Full Day Tour of Rila Monastery and Boyana Church from Sofia
Why we love it?
The Rila Monastery with optional Boyana Church Full Day Tour from Sofia offers a deep dive into Bulgaria's rich cultural heritage. Over the course of eight hours, participants will explore the iconic Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning architecture and historical significance. The tour is ideal for history enthusiasts and those seeking to experience Bulgaria's spiritual legacy. An optional visit to the nearby Boyana Church, famous for its medieval frescoes, adds an extra layer of cultural insight, making this tour distinctive for its combination of breathtaking scenery and profound historical context.
Itinerary
Departure from Vasil Levski Monument (Embassy of Slovakia)
09:00 departure from the starting point - Vasil Levski Monument (Embassy of Slovakia), Sofia.
Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.
Boyana Church tour - optional
Arrival at Boyana Church - 09:30am.
Boyana Church is a small temple at the outskirts of Sofia with frescoes dating back to three separate periods: 11th, 13th and 19th century. The most important and fascinating are the frescoes dating from 1259. They are Renaissance frescoes that predate the Italian Renaissance (triggered by the works of Giotto) and brake the strict Christian canon law to present pure human emotions, royal figures and folklore elements.
Rila Monastery Tour
Arround 12pm arrival at the Rila Monastery.
Rila Monastery is one of Bulgaria’s symbols and a popular tourist destination. The monastery is set deep in the heart of Rila Mountain, between the Rilska and Drushliavitza Rivers, at 1147 metres (3760 feet) above sea level. It is situated 120 kilometres south of Sofia.
Arrival at Sofia, Vasil Levski Monument (Embassy of Slovakia)
Return to the starting point (Vasil Levski Monument, in front of Embassy of Slovakia) at approximately 17:00pm
Please Note
- Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities
- Not wheelchair accessible or stroller friendly
- Comfortable walking shoes recommended
- Exceptions to the standard program:
- 01.01.2020 departure at 11:00 AM without Boyana Church
- Boyana church will NOT be visited on the following dates: the 18th of May, the 19th of April, 24th and 25th December
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not stroller accessible
- Not suitable for pets
- No public transportation nearby
- Infants must not sit on laps
- Infant seats unavailable
- Hand disinfectant will be provided for free throughout the tour
- All touch points in the vehicles will be cleaned frequently.
