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Private tour in Sofia Kamen R
The magnificent Rila Monastery, the best full day tour
5.0
(1) review
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9 hours
1
Tour date
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9 hours
1
Kamen R.
5.0
Guide rating
22
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11 hrs
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Hi and welcome! I've been exploring Bulgaria for decades. I started out as a toddler and carried out ever since. I began guiding over 20 years ago. I love sharing my passion for the country, its culture and nature with others. With me, you can combine sightseeing with hiking, cave exploration with birding, wine tasting with historical sites. Tours are customized to fit easy, moderate, and high activity levels as well as particular areas of interest (general sightseeing, cultural sites, hiking, mountain views, birding, kayaking and mountain biking). By booking with me you support preservation of cultural and natural heritage, healthy urban environment. You also get a discount at my photography website, where you can buy or send as present quality images from Bulgaria as wall art, mugs, etc. Credentials: Ecology MSc, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski". Caving Certificate, Bulgarian Caving Federation. Advanced Techniques in Caving, Bulgarian Caving Federation. Hi CPR Certificate / Berks County Red Cross, USA First Aid Certificate / Berks County Red Cross, USA Paragliding Certificate Assistant-editor Raptor Watch: A global directory to Raptor Migration Sites Restrictions: No None.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Kamen R.
The premier Bulgarian monastery and more
Overview of your Sofia tour
The Rila Monastery is the largest in Bulgaria, founded over 1000 years ago. It is about two hours from Sofia and its visit can be combined with other cultural / historical / religious sites, with wine-tasting, hiking, wildlife observations, photography and sightseeing depending on your interests, time and ability. The monastery has a very rich history and has witnessed the rise and fall of different empires through the centuries. The surroundings offer unique vistas to the surrounding forested mountain slopes and peaks. They have been protected for centuries and together with the monastery one admires at unique cultural and natural heritage. The hiking trail network can accommodate all types of weather and personal abilities. Having said that, the area can be enjoyed also by people who can't / don't want to walk much. If you can get in and out of the car and walk on uneven terrain for a couple of hundred yards (and perhaps climb a few steps) you will again be able to enjoy this tour.
Your Sofia tour itinerary
Depart from the pre-arranged meeting point. On the way to the monastery we can pay a visit to other little known, but important cultural and / or natural sites depending on your time and interests. - Visit to the Rila Monastery St. Ivan Rilski (St. John of Rila) with an overview of its history. Dress code: conservative. Photos are allowed everywhere in the monastery area, but not inside the church and the museum. - Optional walk around the monastery or longer hike, with numerous photography opportunities, or just enjoy the majestic landscape and breathe the clean mountain air. - Lunch at a local restaurant where one can choose among local salads, fresh trout, soups, etc. (Packed luch is also a viable option if we go on a longer hike). - Opportunity to visit other scenic sites in the area or explore wildlife and geology. Return to Sofia in the evening. This outline itinerary can be customised / changed for the benefit and safety of clients. A visit to Boyana church can be Included upon request.
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Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Other
We will use an air-conditioned clean vehicle. Its size will reflect the number of participants. Please contact me if your group is larger or if you travel alone to arrange a suitable vehicle and to adjust the price accordingly.
What's included
What's not included
Meeting location
Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide:
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
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Languages
EnglishActivity level
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Traveller reviews for this private tour in Sofia
1 reviews
FAQs
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9 hours
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Tour date
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9 hours
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Tour date
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Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- 30 days before your tour date, the remaining balance is automatically charged.