RILA MONASTERY AND BOYANA CHURCH

HIGHLIGHTS:  
·         Explore two UNESCO world heritage sites with one tour
·         Visit the Boyana church and see its amazingly well preserved medieval frescoes
·         Visit the Rila Monastery- the largest monastery in Bulgaria. See its museum, authentic monk rooms and the old defensive tower
·         Have lunch at a great local restaurant 
·         Taking care of the nature we do eco friendly tours with CNG and electric cars.

With this tour, you will be able to visit Rila Monastery and Boyana church- UNESCO World Heritage sites. Learn their old history and legends as your guide's commentary takes you back into time. 

The tour departs at 9.00 in the morning and the first stop is at the great UNESCO historical place – Boyana church, dating back to the 11th century, which has unique and very well preserved frescoes and pictures from the period of the 13th century.

After exploring it, you will head to the Rila Monastery- the biggest and most important monastery in Bulgaria. It was established back in the 10th century. The current buildings are from the mid 19th century, with a defensive tower that survived from the 14th century. 

In the monastery complex, you will admire the impressive architecture and frescoes.

During the guided tour in the inner yard and the monastery museum, you will discover the most precious pieces that are kept from the past and all the facts and stories about the most remarkable Bulgarian monastery complex. You will also have the chance to see an old and authentic monk room! 

Before going back to Sofia, you will have free time for a lunch break in a great local restaurant with delicious cuisine. 

Check also our shuttle group tour: 
https://www.citytour.bg/tours/12-rila-monastery-and-boyana-church-small-group-day-trip-from-sofia  

PRICE INCLUDES:

•                   Hotel pick up and drop off
•                   English-speaking guide - other languages upon request and availability
•                   Private tour
•                   Transportation by an A/C car with free Wi-Fi

PRICE EXCLUDES:

•          Boyana Church entrance ticket- 5 euro
•          Rila Monastery museum & monk room entrance ticket- 4 euro
•          Food & personal expenses
•          Gratuities (optional)

OTHER INFORMATION:

-          Hotel pick up at 9 am by a private car. Please indicate your hotel

-          People should have their knees and shoulders covered in order to enter the monastery!

-          Bring cash with you (preferably local currency) – the shops and the restaurants in the area of the monastery accept only cash payments so it is important to have some money with you. 

-          The Boyana church is closed on the 1^st of January, on the Sunday of the Orthodox Easter, on the 24^th of December, 25^th of December and the 31^st of December - and on such days the tour is done only to the Rila Monastery.  

-          Day trip duration: about 8 hours 

-          Prices for more than 8 people: on request; bigger groups are subjected to great discounts! 

-          Reference code: CT01