Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Shuttle Day Tour

Rila Monastery
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Description

Summary

Starts
Rila Monastery Trip from Sofia
Duration
8 Hrs.
Languages
German, Russian, English, Italian, French, and Spanish
Difficulty
Easy
Admission
Mobile ticket

Description

Uncover the marvels of Bulgaria with this hassle-free shuttle day tour from Sofia to Rila Monastery and Boyana Church. This tour lets you explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites in one day. Enjoy easy transportation from central Sofia and guidance from an experienced driver/guide. Spend your day immersed in the historical and cultural beauty of Bulgaria.

The entire activity lasts around 8 hours and is a great addition to any travel itinerary in Sofia. Previous travelers have rated this cultural tour an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 625 reviews.

This tour combines convenience with exploration. Visit stunning places and learn about their rich histories. This is perfect for exploring Sofia's key landmarks without worrying about navigation. Enjoy a hassle-free experience that delves deep into the city's cultural and historical heritage.

The tour will meet behind the majestic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a key piece of Bulgaria's architectural heritage. It will then proceed to the Boyana Church, known for its beautiful frescoes dating from the 11th to the 14th century. To protect the delicate artwork, visitors are allowed a quick 10-minute viewing. This short visit promises to be memorable.

Next, you'll travel to the Rila Monastery, Bulgaria's largest monastery, established in the 10th century. Here, you'll enjoy a 40-minute tour of the complex, learning about its rich history and impressive architecture.

Afterward, you'll have 2.5 hours of free time at the museum. Use this time to shop for souvenirs, take photos, and enjoy a leisurely lunch. The serene mountain backdrop enhances your experience.

Throughout the experience, a knowledgeable expert will guide you, offering valuable insights and information. The activity is offered in 6 languages: German, Russian, English, Italian, French, and Spanish.

Entrance fees for Boyana Church and Rila Monastery's museum are extra, costing about 5 and 4 euros, respectively. Dining options are limited, so it's wise to bring your own food. Cash is needed, as cards are often not accepted.

The starting point for this historical tour is located in Sofia. The exact address is Old City Center, ul. "Oborishte", 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria. The endpoint of the tour is located at Old City Center, ul. "Oborishte", 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria.

Reservations for this activity can be made for up to 15 individuals per booking. We recommend you review the "Included" and/or "Good to know" sections below for more details about the experience.

The cancellation policy for this experience is as follows: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Experience the best of Bulgaria with this shuttle day tour from Sofia to Rila Monastery and Boyana Church. Explore historic sites and breathtaking landscapes in one day. Don't miss out—book your spot now!

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Included

A trip to to Boyana Chuch and Rila Monastery
English speaking guide OR driver, depending on the booked option
Parking fees
Transportation by a comfortable bus/ minibus

Destinations

Sofia - city in BulgariaSofia

Map

Attractions

Boyana Church Museum, Vitosha, Sofia City, Sofia-City, BulgariaBoyana Church

Options

Tour with Audio Guide
Tour with Audio Guide: Enjoy comfortable transportation to Rila Monastery and Boyana Church and explore the 2 sights on your own with an audio-guide
Guided Tour in English
Guided Tour in English: With this option you have a guided tour in English in Rila Monastery and Boyana Church.
Guided Tour in Spanish
Guided Tour in Spanish: With this option you have a guided tour in Spanish in Rila Monastery and Boyana Church.
Self-guided Tour
Self-guided Tour : With this option you can explore the 2 UNESCO sites on your own. It is only with a driver.
Guided Tour in Italian
Guided Tour in Italian: With this option you have a live guide in Italian.
Smart Audio Guide
Smart Audio Guide: You will need to have an active internet connection during the tour, in order to use it. It is English, Spanish, Italian etc.
Rila Monastery Only - ENGLISH
Rila Monastery Only : This options includes a visit to the Rila monastery ONLY and WITHOUT Boyana church.
RILA MONASTERY ONLY - SPANISH
Tour to Rila Monastery SPANISH: Full day tour to Rila monastery, NO VISIT of the Boyana Church. Optional visit of monastery museums, cave of St. Ivan Rilski
RILA MONASTERY-No Boyana-trans
Monastery Express Transport: With this this option you get The All Day visit to Rila monastery ONLY, without the Boyana church - opt for local museums
RILA MONASTERY ONLY - ITALIAN
Tour to Rila Monastery ITALIAN: Guided tour in Italian, Full day tour to Rila monastery, NO VISIT of the Boyana Church.

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Women should have their knees and shoulders covered in the Monastery.
There are not many dining options around the monastery, so in the period April – October we recommend you to bring your own food. In the period November – March we organize a stop at a nearby restaurant, since the weather is colder and it is not comfortable to eat outside.
Bring cash with you (preferably local currency) – the shops and the restaurants in the area of the monastery accept mostly cash payments so it is important to have some money with you.
Please warn us if you have a 0-2 years old baby when you make the reservation so that we can prepare a special seat for them
The visits within the Boyana Church itself are limited to 10 minutes per every group of 8 to 10 people. If you'd like to enter inside, you may also need to queue.
On certain days, such as around holidays in Bulgaria, or when in groups over 100 people, delays are possible and the estimated tour finish time in Sofia could change as far as 18:30.

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