How to Plan Your Rila Monastery Self Guided Day Trip from Borovets

If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat from the busy town of Borovets, then exploring the stunning Rila Monastery may be just what you need. As the largest monastery complex in Bulgaria and a UNESCO world heritage site, the Rila Monastery offers a unique experience to learn about the country’s rich history and culture. Here’s how you can plan your Rila Monastery Self Guided Day Trip from Borovets.

Experience

The Rila Monastery Self Guided Day Trip from Borovets is a popular excursion that offers you the opportunity to explore one of the most significant cultural and religious sites in Bulgaria.

Highlights

– Visit the largest monastery complex in Bulgaria – the Rila Monastery
– Explore a UNESCO world heritage site
– Learn more with a ‘smart’ audio guide and choose your own pace

Full Description

The tour starts with a pick-up from your hotel in Borovets at 10:00 am. A comfortable air-conditioned vehicle will take you on a scenic trip to the Rila Monastery, which takes approximately 1.5 hours. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful views during the journey.

On arrival, you’ll have free time to explore the Rila Monastery at your leisure. With the ‘smart’ audio guide, consisting of audio files about the Rila Monastery accessible on your phone, you can learn more about the rich history and culture of the monastery. The audio guide is available to you for the entire duration of the visit, allowing full flexibility throughout your experience. Don’t forget to bring your headphones and ensure that you have an active internet connection.

You can take a relaxed stroll and soak in the beautiful architecture, murals, and religious artifacts. The unique frescoes and intricate details of the building are magnificent and provide a glimpse into Bulgarian history. There’s a museum located within the complex too, which offers more information about the Rila Monastery and its past.

The tour is self-guided, allowing you to take your time to explore all the Monastery’s nooks and crannies that capture your fancy. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to snap photos of the beautiful surroundings and artwork.

Later you can enjoy a delicious lunchtime meal in a nearby restaurant. Don’t miss the chance to try the local Bulgarian dishes, which offer a blend of Mediterranean and Eastern European flavors.

After lunch, you can enjoy some time to wander around the area and photograph the stunning views outside the Monastery. The air-conditioned vehicle will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Borovets at approximately 4:00 pm.

Booking Your Tour

To reserve your place for the Rila Monastery Self Guided Day Trip from Borovets, you can click here and book online. Please note that the trip fee varies between 70 and 80 euros, depending on the tour date and time. The tour fee includes roundtrip transportation from your Borovets hotel, the Smart audio guide, and a personalized map of the area.

Conclusion

Visiting the Rila Monastery is a must-do while you’re in Bulgaria, and this day trip from Borovets is an excellent opportunity to explore the Monastery’s rich history and cultural beauty. The self-guided nature of the tour allows excellent flexibility, enabling you to experience the breathtaking views, stunning architecture and artwork, and the unique atmosphere of the Rila Monastery at your own pace. Discover Bulgaria’s religious and cultural heritage with the Rila Monastery Self Guided Day Trip from Borovets.

An Insider’s Guide to Borovets, Bulgaria

If you are planning your trip to Bulgaria, be sure to add Borovets to your itinerary. Nestled in the Rila Mountains, Borovets is a popular ski resort but also offers plenty of year-round activities for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation. In this insider’s guide, we will cover the top attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions for your visit to Borovets.

Top Attractions

Borovets is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, especially for winter sports fans. The town is a haven for skiers and snowboarders, offering access to over 50 km of ski runs, with varying levels of difficulty. Non-skiers can also enjoy the spectacular views from the ski lifts or opt for a guided snowshoeing tour through the surrounding forests.

During the summer months, visitors can explore the natural beauty of Rila National Park with a guided hiking tour, going on a mountain bike ride, or experiencing the thrill of white water rafting down the local rivers. Adventurers looking for a more unique experience can even try paragliding over the mountains.

For those who prefer to take it easy, Borovets has several spa centers that offer massages and other treatments. The resort also has an ice-skating rink, mini-golf, and horseback riding for visitors of all ages.

Dining Spots

There are plenty of dining options in Borovets, from traditional Bulgarian taverns to international cuisine. For a taste of traditional Bulgarian food, we recommend visiting Mihov’s Tavern, where you can enjoy hearty dishes like grilled meats, homemade bread, and traditional Bulgarian salads. If you are in the mood for something more upscale, try The Lion, which serves international and Bulgarian cuisine in a chic, cozy setting.

For quick bites on the go, you can try the local street vendors selling banitsa (a savory pastry with cheese and eggs), kebabche (Bulgarian sausage), and mekitsi (fried dough topped with jam or honey). And if you are looking for a caffeine fix, check out Monkey House Cafe, known for its excellent coffee and homemade cakes.

Cultural Experiences

Borovets is not only a place for outdoor activities but also a destination rich in culture and history. You can visit the Rila Monastery, located just an hour’s drive from Borovets. The monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Bulgaria’s most iconic historical landmarks. It is famous for its frescoes, which are considered masterpieces of Bulgarian medieval art.

Another cultural must-visit is the Samokov Museum of History. The museum showcases the history of the town and the surrounding area, including exhibits on traditional crafts, folk costumes, and everyday life in the region.

Local History

Borovets is located in the region of Samokov, which was once an important center of craftsmanship and arts in Bulgaria. The town has a rich history dating back to the Roman times, with many archaeological sites and monuments that showcase the town’s heritage.

One such monument is the Church of St. Nicholas. Built in the 16th century, it is one of the oldest churches in the area and a prime example of Bulgarian National Revival architecture. The church features stunning frescoes that date back to the 17th and 18th centuries.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you are looking for unique experiences off the beaten path, consider visiting the nearby Belchin Garden. The garden features a collection of over 200 medicinal plants and herbs used in traditional Bulgarian medicine. You can take a guided tour to learn about the plants’ properties and their role in Bulgarian culture.

Another option is to visit the Tsarska Bistritsa Palace, a former residence of the Bulgarian royal family. The palace features beautiful gardens and architecture, with guided tours available to learn about the palace’s history and the royal family’s lifestyle.

In conclusion, Borovets is a gem of a destination in Bulgaria, offering a perfect blend of nature, adventure, history, and relaxation. With this insider’s guide, you will be sure to make the most of your trip to this beautiful town.