Top Experiences in Rila Monastery

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.

Very unique experience to stay overnight in Rila Monastery and touch the spiritual life of this sacred place! If you interested in this very special opportunity we'll arrange everything for you, including a private transport if you need such (additional cost). Keep in mind you have to travel from Sofia to the monastery in Rila, which take around 3,5 hours by bus and 2,5 hours by car! The Cave of St. Ivan Rilski is a sacred place to visit and its only a very nice walk away - 3,4 km!

Unique two days tour, visiting some of the "must see" UNESCO Heritage sites in Bulgaria - Boyana Church and Rila Monastery, including an unforgettable overnight stay in the Monastery itself! ***Ultra fast 1Gbps Wi-Fi available***

You will see of course much more :):

1. St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
2. Beautiful Vitosha mountain
3. UNESCO Heritage - Boyana Church
4. Rila mountain - highest mountain range of Bulgaria
5. UNESCO Heritage - Rila Monastery (including overnight stay inside :))
6. The Cave of St. Ivan Rilski
7. Kirilova Polyana Meadow
8. Devil's Waters waterfall
9. Sapareva Banya - an ancient small city with hot springs
10. Aqua Club Kotvata - unique outdoor thermal spa in the mountain

You will see and learn a lot about the Bulgarian history and culture - great time guaranteed :)!

A concept, that offers you the best of two worlds where we create your own personalized excursion or choose from recommended routes.

We bring your car personally to your accommodation in Sofia, the cultural capital of Bulgaria.
With an audio guide, access to unique places, the best restaurants, leisure, and outdoor adventures; all-inclusive: kilometrage, maps, GPS coordinates, vouchers, and tickets., our experienced team is 24/7 at your disposal.

In this tour, we bring you from the Museum of Mining, Stob Pyramids, and the Rila Monastery to the Varosho of Blagoevgrad; a personalized excursion in the intimacy of your own relatives.

Your schedule and itinerary will be both online and as a hard copy be made available.

This is a self-guided audio tour with all-inclusive car + services, device, map, GPS coordinates, audio guides + videos, excess kilometrage, entry tickets, restaurant reservations, vouchers, etc.

Take a trip to discover the most important monastery in Bulgaria and learn about its role in the formation of Bulgarian identity and culture throughout the 19th century. The Rila Monastery is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List along with eight other monuments in the country and represents the most outstanding architectural ensemble in Bulgaria. Your guide, who is an art historian herself, will give you a unique perspective onto the artistic history of the church's frescoes and woodcarving, revealing the symbolism hiding behind the majestic architectural elements of the complex and their meaning. On our way back to Sofia, you will have time to relax and enjoy the magnificent view of the Stob pyramids, one of the most amazing natural phenomena on the territory of Bulgaria.

DISCOVER THE TREASURES OF BULGARIA

Bulgaria, on the edge of Europe, is mostly overlooked, despite its proximity. From ancient Thrace to the Communist era, history has left its mark in Bulgaria.
But it is not just history that makes the country so attractive.
In the various mountain ranges, surrounded by beautiful nature, there are cozy villages tucked away where life seems to have stood still for a long time and residents are only too happy to welcome guests.
Bulgaria is one of Europe's best-kept secrets.

What is the advantage when you book a tour with us:
- Local guides will take care of the clients providing the pure essence of the local people and atmosphere
- Flexibility and attention to detail when putting together tailor-made
tours.
- Quality and sustainability of the product, guaranteed by the experienced staff and reputation of the company.
- Balanced programs based on the timing of attractions and time spent on the road

Discover the treasures of Bulgaria,

Bulgaria is mostly overlooked, despite its proximity. From ancient Thrace to the Communist era, history has left its mark .
But it is not just history that makes the region so attractive.
In the various mountain ranges, surrounded by beautiful nature, there are cozy villages tucked away where life seems to have stood still for a long time and residents are only too happy to welcome guests.
Bulgaria is one of Europe's best-kept secrets.

What is the advantage when you book a tour with us:

- Local guides will take care of the clients providing the pure essence of the local people and atmosphere
- Flexibility and attention to detail when putting together tailor-made
tours.
- Quality and sustainability of the product, guaranteed by the experienced staff and reputation of the company.
- Balanced programs based on the timing of attractions and time spent on the road

Discover the treasures of Southern Balkans & North Greece,

Balkan is mostly overlooked, despite its proximity. From ancient Thrace to the Communist era, history has left its mark .
But it is not just history that makes the region so attractive.
In the various mountain ranges, surrounded by beautiful nature, there are cozy villages tucked away where life seems to have stood still for a long time and residents are only too happy to welcome guests.
South Balkan is one of Europe's best-kept secrets.

What is the advantage when you book a tour with us:

- Local guides will take care of the clients providing the pure essence of the local people and atmosphere
- Flexibility and attention to detail when putting together tailor-made
tours.
- Quality and sustainability of the product, guaranteed by the experienced staff and reputation of the company.
- Balanced programs based on the timing of attractions and time spent on the road

A concept, that offers you the best of two worlds where we create your own personalized excursion or choose from recommended routes.

