Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Private Tour

The Rila Monastery is Bulgaria's "must see" UNESCO site to visit. Among many offers for a day tour to Rila Monastery, we are now happy to offer some unique and customized day tours - dedicated service, knowledgeable guides, perfectly maintained vehicles and personal touch.

Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments. It is traditionally thought that the monastery was founded by the hermit St. Ivan of Rila. The hermit actually lived in a cave without any material possessions not far from the monastery's location, while the complex was built by his students, who came to the mountains to receive their education. The monastery was established in it,s today location in 14th century.  After two major fires the monastery was restored in 1837. It is part of UNESCO’s world heritage list since 1983 and it is still an active monastery.

Itinerary

1. Rila Monastery · 1 h

   Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a must-visit tourist attraction for both Bulgarians and foreign visitors. The Monastery was founded by the hermit St. Ivan of Rila, whose name it bears, during the rule of Tsar Peter I (927-968). The hermit actually lived in a cave without any material possessions not far from the monastery's location, while the complex was built by his students, who came to the mountains to receive their education.

2. Boyana Church · 40 min

   Located on the outskirts of Sofia, Boyana Church consists of three buildings. The eastern church was built in the 10th century, then enlarged at the beginning of the 13th century by Sebastocrator Kaloyan, who ordered a second two storey building to be erected next to it. The frescoes in this second church, painted in 1259, make it one of the most important collections of medieval paintings. The ensemble is completed by a third church, built at the beginning of the 19th century. This site is one of the most complete and perfectly preserved monuments of east European medieval art.

What's included

• Drop off
• Private tour
• Driver/guide
• Professional guide in English
• Transport by private vehicle
• Pick up

What's not included

• Food and drinks
• Rila Monastery complex (free admission), Rila Monastery museums (5-10€) and Boyana church entrance fee 10€ per person (also for the guide) not included

Start time

09:00

Languages

In-person guide: English · Audio guide: German, English, Italian, French, Spanish

Travellers

• Adult (1–95)

Options

• Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Private Tourfrom €69

  Pickup included

  Start time: 09:00

  In-person guide: English · Audio guide: Spanish, Italian, English, French, German

Additional information

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• All year round women need to have kneels and shoulders covered. Warm clothes and low heel shoes.

Cancellation policy

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