From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Villa Montevino Half - Day Trip

Overview

Enjoy a memorable trip to the most famous Bulgarian monastery - Rila Monastery - UNESCO heritage site. Relax on a convenient transportation and have the freedom to explore the monastery complex on your own pace. Take photos, check the souvenir shops, explore the history museum and try some of the delicious local pastries, offered in the monastery`s bakery. Audio info (cloud-based) in English, Spanish and Italian is included - smartphone and wi-fi are required to be used. After the monastery visit, you will also stop at the charming boutique wine estate located at the foothills of Rila Mountain - Villa Montevino. There you will be able to take some memorable photos, grab a coffee or drink a glass of local wine. After a delightful trip, you will return in Sofia in the early afternoon, so that you can spend some free time there or continue to the airport for your return flight.

Itinerary

1. Monastère de Rila

   The tour departs at 8:00 from Sofia city center and we will take you to the most famous Bulgarian monastery! The traveling time is about 2 hours on a scenic road. The Rila Monastery was established in the 10th century by the Bulgarian Saint John of Rila – the miracle maker. It is the biggest Bulgarian monastery and the most beautiful one. The current monastery complex was built in the 19th century, and was covered with amazing frescoes! The access to the yard and to the church is free. When you arrive there, you will have one and a half hours to explore it on your own pace. Take memorable photos, explore the history museum, check the souvenir shops and try the delicious Bulgarian pasties, made in the bakery of the monastery!

   · 1 h 30 min

2. After the visit of the monastery, on the way back, you will stop at Villa Montevino - a charming boutique wine estate located at the foothills of Rila Mountain, offering a perfect blend of nature, gastronomy, and authentic Bulgarian wine culture. Surrounded by vineyards and gentle hills, the villa provides a peaceful and elegant atmosphere, ideal for travelers seeking relaxation and unique local experiences. Its unique medieval-based design makes it one of the best spots for memorable photos in the area! In this complex, we will do a 30-minute break, during which you can take some amazing photos, drink a coffee or a glass of wine. After the refreshing break, we will continue back to Sofia. The expected arrival there in the city center is at 14:00.

   · 30 min

Pickup

Pickup included.

Hotel pick-up at 8:00 - please indicate it when making the reservation.

How to use your ticket

Women should have their knees and shoulders covered in the monastery. Children under 5 are not allowed, since we do not have baby seats in the cars. Toilets at the monastery are paid - you should have a coin of 50 euro cent to use it. The trip does not have a time for a typical lunch break, since the expected return in Sofia is at 14:00. However, you can use the time at the monastery to have a 'late' breakfast and try some of the pastries in the bakery. Audio info (cloud-based) will be sent in the specified language - smartphone and wi-fi are required to be used.

What to know before you go

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Travelers

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

• From 1 days before : 100% refunded
• From 0 days before : 0% refunded

Reviews

Product code: 5556909P2

Activity offered by Hola Bulgaria via Viator.