Rila Monastery and Boyana Church
Rila Monastery is a must-visit if you're a tourist with a free day in Sofia. It has lovely arcaded balconies, special frescoes painted by a famous Bulgarian artist from the Revival Period, a beautiful gilded iconostasis, and fantastic mountain views. When you visit the monastery, you'll have around two hours to explore on your own. You can go inside the main church, take pictures in the narthex's gallery, see the displays in the History Museum of the Monastery, taste yummy Bulgarian donuts called "mekitsi" with delicious local buffalo's milk, or even go for a short walk in the area. If you want to learn more, you can hire a local guide right there and share the cost with others.
The frescoes in Boyana Church are important because they changed mural painting and are seen as forerunners of the European Renaissance. There are over 240 individual and lifelike figures painted there, and they have a deep psychological aspect.
What’s included: English-speaking driver and guide throughout the tour. Transport in modern vehicle (car/minibus) with air condition, VAT and parking fees;
What’s not included: Food and beverages, personal expenses, admission fees (4 Euro for Rila Monastery Museum, 5 Euro for Boyana Church), gratuities.
Extras: Hotel pick-up costs additional 5/10 Euro per reservation (not per person, depends on the hotel location). Tour is offered as well with ONLINE, cloud-based audioguide in different languages (EN, ES, IT, FR, DE, RU). INTERNET required to download and use.
Remarks & Logistics: Advance booking required; The meeting point is behind Alexandar Nevski Cathedral at 9:00 am sharp; Expected return to Sofia around 16:30-17:00 pm.