4 days: Monasteries in Bulgaria

Sofia, BG
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (1 reviews)
Self-guided

Included

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    Other
    Guide/driver
  • inclusion
    Other
    Private tour
  • inclusion
    Other
    Accommodation in boutique hotels for 3 nights
  • inclusion
    Other
    Enterence fees for the museums
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    Other
    Comfortable car

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Other
    Food and drinks
  • exclusion
    Gratuities
    Gratuities
  • exclusion
    Other
    Personal expenses

Pickup

Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)

Pickup Location
Airport Hotel Consul
Akord Hotel
Alabin Hotel Central
Alexander Palace
All Seasons Residence Hotel
Anastasia Residence - Hotel Apartments
Apartment House Iztok
Apartment House Sofia
Arena di Serdica Boutique Hotel
Aris Hotel Sofia
Art Hotel Simona
Art Otel
Arte Hotel
Astoria Grand Hotel
Atlantic Hotel Sofia
Avenue Hotel
Barocco Appart Hotel & Residence
Best Western Art Plaza Hotel
Best Western Plus Bristol Hotel
Best Western Terminus Hotel
Bon Bon Central Hotel
Bon Bon Park Hotel & Spa Boyana
Boutique Hotel Saint Nikola Boyana
Boutique Hotel Sofia
Budapest Hotel
Bulgari Boutique Hotel
Butterfly Apartment
Casa Boyana Residence Hotel
Castle Hrankov
Cedar Lodge 3
Central Hotel Sofia
Central Perk Apartments
Central Point Boutique Hotel
City Avenue Hotel
COOP Hotel Sofia
Crowne Plaza Sofia, an IHG Hotel
Crystal Palace Boutique Hotel
Diter Hotel
Dunav Apartment House
Earth & People Hotel & Spa
easyHotel Sofia
Elate Plaza Business Hotel
Eurostars Sofia City
Family Hotel Korona
Family Hotel Madrid
Family Hotel Zora
Flower
Forum Hotel
Garden Flat
Gloria Palace Hotel
Grami Hotel Sofia
Grand Hotel Sofia
Harmony Hotel Sofia
Hemus Hotel
Hilton Sofia
Hostel Informa
Hotel Amsterdam
Hotel Anel
Hotel ATM Centre
Hotel Bansko
Hotel Brod
Hotel California
Hotel Cheap
Hotel Downtown Sofia
Hotel Dream
Hotel Europe Sofia
Hotel Expo Sofia
Hotel Fantasia
Hotel Fashion
Hotel Favorit
Hotel Four Sezon
Hotel Geneva
Hotel Gloria Palace - Holiday Village Diplomat
Hotel Gorna Banya
Hotel Kaleidoscope
Hotel Latinka
Hotel Light
Hotel Lion
Hotel Marinela
Hotel Nadejda
Hotel Niky
Hotel of Bulgarian Academy of Science
Hotel Orlando
Hotel Premier Sofia Airport
Hotel Romans
Hotel RotasaR
Hotel Royal Victoria
Hotel Serdika
Hotel Simona Complex Sofia
Hotel Stivan Iskar
Hotel Teheran
Hotel The House
Hotel Triada
Hotel Vega Sofia
Hotel Zdravets
Hotel Zenith
Hotel Zoo Sofia
Ibis Sofia Airport
InterContinental Sofia, an IHG hotel
Iztok Sofia Suites And Apts
Jasmin Hotel
Kapri Hotel Sofia
Legends Hotel
Les Fleurs Boutique Hotel
Maison Sofia - MGallery
Maxi Club
Maxim Boutique Hotel
Meg Lozenetz
Mercure Sofia City Hotel
Metropolitan Hotel Sofia, a member of Radisson Individuals
Milena Apartment
Motel Yubim
Nadin Apartment
Novotel Sofia
Oborishte 63,The Art Boutique Hotel by Sandglass
Park Hotel Moskva
Ramada by Wyndham Sofia City Centre
Ramada Sofia City Center
Redenka Palace
Rila Hotel Sofia
Rosslyn Central Park Hotel Sofia
Rosslyn Thracia Hotel Sofia
Salt Palace
Satellite Hotel
Sense Hotel Sofia
Shipka Hotel
SkyWay
Slavyanska Beseda Hotel
Smart Apartment
Sofia Balkan Palace
Sveta Sofia
TemGer M
Tsarsko Selo Spa-Hotel
Tzar Asen
VIKO Boutique Apart Hotel
Vitosha Park Hotel
All hotels in Sofia and Sofia airport

What to expect

1
Boyana Church

Welcome to Sofia. Today we’ll see two UNESCO sites – Boyana church and Rila monastery. Transfer to Boyana – 30 minutes. The church is famous with its layers of paintings dated from 11th, 13th. and 19th. century.

