Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Day Tour from Sofia

Summary

Meet a driver at a central location in Sofia, then enjoy views of the Bulgarian countryside on the 2-hour trip to Koprivshtitsa, which passes through the southern foothills of the Balkan mountains, and has great views of the high peaks. Upon arrival in Koprivshtitsa, stretch your legs on a walking tour of the city. As you walk, you’ll see bright Revival-period houses along cobblestone streets, and pass a series of historic monuments. Head to the central square to see an enormous mausoleum built for those killed in the 1876 April Uprising, a Bulgarian rebellion against Ottoman rule. Continue to see the historic homes of some famous Koprivshtitsa residents, from a wealthy merchant to the poet Dimcho Debalyanov, the Karavelov family, and revolutionary leaders Todor Kableshkov and Georgi Benkovski. Along the way, you’ll also see the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Church, and duck into a local venue to sample stomna kebap, a beloved local meat dish. Following the walking tour of Koprivshtitsa, begin the return trip to Sofia, where this tour concludes at the original departure point.

Tour info

Duration
8 hours
Group Size
Pricing (From)
Commentary
Meeting Point
Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

Discover two of Bulgaria’s UNESCO World Heritage gems on this day trip from Sofia. Traveling by minibus, admire rural Bulgaria on route to the Rila Monastery in the pine-carpeted Rila Mountains. Take a guided tour of the medieval treasure with its fresco-coated church, and visit its fascinating museum. Then, after time to explore independently, continue to Boyana Church, near Sofia, to marvel at its spectacular pre-Renaissance frescoes. Entrance fees not included.

What’s included?

  • Fuel surcharge

  • Driver

  • Professional guide

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

  • Food and drinks

  • Gratuities

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

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

  • Entry/Admission - Boyana Church

Things to know

Before you book

  • Duration: 8h

  • Mobile tickets accepted

  • Instant confirmation

Covid Policy

  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Cancellation Policy

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Operated by:

Traventuria - Day Tours

About operator:

Traventuria Ltd is a fully bonded Bulgarian tour operator, possessing a management with experience of over 10 years in the field of the incoming tourism in Bulgaria and the Balkans. The company offers cultural and active holidays, private transfers, ski and snow board packages. Flexibility, local knowledge and perfection in all our services are our distinctive feature!

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