Every Day for Only 29 Euros per person(33 for the period Nov- Mar)

Guided Tour from Sofia to the Rila Monastery and Boyana Church. The two most famous UNESCO sites in Bulgaria in one day! The best and the most affordable way to visit the most famous Bulgarian tourist attractions!

Experience two of Bulgaria’s most special places and discover a unique culture and nature by joining a full day guided trip from Sofia to the Rila Monastery and Boyana Church. Two of the finest and most popular UNESCO World Heritage sites in Bulgaria, recognized for their religious significance, historical importance and cultural dignities. This is always a small-group tour, so sit back and let your guide lead you through the fascinating pre-Renaissance frescoes of the Boyana Church, the small towns and beautiful, sleepy villages all the way to the heart of the “Rila Monastery” Nature Park. Admire the unique architecture and learn all the details about the vast history of the largest Bulgarian monastic complex.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit two UNESCO World Heritage sites, and one of the most famous sites in Bulgaria in a beautiful day tour.
• Visit the Boyana Church – an inspiring temple, with unique frescoes from the 13th century.
• Visit the top Bulgarian Landmark, a UNESCO site and the biggest Monastery in Bulgaria – Rila monastery.
• Know more about the Eastern Orthodox traditions, frescoes and history.
• Get close to the nature and enjoy the “Rila Mountain Natural Park”, the biggest in Bulgaria.
• Know more about Bulgarian culture, nature and traditions.
• Explore the beautiful Bulgarian countryside.

ITINERARY

Your journey starts from one of the most beautiful and recognizable buildings in Sofia- The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Meet your guide in front of the biggest cathedral in Bulgaria and get onboard your comfortable, air-conditioned minivan. After a short drive through downtown Sofia (you will learn all the details about the interesting buildings that you see on the way), you will be at the Boyana Church - the first UNESCO site for the day.

The Boyana Church is one of the most important medieval temples not only in Bulgaria but worldwide. The Church is best known for its unique pre-Renaissance frescoes from the mid-13th century (1259). Admire the beautiful Bible scenes, the angels, apostles, the saints and listen your guide who will explain all the meanings and interesting facts behind them.

From Boyana you will leave on a two-hour scenic drive through the charming Bulgarian countryside. Enjoy the small towns, the beautiful, sleepy villages and see the simple live of the locals. The road will take you deep in the "Rila Mountain" Natural park, where you will find hidden the largest Bulgarian monastic complex - the Rila Monastery. Embark on a guided tour around the monastery complex. Your guide will help you to explore the unique monastery architecture, the beautiful frescoes of the monastery church – “Nativity of the Virgin”, and the rich monastery museums. Listen the fascinating stories about St. Ivan Rilski - the saint who found the monastery in the 10th century and King Boris- the last and most beloved Bulgarian monarch, whose tomb lies in the monastery church.

After the guided tour, enjoy your free time and take the opportunity to visit some of the nearby restaurants. Taste the local specialties, such as the grilled or fried trout, the fresh salads and the famous Bulgarian yogurt with honey. During your free time you will have the option to join your guide and visit the nearby cave of St Ivan Rilski. This is where the saint has spent most of his life, living a very simple life as a hermit. The cave is a place with a special energy and the legend says that the one who enters the cave will get rid of all his sins!

To reach the cave of the saint you must hike in the woods about 20 minutes, the hike is not very difficult, but there are some steep sections and some stones on the path, that's why it's recommended only for people in good physical shape.

In the late afternoon return to your vehicle and relax on the way back to Sofia.

DATES: All year round, every day!

DURATION: 1 day (About 7 hours)
DIFFICULTY: Easy
GROUP SIZE: From 1 up to 8 persons
MEETING AND DROP OFF POINT:
The meeting point is in front of the Alexander Nevski Cathedral (the main entrance of the Cathedral)  (Open in Google Maps)

DEPARTURE TIME: 08:45 AM

If you have not requested pick-up.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• Bring a long sleeve clothes or a scarf to cover your arms when you get in the Rila Monastery church
• Photos are not allowed inside the Boyana Church.
• Wearing comfortable shoes is recommended.
• The tour is not suitable for disabled people.
• Don't forget your camera.

PRICE

29 Euro per person (for the period April-October)

33 Euro per person (for the period November-March)

DISCOUNTS

Great group discounts for groups of 4 or more people! Please enquire at: hello@exploriatour.com or +359 877 842 652

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• All transportation and parking costs.
• Licensed English-speaking guide
• VAT and all local taxes

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• Admission fees for Boyana Church (5 Euro) and the Rila Monastery Museum (Optional 4 Euro)
• Meals, tips and personal expenses.

EXTRAS

• HOTEL PICK-UP: 5 Euro per booking, not per person.

If your hotel is a bit far away from the meeting point, instead of using a taxi we will pick you up for just 5 Euro.