We bring your car personally to your accommodation in Sofia, the cultural capital of Bulgaria.
With an audio guide, access to unique places, the best restaurants, leisure, and outdoor adventures; all-inclusive: kilometrage, maps, GPS coordinates, vouchers, and tickets., our experienced team is 24/7 at your disposal.

In this tour, we bring you from the Museum of Mining, Stob Pyramids, and the Rila Monastery to the Varosho of Blagoevgrad; a personalized excursion in the intimacy of your own relatives.

Your schedule and itinerary will be both online and as a hard copy be made available.

This is a self-guided audio tour with all-inclusive car + services, device, map, GPS coordinates, audio guides + videos, excess kilometrage, entry tickets, vouchers, etc.

The highest mountain in Balkan peninsula - Rila. Join the adventure. This is a combined tour in the area of Rila monastery – the biggest one of Bulgaria, the spring of knowledge, hope and faith. We’ll see the phenomena Stob’s pyramids, Bohemia waterfalls and the panoramic peak “The Cross”.

This is truly a spectacular, luxury day tour, visiting some of the "must see" UNESCO Heritage sites in Bulgaria - Boyana Church and Rila Monastery!

Ultra-fast 1Gbps Wi-Fi Included

1. St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia
2. Boyana Church in Vitosha mountain
3. Rila Monastery in Rila mountain
4. Thermal outdoor hot spring mineral swimming pools in Sapareva Banya

If you are visiting Bulgaria for a weekend trip this tour is a great option to see its most famous sites. For these two days, you will visit and explore the Rila monastery, Plovdiv, and Koprivshtica. You will learn a lot about our history, culture, and traditions. You will spend a night in the most vivid cities in Bulgaria, selected for the Cultural Capital of Europe in 2019th. Its artistic spirit and great nightlife will leave unforgettable memories and you can say without hesitation that you have been to Bulgaria.

This tour suggestion is oriented towards riders with limited time, who are crossing Bulgaria or are near it. In these 5 days, you will ride on beautiful scenic roads and mountain passages, during which you will be introduced to our history, archaeology, and culture. Your experience will be guided by our highly professional and educated Biker Guides. To make this tour an experience we are offering you to stay in a guest house, in a village where you will taste the real homemade food, typical for the South part, to hear and learn the local songs and dances. In addition to that during the 5 days, you will ride in the Trigrad Gorge, sleep in a hotel surrounded only by natural beauty and horses, visit the Bulgarian most famous wine region. We hope that you will enjoy it!

Embark on a journey through the heart of Eastern Europe and uncover the treasures of Romania and Bulgaria. Begin your odyssey in Romania - Bucharest, where grand boulevards blend seamlessly with Belle Époque architecture. Explore the medieval charm of Brasov and wander through the narrow streets of Sighisoara, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where every corner whispers tales of Dracula. Journey into the heart of Transylvania, where fairytale castles rise from mist like Bran Castle, often associated with the legendary Dracula.
As you cross into Bulgaria, prepare to be captivated by its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Explore the ancient ruins of Veliko Tarnovo, once the capital of the Bulgarian Empire, and marvel at the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery, a masterpiece of Orthodox architecture.
So, pack your bags and prepare to be enchanted by the allure of Romania and Bulgaria. Book now and embark on a voyage of discovery through these captivating lands.

Discover two of Bulgaria’s UNESCO World Heritage gems on this day trip from Sofia. 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 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 are not included.

Exciting one day bike trip in Rila Monastery valley. Enjoy a bike ride on village roads with great views to Rila mountains, have a fresh trout for lunch and visit the holiest place in Bulgaria - Rila monastery!

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.

Discover Boyana church and Rila Monastery with your professional guide.
We will pick-up from your hotel or any address in Sofia.
UNESCO world heritage - Boyana church is one of the most complete and perfectly preserved monuments of east European medieval art and the old monastery is the treasury and spiritual center of the Bulgarians.
Enjoy with this tour - one lovely day away from the busy city with one of our comfortable vehicles.
Special attention to guests - our guide will tell you interesting stories.
We will provide enough time if you wish to explore each of the 5 museums in the monastery.
You will feel the fresh mountain air and the beauty of the Vitosha and Rila mountains.
Spare time for lunch close to the river.
Small group.

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

In just 6 days (5 nights), this experience by bus, will take you to southern European modern urban environment of Sofia, Thessaloniki and Istanbul as well as their ancient history. A tour guide will be available during the entire trip, who will tell you interesting stories about the places you visit. You will have enough free time to experiment, shop and on your own discover secrets to visited cities.
Sofia - Rila Monastery - Thessaloniki - Alexandroupolis - Istanbul
5 nights/6 days/ 3 countries/ approx. 1100 km route
This experience is NOT requires a minimum number of travelers. We travel regularly, according to the schedule.

