Highlights
- Savor a wine tasting featuring carefully selected Bulgarian wine
- Explore the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery with a knowledgeable guide
- Enjoy a freshly prepared traditional snack made from regional ingredients
- Learn about the monastery’s centuries-old frescoes and unique architecture
- Travel comfortably from Sofia in a private/small group with a live guide
Description
Escape the bustle of Sofia and enjoy a day filled with history, nature, and authentic local flavors. Your day begins with a comfortable 1 hour 45-minute transfer (approximately 110 km), traveling first along the highway and then through scenic local roads that wind into the Rila Mountains.
Upon arrival, you will explore the magnificent Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Bulgaria’s most significant spiritual landmarks. You will have about 2 hours to admire its vibrant frescoes, walk through the grand courtyard, and step into hidden corners such as the old monastic kitchen, the traditional guest rooms, and the quiet inner corridors once used by the monks. You will also have the chance to try a beloved local specialty — mekitsa, a traditional Bulgarian fried dough treat, often served warm with powdered sugar or homemade jams.
The premium option includes a lunch in a family-run tavern renowned for its fresh mountain trout, sourced from the crystal-clear streams of the Rila Mountains. In addition, you may also enjoy a wine tasting featuring regional varieties. Please note that some boutique wine cellars close during the grape harvest season (September–October), but an alternative tasting can be arranged whenever possible.
In the late afternoon, unwind during the 1 hour 30-minute transfer back to Sofia, enjoying the peaceful scenery on the way.
Your guide for the day is Simeon, a licensed mountain guide with more than 20 years of experience working with internationally recognized tour operators. The tour normally begins at 8:00 AM, but the starting time and the tour can be customized according to your preferences. For more details please contact me.
Includes
Hotel pick-up and drop-off included
Guided visit of Rila Monastery
Traditional snack
Wine tasting (optional)
Lunch (optional)
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