Duration 20 minutes
Admission Admission Included
2
Rila Monastery

Transfer to Rila monastery – 2 hours. Rila Monastery is the biggest monastery in Bulgaria. A guided tour of 1 hour and free time for lunch.

Duration 120 minutes
Admission Admission Included
3

Plovdiv

Transfer to Plovdiv – 2 hours and 30 minutes. Plovdiv is the second largest city and the cultural capital of Europe for 2019. Accommodation in a boutique hotel in the center of Plovdiv. Guided tour in the old part of Plovdiv.

Duration 720 minutes
4
Bachkovo Monastery

9.00. Hotel check-out. Transfer to  Bachkovo monastery – 40 minutes. Bachkovo monastery is the second largest monastery in Bulgaria and it is a candidate for the list of UNESCO heritage. Guided tour and free time.

Duration 120 minutes
Admission Admission Included
5
Arapovo Monastery

Transfer to Arapovski monastery – 30 minutes.

Duration 60 minutes
Admission Admission Included
6

Shipka

Transfer to Shipka monastery – 2 hours.

Duration 30 minutes
7

Sokolski Monastery

Transfer to Sokolski monastery – 1 hour. A guided tour.

Duration 50 minutes
Admission Admission Included
8

Veliko Tarnovo

Transfer to Veliko Turnovo – 1 hour.  Veliko Turnovo was the capital of the Bulgarian kingdom from 12th to 14th. century. Accommodation in a boutique hotel with a panoramic view to the King’s hill, where is the fortress.

Duration 720 minutes
9
Tsarevets

9.00. After breakfast, a guided tour in Veliko Turnovo. Visit the fortress and feel the history of the place.

Duration 120 minutes
Admission Admission Included
10

Arbanasi

Transfer to Patriarch’s monastery – 30 minutes. Transfer to Arbanasi to see the church “The Nativity of Jesus” – 30 minutes.

Duration 120 minutes
11

Къмпинг „Къпиновски манастир“

Transfer to Kupinovski monastery – 40 minutes.

Duration 40 minutes
Admission Admission Included
12

Преображенски манастир

Transfer to Preobrajenski monastery – 1 hour.

Duration 120 minutes
13

Veliko Tarnovo

Transfer to Veliko Turnovo – 15 minutes. Night in Veliko Turnovo.

Duration 720 minutes
14
Troyan Monastery

9.00. Hotel check-out. Transfer to Troyan monastery – 1 hour and 30 minutes. Troyan monastery is famous as the biggest monastery in North Bulgaria and with its miracle icon, which saved a lot of pilgrims. It was a hideout of Vasil Levski, the national Bulgarian hero, who made a big conspiracy inside the Ottoman empire.

Duration 240 minutes
Admission Admission Included
15

Glodzhevo

Transfer to Glodjene monastery – 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Duration 120 minutes
16

Sofia

Transfer to Sofia– 2 hours. End of the program.

Duration 120 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Additional information
    Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Provided by Bulgarian Fairy Tale

What our experts say

  • icon
    Try local dishes in Plovdiv's old town.
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    Visit the nearby Rila Lakes for stunning views.
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    Wear comfortable shoes for monastery tours.
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    Take time to enjoy the frescoes at Rila.
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    Explore Veliko Tarnovo's historic fortress.

