One-day Tour from Sofia to Rila Monastery & Boyana Church

• All transportation along the route: Sofia – Rila Monastery – Boyana Church – Sofia
• English speaking driver/guide
• VAT and parking fees

Rila Monastery is a must-see if you have a free day in Sofia. The arcaded balconies, the unique frescoes – a work of one of the most famous Bulgarian Revival Period painters, the gilded iconostasis, the fabulous mountain views… and the unique combination of them all makes the visit to the monastery extraordinary and memorable one.



You will have at least two full hours of free time at the Rila Monastery to explore it for yourself, enter the main church and take photos of the narthex’s gallery, admire the exhibits in the History Museum of the Monastery, try the tasty mekitsi (Bulgarian donuts) with delicious buffalo’s milk (local specialty) or even have a short walk in the area; If you would like to learn more you may hire a local guide (and share the cost with the other participants) on spot.

Boyana Church’s frescoes bring epochal change in the mural painting and are considered predecessors of the European Renaissance. The majority of more than 240 figures depicted there have individuality, vitality and psychological dept.

Remarks & Logistics: Advance booking required; The meeting point is behind Alexandar Nevski Cathedral at 9:00 am sharp; Expected return to Sofia around 16:30-17:00 pm.

Admission fees (not included): 4 Euro for Rila Monastery Museum, 5 Euro for Boyana Church
Local guides: English speaking guides can be hired at Rila Monastery (15 Euro per group) and at Boyana Church (5 Euro per group). For guides speaking other languages, it is a subject of availability.

ADDITIONAL DEPARTURE HOURS DURING THE EASTER HOLIDAYS!
(*Special timetables, rates, and conditions apply during the Easter holidays! Note that these may show differences as compared to the normal tour program as per above)