This tour is a great chance to experience these two amazing places in one day. They are both situated in the Rila Mountain. The main part of the tour will be the area of the lakes, where the hiking takes about 3 hours and it is a perfect opportunity for an escape in the nature. Since this tour combines two destinations, you will see 5 of the 7 lakes, so that you have time for the Rila Monastery as well.

The visit of the monastery in the afternoon will be about 1 hour but you will still be able to learn the main things about it.

Traveling time from Sofia to the Rila Lakes: 2 hours, from the Rila Lakes to the Rila Monastery - 1.5 hours, from the Rila Moanstery to Sofia: 2 hours.

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.

Explore the picturesque Bulgarian countryside, visiting three famous Bulgarian attractions within a day tour from Sofia! Spend the morning in the Rila Monastery, one of the country’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage sites, a "must see" for anyone visiting Bulgaria. Discover the centuries old forests of the Rila Mountains on a scenic walk to the cave of St. Ivan Rilski (St. John of Rila), where the founder of the monastery lived as an anchorite and explore the amazing rock formations of the Stob’s Pyramids nature phenomenon. Escape the Sofia crowds for a memorable full-day trip led by an expert!

If you are on a business trip or you have limited time in Bulgaria, this tour is your first step to discover this pearl in the Balkan crown! Join your guide in the streets with cobblestones in Sofia, Plovdiv, Bansko and Melnik. Visit the biggest monasteries – Rila and Bachkovo. Feel like a local and feel the Bulgarian spirit.
• Bachkovo monastery
• Plovdiv
• Dobarsko
• Bansko
• Rila monstery
• Sofia

With this tour, you will easily add one more country to your list-Bulgaria. During the day you will visit 2 UNESCO sites-some of the best examples of Orthodox Christian architecture in North Macedonia and in Bulgaria. Both are surrounded by very beautiful nature. The roads are also very scenic and definitely not boring. It is a great way to spare a day in Macedonia!

Pirin – the third highest mountain in Balkan peninsula, the marble beauty of Bulgaria. The older name of that mountain was Perun, the Slavic god of Thunder. When Christianity spread all around the land, this was the last stronghold for the Slavic gods.  Later the name was transformed to Pirin. The mountain with its fortune of rivers, lakes, flora and wildlife gave a big inspiration for legends.Now Pirin is a national park, a part of UNESCO heritage. In the foothills of Pirin is Bansko, which is the biggest ski resort of the Balkan states.  Join us to fell the magic of the lakes, hear some legends, to see some wild goats, to reach the top – Vihren, and to enjoy of the thermal springs in the valley below the mountain.

Melnik is the smallest town in Bulgaria yet it is so well known for its amazing sandy rock formations known as "Melnik pyramids". We'll get there after a bit longer than a 2-hour drive and will arrive on the foot of the biggest house built in 18th century in Bulgaria - Kordopulova! We will discover about the interior of the house as well as the underground cellar where the owners of the house still keep the newly produced wine! Not only this but you will have a taste of the popular Melnik Broad Leaf young wine!
After having had some lunch at a local MEHANA (traditional restaurant) we'll drive off to Rila monastery - certainly the most visited site by the travelers coming to Bulgaria. We will have another 1 1/2 hours of sightseeing together and eventually will start driving back to Sofia with our souls satisfied with the beauty, the history and the culture of the South-Western Bulgaria.

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.

Worth experiencing virtually from the comfort of your sofa

We give you the complete live experience starting from the Bulgarian capital Sofia. We have included 6 destinations in the first part which are Sofia, Rila Monastery, Melnik, Plovdiv, Pamporovo and Kazanlak. Special selection of the 6 destinations and sights provides the best flavor of destination Bulgaria. You will be thrilled & excited and you will want more and more!

Our immersive experience in part 2 shows you Sliven, Veliko Tarnovo, Ruse, Varna, Bourgas and Nessebar. Incredible experience with another 6 destinations and sights for you to enjoy virtually but professionally prepared for you. 

Truly the best of all is that you do not pay per person but it's for the whole group of people, for your family and kids. It's a private experience only for you or your company of people for up to 10.

This tour wiil take to the one of the symbols of Bulgaria - Rila Monastery and National History Museum.
Rila monastery is included in the List of World Cultural Heritage of UNESCO and is also a popular tourist destination. Throughout the centuries Rila Monastery has always been the spiritual, educational and cultural centre of Bulgaria.
National History Museum is one of the largest and richest history museums on the Balkan Peninsula. Representing the history of the present Bulgarian lands from the period 8,000 years ago to the present day.

In Bulgaria there are more than 120 monasteries! The interest in them we can explain with their role in the historical and cultural evolution of the Bulgarian nation. They survived the cruelty times of the middle ages and the Ottoman period, the vandalism, the natural disasters. They were the source of light in the dark ages of the people, making literally schools for education, science and religion. 