More About this Experience

Introduction

This enchanting adventure through Bulgaria’s spiritual heartland invites travelers to immerse themselves in the rich history and serene beauty of the country’s most revered monasteries. Spanning four days, this journey brings to life over a thousand years of Bulgarian culture, art, and religion. Participants will explore the stunning Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the hidden gems of Boyana Church and Bachkovo Monastery, each steeped in the stories of resilience and enlightenment. With comfortable accommodations in boutique hotels and the guidance of knowledgeable locals, this experience combines the allure of historical discovery with the comfort of modern amenities. Visitors will not only gaze upon breathtaking frescoes and icons but will also engage with the very spirit of the Orthodox traditions that have shaped the nation. This tour is more than just sightseeing; it’s a journey into the soul of Bulgaria, where ancient stones whisper tales of faith and fortitude.

What to expect?

Over the course of four days, guests can expect a carefully curated itinerary that balances sightseeing with moments of reflection. Each day unfolds like a chapter in a captivating story, beginning with the majestic Boyana Church, where centuries-old paintings create a tapestry of history. The highlight, Rila Monastery, stands as a testament to Bulgaria’s enduring spirit, offering an hour-long guided tour and the chance to explore its stunning surroundings. As travelers venture into Plovdiv, the cultural capital, they’ll be treated to a rich tapestry of history, including a guided tour of the old town that showcases its ancient Roman theater and colorful Revival-era houses. Each monastery visited, from the tranquil Bachkovo to the historical Shipka, reveals a piece of Bulgaria's past, while enchanting frescoes and serene landscapes invite personal contemplation. With private transport, guests will travel in comfort, making the journey as delightful as the destinations.

Who is this for?

This immersive experience through Bulgaria's monasteries is designed for a wide array of travelers. History buffs will find themselves captivated by the rich narratives woven into the very fabric of these sacred sites. Spiritual seekers can delve into the essence of Orthodox traditions, while art enthusiasts will be awestruck by the intricate frescoes and icons that grace each monastery. Families traveling with young children will appreciate that the tour accommodates all physical fitness levels, ensuring that even the smallest travelers can participate comfortably. Whether you are a solo adventurer yearning for a transformative experience, a couple looking for a romantic getaway steeped in history, or a group of friends eager to explore and learn, this journey offers something for everyone. The beauty of Bulgaria’s monasteries is universal, making this a unique opportunity for all to connect with the past.

Why book this?

Booking this extraordinary four-day monastery tour in Bulgaria offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with a rich tapestry of history and culture nestled within one of Europe’s most captivating countries. Unlike typical tourist excursions, this private tour is tailored for those who crave an authentic experience, providing insider access to some of Bulgaria’s most treasured sites, many of which remain off the beaten path. With the guidance of expert local drivers and historians, travelers will uncover the stories behind the stunning architecture and art that have withstood the test of time. The tour’s structure allows for both exploration and relaxation, with boutique accommodations ensuring a comfortable stay. Each monastery visited not only enriches one’s understanding of Bulgaria’s heritage but also invites introspection and connection with the spiritual essence of the region. By booking this journey, guests embark on a transformative experience that promises lasting memories and newfound appreciation for Bulgaria’s cultural treasures.

Good to know

To ensure an enjoyable experience, travelers should be aware that this tour operates in all weather conditions, and it is advisable to dress appropriately for varying climates. The journey accommodates all physical fitness levels, making it suitable for everyone from infants in strollers to seasoned explorers. Public transportation options are conveniently located nearby, offering flexibility for those who may wish to extend their stay or explore further. While meals and drinks are not included, participants will have opportunities to savor local cuisine at charming restaurants along the way. With an expert guide leading the way, guests can focus on soaking in the beauty and history of each site without the stress of planning logistics. This four-day adventure promises to be a remarkable journey through Bulgaria’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

Reviews

Feedback from past travelers has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the exceptional quality of the tour and the profound experiences it offers. Guests have praised the knowledgeable guides for their engaging storytelling and passion for Bulgaria’s history, which added depth to each visit. The comfort of the private transport and boutique accommodations has also been frequently mentioned, making the journey feel both luxurious and personal. Many participants felt a genuine connection to the sites visited, with several noting that the experience was transformative and deeply moving. The stunning frescoes and serene surroundings of the monasteries left a lasting impression, with travelers expressing a desire to return and explore more. Overall, the reviews convey a sense of fulfillment and enrichment, making this monastery tour a highly recommended experience for anyone looking to discover Bulgaria’s spiritual heritage.

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