Full-Day Rila Monastery, the cave of St.Ivan and Boyana Church Tour from Sofia

Discover the unique culture and nature of two of Bulgaria's most special places on your 8-hour guided tour from Sofia. Rila Monastery and Boyana Church, two of the finest and most popular UNESCO World Heritage sites in Bulgaria, are recognized for their religious significance, historical importance and cultural dignities. Sit back and relax in an air-conditioned minivan as your guide leads you through the fascinating pre-Renaissance frescoes of the Boyana Church; the small towns and beautiful, sleepy villages all the way to the heart of the Rila Monastery Nature Park on your small-group tour. Admire the unique architecture and learn many details about the vast history of the largest Bulgarian monastic complex.

 


Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Boyana Church, 3 Boyansko Ezero Str., Sofia 1616 Bulgaria

Your journey starts from one of the most beautiful and recognizable buildings in Sofia- The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Meet your guide in front of the biggest cathedral in Bulgaria and get onboard your comfortable, air-conditioned minivan. After a short drive through downtown Sofia (you will learn all the details about the interesting buildings that you see on the way), you will be at the Boyana Church - the first UNESCO site for the day.

The Boyana Church is one of the most important medieval temples not only in Bulgaria but worldwide. The Church is best known for its unique pre-Renaissance frescoes from the mid-13th century (1259). Admire the beautiful Bible scenes, the angels, apostles, the saints and listen your guide who will explain all the meanings and interesting facts behind them.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Rila Monastery, Rila 2643 Bulgaria

From Boyana you will leave on a two-hour scenic drive through the charming Bulgarian countryside. Enjoy the small towns, the beautiful, sleepy villages and see the simple live of the locals. The road will take you deep in the "Rila Mountain" Natural park, where you will find hidden the largest Bulgarian monastic complex - the Rila Monastery. Embark on a guided tour around the monastery complex. Your guide will help you to explore the unique monastery architecture, the beautiful frescoes of the monastery church – “Nativity of the Virgin”, and the rich monastery museums. Listen the fascinating stories about St. Ivan Rilski - the saint who found the monastery in the 10th century and King Boris- the last and most beloved Bulgarian monarch, whose tomb lies in the monastery church.

After the guided tour, enjoy your free time and take the opportunity to visit some of the nearby restaurants. Taste the local specialties, such as the grilled or fried trout, the fresh salads and the famous Bulgarian yogurt with honey. During your free time you will have the option to join your guide and visit the nearby cave of St Ivan Rilski. This is where the saint has spent most of his life, living a very simple life as a hermit. The cave is a place with a special energy and the legend says that the one who enters the cave will get rid of all his sins!

To reach the cave of the saint you must hike in the woods about 20 minutes, the hike is not very difficult, but there are some steep sections and some stones on the path, that's why it's recommended only for people in good physical shape.

In the late afternoon return to your vehicle and relax on the way back to Sofia.

Duration: 2 hours



Informacion Adicional
"Not wheelchair accessible"
"Not wheelchair accessible or stroller-friendly"
"Comfortable shoes recommended"
"Ladies must cover their shoulders and knees"
"Infant seats available"
"Most travelers can participate"
"This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund"
"This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers"
"Confirmation will be received at time of booking"



Start Time: 08:45 AM
Duration: 7 To 8 Hours
Start location: pl. "Sveti Aleksandar Nevski" 4, 1000 Sofia Center, Sofia, Bulgaria

Cancellations and refunds: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.

Included

• All transportation and parking costs
• Licensed English-speaking guide
• VAT and all local taxes
• Transport by air-conditioned minivan
• Fuel surcharge

Not Included

• Admission fees for Boyana Church (5 Euro) and the Rila Monastery Museum (Optional 4 Euro)
• Meals, tips and personal expenses
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

Facilities