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Discover the Rila Monastery and the town of Melnik on a day trip from Sofia. Learn about Bulgaria's history and culture as you explore the Rila Monastery and the town of Melnik.

Highlights

• Journey through the Rila and Pirin mountains and learn about Bulgaria's history
• Explore the town of Melnik, famous for its winemaking and sandstone formations
• Discover the Kordopulov House, Bulgaria's largest Revival-style mansion
• Visit the Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and spiritual landmark
• Admire the monastery's main church and its vivid frescoes on a guided tour

Description

Escape the city for a day and explore Bulgaria’s rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and deep-rooted traditions. This guided small-group tour takes you from Sofia to two of the country’s most fascinating destinations: the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery and Melnik, Bulgaria’s smallest town, famous for its historic winemaking and striking rock formations. Begin your journey early in the morning, heading south through the striking landscapes of Bulgaria’s highest mountains, Rila and Pirin. Along the way, your guide will introduce you to the country’s diverse geography, conservation efforts, and economic transformations from communism to the present day. Your first stop is Melnik, a town of only 208 residents but with a history as rich as its famed Broad-Leaved Melnik Vine wines. Once a prosperous tobacco and wine trade center, Melnik’s Revival-era architecture, cobbled streets, and sun-kissed vineyards transport visitors to a bygone era. Explore the town on a guided walking tour, admiring the uniquely shaped Melnik Sand Pyramids, natural rock formations sculpted by the wind over millennia. No visit to Melnik is complete without experiencing its winemaking tradition. Enter the grand Kordopulov House, Bulgaria’s largest Revival-style mansion, famous for its underground wine cellar. Here, learn about traditional wine production methods. From the rolling vineyards of Melnik, ascend into the tranquil heart of the Rila Mountains to visit Bulgaria’s most revered spiritual site—the Rila Monastery. Founded in the 10th century by St. Ivan of Rila, this architectural masterpiece is a symbol of Bulgarian heritage and faith. As you step through its grand gates, be surrounded by towering frescoed walls, intricate wood carvings, and striking domes that reflect the apogee of Bulgarian Renaissance art. On a guided tour, discover the monastery’s most treasured landmarks, including the main church with its vivid frescoes. You may also explore the monastery museum, home to an impressive collection of religious artifacts and manuscripts. Afterward, enjoy free time to take photos, explore at your own pace, or taste the monastery’s traditional mekitsi (fried dough) with local honey or jam.

Includes

English-speaking guide throughout this journey Transportation costs incl. taxes Guided tour of Melnik and Rila Monastery Visit to Kordopulov House Transport by air-conditioned coach

Important Information

• Wear comfortable shoes as there is a moderate amount of walking. Bring a hat and sunscreen as some parts of the tour are exposed to the sun. Smoking and consuming food and drinks are not allowed on the coach. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with back problems.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund