Boyana Church

Rated 4.5 Stars, based on 687 Reviews.

Enjoy a day in the mountains by exploring 2 UNESCO sites – the Rila Monastery and the Boyana church. The 8-hour day tour will be with a group and a professional guide in English. In the monastery, you will have a 40-minute guided tour and 2,5 hours free time to make photos, check the museums and the shops, and have lunch. The visit of the Boyana church, although short, is definitely worth since you will see its amazing 800-years old frescoes and learn their history from your guide! *Women should have their knees and shoulders covered in the monastery! *If your tour is on a weekend day during the summer, the restaurants could be crowded so you can bring your own food from Sofia in order to have more free time and the monastery. *The Boyana church is closed on the 1st of January, on the Sunday of the Orthodox Easter, on the 24th of December, 25th of December – and on such days the tour is done only to the Rila Monastery.

Rated 4.5 Stars, based on 804 Reviews.

Discover two of Bulgaria’s UNESCO World Heritage gems on this day trip from Sofia. Traveling by minibus, admire rural Bulgaria on route to the Rila Monastery in the pine-carpeted Rila Mountains. Take a guided tour of the medieval treasure with its fresco-coated church, and visit its fascinating museum. Then, after time to explore independently, continue to Boyana Church, near Sofia, to marvel at its spectacular pre-Renaissance frescoes. Entrance fees not included. Important: As of November 2024, Boyana Church now does not take reservations in advance, so we can not guarantee all visits. If entry is unavailable on your booked day, you will be able to visit St. Ivan's Cave at Rila Monastery as an alternative.

Rated 5 Stars, based on 13 Reviews.

Situated deep in the dense pine forests of Rila Mountain, Rila Monastery is the biggest and most important Orthodox cloister in Bulgaria.It is an outstanding example of the Bulgarian cultural and historical heritage, in which architecture and painting merge harmoniously. The site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. Rila Monastery was founded in the 10th century by St Ivan Rilski, a hermit canonized by the Orthodox Church. His ascetic dwelling and tomb became a holy place and later on, a monastic complex was formed. It played an important role in the spiritual and social life of medieval Bulgaria. After the guided visit to the Monastery complex and lunch, we will head back to Sofia. On the way, we will stop at the second UNESCO site for the day Boyana church. Small but unique with the most preserved frescoes from 1259 in this part of Europe. The tour will end with drop-off at your hotel/accommodation.

Rila monastery shuttle will take you to Bulgaria's most important and visited historical site and even more – two UNESCO places, amongst with Boyana church. Enjoy the wonderful frescoes from 19th century, representing the achievement of the Bulgarian Revival painting school, feel the amazing spirit of the largest monastery in the country, surrounded by the indescribable beauty of Rila mountain. V travel team will represent to you all the secrets of this place. In the afternoon we will visit Boyana church, where murals from 13th century will show you the majesty of the Bulgarian medieval country.

Discover two of Bulgaria’s UNESCO World Heritage gems on this day self-guided day tour from Sofia. Traveling by minivan, admire rural Bulgaria en route to the Rila Monastery in the pine-carpeted Rila Mountains. Take a self-guided tour of the medieval treasure with its fresco-coated church, and visit its fascinating museum. Then, after time to explore independently, continue to Boyana Church, near Sofia, to marvel at its spectacular pre-Renaissance frescoes. This tour is with an English-speaking driver only.

Experience the pinnacle of Bulgarian cultural heritage in a single day! This unique itinerary allows you to explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the majestic Rila Monastery, renowned as Bulgaria's largest and most significant monastery, and the captivating Boyana Church, celebrated for its exquisite 13th-century proto-Renaissance frescoes. Immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance of Rila Monastery, marvel at its intricate architecture, and delve into centuries of monastic history. Later, journey to the charming Boyana Church and be transported back in time by its breathtaking wall paintings. Choose your preferred exploration style with either a self-guided tour for independent exploration or a private guided tour for personalized insights and captivating narratives. This exclusive day trip offers an unforgettable cultural experience, showcasing the best of Bulgaria's historical and artistic treasures. Choose between privately-guided and self-guided tour.

On this day tour you will have the chance to visit the biggest cloister in the country – Rila monastery and the beautiful Boyana church, both under the UNESCO protection. You will have Audio guide (English, Espanol, German, Italian, French, Русский) with you, who will tell you the history of the two sights and we will pick you up from your accommodation anywhere in Sofia.

Discover two of Bulgaria’s UNESCO World Heritage gems on this day trip from Sofia in Italian. Visit Boyana Church, near Sofia, to marvel at its spectacular pre-Renaissance frescoes. Admire rural Bulgaria en route to the Rila Monastery in the pine-carpeted Rila Mountains. Take a guided tour of the medieval treasure with its fresco-coated church and then time to explore independently. Please kindly note that on some dates the free time at the Rila Monastery may be shorter due to traffic, group size, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Small group bigger experience! • Visit the Boyana Church – an inspiring temple, with unique frescoes from the 13th century. • Visit the top Bulgarian Landmark, a UNESCO site and the biggest Monastery in Bulgaria – Rila monastery. • Know more about the Eastern Orthodox traditions, frescoes and history. • Get close to the nature and enjoy the “Rila Mountain Natural Park”, the biggest in Bulgaria. • Know more about Bulgarian culture • Walking through an old beech forest, which takes us to a mystical place – the cave and the prayer rock of the hermit

Visit Rila Monastery and Boyana church, UNESCO World Heritage sites. Relive history as your guide's commentary takes you back into time. This is a Private Tour so you will not be combined with other people besides those in your reservation- there will be a private car and a private driver- guide just for you! And you will be able to stop for pictures, shops and other things whenever you want! Enjoy a full-day tour out in the mountains with a convenient hotel pick up and drop off. *Women should have thier knees and shoulders covered on the monastery. *The Boyana church is closed on the 1st of January, on the Sunday of the Orthodox Easter, on the 24th of December, 25th of December and the 31st of December – and on such days the tour is done only to the Rila Monastery. Most times the trips are done with eco friendly cars – with cng engine or electro mobiles, so that we can help fighting the air polution.

Small group bigger experience! Immerse your self in to the Rila National park, where we will show you the hidden treaser of the early Christianity. Deep in the Rila Mountain, in the southwestern part of Bulgaria is situated the biggest symbol of Christianity in Bulgaria- Rila Monastery. The Monastery was founded by the hermit St. Ivan Rilski in the beginning of X century. The monastery is the most visited cultural site in Bulgaria. Part of UNESCO World Heritage Site. After our immersion in ancient times, we will go to a winery named "Medy valley" to taste the fruits of this holy mountain. There we can find some lokal grape variety like "Rubin" and "Shiroka Melnishka". Тhe winery has spectacular mountain views Last but not least, we will visit the very special Boyana church- аnоtther UNESCO World Heritage Site. Boyana Church for short, is famous for its remarkable medieval frescoes, among which the remarkable images from 1259. That means 50years before Giotto

You have the chance to visit two UNESCO world heritage sites in one day- Boyana church and Rila Monastery.

Enjoy a half-day private tour with which you will have the chance not only to see the central part of Sofia, but also the Boyana Church – a UNESCO heritage site – and the National History Museum, situated at the foot of Vitosha Mountain.

The tour starts 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 audio guide. After this time you will take the shuttle back to Sofia. Before to return you back we will take you to Boyana church, where you will have time to visit the church with audio guide. At the end of the tour we will leave you back in your hotel or in Sofia central place.

Many visitors to Sofia find it difficult to find their way to the National History Museum and the Boyana church. Not only will you be part of a small group, but you will also get a proper guided tour and have a great introduction for your following Sofia exploration. At the National History Museum you will see some unique artefacts dating from the 7th Millennium BC. you will see some of the discovered oldest gold in the world, dated circa 4600 years BC and going to enjoy visiting one of the most important former Communist buildings in Bulgaria! The Boyana church in its turn shows amazingly well preserved frescoes from the pre-Renaissance centuries introducing amazing and unexpected mastership, bright colours and nice and serenity of the images!

Enjoy one lovely day with your private guide away from the busy city with our company and visit the biggest monastery on Balkan peninsula.

The tour is one of the classic cultural and heritage tours and with us you will you learn not only about the monastery and the church, but also history of Bulgaria, some Orthodox Christianity basics or details on Orthodox traditions, as well as you will get information on modern daily lifestyle of the average Bulgarian family, and last but not least – great professional and friendly attitude by knowledgeable tour guides!

Our service is unique as we provide young and knowledgeable guides that will also provide information on the every day life of the Bulgarians, the current political and economical situation and will gladly answer any other question that you ask. We are professional, energetic and extremely happy to have you on board. The historical information will be enough even for the most interested travelers.

Enjoy a great combination of history and natury with this one day tour to two iconic Bulgarian places!

The tour stands out for several unique features: Exclusive Use of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles: This eco-friendly approach minimizes environmental impact and provides travelers with a greener alternative to traditional tour transportation methods. Expertly Guided Tours: Knowledgeable and friendly local guides accompany travelers throughout the tour, providing insightful commentary, historical context, and insider tips about Rila Monastery and Boyana Church. Free Time for Exploration: The itinerary includes generous free time at each location, allowing travelers to explore Rila Monastery and Boyana Church at their own pace. Whether it's admiring the intricate frescoes, visiting museum exhibits, or simply soaking in the serene surroundings, guests have the freedom to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of these iconic landmarks. Small Group Experience: PrivaTour BG prioritizes small group sizes to ensure an intimate and personalized experience for every traveler.