• Rila Monastery - The first and primary stop on the tour. It is the largest and most significant Orthodox monastery in the country. The monastery was established between 927 and 941 by St. John of Rila the Wonderworker (or possibly by his disciples, according to some sources) on the site of an old post house in the Rila Mountains. In 1335, a local feudal lord named Protosevast Hreljo built a defense tower and a small one-nave church in the courtyard of the current monastery. The tower is the oldest surviving structure in the monastery complex and features the “Holy Transfiguration” chapel at its top, adorned with valuable frescoes from the 1430s. On September 21, 1378, King Ivan Shishman (1371 – 1393) issued the Rila charter, sealed with a golden seal, granting the monastery 20 villages along with their lands as feudal possessions.

• Boyana Church - Situated on the outskirts of Sofia, Boyana Church is composed of three buildings. The eastern church was constructed in the 10th century and was later expanded in the early 13th century by Sebastocrator Kaloyan, who commissioned a second two-story building adjacent to it. The frescoes in this second church, painted in 1259, are among the most significant collections of medieval paintings. The ensemble is completed by a third church, built in the early 19th century. This site is one of the most complete and well-preserved monuments of East European medieval art.

• Transport
• Hotel pick-up/drop-off
• English speaking guide

• Gratuities
• Entry fee for Boyana church - 12 BGN (Optional)
• Entry fee for Rila monastery museum - 20 BGN (optional)

Discover Boyana Church and Rila Monastery with your professional guide. We will pick you up from your hotel or any address in Sofia. UNESCO World Heritage site, Boyana Church, is one of the most complete and perfectly preserved monuments of East European medieval art, while the old monastery serves as a treasury and spiritual center for Bulgarians. Enjoy a lovely day away from the busy city in one of our comfortable vehicles. Special attention to guests: our guide will share interesting stories. We will provide ample time if you wish to explore each of the five museums in the monastery. Experience the fresh mountain air and the beauty of the Vitosha and Rila mountains. Spare time for lunch by the river. Small group.

• Travel time is included on the total tour duration
• It is NOT allowed to wear shorts, short skirts and no tops. You have to wear only long trousers and long T-shirts
• Entrance to Rila monastery is free of charge
• Museums in Rila monastery are paid on spot. Tickets are sold at the entrance of each of the exhibitions. Price is from 3 to 8 BGN for the museums.
• On spot you need to ask which museums are open in monastery and you can buy combined ticket worth 20 BGN, you could see all museum exhibits.
• Only Cash money for Rila monastery.
• Cash or card payment in Boyana church.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.