Boyana Church Attractions & Things to do

Enjoy a day in the mountains by exploring 2 UNESCO sites - the Rila Monastery and the Boyana church. The 8-hour day tour will be with a group and a professional guide in English. In the monastery, you will have a 40-minute guided tour and 2,5 hours free time to make photos, check the museums and the shops, and have lunch. The visit of the Boyana church, although short, is definitely worth since you will see its amazing 800-years old frescoes and learn their history from your guide!

*Women should have their knees and shoulders covered in the monastery!
*If your tour is on a weekend day during the summer, the restaurants could be crowded so you can bring your own food from Sofia in order to have more free time and the monastery.
*The Boyana church is closed on the 1st of January, on the Sunday of the Orthodox Easter, on the 24th of December, 25th of December - and on such days the tour is done only to the Rila Monastery.
Duration: 8 hours.

Discover two of Bulgaria’s UNESCO World Heritage gems on this day trip from Sofia. Traveling by minibus, admire rural Bulgaria on route to the Rila Monastery in the pine-carpeted Rila Mountains. Take a guided tour of the medieval treasure with its fresco-coated church, and visit its fascinating museum. Then, after time to explore independently, continue to Boyana Church, near Sofia, to marvel at its spectacular pre-Renaissance frescoes. Entrance fees not included.

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.

Duration: 8 hours.

Visit Rila Monastery and Boyana church, UNESCO World Heritage sites. Relive history as your guide's commentary takes you back into time. This is a Private Tour so you will not be combined with other people besides those in your reservation- there will be a private car and a private driver- guide just for you! And you will be able to stop for pictures, shops and other things whenever you want! Enjoy a full-day tour out in the mountains with a convenient hotel pick up and drop off.

*Women should have thier knees and shoulders covered on the monastery.
*The Boyana church is closed on the 1st of January, on the Sunday of the Orthodox Easter, on the 24th of December, 25th of December and the 31st of December - and on such days the tour is done only to the Rila Monastery.

Most times the trips are done with eco friendly cars - with cng engine or electro mobiles, so that we can help fighting the air polution.
Duration: 8 hours.

Discover two of Bulgaria’s UNESCO World Heritage gems on this day trip from Sofia in Italian. Visit Boyana Church, near Sofia, to marvel at its spectacular pre-Renaissance frescoes. Admire rural Bulgaria en route to the Rila Monastery in the pine-carpeted Rila Mountains. Take a guided tour of the medieval treasure with its fresco-coated church and then time to explore independently. Please kindly note that on some dates the free time at the Rila Monastery may be shorter due to traffic, group size, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Duration: 9 hours.

Rila monastery shuttle will take you to Bulgaria's most important and visited historical site and even more - two UNESCO places, amongst with Boyana church. Enjoy the wonderful frescoes from 19th century, representing the achievement of the Bulgarian Revival painting school, feel the amazing spirit of the largest monastery in the country, surrounded by the indescribable beauty of Rila mountain. V travel team will represent to you all the secrets of this place. In the afternoon we will visit Boyana church, where murals from 13th century will show you the majesty of the Bulgarian medieval country.
Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes.

Situated deep in the dense pine forests of Rila Mountain, Rila Monastery is the biggest and most important Orthodox cloister in Bulgaria.It is an outstanding example of the Bulgarian cultural and historical heritage, in which architecture and painting merge harmoniously. The site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. Rila Monastery was founded in the 10th century by St Ivan Rilski, a hermit canonized by the Orthodox Church. His ascetic dwelling and tomb became a holy place and later on, a monastic complex was formed. It played an important role in the spiritual and social life of medieval Bulgaria.

After the guided visit to the Monastery complex and lunch, we will head back to Sofia. On the way, we will stop at the second UNESCO site for the day Boyana church. Small but unique with the most preserved frescoes from 1259 in this part of Europe. The tour will end with drop-off at your hotel/accommodation.
Duration: 7 hours.

On this day tour you will have the chance to visit the biggest cloister in the country - Rila monastery and the beautiful Boyana church, both under the UNESCO protection. You will have Audio guide (English, Espanol, German, Italian, French, Русский) with you, who will tell you the history of the two sights and we will pick you up from your accommodation anywhere in Sofia.

Duration: 8 hours.

You will have a chance to visit Boyana church and National Historical museum, Pancharevo lake near Sofia and the main sights in Sofia city center.
Duration: 8 hours.

