8 Hours
Daily Tour
Unlimited
English, German, Italian, Russian, Spanish
Depart Sofia at 9:00 a.m. and unwind on the 2-hour drive to the Rila Monastery in the Rila Mountains. Explore the largest and most important Orthodox cloister in Bulgaria upon arrival.
Admire the arcaded balconies and discover one of the most famous painters of the Bulgarian National Revival period’s unique frescoes. See the gilded iconostasis and take in the spectacular mountain views.
Your guide will tell you the history of the monastery before you have time to explore the monastic complex on your own. Learn more at the museum, or shop nearby for souvenir icons and other items.
Make time to refuel with lunch at one of the local restaurants, where you can sample local delicacies like mekitsi (a traditional Bulgarian dish of kneaded dough made with yogurt that is deep-fried).
Depart at 01:30 PM for Boyana Church in Sofia’s outskirts. See the historically significant frescoes of the Byzantine building and learn how they popularized depicting biblical figures with emotions and placing them alongside the local aristocracy.
With an estimated arrival time of 03:40 PM, you should have about 30 minutes to explore the church. Leave around 04:10 PM for the drive to Alexander Nevski Cathedral in the heart of Sofia by 04:30 PM to 05:00 PM.
Pregnant women
People with mobility impairments
The parking lot in front of "La cattedrale" restaurant at the back side of Alexander Nevski cathedral.
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There is a dress code in the Monastery that should be respected. Men and women should wear clothes covering their shoulders. Women should not wear short shorts or skirts (above the knees)
If you want to have more free time at the Monastery, it is advised that you bring your own snacks. There are 2 restaurants in the area that offer local specialties, but service there could slow on busy days
The entrance fee to the Boyana Church is 10 BGN (5 EUR) per person
The tour will not visit the church on January 1, Orthodox Easter, and December 24 or 25.
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