Rila Monastery and Melnik, Day Tour from Sofia with Pickup

Feel the magic of Southwestern Bulgaria by visiting Rila monastery and Melnik just in one day. Feel the spirit of the holiest bulgarian monastery. Sense the power of mother nature by visiting the Melnik pyramids. Taste one of the most famous bulgarian wines. Three different experiences that will create a day full with emotions. Do not hesitate to save money and time with this extraordinary tour!

Itinerary

1. Sofia · 1 h 45 min

   The travel time from Sofia to Rila Monastery is around 1 hour and 45 minutes.

2. Rila Monastery · 1 h

   Rila monastery is part of UNESCO world cultural heritage list and It’s one of the symbols of Bulgaria. Rila Monastery was founded in the 10th century by St John of Rila, a hermit canonized by the Orthodox Church. His ascetic dwelling and tomb became a holy site and were transformed into a monastic complex which played an important role in the spiritual and social life of medieval Bulgaria. A characteristic example of the Bulgarian Renaissance (18th–19th centuries), the monument symbolizes the awareness of a Slavic cultural identity following centuries of occupation. You will have enough time to explore the monastery, the main church and the monastery museum.

3. Melnik · 1 h 45 min

   Travel time from Rila monastery to Melnik is around 1 hour and 45 minutes.

4. Melnik · 1 h 30 min

   Melnik is the smallest town in Bulgaria nowadays. The first settlers of this region were the Tracian tribe Medi, from which the legendary rebel Spartacus originated. During the Revival Melnik was a blooming big city with big market. Since that times the city is famous with its high quality wines. During the tour we will visit the Kordopulova house where we can taste the local wine. Near Melnik we will see the Pyramids of Melnik. Entrance fee to Kordopulova house is 3 levs.

5. Melnik · 1 h

   Before traveling back to Sofia we will make lunch break (lunch is not included in the tour price).

6. Melnik · 2 h 15 min

   The travel time from Melnik back to Sofia is around 2 hours and 15 minutes.

What's included

• Entrance fee to Kordopulova house
• Licensed English speaking guide
• Hotel pickup and drop off
• Free transport with comfort minivan

What's not included

• Personal expenses
• Lunch, Food and beverages

Meeting point

Start time

08:00

End point

Languages

In-person guide: English

Travellers

• Child (5–14)
• Youth (15–25)
• Adult (26–120)

Options

• Rila Monastery and Melnik, Day Tour from Sofia with Pickupfrom €74.90

  Pickup included

  Start time: 08:00

  In-person guide: English

Additional information

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Proper clothing required - all clothes have to cover the shoulders, tank tops, short skirts are not allowed!
• Travel time to Rila monastery is around 1 hour 45 minutes

Cancellation policy

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