Duration: 8 hours

Tour information:

This is a full day trip to The Rila Monastery, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and located 120 km (75 miles) south of Sofia in the Rila Mountains and takes approximately 2h – 2h30min drive. Departure at 09:00 in the morning from your hotel in Sofia. Arrival back to your hotel in Sofia would be expected at around 16:30-17:00 in the afternoon.

Please note, that these timings are approximate and depend on actual traffic conditions.

Sightseeing information:

Our guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel.

The Rila Monastery, is an original national museum with a century-old history. The monastery dates back to the 10th century, but has been plundered and burned down several times. The present building was built in mid-19th century (1816 – 1848). Located in the gorgeous mountain scenery, it is considered the highest achievement of Bulgarian monumental architecture of the National Revival period. It is also a monument of international significance, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of particular interest are the Museum, and also the 1335 Hrelyo's Tower in the courtyard, which is actually the oldest preserved building, standing alongside the big five-dome church Assumption of the Holy Virgin, which has splendid frescos by some of Bulgaria’s finest artists of the time. Close to the Monastery are the rock-cell and the grave of St John of Rila, the founder of the monastery in the 10th century.