Highlights: Rila Monastery and Boyana church
Description: The Rila monastery – biggest and most important orthodox cloister in the country – is, without any doubt, the jewel of
Bulgarian cultural and historical heritage. Recognized as a part of UNESCO world heritage sites since 1976, the monastery is a unique monument of the church architecture. Situated deep in the heart of a forest reserve of Rila mountain, it is a place of massive cultural and historical importance and keeper of the national identity through the middle ages.
Another UNESCO site, part of the tour is Boyana Church, located on the outskirts of Sofia. It was added to the World Cultural Heritage List in 1979. The building consists of three parts, which are example of the Byzantine architecture – Greek cross ground-plan with dome, richly decorated facades with ceramic elements. In the interior of the church there are several layers of wall paintings from different historical periods-11th, 13th, 15-17th and 19th. The church owes its world fame mainly to its frescoes from 1259, which reflect the unique achievements of the Bulgarian medieval culture. According to the experts the style of the paintings from this period is much resembling the Renaissance style though much earlier than it begun. The Boyana
Church displays 89 different scenes with 240 human figures either individually or together. This one day tour gives the unique opportunity to visit one of the supreme Bulgarian sites, among with some of the highlights of the region!
Itinerary: The tour starts with pick up from your hotel. After two hours transfer we will reach the Rila monastery. We will leave you to explore the monastery for 2 hours by yourself. After this time you will take the shuttle back to Sofia. Before to leave you we will take you to Boyana church, where you will have time to visit the church. At the end of the tour we will leave you back in your hotel.
Starting time: 09:00 AM
Finishing time: 17:00 PM
Duration: 8 hours
Price includes: Pick up and Drop off from your hotel; Transport with comfortable minibus; English speaking Guide; Bottle of water (0.330 ml);
Price does not include: Entrance fee for Rila monastery museum; Entrance fee for Boyana church; Lunch; Gratuities for the driver (optional)
Price per person: 30.00 euro