You have the chance to visit two UNESCO world heritage sites in one day- Boyana church and Rila Monastery.
Duration: 6 to 9 hours.

Small group bigger experience!

Immerse your self in to the Rila National park, where we will show you the hidden treaser of the early Christianity.

Deep in the Rila Mountain, in the southwestern part of Bulgaria is situated the biggest symbol of Christianity in Bulgaria- Rila Monastery. The Monastery was founded by the hermit St. Ivan Rilski in the beginning of X century. The monastery is the most visited cultural site in Bulgaria. Part of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After our immersion in ancient times, we will go to a winery named "Medy valley" to taste the fruits of this holy mountain. There we can find some lokal grape variety like "Rubin" and "Shiroka Melnishka".
Тhe winery has spectacular mountain views

Last but not least, we will visit the very special Boyana church- аnоtther UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Boyana Church for short, is famous for its remarkable medieval frescoes, among which the remarkable images from 1259. That means 50years before Giotto


Duration: 8 hours.

Discover two of Bulgaria’s UNESCO World Heritage gems on this day self-guided day tour from Sofia. Traveling by minivan, admire rural Bulgaria en route to the Rila Monastery in the pine-carpeted Rila Mountains. Take a self-guided tour of the medieval treasure with its fresco-coated church, and visit its fascinating museum. Then, after time to explore independently, continue to Boyana Church, near Sofia, to marvel at its spectacular pre-Renaissance frescoes.
This tour is with an English-speaking driver only.
Duration: 8 hours.

The tour starts from your hotel. The first stop will be Boyana Church, situated in Sofia. Afterwards head toward Poganovo Monastery in Serbia.  After approximately two and a half hours transfer you reach your destination. There you will have the chance to enjoy the Holy Cloister and have a traditional light lunch in the nearby restaurant. After lunch it is time for transfer back to Sofia. The tour ends at your hotel.
Duration: 8 hours.

Sofia is one of the oldest cities on the Balkans found by the Thracian tribe Serdi. In 29 A.D. Sofia became the capital of the Roman province of Inner Dacia. Through the ages, the city played role as an important trading center in the Byzantine and Bulgarian Empires. Under Ottoman rule, Sofia was the center of Rumelia province. Sofia became the capital of restored Bulgaria in 1879, with a population of only about 12,000. Today many streets, buildings, parks, and even whole neighborhoods preserve the architectural style from the turn of the century. We will explore the compact city center, Boyana Church (UNESCO) and the National History Museum - one of the largest on the Balkans.
Duration: 7 hours.

If you are on a business trip or you have limited time in Bulgaria, this tour is your first step to discover this pearl in the Balkan crown! Join your guide in the streets with cobblestones in Sofia, Plovdiv, Bansko and Melnik. Visit the biggest monasteries – Rila and Bachkovo. Feel like a local and feel the Bulgarian spirit.
• Bachkovo monastery
• Plovdiv
• Dobarsko
• Bansko
• Rila monstery
• Sofia
Duration: 4 days.

The Essential Western Bulgaria - Rila Monastery, Boyana, Bansko, Plovdiv, Kazanlak, Veliko Tarnovo, Troyan

Western Bulgaria offers you a full variety of cultural and historical sights to help you explore Bulgarian lands from Antiquity, Mid centuries and Revival period (18th-19th century). The tour is ideal if you wish to spend 2-3 days in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria and then spend the rest of your week on this loop trip to the country side. Compared to day tours from Sofia, this 4-Day Bulgaria trip will give you more intimate contact with your guide and with local people, it will save you time spent sitting in a car for several return trips, and it will also save you money for more expensive Sofia hotels. In our tours we have included accommodation in our chosen family 2* or 3* hotels, where we have confidence in their quality of service. Whenever possible, you can upgrade to 4* and 5* hotels or opt for a more budget accommodation.
Duration: 4 days.

Enjoy a half-day private tour with which you will have the chance not only to see the central part of Sofia, but also the Boyana Church - a UNESCO heritage site - and the National History Museum, situated at the foot of Vitosha Mountain.
Duration: 5 hours.

Two UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1 day only. Rila Monastery is the largest, the most beautiful and the most important Bulgarian monastery, Boyana Church is famous for its proto-Renaissance wall paintings from the 13th century.

Enjoy all this either in a self-guided or privately-guided tour.
Duration: 10 hours.