Some of them are like open-air museums, still keeping their secrets. Join us to solve some of their mysteries, to see the biggest ones like Rila, Bachkovo, Troyan. Feel the spirit of the orthodox temples and look over the monks and the nuns. See the incredible frescos and icons, made by the different painting schools. Come to understand why these things are little pieces of heaven. 

The healing powers of Bulgaria's mineral springs, close to the only Gaiser on the Balkans within a day from Sofia and water heated by the Earth's core, popping out to 103 above ground. Rila Monastery is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria.

Mountains, Lakes, Monastery, Fresh air, Stunning views - all in one day! Escape from Sofia for a few hours to meet the highlights of Rila National park. The 7 Rila lakes are one of the most beautiful glacial lakes in Bulgaria and Rila monastery is the biggest and the most important monastery in Bulgaria.

Feel the magic of Southwestern Bulgaria by visiting Rila monastery and Melnik just in one day. Feel the spirit of the holiest bulgarian monastery. Sense the power of mother nature by visiting the Melnik pyramids. Taste one of the most famous bulgarian wines. Three different experiences that will create a day full with emotions. Do not hesitate to save money and time with this extraordinary tour!

Climbing Mount Vihren (2914m) - the third highest in the Balkans - after Mount Musala (2925) in Rila Mountain and after Mount Mitikas (2917m) in Olympus Mountain. Ascent of Vihren peak (2914m) along the attractive and difficult alpine Dzhamdjiev edge. The route is a real challenge for experienced hikers and mountaineers. Visiting two of the three National Parks of Bulgaria - the Rila Mountains National Park and the Pirin Mountains National Park. Visit to the Rila Monastery, founded in the 10th century (UNESCO), a real pearl of the world cultural heritage.

Visit to the museums of the Rila Monastery - Church History Museum (a branch of the National History Museum of Bulgaria), The Icon Gallery, Hrelov Tower, Museum "Economy of the Monastery". Exploring the old town in Bansko, Holy Trinity Orthodox Church(1835). The traditional Bulgarian cuisine, combined with the mineral springs of the valley, located at the foot of the Pirin National Park, complete the new unforgettable experiences.

One of the most popular landmarks in Bulgaria, which is also the most frequently visited by foreign tourists, is the Rila Monastery, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
We offer you to get acquainted with local attractions with the help of an audio guide.
You will explore the monastery complex on your own at your own pace, with the help of an audio guide and a map of the excursion route.
Approaching the desired object, you dial its number and start playback. The tour contains 15 entries. The total duration is about 1.5 hours.
After paying for the tour, a link with access to audio files will be sent to your email. On the day of the excursion you have chosen, the link will become active and will be valid for 24 hours. You will listen to audio recordings through your phone.

Departure point: At your hotel or Sofia airport

Departure time:07:00 am

Duration:3 days

Return details:Return to initial departure point or wherever you would want to go in Sofia

Tour highlights:
• The Scary lake
• Yonchevo lake
• Seven Rila lakes
• Rila monastery
• Stob's pyramids

Rila has more than 120 lakes and in that trip we’ll see it’s most famous – Scary lake and Prekorechki lakes, Yonchevo and Pig ones, Seven Rila and a part of Urdini lakes.  We call it the mountain of wisdom – because of Rila monastery, which is the biggest monastery in Bulgaria, and the peaceful White brotherhood – people, that dance barefoot to take the spirit of the mountain and the force of Jesus.

Two days in the heart of the highest mountain in the Balkans, Rila, on the territory of Rila National Park

Trekking tour among the phenomenal glacial circus "Seven Rila Lakes" and a visit to the largest and most beautiful Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria, the Rila Monastery, founded in the 10th century. (UNESCO)

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

We will be able to visit one of the most beautiful Orthodox monasteries in the Balkans. Rila Monastery is a remarkable structure in the middle of nature. Situated in the center of the Rila mountain, the monastery is a hidden gem. We will also visit the city of Blagoevgrad, a student city that features a pedestrian downtown with preserved 19th-century architecture and numerous restaurants, cafés, coffee shops, and boutiques.

Do you know Dionysus had a Thracian origin and was worshipped all around the Bulgarian lands? That’s why the people here have traditions about the wine. 

Join us in that adventure to discover the mysteries of the wine, to dive in the history of Sofia, Perustitsa, Plovdiv, Starosel, Koprivstitsa and Rila monastery!

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 will have the unique opportunity to visit and take wonderful photos of the two most interesting and popular destinations in Bulgaria in one day.

The excursion combines active recreation - hiking and cultural immersion in ancient times.

You will be captivated by the beautiful scenery during the trip!

