Rila Monastery and Melnik One-Day Tour
Highlights
- Explore Melnik pyramids and Kordopulova house
- Taste the popular Melnik Broad Leaf young wine
- Visit the most visited Rila Monastery
- Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local MEHANA
- Satisfy your soul with beauty and culture
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Duration 11-12 hours
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Air-conditioned vehicle
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Small group tour
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English-speaking guide
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All fees and taxes included
Embark on a journey to explore the hidden gems of Bulgaria on the Rila Monastery and Melnik One-Day Tour. Discover the unique Melnik pyramids and the historic Kordopulova house, where you can taste the famous Melnik Broad Leaf wine. Indulge in a traditional Bulgarian meal at a local MEHANA before visiting the iconic Rila Monastery, a must-see for all travelers. With comfortable transportation and all fees included, this tour promises a day filled with history, culture, and breathtaking sights of South-Western Bulgaria. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience!
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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11 hours
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Available in English
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Mobile voucher
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Small Group tour
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Guided
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Family friendly
Explore Bulgaria's Rila Monastery and Melnik in a full-day tour. Experience stunning landscapes, local wine, and rich history with an expert guide.
Included
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All Fees and Taxes
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In-vehicle air conditioning
Excluded
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Lunch
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Snacks
Meeting Point
Please let's meet in front of the ruins of Ancient Serdica - 50 meters before the Mosque.
Sofia Center, Knyagina Maria Luisa Blvd 2, 1000 Sofia , Bulgaria
End Point
Please let's meet in front of the ruins of Ancient Serdica - 50 meters before the Mosque.
Sofia Center, Knyagina Maria Luisa Blvd 2, 1000 Sofia , Bulgaria
What to expect
Melnik
Melnik is a very small town in SouthEastern Bulgaria. It is famous with its sandy pyramids, the locally produced young wine and the typical authentic atmosphere with the local houses architecture. We'll start from Sofia and it will take us 2 1/2 hours driving along an interesting and changing landscape finally reaching Melnik. After our sightseeing time we will take a short 20-minute drive to Rozhen monastery and on the way we can take some beautiful photos of the scenery with the conically shaped sandstone rocks.
Kordopulova house is a private museum and it dates from the mid-seventeenth century, being the biggest one from this historical period. The house is impressive for its summer and miniature winter gardens. with the seven staircases, the very welcoming cellar and particularly with its more than 300 meters of underground cellar tunnels, where they still keep the barrels with their newly produced wine!
Rozhen Monastery
Rozhen monastery dates from the 13th century and certainly its location has contributed a lot for the monastery having gone through a lot of historical events. We will be coming from Melnik after driving for about 20 minutes and eventually a great open view will show us the beauty of mountain Pirin with its peaks and the close by tall sandy pyramids! The monastery is active and the church keeps a rich collection of murals dated 17th century from which we can admire both for their quality and richness in expression! At the foot of the monastery there is a very suitable stop if you'd like to have some local meals for your lunch break before we hit the road to Rila monastery!
Rila monastery has been for centuries the driving power for people to visit this area and even to make them decide to visit Bulgaria! Not only is the monastery impressive for its location, size and history, but it was also recognized by UNESCO for World heritage with the amazingly colorful mural that tells us the stories from the Old and the New testaments! After having driven for 2 hours from Rozhen monastery we will have a tour to introduce to you the history of the monastery with some interesting and curious facts. You will have some nice time to yourself to just relax or to further explore the monasterial museums, take some photos, etc. After our visit we are going to drive back for about 1 hour and 45 minutes to Sofia.
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
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Not recommended for pregnant travelers
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Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
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Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Specialized infant seats are available
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Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What our experts say
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Try the local wine at Kordopulova!
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Lunch at Rozhen Monastery is a must.
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Dress comfortably for walking tours.
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Capture photos of Melnik's sandy pyramids.
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Visit the murals in Rila Monastery.
More About this Experience
Introduction
Embark on a journey through the enchanting landscapes of Bulgaria with the Rila Monastery and Melnik One-Day Tour. This unique experience combines the natural beauty of the Melnik pyramids with the rich history of the Kordopulova house and the spiritual aura of the Rila Monastery, offering a perfect blend of sightseeing and cultural immersion.What to expect?
Travelers can anticipate a day filled with awe-inspiring views, intriguing historical insights, and unforgettable culinary delights. From exploring the unique rock formations of the Melnik pyramids to savoring the renowned Melnik Broad Leaf wine, every moment promises to be a memorable experience that will leave a lasting impression.Who is this for?
This tour is ideal for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Bulgarian culture. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, or a group of friends, this excursion caters to all who appreciate the beauty of the great outdoors, the charm of traditional architecture, and the allure of local cuisine.Why book this?
Immerse yourself in the picturesque scenery of South-Western Bulgaria as you visit the iconic Rila Monastery and explore the hidden gems of Melnik. Taste the flavors of the region with a visit to a traditional MEHANA and indulge in the finest local wines. This tour offers a perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and cultural enrichment, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a truly authentic Bulgarian experience.Good to know
As you embark on this adventure, be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes, a camera to capture the stunning landscapes, and an open mind ready to absorb the rich history and traditions of Bulgaria. Don't forget to pack some extra cash for souvenirs and additional snacks along the way to enhance your overall experience.Reviews
Travelers who have embarked on the Rila Monastery and Melnik One-Day Tour rave about the knowledgeable guides, breathtaking scenery, and delicious local cuisine. Many guests appreciate the seamless organization of the itinerary and the opportunity to explore both natural wonders and cultural landmarks in a single day. Overall, the tour receives high praise for its immersive and enriching experience that leaves visitors with lasting memories of Bulgaria's hidden treasures.This is a popular product and the date you are looking for just sold out. Next available date is