Day trip from Sofia to Rila Monastery and Boyana Church

Join a day trip from Sofia to visit two of Bulgaria's UNESCO World Heritage Sites—the Rila Monastery and Boyana Church.The journey begins with a guided tour of the Boyana Church. Its frescoes represent a turning point in mural painting and are considered as precursors to the European Renaissance. Over 240 figures are depicted within these murals, each brimming with individuality, vitality, and psychological depth.Next, you'll head to the Rila Monastery, a sight not to be missed when visiting Sofia. Surrounded by beautiful mountain views, the monastery features arcade balconies, gilded iconostasis, and distinctive frescoes, crafted by one of Bulgaria's most celebrated Revival Period painters. You'll have 2 hours of free time to explore the monastery at your own pace. Step into the main church to photograph the narthex's gallery, and take a moment to appreciate the exhibits in the monastery's history museum.Afterwards, you'll have time to enjoy lunch, sampling the local speciality of mekitsi (Bulgarian donuts) with buffalo's milk, or take a leisurely stroll around the area before embarking on the return journey to Sofia.