Sofia – Boyana Church – Rila Monastery – Sofia

Price from: 32 euro/ passenger

1 day trip

Highlights

• visit Boyana Chirch near Sofia and Rila Monastery;
• Rila Monastery Museum will pleasently surprise you with rich exposition of medieval documents, icons, religious vestments and the famous Rafael’s cross;
• travel through picturesque landscapes and small sleepy villages while your guide explains about Bulgaria’s agriculture, wildlife and way of living;
• see the miraculous icon of the Blessed Virgin (appr. 12th century), which keep relicts of 32 saints, one of them of Mary Magdalene;
• if the weather allows, you will be able to have a walk to the Stob Pyramids;
• taste true, organic, masterfully prepared Bulgarian delicacies as our present from us.

PROGRAM with departure from Sofia

Departure at 09:00 to Boyana Church – a medieval Bulgarian Orthodox church.

At 10:00 we leave for Rila Monastery (or Monastery of Saint Ivan Rilski) – the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria, built in the 30s of the 10th century. Some structures were added between the 14th and 19th centuries. Arrival at around 12:00 – 12:30. The monastery complex, regarded as one of the foremost masterpieces of Bulgarian National Revival architecture, was declared a national historical monument in 1976 and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Since 1991 it has been entirely subordinate to the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. This is a little piece of heaven, tucked away in the mountains. Amazing murals, nature, quiet and relaxing place. The Rila mountain was called ‘The Great Rila Desert’ by the one of the great Bulgarian writers – Ivan Vazov. The monastery keeps the spirit of St. Ivan Rilski. At this place you can feel the cosmic vibrations.

At around 13:00 – 13:30 we depart to the Memorial Grave of Saint Ivan Rilski, at approximately 15-20 min walking distance in the forest, where you can enjoy the silence and the beautiful nature.

Ivan Rilski was revered as a saint, while he was still alive. Known as “the wonderworker”, his followers founded many churches in his honor, including the famous Rila Monastery. He is honored as the Patron Saint of the Bulgarian people and as one of the most important saints in the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. Ivan died around the year 946. As the patron saint of the Bulgarian people, his dormition is commemorated each year on August 18 and October 19. On July 1, 1469, his remains were returned to the Rila Monastery, where they remain to this day.

At the place you will be able to try and pass through “the hole” – if you succeed, without touching the rocks with your body, you will be absolved of your sins.

Lunch at around 14:30.

Around 15:30 – visit of the Stob Pyramids (optional). It is an easy hike up to see the Stob Pyramids, at approximately 40 minutes walking distance. The hike is beautiful and photos can be taken. The pyramids are 30-40 meters wide and 6-10 meters high, reaching a height of 12 meters in some places. Some of the pyramids are pointed and needle-like, while others are round and topped with sandstone “hats”, having dimensions of 120/80 cm. and resembling giant mushrooms. Their bases are wide and often joined to neighboring formations. They range from bright yellow to dark brown and red.

Departure to Sofia later in the afternoon, at around 18:00.

*The cited times are only tentative and are subject to change.

Departs From: Sofia, around 09:00 am

Meeting Point: Hotel pick-up

Duration: 8 hours

Boyana Church – Rila Monastery 1 days
Nmb of passengers	1	2	3 till 6	7 till 10
Price per passenger	75 euro	65 euro	49 euro	32 euro
The prices are in euro per person

The price includes:

• Transport from the hotel in Sofia to the Rila Monastery and back; 
•  Visit of the Stob Pyramids;
• Professional guide in English or French;
• Driver in English.

The price does not include:

• Medical insurance; 
• Lunch; 
• Entrance taxes. 

Necessary documents: International passport, valid for a minimum of 6 months (ID card for EU citizens)