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From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Group Tour
3274 ReviewsExplore Bulgaria's UNESCO World Heritage on a tour from Sofia. Visit the Rila Monastery and get breathtaking views of the mountains then explore the frescoes at the Boyana Church (if option selected).
Our Top Experiences and Tours in Bulgaria:
If youʻre booking your trip to Bulgaria last minute, we have you covered. Below are some of the top tours and experiences!- Bansko: Villa Victoria Thermal Pool Escape
- Sofia: Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Full-Day Guided Tour
- From Bansko: Horse Riding Experience
- Sunny Beach, Bulgaria: Half-Day Black Sea Catamaran Cruise
- From Sofia: Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery
Highlights
- Explore 2 of Bulgaria most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites in one day
- Marvel at the pre-Renaissance frescoes of Boyana Church
- Visit Rila Monastery in the Rila Mountains
- Taste mekitsi, yogurt or grilled trout in the nearby restaurants
- Travel in comfort through the Bulgarian countryside
Description
Start your day with travel to the Boyana Church in the suburbs of Sofia (if option selected). See the historically significant frescoes of the Byzantine building, and hear how they started the fashion of illustrating biblical figures with emotions and placing them alongside the local aristocracy. After that, relax on the 2-hour drive to the Rila Monastery in the Rila Mountains. Upon arrival, explore the largest and most important Orthodox cloister in Bulgaria. Important: As of November 2024, Boyana Church now does not take reservations in advance, so we can not guarantee all visits. If entry is unavailable on your booked day, you will be able to visit St. Ivan's Cave at Rila Monastery as an alternative. Admire the arcaded balconies, and discover unique frescoes by one of the most famous painters of the Bulgarian National Revival period. See the gilded iconostasis and enjoy the fabulous mountain views. Hear the story of the monastery from your guide before enjoying some time to explore the monastic complex on your own. Learn more at the museum, or purchase souvenir icons and other items in the nearby shops. Take some time to refuel with lunch at one of the local restaurants, where you can purchase local dishes such as mekitsi (a traditional Bulgarian dish of kneaded dough made with yogurt that is deep-fried). * The tour is not recommendable to children less than 6 years old. * Kindly note that on some days we MAY stop at Boyana Church even if it is not included in your tour. Rest assured, this will not shorten your time at Rila Monastery. Enjoy the beautiful gardens at Boyana Church during this brief visit.Includes
Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle Driver/guideEasy cancellation
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