Discover two of Bulgaria’s UNESCO World Heritage gems on this day trip from Sofia. Traveling by minibus, admire rural Bulgaria on route to the Rila Monastery in the pine-carpeted Rila Mountains. Take a guided tour of the medieval treasure with its fresco-coated church, and visit its fascinating museum. Then, after time to explore independently, continue to Boyana Church, near Sofia, to marvel at its spectacular pre-Renaissance frescoes. Entrance fees not included.
Rila Monastery & Boyana Church Day Trip from Sofia: UNESCO Treasures
$39
Reviews
About This Tour
Inclusions
Driver/Tour guide
Transport by air-conditioned minibus
Parking Fees
- Parking fees
Exclusions
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Admission to Boyana Church (approx. 5 euros per person) and Rila Monastery Museum (approx. 4 euros per person)
Audio guide at Rila Monastery (approx. 5 euros per person)
Food and drinks
- Tip or gratuity
Tour Plan
Departure from Sofia, Al. Nevski square
09:00 departure from the starting point - Alexander Nevski Cathedrale square. Sofia. Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.
Boyana Church tour
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, Al. Nevski square
Return to the starting point (Al. Nevski square, Sofia) at approximately 17:00pm
Meeting / Pickup
Meet on location or pick-up: Customers can come to our location or we can pick them up on request.
What to Bring
Comfotable shoes. And please, be aware of the monastery strict dress code: no short pants, no short skirts, no flip-flops/sandals and no sleeveless shoulders.
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.
Cancellation Policy
- Refund if cancelled at least 1 day before the event
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3 Comments
4.8
Our day trip to Rilski manastir in Bulgaria was a delightful escape from the hustle of Sofia, with the stunning frescoes of the Boyana Church captivating us at every turn. We especially loved wandering through the serene grounds of the monastery, feeling the weight of history in its walls as we took countless photos. One minor suggestion would be to allow a bit more time at both sites to truly soak in the beauty and significance of these UNESCO treasures.
4.4
Exploring the breathtaking Rilski manastir in Bulgaria was a highlight of our trip, with its stunning frescoes and serene atmosphere captivating our family. We also appreciated the insightful guide who shared the rich history of both the monastery and Boyana Church, though we wished for a bit more free time to soak in the surroundings.
4.4
Visiting the Rilski manastir and the Boyana Church felt like stepping into a living piece of history; we were awed by the stunning architecture and rich cultural significance of these UNESCO treasures. The only thing we might suggest is to allow a bit more time at each site to fully absorb their beauty and meaning.