The tour stands out for several unique features:

Exclusive Use of Electric Vehicles: This eco-friendly approach minimizes environmental impact and provides travelers with a greener alternative to traditional tour transportation methods.
Expertly Guided Tours: Knowledgeable and friendly local guides accompany travelers throughout the tour, providing insightful commentary, historical context, and insider tips about Rila Monastery and Boyana Church.
Ample Free Time for Exploration: The itinerary includes generous free time at each location, allowing travelers to explore Rila Monastery and Boyana Church at their own pace. Whether it's admiring the intricate frescoes, visiting museum exhibits, or simply soaking in the serene surroundings, guests have the freedom to fully immerse themselves in the beauty and spirituality of these iconic landmarks.

Small Group Experience: ElectrEco Tours prioritizes small group sizes to ensure an intimate and personalized experience for every traveler.


Duration: 8 hours.

The tour is one of the classic cultural and heritage tours and with us you will you learn not only about the monastery and the church, but also history of Bulgaria, some Orthodox Christianity basics or details on Orthodox traditions, as well as you will get information on modern daily lifestyle of the average Bulgarian family, and last but not least - great professional and friendly attitude by knowledgeable tour guides!
Duration: 7 to 9 hours.

Visit Boyana Church, Historical Museum, St.Alexander Nevski Memorial church, St. Sofia church, St. George Rotunda

Sofia is the contemporary capital of Bulgaria. Its population grew rapidly during the Communist-Socialist era (1944-1989) - at the time of its liberation from the Turks in 1878, the population of the city was 11,649 inhabitants and for a few decades after that the city experienced large population growth mainly from other regions of the country.During World War 2, Sofia was bombed by allied air crafts in late 1943 and early 1944. As a consequence of the invasion of the Soviet Red Army, Bulgaria's government, which was allied with Germany, was overthrown.The transformations of Bulgaria into a People's Republic in 1946 and Republic of Bulgaria marked significant changes in the city's appearance
Duration: 8 hours.

Take a full-day tour of all the notable sites in Sofia. The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel, and concludes at the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, so a return drop-off at the original location is not include. Visit to the Boyana Church, which is a UNESCO listed site.
Duration: 8 hours.

The adventures and memories are the things, that make every man special. Vitosha mountain is only for you! This is the fourth highest mountain in Bulgaria and is the first national park in the Balkan peninsula for its species from the wildlife.

Duration: 7 hours.

The tour starts from your hotel. The first stop will be Boyana Church, which is situated in Sofia. Afterwards, head towards the Zemen Monastery, were you will arrive after approximately one hour and a half drive. After enjoying Zemen Monastery, you will continue towards Osogovo Monastery in Macedonia. After approximately two hours transfer you reach your destination. You will have the chance to enjoy the Holy Cloister and have a traditional lunch in the nearby restaurant. Transfer to Sofia- the tour ends at your hotel.
Duration: 10 hours.

Explore Sofia in an eco-friendly way and journey through the past while embracing future mobility! Your experience begins with a pick-up from your accommodation in Sofia. Traveling by electric vehicle, you'll venture to the outskirts of Sofia and Vitosha Mountain. Your first stop is the National History Museum, Bulgaria's largest museum and one of the Balkans' biggest, housing rich collections spanning from antiquity to the present day.

Next, you'll visit the remarkable Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its remarkably well-preserved frescoes from the 13th century.

Afterward, head to the heart of Sofia for a sightseeing tour. Highlights include the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Saint Sofia Basilica, Saint George Rotunda, the Parliament, the Presidency, the Roman Remains, and more.

Finally, conclude your journey with a drop-off at your accommodation.


Duration: 4 hours.

The Rila Monastery is Bulgaria's "must see" UNESCO site to visit. Among many offers for a day tour to Rila Monastery, we are now happy to offer some unique and customized day tours - dedicated service, knowledgeable guides, perfectly maintained vehicles and personal touch. 

Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments. It is traditionally thought that the monastery was founded by the hermit St. Ivan of Rila. The hermit actually lived in a cave without any material possessions not far from the monastery's location, while the complex was built by his students, who came to the mountains to receive their education. The monastery was established in it,s today location in 14th century.  After two major fires the monastery was restored in 1837. It is part of UNESCO’s world heritage list since 1983 and it is still an active monastery.
Duration: 8 hours.

The tour starts from your hotel. After two hours transfer we will reach the Rila monastery. We will leave you to explore the monastery for 2 hours by audio guide. After this time you will take the shuttle back to Sofia. Before to return you back we will take you to Boyana church, where you will have time to visit the church with audio guide. At the end of the tour we will leave you back in your hotel or in Sofia central place.
Duration: 8 hours.

