Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Full-Day Tour in Kyustendil Province: A Complete Guide

Are you looking for a day trip from Kyustendil Province that combines religious and cultural wonders? If yes, then the Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Full-Day Tour is the perfect choice for you. Kyustendil Province has some of the most stunning natural scenery and cultural attractions in Bulgaria, making it a great day trip destination from Sofia. On this full-day guided tour, you’ll experience the highlights of nature and culture in the region as you visit two of the most popular monuments in Bulgaria – Rila Monastery and Boyana Church.

Discover the Wonders of Kyustendil Province on this Full-Day Tour

This full-day tour is perfect for those who want to explore the rich cultural and religious heritage of Kyustendil Province. The tour starts with a drive to Rila Monastery – a beautiful monastery nestled in the Rila Mountains. On arrival, you will explore the monastery, learn about its history and admire its unique architecture. You will then enjoy lunch at a traditional Bulgarian restaurant, before continuing your journey to Boyana Church, where you will observe some of the best Byzantine mural paintings in Bulgaria. Finally, you’ll return to Kyustendil Province for an unforgettable tour of true Bulgarian beauty.

Detailed Overview: What You Can Expect on this Full-Day Tour

This tour starts with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Kyustendil Province. From here, your guide will take you to the famous Rila Monastery, located about 100 kilometers away from Kyustendil Province. As you drive through the scenic countryside, you will be able to admire the picturesque views of the lush green forests, beautiful rolling hills and majestic mountains. Along the way, your guide will provide interesting facts and stories about the local culture, history and traditions. At the monastery, you will explore its majestic architecture and learn more about its rich history.

Once you’ve explored the Rila Monastery, you’ll head to a traditional Bulgarian restaurant for lunch. Here, you’ll enjoy a delicious meal while listening to stories about local cuisine and culture. After lunch, it’s time to head to Boyana Church – an impressive Byzantine-style church known for its beautiful frescoes depicting religious scenes and figures. Your guide will tell you about the church’s history before allowing you time to explore the church and take in its impressive sights. You’ll then travel back to Kyustendil Province, where your tour will come to an end.

Reasons Why You Should Not Miss this Tour

• A complete day trip from Kyustendil Province – The tour allows you to experience two of Bulgaria’s most popular monuments – Rila Monastery and Boyana Church – in one day.
• Learn about local culture & history – Your knowledgeable guide will provide interesting facts and stories about Kyustendil Province’s culture, history, traditions and cuisine.
• Art & architecture – You will observe some of the best Byzantine mural paintings at Boyana Church, as well as admire the stunning architecture of Rila Monastery.
• Beautiful scenery – As you travel between the two monuments, you’ll admire beautiful rolling hills and majestic mountains for an unforgettable journey.

Booking & Price Information

The Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Full-Day Tour costs 40 Euro per person (including all taxes). The tour can be booked online at GetYourGuide or via Kyustendil Province’s official tourist office. The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, English-speaking guide, all entrance tickets and a delicious lunch at a traditional Bulgarian restaurant.

My Personal Opinion About the Tour

I recently had the opportunity to explore Kyustendil Province on this amazing full-day tour and had a wonderful time. It was a great way to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and experience the true beauty of nature and culture in Bulgaria. The tour guide was highly knowledgeable about the area and provided interesting facts about both monuments. It was certainly an unforgettable experience!

If you are looking for an amazing day trip from Kyustendil Province that combines culture, art and natural beauty, then I highly recommend booking this tour. Whether you’re a religious tourist, history enthusiast or nature lover – this tour offers something for everyone, so don’t miss out! What’s more, you can book it online at GetYourGuide, so it’s super convenient too!

Insider’s Guide to Plovdiv: Bulgaria’s Oldest and Most Vibrant City

Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in the world, dating back to 6000 BC. It boasts a rich and fascinating history that has left a significant cultural legacy. Visiting this ancient and beautiful city is a must-do for any traveler. However, to experience its full charm, you need to go beyond the obvious attractions and delve deeper into the city’s hidden gems.

Local Attractions: Beyond the Crowded Tourist Spots

While Plovdiv has plenty of picturesque old town streets, museums, and historical sites, some more hidden spots allow you to experience a more authentic and less crowded version of the city. Stroll through the Kapana District, which is an urban art center with colorful facades and murals covering the alleyways. Walk up to the Dzhendem Tepe hill, which offers a panoramic view over Plovdiv, especially spectacular at sunset. Devote an afternoon to the Art and Culture Center The Trap, which used to be a derelict tobacco factory, now a sanctuary for Plovdiv’s avant-garde scenes, hosting exhibitions, performances, and concerts.

Dining Spots: Embrace the Local Cuisine

Bulgarian cuisine offers hearty, home-style dishes that are perfect for colder months. You must try the traditional national dish, banitsa, a savory pastry filled with white cheese and layers of filo dough. Other regional delicacies to try are stuffed peppers, kebapche (grilled meat rolls), and gyuvech, a hearty earthenware-baked stew with vegetables and meat. You can find some great spots for Bulgarian cuisine at Pavaj, a cozy and modern restaurant located in the Kapana district, and Rahat Tepe, a restaurant with a stunning view of the city from above.

Cultural Experiences: Live like a Local

Plovdiv offers a rich cultural life, from classical music concerts to modern street art. Keep an eye out for posters for live music or dance performances, or check the schedule of the Ancient Theatre and the Opera. If you’re interested in more local culture, then visit the weekly farmers’ market held on Tsar Simeon’s Garden or take a stroll through Kapana’s art market. Participate in one of the many festivals Plovdiv hosts, such as the Night of Museums and Galleries in September, which sees the Old Town’s galleries and museums stay open until midnight and hosts music and dance events around the city.

Local History: Uncovering the Fascinating Stories

Plovdiv’s ancient history can be seen at the Roman Theatre, which dates back to the 2nd century AD and is still used today for summer concerts and performances. Meanwhile, the medieval fortress overlooking the town from Nebet Tepe blends Ottoman, Thracian, and Roman elements. Another must-visit destination is the Ethnographic Museum, which captures Bulgaria’s rural life in the 19th century with an extravagant interior, costume displays, and handicrafts.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences: Making Lifetime Memories

Plovdiv won’t disappoint adventure lovers as there are many exciting pursuits waiting for you. For example, Pamporovo is just a couple of hours away by car, a mountain resort that is perfect for skiing or snowboarding during the winter season. You can even head to one of the local vineyards, such as Dragomir or Villa Yustina, and take a wine-tasting tour. Alternatively, take a side trip to Starosel, a Thracian sanctuary and royal residence 40 km from Plovdiv.

Plovdiv is a charming and historically significant city that embodies all the most exciting aspects of Bulgaria. Delve into its vibrant culture, cuisine, and hidden corners, and you’ll leave with unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.