A Definitive Guide to Planning a Day Trip to the Rila Monastery and Boyana Church from Sofia

When in Sofia, a perfect day trip for visitors is to explore both the Rila Monastery and Boyana Church. This 10th century monastery is the largest and most impressive in the Balkans, and the 13th century frescoes at Boyana Church are an absolute must-see. In this definitive guide, we’ll break down every detail for you including cost and itinerary.

Cost of the Day Trip from Sofia to the Rila Monastery and Boyana Church

The cost of the day trip is anywhere from 195 Bulgarian leva (approximately €10000) up to 700 leva (approximately €350) depending on the mode of transport you choose and the additional activities you include. Here are some of your options to consider:

Taking a Bus

Your cheapest option is to take a bus from Sofia to Rila Monastery and a different bus to Boyana Church. The cost of a bus ticket is only 15 leva (around €8.00) each way. Both trips take about two hours, so you’ll have enough time to visit both sites, as long as you don’t get too caught up viewing the monastery and miss your bus connection to Boyana Church.

Booking a Private Car

If you’re looking for a more luxurious experience and don’t mind paying a bit more, you can book a private car from Sofia directly to both sites. This is the most convenient way to make the trip as you won’t have to worry about traffic or missing connections. The rates for this service vary depending on the type of vehicle but typically start at 195 leva (about €100) for an air-conditioned sedan, with higher-end vehicles costing closer to 700 leva (around €350).

Joining a Guided Group Tour

If you’re visiting Sofia with a group of friends or family members, another option you can consider is booking a guided group tour. This tour usually includes hotel pickup, driver, guide with commentary (in English) on the history of the sites and occasional stops along the way. Group tours typically range from 250 to 350 leva (€125 – €175) per person.

What to Expect on the Day Trip

Whichever option you choose, the day trip from Sofia to Rila Monastery and Boyana Church will be a unique and memorable experience. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

Arriving at Rila Monastery

The first stop on your tour will be Rila Monastery, located about 100 km south of Sofia. This monastery was founded in the 10th century and is the largest in Bulgaria and one of the most important religious sites in Eastern Europe. The monastery is home to several artifacts, including intricately painted Orthodox icons, ancient manuscripts and rare books. Don’t forget to check out the iconic St Ivan of Rila statue while you’re here – it’s one of those must-have photos!

Exploring Boyana Church

You’ll then head back north to Boyana Church, located just outside Sofia. This 13th century church is widely known for its incredible frescoes that depict biblical stories. The church is divided into three sections, which you can explore at your own pace. Make sure you don’t miss the 19th century Annex, which houses replicas of some of the original paintings depicting the night sky and other celestial phenomena.

How to Make the Most of Your Day Trip

Given that it’s a long day trip, here are some tips for making the most of your journey:

• Bring comfortable shoes – You’ll be doing a lot of walking at both sites.
• Bring snacks and drinks – Though food is available at both sites, it isn’t always of great quality.
• Wear appropriate clothing – Some areas in Rila Monastery require visitors to dress modestly.
• Go early – Lines can get quite long at both sites and it can get very hot in summer.
• Bring a towel – You can take a dip in the nearby lake or swimming pool located near the monastery.
• Bring a camera – You’ll want to capture all your special moments from this trip.

Final Word

Exploring both Rila Monastery and Boyana Church in one day is an amazing experience that should not be missed during your stay in Sofia! With its rich history, art, culture and natural beauty, this day trip offers something for everyone. If you’re looking for something even more special, book a guided tour and get expert commentary as well as hotel pickup, making this already incredible journey even more unique.