Departure

13:30 behind Alexander Nevski Cathedral (beginning of Oborishte street)

13:45  Tourist bus stop on Maria Luiza Blvd. opposite McDonalds, close to Banya Bashi Mosque

Rila Monastery is the most exquisite example of monastery art and architecture of Bulgaria located in the picturesque heart of the mountain. The Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary keeps the miraculous icon, splendid gilded iconostasis and the chest with the relics of St. Ivan Rilski. In the court are located the medieval battlements of Hrelyu tower and the old kitchen. During your free time you will be able to visit the church museum with the wood-carved cross of monk Rafael or taste the famous local mekitsi (kind of a doughnut) and the traditional Bulgarian yogurt.

Duration: approximately 6-7 hours. The tour ends behind Alexander Nevski Cathedral.