, Orthodox Easter, and December 24 or 25.