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Day tour to Rila monastery, hiking to the cave of St. John and Boyana church

5 (10)
Rila, BG
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Day tour to Rila monastery, hiking to the cave of St. John and Boyana church

5 (10)
Rila, BG
Share
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Experience the best of Bulgarian culture and nature with this exciting day tour to Rila Monastery, hiking to the cave of St. John, and visiting Boyana Church. Join a small group for a bigger experience as you explore these two UNESCO sites that are known for their religious significance, historical importance, and cultural dignities. Marvel at the pre-Renaissance frescoes of the Boyana Church and learn about Eastern Orthodox traditions. Discover the largest Bulgarian monastic complex, Rila Monastery, nestled in the beautiful Rila Mountain Natural Park. Immerse yourself in Bulgarian culture and traditions while walking through an old beech forest to the mystical cave and prayer rock of the hermit. The tour also includes a visit to the natural wonder of Stob pyramids and a complimentary wine tasting at the magnificent "Medi valley winery." Don't miss this opportunity to experience the essence of Bulgarian heritage and natural beauty.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • Admission Included
  • 7 hours
  • Suitable for 1-15 Participants
  • Small Group Tour
  • Guided Experience
  • Bottled water
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Coffee and/or tea
  • Driver guide
  • Lunch

Popular Hotels Closeby

More about this experience

Introduction

Experience the beauty and spirituality of Bulgaria with this captivating day tour to Rila Monastery, hiking to the cave of St. John, and visiting the Boyana Church. Embark on a small group tour that promises a bigger and more immersive experience. Immerse yourself in Bulgarian culture and Eastern Orthodox traditions as you explore these renowned landmarks and the stunning Rila Mountain Natural Park.

What to Expect?

During this tour, you can expect to be amazed by the unique frescoes from the 13th century in the Boyana Church. Discover the grandeur of Rila Monastery, the largest monastery in Bulgaria and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Learn about the Eastern Orthodox traditions, frescoes, and the rich history behind these places. Experience the natural beauty of the Rila Mountain Natural Park, the largest in Bulgaria, as you take in the breathtaking landscapes and enjoy a hike to the cave of St. John. This tour is perfect for those seeking cultural enrichment, spirituality, and a connection with nature.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for anyone interested in exploring Bulgarian culture, history, and spirituality. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or a nature lover, this tour offers something for everyone. It is also suitable for people of all ages and backgrounds, ensuring that no one is excluded from this enriching experience.

Why Book This?

Book this tour to immerse yourself in the unique and captivating Bulgarian culture. Discover the hidden gems of the Boyana Church and Rila Monastery, both recognized for their historical and religious significance. Marvel at the exquisite frescoes and architectural masterpieces while gaining insights into Eastern Orthodox traditions. Additionally, enjoy the serenity of the Rila Mountain Natural Park, where you can connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of Bulgaria's landscapes. This tour offers a combination of history, spirituality, and natural beauty, providing an unforgettable and enriching experience.

Good to Know

During this tour, you will have the opportunity to explore the fascinating pre-Renaissance frescoes of the Boyana Church and learn about the spacious history of the Rila Monastery. The tour also includes a small walking excursion to the Stob pyramids, a natural wonder of sandstone pyramids. Additionally, enjoy a complimentary wine tasting at the magnificent "Medi valley winery." The tour starts at Alexander Nevsky Cathedral at 8:00 am and lasts for approximately 7.5 hours. Inclusions consist of an English-speaking guide, small-group attention, and transportation. Exclusions include food and drinks, as well as the ticket for the Boyana Church.

Reviews

Travelers who have experienced this tour have praised the captivating beauty of the Boyana Church and Rila Monastery. The frescoes and architectural marvels left them in awe, and they appreciated the knowledgeable guides who provided insights into the Eastern Orthodox traditions and history. The hiking experience to the cave of St. John offered a unique and mystical adventure. Additionally, the wine tasting at the "Medi valley winery" was a delightful and memorable addition to the tour. Overall, travelers were highly satisfied with their experience, describing it as a perfect blend of culture, spirituality, and natural wonders.