This self-guided, shared shuttle tour will take you to both the 7 Rila Lakes area in the morning and then in the afternoon to the UNESCO Rila Monastery in the Rila National park - Bulgaria's most famous natural and cultural sites. In the morning the shuttle bus tour bus will take you to the start of the hiking routes ar the Rila Lakes area and base station of the chair lift from where you can take the chair-lift up in the mountain. You have more than 5 hours for your self-guided tour of the Rila Lakes area. After that in the afternoon the shared shuttle will take you to the Rila Monastery - Bulgaria's most visited cultural and historical site. You have more than 1 hour to explore the monastery site on your own.

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!

See the best of Bulgaria in 1 day. This self-guided, shared shuttle tour will take you to both the UNESCO Rila Monastery in the Rila National park in the morning and then in the afternoon to the city of Plovdiv - the cultural capital of Bulgaria. In the morning the shuttle bus will take you to the Rila Monastery where you have more than 1 hour to explore the site at your own pace. The complex is compact in size so the time allows to see the most important parts of it. After that in the afternoon the shared shuttle will take you on a 3.5 hours journey through the scenic mountains of Bulgaria to the city of Plovdiv - one of Bulgaria's most visited cultural and historical sites. You have more than 4.5 hours to explore the historical city center on your own. Driver will provide you with a tourist map and tips for what to see.

The best memories to visit this part of Europe . You can enjoy best guide ,service ,nature ,food,wine and many many more . For last minute bookings hotels might change -based on availability.

Enjoy Bulgaria’s most picturesque alpine treks in the Rila and Pirin Mountains. Trek across huge national parks with broad alpine meadows, serrated summits, glacier lakes, and stone rivers. Encounter rare plant and animal life.

We are going to do a day hikes with small backs – trekking is much more pleasant when you are not caring heavy back.

Тhe other experience is to get a full introduction to Bulgarian wines during a guided tasting at local wineries.

Highlights

- Hiking in Four mountains
- Climb some of the highest peaks on the Balkans
- Explore the best alpine trails of pristine Bulgaria
- Discover the National Parks of Rila and Pirin
- Meet new people
- Taste local delights
- Tasting the Top Bulgarian wines
- Two UNESCO heritages
- Staying in one of the most ancient city in the world – Plovdiv

Best period: July – October!

Enjoy a day out at the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. The Rila Monastery is located in 1147 meters altitude in the middle of the fragrant coniferous forests of Rila Mountain. The monastery is a complex of cultural, dwelling and farming buildings which take about 8800 square meters. The Rila Monastery has an unique architecture. Outside, the monastery looks like a fortress. It has 24-meter stone walls which forms irregular pentagon. That’s why when some tourist enters the monastery’s yard from some of the two iron gates he is surprised by its architecture: arches and colonnades, covered wooden stairs and carved verandas and the 300-400 monastic cells.

We made this tour for people, who love touching nature in their comfort zone.
Prepare for this trip in South and Southwest Bulgaria to touch the beauty, carved by nature, and places, where traditions are still alive!
Jump in the van and listen to the legends of love, passion, and mountains. Pass the near villages and fell like a local tasting the Kapama and other Bulgarian dishes. With our tour, you can see the rich wildlife from millions of years ago till nowadays.
You will be in three different mountains with their spirit – Rila, Pirin and Rhodopi mountains. These three mountains are Wisdom, Beaty, and Love.
One phenomenon can’t be seen in the picture, you have to see and feel it! We wait for the adventure to call you!

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.

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.

With this, carefully selected itinerary, you will stay a bit out of the most touristic places of Bulgaria and get deeper into the atmosphere of our history, culture, way of living in different time periods, and, of course, the wine, which is seriously involved in it. We can say that this tour is more like a boutique one because it is a wonderful combination of nature, sightseeing, and traditions with 2 overnights in some of the best chateaus in Bulgaria, where you will enjoy great food, served with the appropriate wine.

For the rest of the evenings, you will enjoy beautiful towns and cities, like Trigrad, Melnik, and Plovdiv

With this tour you will have the chance to go back in time and taste the typical Bulgarian cuisine, wine and famous hospitality. For this experience and atmosphere Melnik and Razlog valley will help with there authentic architecture, appearance and the people who you will meet with and be your hosts.

The tour is with comfortable transportation, professional guide, who will be able to answer all customers' questions and create a positive atmosphere. The excursion will leave you breathless with the spectacular places and the opportunity to take unforgettable photos.

The tour stands out for several unique features:

Exclusive Use of 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.
Ample 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 and spirituality of these iconic landmarks.

Small Group Experience: ElectrEco Tours prioritizes small group sizes to ensure an intimate and personalized experience for every traveler.

The Essential Western Bulgaria - Rila Monastery, Boyana, Bansko, Plovdiv, Kazanlak, Veliko Tarnovo, Troyan

Western Bulgaria offers you a full variety of cultural and historical sights to help you explore Bulgarian lands from Antiquity, Mid centuries and Revival period (18th-19th century). The tour is ideal if you wish to spend 2-3 days in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria and then spend the rest of your week on this loop trip to the country side. Compared to day tours from Sofia, this 4-Day Bulgaria trip will give you more intimate contact with your guide and with local people, it will save you time spent sitting in a car for several return trips, and it will also save you money for more expensive Sofia hotels. In our tours we have included accommodation in our chosen family 2* or 3* hotels, where we have confidence in their quality of service. Whenever possible, you can upgrade to 4* and 5* hotels or opt for a more budget accommodation.

