Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Day Trip from Sofia

• Travel through bucolic countryside to the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery

• Explore the painted monastery and colonnades, and learn their rich history

• Visit the medieval Boyana Church and admire its remarkable frescoes

• Hassle-free air-conditioned travel without using public transportation

• Lunch at Rila and entrance fees to all sights are at your own expense

Greet your guide in central Sofia and see Bulgaria’s countryside, forests, and villages on a drive into the Rila Mountains. Here the remarkable UNESCO World Heritage–listed Rila Monastery—one of Bulgaria’s most famous Eastern Orthodox monasteries—sits on pine-coated slopes. Learn all about the legend-shrouded monastery, whose origins date to 927 AD, and enter (at your own expense) for a guided tour. Marvel at the fresco-covered colonnades, wooden icons, and tomb of Bulgaria’s last monarch, Boris III. Opt to explore the monastery’s artifact-filled museum (own expense), and then enjoy free time for lunch at a local restaurant before journeying to the medieval Boyana Church, another UNESCO-listed site. Head inside (own expense) and view the well-preserved 10th-century frescoes that adorn the interior. Admire the depictions of angels, apostles, and sinners, and hear the full background on their painting, styles, and significance. Finally, end your tour with a convenient drop-off in central Sofia.

• Driver/Tour guide

• Transport by air-conditioned minibus

• Parking Fees

• Gratuities

• Hotel pickup and drop-off

• Admission to Boyana Church (approx. 5 euros per person) and Rila Monastery Museum (approx. 4 euros per person)

• Audio guide at Rila Monastery (approx. 5 euros per person)

• Food and drinks

• Entry/Admission - Boyana Church