Sofia is one of the oldest cities in Europe, placed at crossroads. Life here began around the thermal springs. The traces of many cultures are found in the city. Despite the natural and human vicissitudes Sofia retains its spirit. Come with us and let’s see the ancient walls and temples, to drink the mineral water and feel like a local, and to understand why Sofia visitors become wiser.
Duration: 7 hours.

Discover Boyana church and Rila Monastery with your professional guide.
We will pick-up from your hotel or any address in Sofia.
UNESCO world heritage - Boyana church is one of the most complete and perfectly preserved monuments of east European medieval art and the old monastery is the treasury and spiritual center of the Bulgarians.
Enjoy with this tour - one lovely day away from the busy city with one of our comfortable vehicles.
Special attention to guests - our guide will tell you interesting stories.
We will provide enough time if you wish to explore each of the 5 museums in the monastery.
You will feel the fresh mountain air and the beauty of the Vitosha and Rila mountains.
Spare time for lunch close to the river.
Small group.


Duration: 8 hours.

Many visitors to Sofia find it difficult to find their way to the National History Museum and the Boyana church. Not only will you be part of a small group, but you will also get a proper guided tour and have a great introduction for your following Sofia exploration.
At the National History Museum you will see some unique artefacts dating from the 7th Millennium BC. you will see some of the discovered oldest gold in the world, dated circa 4600 years BC and going to enjoy visiting one of the most important former Communist buildings in Bulgaria!
The Boyana church in its turn shows amazingly well preserved frescoes from the pre-Renaissance centuries introducing amazing and unexpected mastership, bright colours and nice and serenity of the images!
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes.

Sofia Full Day Tour is a brilliant way to get an overview of the city and experience the local atmosphere for a day. Start the day with a walking tour around the beautiful center of this 7,000-years-old capital. Your tour leader will reveal not only the main sites in the area but also Sofia’s well-kept secrets and places. Highlights of the Walking Tour:
- Bulgarian Parliament
- Russian Church
- National Gallery
- National Theatre
- The Presidency
- St. Nedelya Church
- St. George’s Rotunda
- Largo Complex
- Roman ruins of Serdica
- Banya Bashi Mosque
- Central Market Hall
- Central Baths
- The Synagogue
- St. Sofia Church
- St. Aleksander Nevski Cathedral
- Sofia University
- National Library
- Vasil Levski monument
- Shipka and Oborishte streets
- Eagle’s Bridge
- Visit of all major landmarks in Sofia

The tour continues through the city and less known places which we will explore by vehicle. Vitosha Mountain Lunch and Boyana Church visit will be the last stops for the day.

Duration: 6 hours.

This is a private tour. It starts with a hotel pick up at 9 am. First, you'll go to the Pancharevo Lake to take some photos. Then you will visit the National History Museum and Boyana Church, which are some of the most important historical places in Sofia. After that, you will go to the "Kopitoto" view point, from where you will be able to see the amazing panoramic views of the town. And finally, you will go to the city center, where you will see all the important historical landmarks.
Duration: 8 hours.

In Bulgaria there are more than 120 monasteries! The interest in them we can explain with their role in the historical and cultural evolution of the Bulgarian nation. They survived the cruelty times of the middle ages and the Ottoman period, the vandalism, the natural disasters. They were the source of light in the dark ages of the people, making literally schools for education, science and religion. 

Some of them are like open-air museums, still keeping their secrets. Join us to solve some of their mysteries, to see the biggest ones like Rila, Bachkovo, Troyan. Feel the spirit of the orthodox temples and look over the monks and the nuns. See the incredible frescos and icons, made by the different painting schools. Come to understand why these things are little pieces of heaven. 
Duration: 4 days 4 hours.

Night comes and our adventure begins. We invite you to see the mountain from a different point of view, to fight against your fears, to lose and find yourself in the maze of the dark woods. In that walking tour, you can feel the silence and see some of the night animals like Salamandra salamandra or Bufo bufo. In our highest point, you will be awarded the light of Sofia – this never sleeping beauty.
Do you want to join in the long dark?


Duration: 7 to 9 hours.

