Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Day Trip from Sofia
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Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Day Trip from Sofia
4.5
(710)
Sofia,
BG
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Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Day Trip from Sofia
4.5
(710)
Sofia,
BG
Share
Link has been copied to your clipboard
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Experience the enchanting beauty of Bulgaria on this captivating day trip from Sofia. Journey through picturesque landscapes to the renowned Rila Monastery, nestled in the pine-covered Rila Mountains. Explore the medieval treasure with its stunning frescoes and delve into its fascinating museum. Afterward, continue to the Boyana Church, a true masterpiece adorned with pre-Renaissance frescoes that will leave you in awe. Choose from three options: a guided tour with an English-speaking live guide, an audio guide in multiple languages, or transport only. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Bulgaria as you uncover these UNESCO World Heritage sites. Don't miss this opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Rila Monastery and Boyana Church.
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
Small Group Tour
& Audio GuidedGuided Experience
Explore the stunning frescoes of Boyana Church
Discover the medieval treasure of Rila Monastery
Admire the beautiful scenery of rural Bulgaria
Learn about the history of Bulgaria's UNESCO World Heritage sites
Experience the beauty and tranquility of the Rila Mountains
Parking fees
Driver/Tour guide in English
Transport by air-conditioned minibus
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
Popular Hotels Closeby
More about this experience
Introduction
Experience the captivating beauty of Bulgaria’s UNESCO World Heritage sites on the Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Day Trip from Sofia. This immersive tour takes you on a journey through time as you explore two magnificent treasures. Set off in a comfortable minibus, allowing you to relax and take in the stunning scenery of rural Bulgaria.
What to expect?
With the Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Day Trip, you can expect an awe-inspiring adventure filled with history, art, and natural beauty. At the Rila Monastery, immerse yourself in the medieval charm of this architectural marvel. Guided by an experienced tour guide, you will discover the fresco-coated church and its fascinating museum, learning about the rich cultural heritage of Bulgaria. Next, visit the Boyana Church to marvel at its pre-Renaissance frescoes that will transport you to a different era.
Who is this for?
This day trip is perfect for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and anyone seeking to explore Bulgaria's cultural heritage. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, or a group of friends, this tour welcomes all. Immerse yourself in the vibrant history and stunning artistry of these UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Why book this?
Embark on this unique experience and discover the hidden gems of Bulgaria. The Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Day Trip offers a rare opportunity to witness the beauty of pre-Renaissance frescoes that predate the Italian Renaissance. Be captivated by the fusion of religious devotion and artistic expression that is showcased within these architectural wonders. Immerse yourself in the rich history and cultural significance of Bulgaria's UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Good to know
Please note that the meeting point for this tour is behind the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, opposite the La Cattedrale restaurant. Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to departure. The tour is not suitable for children under the age of 5. Take advantage of the different options available for this tour, including a guided tour option with an English-speaking guide or an audio guide available in multiple languages. Transportation-only options may also be available for specific dates.
Reviews
Feedback from individuals who have experienced this day trip highlights the breathtaking beauty of the Rila Monastery and the awe-inspiring frescoes of the Boyana Church. Travelers have praised the knowledgeable guides who provide insightful information and bring the history to life. Visitors have expressed their overall satisfaction with the tour and the opportunity to explore these UNESCO World Heritage gems.
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
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.
Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky,
Sofia Center, pl. "Sveti Aleksandar Nevski", 1000 Sofia,
BG
Your Itinerary
St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral
09:00 departure from the starting point. Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.
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.
Admission Not Included
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.
St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral
(Pass by)
Return to the starting point at approximately 17:00
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
Reviews
(710)
4.5(710)
Sangi_U
Great day trip out of Sofia - bus was full, and seats were quite small - even as a small/short person, I found leg room lacking - so if you like a bit more space, then would be conscious of being on a bus for 2 hours each way.
Kris
It was a raining day but nothing beats having fun at the oldest monastery in Bulgaria.
Tour guide, Martin created jokes to make the trip fun.
Charlotte_C
Really great tour - the guide gave an overview of the history of the Monestary and then left us for 1.5hrs to explore on our own which I really appreciated. There were a lot of us but the tour didn’t feel overcrowded
LeiraGabrielli_S
Was really in awe with the monastery, the architecture and the knowledge and history shared by the tour guide.
nayrice_c
It was lovely to see the Monastery & learn the history. Beautiful scenery, and it wasn’t crowded. It was interesting to hear the stories and how long the Monasrery has been standing through all eras.
Roger_J
Great day out with Lubo our guide. Boyana Church with its frescos was outstanding. Then onto Rila itself. A beautiful setting for such an awe inspiring building. One thing. The walk to St John's cave was tricky under foot. But everything went like clockwork. Back in Sofia at the time expected - 5.30pm. Highly recommended.
Lawrence_W
Vladimir is a great guide. He is very knowledgeable. Ask for him if possible. It was well organised. I liked it a lot.
T5329HEtarat
Very nice tour guide who was passionate and very well informed on Bulgarian history and culture. The trip was nicely broken up, we weren’t rushed and went when there were not too many people visiting, so a perfect time to take the trip. Rila Monastery is a must visit with lots of history and beautiful architecture. We also stopped off for lunch at a trout farm and the food was amazing. Highly recommend this trip and very reasonably priced.
scql96
Excellent tour to Rila monastery and Boyana church. Our tour Maria was really professional and informative, explaining the significance of the monastery well. Recommended to join the tour with guide Maria.
mariaasunl
The Monastery is impressive. Well worth the trip. Nice countryside to get there too. Boyana Church is also quite unique. Our guide Lubo was excellent. Very friendly, full of knowledge and accommodating to the needs of our small group. It was a Great day trip. Highly reccommended.
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-04-28 13:50
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