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.
The tour offers 3 different options:
1. The guided tour option is with an English-speaking live guide.
2. Tour with an an audio guide in Spanish, Italian, German, Russian or English.
3. Transport only (that option might not be bookable for some dates).
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Driver/Tour guide in English
✔ Transport by air-conditioned minibus
✔ Parking fees
✖ 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 in Spanish, Italian, German, Russian or English (approx. 5 euros per person)
✖ Food and drinks
Departure & Return
Departure:
Sofia Center, pl. "Sveti Aleksandar Nevski", 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
IMPORTANT: The meeting point is BEHIND Alexander Nevski Cathedral (opposite La Cattedrale restaurant) | Google Maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/KY3uaHDALKjDJukQA | GPS coordinates: 42.695601, 23.333790 | Please, be there 15 min. in advance! | This tour is not suitable for children under the age of 5.
Return: End right where it started.
Itinerary
1
St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral
09:00 departure from the starting point. Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.
Duration: 15 minutes
2
Boyana Church
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.
Duration: 45 minutes
3
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.
Duration: 2 hours
4
St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral
Return to the starting point at approximately 17:00
Additional info
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• 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:
• Boyana church will NOT be visited on the following days: 1st of January (the tour starts at 11 AM on that day only); The day of Orthodox Easter; 24th and 25th December.
• Hand disinfectant will be provided for free throughout the tour.
• All touch points in the vehicles will be cleaned frequently.
• Minimum traveler age is 5 years old
