USE CODE TOUR10 for a 10% DISCOUNT on your tour! *Limited time offer!
A bit heavy program with a lot of driving, but plenty of impressions to remain afterwards.
Rila Monastery is a UNESCO site, and its entire complex is quite impressive for its size and decoration. The monastery’s most treasured historic and artistic monuments include the 14th-century Hrelyo Tower, the five-domed Birth of the Blessed Virgin Church, and the original monastery kitchen from the 19th century. The monastery also houses a rich museum collection. Sightseeing with a professional guide of the largest Bulgarian Monastery and its museum will reveal the turbulent history of the monastery.
Melnik is the smallest Bulgarian town, located amidst strangely shaped pyramids of sand and limestone. During the 17th – 18th centuries, it became a flourishing tobacco and wine-producing centre, whose fame spread to many European countries. Today, the city is famous for its lovely white houses and cobbled streets, mild climate, and different internationally recognized brands of red wine. In Melnik, we will make a degustation of local cuisine specialties and aromatic brands of wine, adding extra flavour to the trip (*entry ticket to the winery with degustation of the wines is not included in the price). We will visit the Kordopoulo’s house – the largest building in Melnik. It has Venetian stained glass windows, spacious rooms and salons, ornamented murals, a large wine cellar, and an iron door from where the caravans with the precious Melnik wine left for Athens, Vienna, and Rome. Starting at 08.00 from Sofia, the journey will end at 19.00 (approximately).
Meeting point: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (a detailed map will be provided with the reservation)
Duration: 11 hours; 6 hrs spent in transfer time
Walking time: 1 hr
Best period: all year
Tour options:
- English-speaking live guide
Drop off: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
07:00: The trip starts from the parking behind Alexander Nevski Cathedral.
09:30: Arrival in the town of Melnik, followed by the guided tour in the area
12:00: Departure from Melnik and heading to Rila Monastery
13:30: Free time for lunch at the restaurants near to the Rila Monastery
14:30: Guided tour of the monastery complex and free time to explore it further on your own
17:30: Departure from Rila Monastery and heading to Sofia
19:30: Arrival at the starting point of the tour
Please note that all of the timetables are approximate and are subject to change, depending on the size of the group and the traffic along the way.
Price: From 40 euros per person
Service variations:
- RILA MONASTERY&MELNIK – with an English-speaking guide;
The price includes: All transportation along the route: Sofia – Melnik – Rila Monastery – Sofia, services as per variation, VAT, and parking fees;
The price does not include: Entry fee to Kordopulova House, approx. 6 BGN in cash; personal expenses.
Please note:
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking on cobbled streets.
- Sun lotion, sunglasses, and a hat are a must during the summer months, as it may get very hot!
- The tour is not suitable for disabled people.
- The tour is not recommended for children under 6 years old.
If you are travelling with a child, a separate seat (ticket) must be booked.
Please get in touch with us to arrange a booster seat (as required by law)