Day Tour to Rila Monastery and Boyana Church
Sofia Province, Bulgaria
Join this tour to two of the most visited places in Bulgaria, Rila Monastery and Boyana church. Take in some of the most interesting, historical, and culturally significant monuments in Europe.
Overview
This day tour from Sofia covers Rila Monastery and Boyana Church, suited for travelers interested in Bulgarian history and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Highlights
- Explore monuments from the Byzantine-Balkan Renaissance
- Visit centuries-old relics listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Discover the origins of the Glagolitic and Cyrillic alphabets
Description
Visit Rila Monastery, a cultural center preserving extensive frescoes, carvings, and ancient monuments. The monastery’s museum complex houses around 3,500 unique exhibits, including nearly 300 manuscripts and 9,000 print and graphic publications dating from the 11th to 19th centuries. The relics of St. Ivan Rilski, the monastery’s founder and patron saint of Bulgaria, are kept here along with icons and relics of early Christian saints.
The tour also includes Boyana Church near Sofia, built in the 10th century. This church holds significant frescoes from the Byzantine-Balkan Renaissance period, including the famous 13th-century portrait known as the Bulgarian Mona Lisa, the boilie Desislava.
Both sites are highly regarded by UNESCO due to their cultural and historical importance.
Includes
- Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional driver and assistant guide
- Audio guide device in English, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Bulgarian, and German
- Maps of Rila Monastery and Boyana Church
- Audio records for five museums
- Parking fees
Excludes
- Food and drinks
- Entrance fees: Boyana Church (€6 per person), Rila Monastery museum (€5-10 per person, depending on museums visited)
Cancellation Policy
Full refund available for cancellations made up to 24 hours in advance.
Booking Tips
Bring comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. The best time to visit is during spring to early autumn for favorable weather. Book in advance to secure your preferred date, especially in peak tourist seasons.
