Rila Monastery & Boyana Church Private Tour

Rila Monastery Overview

The Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria’s most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a must-visit tourist attraction for both Bulgarians and foreign visitors. It was built at its present place in the 14th century. The oldest buildings in the complex date from this period – the Tower of Hrelyu (1334–1335) and a small church just next to it (1343). However, the arrival of the Ottomans in the end of the 14th century was followed by numerous raids and a destruction of the monastery in the middle of the 15th century.

The monastery complex, regarded as one of the most impressive masterpieces of Bulgarian National Revival architecture, was declared a national historical monument in 1976 and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. On 25 May 2002, Pope John Paul II visited Rila Monastery during his pilgrimage to Bulgaria. He was greeted by the Monastery’s igumen (hiero monk), Bishop Ioan, who had been an observer at the Second Vatican Council.

Boyana Church Overview

The Boyana Church is a medieval Bulgarian Orthodox church situated in the outskirts of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. The east wing of the two-storey church was originally constructed in the late 10th or early 11th century, then the central wing was added in the 13th century under the Second Bulgarian Empire, the whole building being finished with a further expansion to the west in the middle of the 19th century.

The church owes its world fame mainly to its frescoes from 1259. They form a second layer over the paintings from earlier centuries and represent one of the most complete and well-preserved monuments of Eastern European medieval art. A total of 89 scenes with 240 human images are depicted on the walls of the church.

• Departure point for this tour is from your hotel or accommodation within Sofia city limits. You will be notified for the exact pick up time from our agents approximately 2 days before your tour.

The tour price is based on the number of people in your party.

• Pick up/drop off to/from your hotel/accommodation in Sofia
• Professional guide in English
• Entrance fees for Rila Monastery museum and Boyana church
• Parking fees

• Meals
• Personal expenses

 
 
 
 
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 Declan Dowd 
 
 
 
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Stefan was great! We were in a pinch and he drove us all the way to the airport. The tour its self was very well run and smooth. Couldn’t recommend more.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Aidan Boyle 
 
 
 
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Stefan was very good, and very knowledgeable, tour also ran a bit late, and he did what he did to help us get to our flight. Thank you
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Jack Turek 
 
 
 
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Great guy. Stefan rushed us to the airport giving us a chance to make our flight home. Great service.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Jordan Wright 
 
 
 
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The tour was really good. The spa and pool was exception recommend to anyone who doesn't know where to go.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Galena Donovan 
 
 
 
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The trip was very interesting and leisurely attractive.  Rila monastery is absolutely stunning and then we enjoyed the hottest  thermal baths and swimming pools. What a lovely day!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Alayla Castle-Herbert 
 
 
 
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Had a really good day trip to Nis with this company. It was very organised with excellent communication beforehand and during, and smooth comfortable travelling in the vehicle. It was really interesting to visit all the different locations and learn a bit more about the history, even though some of it wasn’t always pleasant such as the visit to the concentration camp. The guide was knowledgeable and friendly and gave a good mix of background information while also letting us find out more and explore the sites themselves, as well as going out of his way to make aure we had places we could eat/exchange money/pay with card in Nis itself.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 דוד קדם 
 
 
 
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It is evident that Philip, the guide, is very knowledgeable.
An excellent driver, friendly, and with a sense of humor.
We really enjoyed the tour and the sites we visited.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Magdalena Zając 
 
 
 
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Belogradchik was breathtaking! We received clear instructions before the trip and had just enough time to enjoy the sites
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
   
 
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