Why choose this tour ?
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.
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time).
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What makes Rila Monastery with Optional Boyana Church Day Trip from Sofia a unique experience ?
09:00 departure from the starting point. Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.
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.
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.
Return to the starting point at approximately 17:00
Tour Description & Additional Info:
- 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
Options To Choose for Your Trip:
- Guided Tour in Spanish
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Experience excellence with Traventuria. Join this tour with a professional Spanish-speaking guide. - Guided Tour in Italian
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Experience excellence with Traventuria. Join this tour with a professional Italian-speaking guide. - With St Ivan's cave(NO Boyana)
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Rila monastery& St Ivan's cave: Join this guided tour to Rila monastery and St Ivan's cave instead of Boyana church. A visit to Boyana is not included. - Rila monastery basic(NoBoyana)
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Audioguided tour, No Boyana: Includes an online audioguide. Live guide -NOT included. An accompanying tour conductor will speak a different language. - Guided in IT (No Boyana ch.)
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Guided tour in Italian to the Rila monastery NOT including the Boyana church. - Guided Tour in English
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Guided in English with Boyana: Join the classic English-guided tour to Rila monastery&Boyana church with a professional English-speaking guide. - Rila mon. and Melnik 11 hours
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Melnik and Rila monastery: Join this longer tour (11 hours) to Rila monastery and Melnik with our expert guides from Traventuria. Starting time 08:00 am - Guided in ES (No Boyana ch.)
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Guided tour in Spanish to the Rila monastery NOT including the Boyana church. - Transportation DISCONNECTED
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guided english no boyana: TO no boyana
Rila Monastery with Optional Boyana Church Day Trip from Sofia Inclusions:
Included with Your Ticket
- Driver/Tour guide in English
- Transport by air-conditioned minibus
- 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
Trending Nearby Tours Likely To Sell Out
Special Instructions:
- This Tour is Provided by Traventuria.
- Tour Timezone & Starts at Europe/Sofia.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- This Tour is Rated 4.5 Stars based on 800 valid reviews on VIATOR.
- Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
- Maximum 15 Travelers is accepted for booking.