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

Your Itinerary

Rila Monastery

Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Day Tour The two most famous UNESCO sites in Bulgaria in One day! Experience two of Bulgaria’s most special places recognized for their religious significance, historical importance and cultural dignities. We will lead you through the fascinating pre-Renaissance frescoes of the Boyana Church, the small charm towns all the way to the heart of the “Rila Monastery” Nature Park – the trip is involved also with Rural tourism. Admire the unique architecture and learn all the details about the spacious history of the largest Bulgarian monastic complex. Additional trip: Оn the way back we will have small walking to the “Stob pyramids” – а natural wonder. Sandstone pyramids. Complimentary: Wine tasting in magnificent "Medi valley winery": TOUR HIGHLIGHTS • 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. • Local Wine tasting Additional info: • Мееting point Alexander Nevsky cathedral 8.00am • Return to your hotel around 3.30pm / Duration: 7.5 hours • 3 pax - 45.00 EUR per person • 4 to 7 pax - 35.00 EUR per person • For children under 18 years - 20% off the price! • Inclusions: English speaking guide / Small-group, Personal atention / Transport • Exclusions: Food and drinks/ Ticket for the Boyana church – 5EUR. For students and Schoolers is 1EUR!

Admission Included

Reviews

(10)

5 (10)

Markus E

Anyone who didn't see Rila Monastery, was not in Bulgaria, that's a Bulgarian saying. And - it's true. Booking an organized tour is the best option to do so if you stay for a city sightseeing trip in Sofia. Departure is early, so you have the chance to see Rila monastery in the morning withoout bigger tour groups walking around in the inner courtyard and the church of the monastery. After that a hike to Rilski cave in the woods follows. At the end of the trip a visit to Boyana church is on the programme. This tour is well organized and you have the time you need at every stop of the programme. I can recommend this day trip!

Boryaba

Excellent guide, very small group tours, beautiful sights, nature all around, relaxed pace, lots to see and learn, church frescoes that take your breath away.

Annelize_B

Great day out with Nadya, who took us to the monastery, wine tasting and the Boyana church in her car. Sadly as we were only a party of 2, we didn’t get to do the normal wine tasting, but we were given two bottles of wine instead. Hearing about the size of the tasting (three full glasses), I’m great full it didn’t happen - in that heat, I’d have passed out. Nadya was great, and I’d highly recommend going on this trip if visiting Sofia - beautiful scenery on the drive, and fab to get out of the city. We’re not religious, but enjoyed the architecture and information about the area.

Shafak_A

magnificent places, friendly guide . enjoyed the car journey through the mauntens , my eyes cached a defrent kind of arts

Vincent_S

Excellent visit. The guilt is kind, cool, benevolent and very professional. The travel was well organized and the guilt got a lot of knowledge about the place I've visited. And now, i know a lot about Bulgarian history. I had a good day and I recommend without hesitation. Thank's a lot.

roieb5

We just finished a tour in Boyana waterfall with campfirebg and we had a wonderful time. The guide was friendly and flexible as well as knowledgeable. Our team enjoyed his presence on the trip.

Ogy_K

The day trip to Boyana Church and Rila Monastery is a must do. Apart from seeing the two UNESCO sites we have gone through valleys and beautiful landscapes. I have learnt a lot more for Bulgaria from ancient times to nowadays thanks to our well experienced tour guide. And the five types of wine we tasted were amazingly good.

Discover06060557127

A través de tripadvisor concertamos una visita al monasterio de Rila y los frescos De la Iglesia de Buyana. Nuestros guías Filip y Antonio, nos acompañaron fantásticamente en la ruta. Tanto con sus conocimientos como con sus recomendaciones, estuvieron pendientes en todo momento. La visita merece es obligada si se visita Sofía. La compañía local citytour.bg ha sido la encargada de todo ello.

392karineg

Très beau monastère , de belles conservations d’objets diverses . Dommage impossible de faire des photos dans les pièces intérieures.

MAnge_M

Nous avons passé une très belle journée en compagnie d'un très bon guide (Velko). La campagne était très belle dans ses couleurs d'automne. Le monastère de Rila est une pure merveille. Nous avons déjeuné un plat typique bulgare et nous avons terminé par l'église de Boyana. Un enchantement. A conseiller vivement.
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-04-24 16:10