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Private Day Trip to Boyana Church and Rila Monastery

5 (56)
Rila, BG
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Private Day Trip to Boyana Church and Rila Monastery

5 (56)
Rila, BG
Share
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Experience the rich history and breathtaking beauty of Bulgaria on this private day trip to the Rila Monastery and Boyana Church. Step back in time as your guide takes you on a journey through these UNESCO World Heritage sites. With a private car and guide just for you, you'll have the freedom to explore and take in the stunning mountain scenery at your own pace. Marvel at the impressive architecture and frescoes in the Rila Monastery, and learn about its fascinating past during a guided tour. Then, visit the Boyana Church, dating back to the 11th century, and admire its unique and well-preserved frescoes. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in Bulgarian history and culture on this unforgettable full-day tour.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • Admission Not Included
  • 8 hours
  • Suitable for 1-15 Participants
  • Private Tour
  • Guided Experience
  • Visit the biggest monastery in Bulgaria
  • Admire impressive architecture and frescoes
  • Discover precious pieces and facts about the monastery
  • Experience delicious cuisine at a local restaurant
  • Explore a UNESCO historical site with unique frescoes
  • Hotel pick up and drop off
  • A trip to Boyana Church and Rila Monastery
  • Private driver- guide
  • Transportation by an A/C car
  • Gratuities
  • Boyana Church entrance ticket- 5 euro
  • Rila Monastery museum & monk room entrance ticket- 4 euro
  • Food & personal expenses

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

  • At least one adult or senior required per booking

Your Itinerary

Rila Monastery

First you will head to the Rila Monastery- the biggest monastery in Bulgaria. It was established back in the 10th century. The current buildings are from the mid 19th century, with a defensive tower that survived from the 14th century. In the monastery complex you will admire the impressive architecture and frescoes. During the guided tour (45 minutes) in the inner yard and the monastery museum, you will discover the most precious pieces that are kept from the past and all the facts and stories about the biggest Bulgarian monastery complex. You will also have the chance to see an old and authentic monk room! Before going back to Sofia, you will have free time for a lunch break in a great local restourant with delicious cuisine.

Boyana Church

On the way back you will stop at the great UNESCO historical place – Boyana church, dating back to the 11th century, which has unique and very well preserved frescoes and pictures from the 13th century period. You will have the chance to explore the church and learn its hisotry from your guide. The expected return in Sofia is at 5pm.

Admission Not Included

More about this experience

Introduction

Experience the rich history and cultural heritage of Bulgaria with a private day trip to Boyana Church and Rila Monastery. These UNESCO World Heritage sites will transport you back in time as your knowledgeable guide shares fascinating stories and insights. This exclusive tour ensures a personalized experience, as you will have a private car and driver-guide solely dedicated to your group. Enjoy the flexibility to stop for photos, explore local shops, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking mountain landscapes. With convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off, you'll embark on a full-day adventure that promises to be both educational and awe-inspiring.

What to Expect

During this tour, you can expect to visit two iconic Bulgarian landmarks. The first stop is Boyana Church, a historical gem dating back to the 11th century. Admire the unique and remarkably preserved frescoes and paintings from the 13th century, while your guide shares the church's captivating history. Next, you'll continue to Rila Monastery, a spiritual sanctuary nestled in the mountains. Marvel at the ornate architecture and explore the museum and monk rooms, gaining a deeper understanding of the monastery's significance. Throughout the journey, revel in the natural beauty of the surrounding landscapes, capturing memories that will last a lifetime.

Who is this for?

This private day trip is perfect for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and anyone seeking a deeper connection with Bulgaria's cultural heritage. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a small group of friends or family, this tour caters to all. The flexibility of a private tour ensures that it can be tailored to your specific interests and preferences. From individuals interested in religious history to those captivated by architectural wonders, this experience is designed to engage and delight a wide range of audiences.

Why Book This?

Embarking on this private day trip is an unparalleled opportunity to explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites with the utmost comfort and convenience. By choosing this tour, you will have the exclusive benefit of a dedicated private car and driver-guide, allowing you to set the pace and customize your experience. The intimate nature of the tour ensures that you can fully immerse yourself in the history and beauty of Boyana Church and Rila Monastery without the distractions of a large group. Delve into the rich cultural heritage of Bulgaria and create memories that will leave a lasting impression.

Good to Know

To ensure a respectful visit to the places of worship, it is important to note that women should have their knees and shoulders covered while visiting the monastery. Additionally, please be aware that Boyana Church is closed on specific dates, including the 1st of January, the Sunday of the Orthodox Easter, and during December. On these days, the tour will only include a visit to Rila Monastery. As part of our commitment to sustainability, most trips are conducted using eco-friendly cars with CNG engines or electric vehicles, contributing to the fight against air pollution.

Reviews

Previous visitors have praised this private day trip for its exceptional service, knowledgeable guides, and immersive experience. Travelers have expressed their appreciation for the flexibility to explore at their own pace and the opportunity to capture stunning photographs amidst the natural beauty of the Bulgarian mountains. Many have commended the professionalism and friendliness of the driver-guide, who provided fascinating insights into the history and significance of Boyana Church and Rila Monastery. Overall, reviews have highlighted the tour as an unforgettable journey into Bulgaria's rich cultural heritage.

Reviews

(56)

5 (56)

carminebarba

Everything was good. The driver was really nice and told us a lot of interesting facts about Sofia and Bulgaria. The organization was perfect! The monastery was amazing, a real gem. We visited it while it was covered in show and that made it really interesting to see

Thomas_L_BRU

An interesting and impressive excursion to the Rila monastery a 100km outside Sofia and the Boyana church near the Vitosha mountain. Many thanks to Vessy who guided the tour for all her explanations.

gioviNapoli

The views were wonderful. The nature was impressive. The guide Vessy was fantastic! Biysna church is something spectacular.

ammaraP8353GG

It‘s really an amazing day trip as it was my very first time solo traveling. The guide is really helpful and traveller friendly to everyone. Really recommended for someone who loves history and a group trip.

Kdave123

Beautiful day, amazing place, stunning setting in the mountains. Lovely place to.walk around and take it all in. Nice we place for a coffee stop. Friendly cats roaming everywhere.

SuYin_L

We had a wonderful time with Maria, our guide. She is such a cheerful, delightful person, very knowledgeable and passionate about history and Bulgaria. Her backpack is full of pamphlets, maps, alphabet and little things about Bulgaria. At Boyana Church and Rila Monastery, she took the time to explain everything about the places and even took us to try Mekitza, at the original bakery in front of the monastery. Lunch was also fabulous, in a small locally run restaurant. Overall, we are grateful to meet Maria, and highly recommend this experience!

davidcI3106FW

Great opportunity to meet some history of Rila and Boyana. Our guide Antonio was great, very friendly and gave us a lot of interesting details.

E4121NBdeboraa

Our guide Antonio was spectacular, he explained everything to us in detail and apart from the tour he showed us places with typical Bulgarian food and a lot of tips. Anything you needed he solved it for you, very friendly. We give a 10 for Antonio. I would definitely recommend taking this tour, it’s very complete and necessary

792margherital

Our guide Vlado was really nice and pleasant . Amazing experience, we enjoed the journey. Really reccomanded

l_viam249

we had a very good trip, Christian - our guide - was friendly and funny. he explained what we needed. driving was good. timing was good. it would only be perfect if the weather was better 😅
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-03-29 07:57