This tour will show you one of the best Bulgarian monasteries and UNESCO sight - the Rila Monastery. Private tour only for you with the comfort of your own local guide. Fully customizable and rich in information, off-the-beaten path sights and stops.
Choose between a privately-guided or a self-guided option for your convenience.

This tour represents one of the most popular attractions in Bulgaria – Rila monastery, and one of the best gifts of the country – the thermal springs. Enjoy your guiding tour to understand more Bulgarian history, walk in the beautiful nature and take relax away from the big city.

This tour is an excellent option for you to experience a wonderful adventure and see the most-visited UNESCO site in Bulgaria - Rila Monastery. We are offering day trip to Struma river gorge, where you will have 12 kilometers of rafting and fun and a sel-guided visit of RIla Monastery with audio-guide in Spanish, Italian, German, Russian, English.

The Rila Monastery is Bulgaria's "must see" UNESCO site to visit. Among many offers for a day tour to Rila Monastery, we are now happy to offer some unique and customized day tours - dedicated service, knowledgeable guides, perfectly maintained vehicles and personal touch. 

Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments. It is traditionally thought that the monastery was founded by the hermit St. Ivan of Rila. The hermit actually lived in a cave without any material possessions not far from the monastery's location, while the complex was built by his students, who came to the mountains to receive their education. The monastery was established in it,s today location in 14th century.  After two major fires the monastery was restored in 1837. It is part of UNESCO’s world heritage list since 1983 and it is still an active monastery.

Enjoy Bulgaria’s most picturesque alpine treks in the Rila and Pirin mountains. Cross huge national parks with broad alpine meadows, serrated summits, glacier lakes, and stone rivers. Encounter rare plant and animal life.

A concept, that offers you the best of two worlds where we create your own personalised excursion or choose from recommended routes.

We bring your car personally to your hotel in Sofia, the cultural capital of Bulgaria.
With an audio guide, access to unique places, the best restaurants, leisure and outdoor adventures; all-inclusive: kilometrage, maps, GPS coordinates, vouchers and tickets., and our experienced team is 24/7 at your disposal.

In this tour, we bring you from the Museum of Mining, Stob Pyramids, the Rila Monastery to the Varosho of Blagoevgrad; a personalised excursion in the intimacy of your own relatives.

Your schedule and itinerary will be both online and as a hard copy be made available.

This is a self-guided audio tour with all-inclusive car + services, device, map, GPS coordinates, audio guides + videos, excess kilometrage, entry tickets, restaurant reservations and vouchers etc.

Take our Full Day Private Tour of Rila Monastery, Stob Pyramids from Sofia!

Discover the historic marvels and natural wonders of Bulgaria on this full-day hiking tour from Sofia. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rila Monastery, enjoy a scenic 3-hour hike to the admire the unique rock formations of Stob’s Pyramids.

Leave us the details and we'll take you on an extraordinary adventure that creates memories that stand the test of time

This 2-Day trek will take you deep into the wilderness of the Rila Mountains where you will be amazed by the magical Seven Rila Lakes, sleep at the highest mountain hut on the Balkan peninsula - Vazov Hut (2300 m. a.s.l.) and finally after a descend filled with wonderful views of peaks, ridges and alpine forested valleys you will arrive at Rila Monastery - the largest and most significant active monastery in Bulgaria. Expect a challenging dive into the off beaten trails of Rila mountain that will reward you with natural splendor at every step.

If you are considering a hike in the mythic Mount Olympus, the home of the Ancient Greek gods, but also want to hike up to the highest mountain of the Balkans, Rila Mountain, than this trip is for you.
We offer you a trip to the three tallest mountains of the Balkans:
1) Rila Mountain in Bulgaria, with Musala peak at 2,925 m / 9596ft;
2) followed by Mount Olympus in Greece, with Mytikas peak at 2,918 m 9573ft, and
3) in third place Pirin Mountain with Vihren peak at 2,914 m /9560ft, also in Bulgaria.
It will take you through two beautiful countries in the Balkans: Greece and Bulgaria with lots of diverse nature, culture and food in less than a week.
The Balkans, an area of Eastern Europe, is the perfect place to have an epic hiking vacation as most of it is covered by mountain ranges. But they also border strikingly with the Mediterranean Sea, which means that you can finish at the pristine beaches with clear blue water or head to some of Greece’s famous islands.

