- Get more of your holiday by booking an intensive small group guided tour to the highlights of southwest Bulgaria;
- Tour the smallest Bulgarian town, famous for its architecture, stunning surroundings, and wine production.
- The Melnik Pyramids are a fantastic phenomenon. Use wisely the recommended photo stops! :)
- In Melnik discover the impressive Rivaval Period style house of Kordopoulo’s family and peek into its tunnel-like wine cellar.
- Enjoy the sights of the tranquil Bulgarian countryside and its sleepy villages, while your guide introduces you to Bulgarian everyday countryside life;
Explore the iconic Rila Monastery, where the guide will walk you through its history and shed light on its significance today. - Admire the priceless fresco masterpieces of the most notable 19th-century Bulgarian painters - Enrich your experience by tasting local delicacies and in this way involve all your senses;
Rila Monastery and Melnik Full Day Tour from Sofia
What's included
Professional guide
Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
All transportation costs
What's not included
Entrance fees
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Attention
- Not wheelchair accessible
- There is dress code at the monastery - women should avoid wearing short skirts and tops that leave their shoulders exposed.
- Traventuria recommends: Comfortable clothes and walking shoes
- Not stroller accessible
- Not suitable for pets
- Infants must not sit on laps - please notify Traventuria in advance if you need a child seat (required by law)
Itinerary
Vasil Levski Monument (Embassy of Slovakia)
Depart early morning at 08:00 behind Vasil Levski Monument - in front of Embassy of Slovakia
Town of Melnik
The smallest town in Bulgarian with only 208 inhabitants, Melnik still preserves part of its glory from 14th till19th-century, when it had been a flourishing tobacco and wine-producing center, whose fame was spread by local merchants to many European countries. Today, the city is famous for its lovely white houses and cobbled streets, mild climate, internationally recognized brands of red wine. You will have a guided walking tour through the city and enter the biggest Bulgarian Revival Period style house and its tunnel-like wine cellar.
Rila Monastery
Rila Monastery (UNESCO site) and its architecture and the frescoes present the apogee of the Bulgarian Renaissance art. With an about 1-hour guided tour of the most treasured monuments in the inner yard and the Monastery museum, you will learn the most fascinating facts and stories about the biggest Bulgarian monastery complex. You will also have free time to buy souvenirs, make more photos or to continue to explore it by yourself.
Vasil Levski Monument (Embassy of Slovakia)
Arrival back at the starting point of the tour at approximately 19:00