Icono ayuda Help
Can't find your booking reference?
The booking reference can be found in the confirmation email, which should be in your inbox.

We have received your request correctly.

You will receive an email with a summary of your bookings.

Can't find it? Leave us your email and we'll send you a summary of your bookings.

Add to favorites In favorites
Activities in Sofia

Boyana Church and Rila Monastery Day Tour

Visit two of the most important monuments in Sofia – Boyana Church and Rila Monastery. Essential for any trip to the Bulgarian capital!

Visit two of the most important monuments in Sofia – Boyana Church and Rila Monastery. Essential for any trip to the Bulgarian capital!

Description

We'll meet at the car park in Alexander Nevski Square, where we'll catch a bus and head to Boyana, a neighbourhood located to the city's south.

After a 25-minute journey in which you see the city's surroundings, we'll arrive in Boyana. Our first stop will be the Boyana Church, a small orthodox sanctuary with frescos from three different periods: the 11th century, 13th century and 19th century. You'll be amazed by the Italian Renaissance paintings that are a perfect example of the medieval art of Eastern Europe.

We continue our journey, arriving at the monastery of Rila. This is an iconic monument in Sofia to demonstrate Slavic cultural identity following the Ottoman occupation. We'll tour the grounds of this impressive medieval monument with colourful arches and domes that will leave you stunned.

Then we enter the interior to see the golden iconostasis carved into wood, one of the largest in the Balkans, and the tomb of the last monarch of Bulgaria, Boris III. Then you'll have around two hours of free time in order to complete your experience and explore the area on your own.

Once we've explored the area, we'll return to Sofia at approximately 5:30 pm.

Transfer to Rila Monastery

If you prefer to explore on your own, you can also book the option that includes only the transfer directly to Rila Monastery. Please note that this option is not guided and does not stop at the Boyana Church.

Important

The Boyana Church is closed during the Orthodox Easter and on January 1.

View complete description

More Information

Duration

8h 30m.

Language The activity takes place with a guide in English or other language depending on the option.

The activity takes place with a guide in English or other language depending on the option.

Included

Transport by bus

Admission to Rila Monastery

English–speaking guide (depending on selection)

Audio guide in English (depending on selection)

Not included

Food and drinks

Hotel pickup

Admission to Boyana Church: 5 (US$ 5.30) per person

When to book?

You can book up to the tour start time subject to availability. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.

Sustainability Code

Our providers commit to:

  • Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
  • Reduce, reuse, recycle.
  • Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
  • Uphold fair employment standards.
  • Foster the growth of local communities.
  • Preserve the integrity of local culture.
  • Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
  • Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
  • Operate with honesty and transparency.
  • Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

  • Printed material is avoided.
  • No single-use plastics are used.
  • Reusable headsets are used.
  • The show represents local culture.
  • The activity helps the dissemination of local cultural heritage.
  • No printing of documentation required.

Provider

Traventuria Show more

  • Traventuria

    Corporate name: Traventuria OOD

  • Show less

Pets

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

  • Q - Is there a minimum number of participants?

    A - No, there isn't.

  • Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

    A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

  • Q - How to book?

    A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Meeting point

Aleksander Nevski Square

View map

Log in to rate the opinions of other travelers

Don't have an account? Register here