Join this round tour and discover Bulgaria, the pearl of the Balkans.
Did you know that: As confusing as it may be, Bulgarians shake their head when they mean to say “yes” and nod when they want to say “no”. It takes some time to get used to this Bulgarian head nod )
Bulgaria is third in Europe in terms of number of archeological sites.
Bulgaria has 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Bulgaria is the homeland of yogurt. Bulgarians call theirs “sour milk”. The unique consistency of Bulgarian yogurt is because of the Lactobacillus Bulgaricus which cannot be found anywhere else.
Bulgaria is the world's second-biggest exporter of rose oil, an ingredient in most perfumes.
Forests in Bulgaria constitute one-third of the country's territory.
Explore with your guide - Sofia, Vitosha Mountain, Rila monastery, Boyana church, Plovdiv, Starosel, Thracian king tomb, Hissarya, Kazanlak, Veliko Tarnovo, Tzarevets fortress, and many other places.

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.

Enjoy one lovely day with your private guide away from the busy city with one of our luxury vehicles.

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.
The tour offers 3 different options:
1. The guided tour option is with an English-speaking live guide.
2. Tour with an an audio guide in Spanish, Italian, German, Russian or English.
3. Transport only (that option might not be bookable for some dates).

A concept, that offers you the best of two worlds where we create your own personalized excursion or choose from recommended routes.

We bring your car personally to your accommodation in Sofia, the cultural capital of Bulgaria.
With an audio guide, access to unique places, the best restaurants, leisure, and outdoor adventures; all-inclusive: kilometrage, maps, GPS coordinates, vouchers, and tickets., our experienced team is 24/7 at your disposal.

In this tour, we bring you from the Museum of Mining, Stob Pyramids, and the Rila Monastery to the Varosho of Blagoevgrad; a personalized excursion in the intimacy of your own relatives.

Your schedule and itinerary will be both online and as a hard copy be made available.

This is a self-guided audio tour with all-inclusive car + services, device, map, GPS coordinates, audio guides + videos, excess kilometrage, entry tickets, restaurant reservations, vouchers, etc.

This tour is a unique way to visit the most popular site in Bulgaria - Rila monastery.
It is a great combination of adventure and sightseeing. Your way will be led by our highly professional and educated guide. The roads are carefully selected and will give you a real satisfaction.
If you want to escape the ordinary way of traveling and have a license for motorcycle do not hesitate to join us.

This self-guided trip is a great chance to experience these two amazing places in one day. They are both situated in the Rila Mountain. The main part of the tour will be the area of the lakes, where the hiking takes about 5 hours and it is a perfect opportunity for an escape in the nature. The visit of the monastery will be about one hour, during which you will be able to see its highlights, take photos and check the shops.

The Seven Rila lakes are amazing. Use our self-guided tour to visit, go around them and see everything spectacular on your own. All the guides notes and full gps tracks will be personalized and sent to you. Super convenient and cheap.
Enjoy it with us professionally!

A concept, that offers you the best of two worlds where we create your own personalized excursion or choose from recommended routes.

We bring your car personally to your accommodation in Sofia, the cultural capital of Bulgaria.
With an audio guide, access to unique places, the best restaurants, leisure, and outdoor adventures; all-inclusive: kilometrage, maps, GPS coordinates, vouchers, and tickets., our experienced team is 24/7 at your disposal.

In this tour, we bring you from the Museum of Mining, Stob Pyramids, and the Rila Monastery to the Varosho of Blagoevgrad; a personalized excursion in the intimacy of your own relatives.

Your schedule and itinerary will be both online and as a hard copy be made available.

This is a self-guided audio tour with all-inclusive car + services, device, map, GPS coordinates, audio guides + videos, excess kilometrage, entry tickets, restaurant reservations, vouchers, etc.

This tour gives you the comfort of a private transfer combined with a self-guided tour to explore and learn more at your own pace about the exceptional UNESCO site - Rila Monastery.
Enjoying the phenomenal architecture and the unique frescoes there will definitely make you feel back in time.
After the self-guided tour, you will have a break for lunch, so take the opportunity to do it as a local and don’t miss the chance to taste the best local dishes and wines.

This tour will give you the opportunity to combine multiple experiences and adventures.

You will learn a lot about the ancient cultures and civilizations that have passed through the centuries. You will taste the Bulgarian culture, food, wine and hospitality, and you will admire and enjoy the country’s beauties by hiking and horse riding in the nature.

Enjoy a great day trip from Sofia for an exciting rafting experience at the Struma River, combined with a visit to the most visited Bulgarian monastery, also a UNESCO heritage site - the Rila Monastery. Feel the emotion of an outdoor adventure among friendly nature lovers and make a proper ending to this day trip with an interesting visit to the heart of Rila mountain – the holy abode of Rila monastery. Admire the phenomenal architecture and the unique frescoes there that will definitely make you feel back in time, learn more about the monks' everyday life and the story of their mission lasting for centuries.

