Get more of your holiday by booking an intensive small group guided tour to the highlights of southwest Bulgaria;- Tour the smallest Bulgarian town, famous for its architecture, stunning surroundings, and wine production. - The Melnik Pyramids are a fantastic phenomenon. Use wisely the recommended photo stops! :)- In Melnik discover the impressive Rivaval Period style house of Kordopoulo’s family and peek into its tunnel-like wine cellar.- Enjoy the sights of the tranquil Bulgarian countryside and its sleepy villages, while your guide introduces you to Bulgarian everyday countryside life;
Explore the iconic Rila Monastery, where the guide will walk you through its history and shed light on its significance today.- Admire the priceless fresco masterpieces of the most notable 19th-century Bulgarian painters
Enrich your experience by tasting local delicacies and in this way involve all your senses;
Rila Monastery & Melnik Small Group Tour: Culture, Wine, and Nature
Inclusions
Professional guide
Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
All transportation costs
Exclusions
Entrance fees
Food and drinks
Gratuities
- Tip or gratuity
Tour Plan
Depart early morning at 07:00 from the parking behind Alexander Nevski Cathedral, just in front of LaCattedrale restaurant
The smallest town in Bulgarian with only 208 inhabitants, Melnik still preserves part of its glory from 14th till19th-century, when it had been a flourishing tobacco and wine-producing center, whose fame was spread by local merchants to many European countries. Today, the city is famous for its lovely white houses and cobbled streets, mild climate, internationally recognized brands of red wine. You will have a guided walking tour through the city and enter the biggest Bulgarian Revival Period style house and its tunnel-like wine cellar.
Rila Monastery (UNESCO site) and its architecture and the frescoes present the apogee of the Bulgarian Renaissance art. With an about 1-hour guided tour of the most treasured monuments in the inner yard and the Monastery museum, you will learn the most fascinating facts and stories about the biggest Bulgarian monastery complex. You will also have free time to buy souvenirs, make more photos or to continue to explore it by yourself.
Arrival back at the starting point of the tour at approximately 19:00
Itinerary
Depart early morning at 08:00 behind Vasil Levski Monument - in front of Embassy of Slovakia
The smallest town in Bulgarian with only 208 inhabitants, Melnik still preserves part of its glory from 14th till19th-century, when it had been a flourishing tobacco and wine-producing center, whose fame was spread by local merchants to many European countries. Today, the city is famous for its lovely white houses and cobbled streets, mild climate, internationally recognized brands of red wine. You will have a guided walking tour through the city and enter the biggest Bulgarian Revival Period style house and its tunnel-like wine cellar.
Rila Monastery (UNESCO site) and its architecture and the frescoes present the apogee of the Bulgarian Renaissance art. With an about 1-hour guided tour of the most treasured monuments in the inner yard and the Monastery museum, you will learn the most fascinating facts and stories about the biggest Bulgarian monastery complex. You will also have free time to buy souvenirs, make more photos or to continue to explore it by yourself.
Arrival back at the starting point of the tour at approximately 19:00
Cancellation Policy
- Refund if cancelled at least 1 day before the event
Meeting / Pickup
Please Note
- Not wheelchair accessible
- There is dress code at the monastery - women should avoid wearing short skirts and tops that leave their shoulders exposed.
- Traventuria recommends: Comfortable clothes and walking shoes
- Not stroller accessible
- Not suitable for pets
- Infants must not sit on laps - please notify Traventuria in advance if you need a child seat (required by law)
Reviews
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3 Comments
4.8
Exploring Melnik with our friends was a memorable experience, especially as we wandered through the stunning landscapes surrounding Rila Monastery. The cultural insights we gained from our guide truly enriched our journey, and sipping local wines in the charming village was a delightful highlight. However, we did find the group size a bit larger than we expected, which made it harder to engage at times, but overall, it was a wonderful day spent appreciating nature and history together.
4.4
Our small group adventure was a delightful mix of stunning landscapes and rich culture, though the transportation felt a bit cramped at times.
4.2
Our journey through the stunning landscapes was truly unforgettable, especially the visit to the historic monastery, where we marveled at its intricate architecture and serene atmosphere. The wine tasting in the quaint village was a delightful experience, providing a perfect blend of culture and local flavor that we all appreciated. While the group size was manageable, we occasionally felt a bit rushed at some stops, which made it tough to fully soak in the beauty around us. Nonetheless, the combination of nature, culture, and good company made for an enriching day, leaving us with lasting memories and a sense of connection to the region. If you’re looking for a tour that balances exploration with relaxation, this one is definitely worth considering.