Sofia Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Day Trip

Sofia 8 hours

Greet your guide at a central Sofia location and climb aboard your comfortable, air-conditioned minibus. Admire the verdant splendor of Bulgaria’s countryside as you travel towards the Rila Monastery, a sacred UNESCO-listed structure cradled by pine-carpeted mountains.  On arrival, listen as your guide offers insight into the legend-shrouded monastery, whose origin dates back to 927 AD. Embark on a guided tour of the architectural masterpiece and marvel at vivid, fresco-coated colonnades and richly carved wooden icons. Pay your respects at the grand tomb of Bulgaria’s last monarch, Boris III, and venture within the monastery museum to peruse the intriguing exhibits.  Afterwards, relax during some leisurely free time to revitalize with a traditional lunch, and then return to the minibus to venture to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Boyana Church, Famed for its impeccably preserved medieval frescoes, the church demands attention with its ancient artworks; spend a while admiring the depictions of angels, apostles, saints and sinners, and listen to the historical context of their creation.  Culturally enriched, return to your vehicle and relax during the journey back to central Sofia.


Rila Monastery and Boyana Church day trip from Sofia

Visit UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery in the idyllic Rila Mountains

Admire the monastery courtyard and church, home to a magnificent iconostasis and frescoes

Opt to visit the monastery museum and make the most of free time to explore independently

Explore UNESCO-listed Boyana Church to see its stunning medieval frescoes

Driver/Tour guide in English

Transport by air-conditioned minibus

Parking fees

Exclusions

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

Additional Information

  • 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
6 ploshtad "Sveti Aleksandar Nevski", Sofia, Sofia City Province, 1000 Get directions

A full refund will apply if you cancel more than a day before the activity start time.

No refund is possible if you cancel less than a day before the activity start time.

Guide Languages

  • English
  • Russian
  • Spanish
  • German
  • Italian
  • French
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