Visit the Balkans in this 10 days tour in wich You will visit 4 countries: Romania, Bulgaria, Macedonia and Serbia. Enjoy 2 European Capitals of Culture on 2021: Novi Sad and Timisoara in a small group tour from 4 to 7 with a tourguide that will fit on your interests and will make this experience unforgettable.

This is a private guided round tour with which you will see the most important historical places in Bulgaria: the capital Sofia, Rila Monastery and Boyana Church - UNESCO heritage sites, Plovdiv - the oldest existing town in Europe, Kazanlak - the heart of the Rose Valley, Veliko Tarnovo - the medieval Bulgarian capital and Koprivshtitsa - the symbol of the Bulgarian National Revival Period.

Visit the Balkans, Transylvania and Bukovina in this 14 days tour in wich You will visit 4 countries: Romania, Bulgaria, Macedonia and Serbia. Enjoy a small group tour from 4 to 7 with a tourguide that will fit on your interests and will make this experience unforgettable. In this tour you will see 2 European Capitals of Culture on 2021: Novi Sad and Timisoara ; the capital of Romania, called also “Little Paris” , the Royal Castle of Peles in Sinaia, the Bran Castle called also ” Dracula’s Castle” , the medieval cities of Brasov, Sibiu (European Capital of Culture in 2007) , Sighisoara (the place where Vlad Dracula was born) and the best preserved castle from Eastern Europe: Corvin’s Castle. Also You will enjoy a visit of the main Unesco sites in Bulgaria and also its capital, Sofia.

Explore one UNESCO world heritage site, the largest monastery complex in Bulgaria - Rila Monastery. Discover the ascetic everyday life in the holy abode. Learn more with a ‘smart’ audio guide and choose your own pace. Take the opportunity to have lunch as a local and taste traditional meals and drinks from the region.

This services included a shuttle taxi from Skopje to Sofia with stop and visit Rila Monastery and have a half day tour of Rila Monastery with licensed tour guide.

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.

The Rila Monastery is one of Bulgaria’s symbols and a popular tourist destination. It’s included in the List of World Heritage of UNESCO.
Meet your driver in Bansko and board the air-conditioned vehicle to travel to Rila Monastery. Relax during the 1.5-hour drive as you admire the beautiful Bulgarian landscape. Arrive at the monastery at approximately 11:30 am, giving you plenty of time to explore the complex inside and out with our qualified Еnglish-speeking guide.
Admire its balconies and discover unique frescoes by one of the most famous painters of the Bulgarian National Revival period. See gilded iconostasis and enjoy the fabulous mountain views. Stop at one of the two restaurants in the complex to have something to eat or drink.

Discover one of Bulgaria’s UNESCO World Heritage gems on this day trip from Borovets. 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.

Two UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1 day only. Rila Monastery is the largest, the most beautiful and the most important Bulgarian monastery, Boyana Church is famous for its proto-Renaissance wall paintings from the 13th century.

Enjoy all this either in a self-guided or privately-guided tour.

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!

Rila monastery and hiking through the Stob pyramids with a taste of traditional Bulgarian banitsa!

If you join this tour you will: walk through the pyramids! See the 19-th century Monastery frescos from the Bulgarian revival and marvelous Iconostasis of the Church. See the unique miraculous icon of the Monastery. Go to the cave of Saint John of Rila. Visit the rich Monastery museum or/and/ the 14th century guard tower of the 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.

A whole-day guided trek to the Rila Mountains with its top best locations - the Rila Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the 7 Rila Lakes. Experience the two most visited tourist sights in Bulgaria in just one day. Combine great hiking with a full of history visit to the biggest and most important cloister in the country.

Travel hassle-free from Sofia to Plovdiv and back in the comfort of a modern and air-conditioned minibus. Plovdiv is one of the oldest towns in the world. More ancient than Rome! With a guide explore and experience its millennia of epic history, monumental attractions, unique Bulgaria culture and way of life. Your guide will take you to the most interesting sites and pinpoint fascinating details missed by the general public. You will have free time to stroll on your own along the longest pedestrian street in Europe and sample local food and drinks.

Discover one of Bulgaria’s UNESCO World Heritage gems on this day trip from Sofia. Admire rural Bulgaria en route to the Rila Monastery in the pine-carpeted Rila Mountains. Take a guided tour of this medieval treasure with its fresco-coated church. After time to explore independently, visit the Cave of St. Ivan - one of the most sacred places in Bulgaria. Please kindly note that on some dates the free time at the Rila Monastery may be shorter.

Below you can find detailed itinerary of the tour:
09:00 - Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
12:00 - Estimated time of arrival at Rila Monastery
12:00-13:00 - Guided visit to the Monastery
13:00-14:00 - Free time for lunch or further explorations of the area on your own
14:00-15:00 - Visit the St. Ivan Cave
15:00 - Depart from Rila Monastery back to Sofia
17:00 - Estimated time of arrival at Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

The tour is offered with ONLINE, cloud-based audioguide in different languages as well. INTERNET required to download and use.