With this day trip, you will visit the capital of a very ancient state- Bulgaria. The modern city of Sofia is combining layers of human culture from the last 10 000 years and each of them has left its marks. Of course, the most significant of them were left after the city became the capital of Bulgaria. During this day you will learn a lot about the turbulent 20th century and how modern Bulgaria was formed. You will also visit some unique but less popular sites like one of the main emblems of the late Bulgarian Communist era- the complex called "The Bells".
At the end of the day, you will have enough knowledge to understand why Bulgaria and the Balkans are what they are today.


Duration: 9 hours.

Discover the treasures of Bulgaria,

Bulgaria is mostly overlooked, despite its proximity. From ancient Thrace to the Communist era, history has left its mark .
But it is not just history that makes the region so attractive.
In the various mountain ranges, surrounded by beautiful nature, there are cozy villages tucked away where life seems to have stood still for a long time and residents are only too happy to welcome guests.
Bulgaria is one of Europe's best-kept secrets.

What is the advantage when you book a tour with us:

- Local guides will take care of the clients providing the pure essence of the local people and atmosphere
- Flexibility and attention to detail when putting together tailor-made
tours.
- Quality and sustainability of the product, guaranteed by the experienced staff and reputation of the company.
- Balanced programs based on the timing of attractions and time spent on the road
Duration: 8 days.

The adventures and memories are the things, that make every man special. Vitosha mountain is only for you! This is the fourth highest mountain in Bulgaria and is the first national park in the Balkan peninsula for its species from the wildlife.
Duration: 8 hours.

This tour will give you the opportunity to combine multiple experiences and adventures.

You will learn a lot about the ancient cultures and civilizations that have passed through the centuries. You will taste the Bulgarian culture, food, wine and hospitality, and you will admire and enjoy the country’s beauties by hiking and horse riding in the nature.
Duration: 8 days.

Our service is unique as we provide young and knowledgeable guides that will also provide information on the every day life of the Bulgarians, the current political and economical situation and will gladly answer any other question that you ask. We are professional, energetic and extremely happy to have you on board. The historical information will be enough even for the most interested travelers.
Duration: 8 to 9 hours.

This is a Private Tour so you will not be combined with other people besides those in your reservation- there will be a private car and a private driver- guide just for you!

With this this tour you will see: Boyana Church- a UNESCO Heritage sight and National Historical Museum, hike to Boyana lake and Boyana waterfall, stone river of Golden Bridges.

Most times the trips are done with eco friendly cars - with cng engine or electro mobiles, so that we can help fighting the air polution.
Duration: 8 hours.

Enjoy one lovely day with your private guide away from the busy city with our company and visit the biggest monastery on Balkan peninsula.
Duration: 8 hours.

Take our Private Sofia Tour with Boyana Church and National History Museum!

Discover the rich history and cultural treasures of the Bulgarian capital on a private half-day tour. This excursion is perfect for travelers seeking a personalized and informative sightseeing experience. Begin at the UNESCO-listed Boyana Church and enjoy its medieval frescoes. Next, delve into Bulgaria's past and heritage at the National History Museum. Then follow your guide to Sofia's significant landmarks and gain insight into the city's vibrant past.

Leave us the details and we'll take you on an extraordinary adventure that creates memories that stand the test of time!
Duration: 5 hours.

With this journey you could have a touch with the culture and material heritage of Bulgaria– the Bulgarian rose oil production and the Thracian tombs in the area of Kazanlak - IVth. century B.C. Walk in the biggest city of Bulgaria, listen to the stories and the legends from the guide, walk in rose or lavender fields, take in your hands the liquid gold of Bulgaria - the rose oil.

The best time for that trip is from May till the middle of June when you can see the harvesting period of the roses.

Make one of your weekends memorable in the land of roses, called Bulgaria!
Duration: 3 days.

Fully personalized electronic and audio guide with all info and logistics for you. Live maps and route for you to follow. An unique product which brings you stress-free travel at your own pace in Dragalevtsi Monastery. Very flexible and easy for the customer.
Duration: 1 to 3 hours.

Whether you choose a walk to the snowy mountain Vitosha and the Boyanа church, or you want more history and archeology or you are interested to visit local bars and restaurants and SPA or City markets, the options are limitless (Traditional appetizers and/or lunch and drinks are included!). Just tell us about your preferences and wishes so we could customize the tour for you! Your tour guide is a passionate local who grew up in Sofia. He will not only show you local attractions but will also offer you an insight into what you can experience in your free time; where the locals go & more about the social and night life highlights of the city. Sofia has so many interesting places, often hidden in small streets, galleries, bars, events etc!
Duration: 2 to 8 hours.