Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Self-Guided Day Trip from Sofia: Discover UNESCO Heritage Sites
4.9
35 Ratings
Sofia
Embark on a self-guided day trip from Sofia to explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Rila Monastery and Boyana Church. Marvel at the medieval treasures and pre-Renaissance frescoes on this immersive cultural experience.
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral - 09:00 departure from the starting point. Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.
What's Included
- Multilingual cloud-based audioguide (Internet required)
- Professional driver included
- Transport via air-conditioned minivan
- Parking fees covered
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
- Entrance fees
- Tour guide
Additional Information
Embark on a day tour from Sofia and explore two of Bulgaria’s UNESCO World Heritage wonders. Journey through the countryside in a minivan to reach the Rila Monastery nestled in the pine-lined Rila Mountains. Undertake a self-guided discovery of this medieval gem featuring a church adorned with frescoes and a captivating museum. Post the monastery exploration, head over to the Boyana Church, situated near Sofia, to admire its stunning pre-Renaissance frescoes. Please note, this tour will be accompanied solely by an English-speaking driver.
- Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities
- Not wheelchair accessible or stroller friendly
- Comfortable walking shoes recommended
- 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.
Location
Oborishte Street
ulitsa "Oborishte"
The meeting point is behind the main entrance of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, next to the "LaCattedrale" restaurant. The tour ends at the same location.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(35 Ratings)
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1 star
Yekatetina
Mar 28, 2024
릴라수도원과 보야나교회 일일투어 - The bus was comfortable as it was a large bus, and the driver and guide were punctual and gave good explanations. I would like to recommend it to other people as well.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hannahlb553lt
Dec 15, 2023
Worth it - It worth spending your time. Lubo is an excellent tour guide, he explained it very clearly and rules were laid down clearly as well. We learned a lot today and we had amazing time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Franzisca1
Oct 11, 2023
Rila Monastery and Boyana Church - Excursion to the Rila monastery and Boyana church, about 120 km from Sofia, 2 hours by bus.
Excellent organization, punctual and precise. Excellent service and helpful and thorough guide.
advised !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rob_t
Sep 21, 2023
Excellent tourguide - Worth to do a guided daytrip to Rila Monastery and Boyana church by an enthusiastic guide. It's a lovely place to visit.
Review provided by Viator
Cherry_zam
May 19, 2022
Ancient church/ monastery with scenery plus live animals interaction on the road - My local guide name was Lubo and he was very informative. He stopped to some small villages on the road to Rila monastery to take pictures with the Shepherd and some herd sheep. 3 ponies on the road plus a bunch of cows were crossing the street too. We saw some storks nesting on chimneys as well as electrical posts.
I also tried trout and bean soup in only restaurant inside the monastery plus the bread was freshly.
The feral cats help me finished my fish. Over all a must see.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Julia_t
Feb 12, 2022
Fabulous Frescoes - So worth taking this tour to see the Boyana Church with its fabulous frescoes, and then on to the amazing Rila Monastery.
Although the tour was self-guided, our driver Lubo was happy to answer questions and pass on interesting information.
A good day out, and I thoroughly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Ireneusz_o
Sep 26, 2021
Amazing day trip - Very well-organised tour, comfortable air-conditioned minivan, ample time to visit the places, you can visit the Rila Monastery on your own, but the driver, who is a guide as well, offered a little tour. Our guide Constanza was very energetic and joyful. Recommended.
Review provided by Viator
Lisajoannasan
Jul 18, 2020
Best tour in Sofia :) - It was an amazing experience! My tour guide was Angel and he was so kind, lovely to talk to and also amazing. I had a wonderful day and would recommend it 100%. This excursion is a must in Sofia.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Iirwan98
Jul 11, 2019
Excellent day trip - I highly recommend this particular day trip we did back in June 2019. It was excellent day trip covering 2 UNESCO sites within a day. It helps to save a bit time to see both of them as we only have a few days in Sofia.
We were lucky to have Defina as our tour guide. She is very knowledgeable about the history of sites and Sofia and Bulgaria in general and in my opinion perhaps one of the best guides I have met. We first made a stop in Boyana church, and took turn to visit the beautiful church as there is a limit of people to see the church at one time.
From there we drove around 1.5-2 hours to reach the impressive Rila Monastery. The tour provides about 1 hour our guided tour and later allows extra time to have lunch and explore the site on our own. we find the time is good enough to see and experience the site.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Peterpaul2014
May 27, 2023
Interesting, but wouldn't do it again. - Beautiful Monastery, but a long trip. Lots of other beautiful churches in or near Sofia without the long ride. Guide was okay, not great.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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