Sofia

Overview

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Itinerary

• Your tour departs at 10:30 from the city center. The first stop will be at the UNESCO heritage site u2013 the Boyana Church. It is renowned for its stunning medieval frescoes. Among these exceptional artworks are the captivating images from 1259, depicting the rulers of Sofia couple - Kaloyan and Desislava, along with members of the Bulgarian royal family of that era: Emperor Constantine Tikh Asen and Empress Consort Irene. nnThe Boyana Church u201cSaint Nicholas and Saint Panteleimonu201d stands as one of the few fully preserved monuments from the Middle Ages in Bulgaria, enduring through the centuries. According to one of its early researchers, Andru00e9 Grabar, u201cBoyana is the most valuable contribution to world medieval art. Its purity and harmonic balance of forms is striking.u201d nnNowadays, the inner part of the church nowadays operates as a museum, with an entrance ticket. Because of its smaller size, the inside visit is limited to 10 minutes, but it is still completely worth it!

• Next, we will continue to the nearby Dragalevsky monastery u201cAssumption of the Virgin Maryu201d, founded in the 14th century. It is an important spiritual center and part of the Sofia Holy Forest, associated with Bulgarian history and literature. It serves as a spiritual haven, connecting visitors with nature and the divine. nnThis monastery exemplifies Bulgaria's cultural and religious heritage, harmonizing past and present. Historically, it was the most important monastery in the area, often donated by the last Bulgarian Emperors, and this is why it was referred as the u201cKing`s monasteryu201d. Nowadays, it serves as a nunnery, which means that only females are allowed to live there.

• After that, the route then continues outside the city the Germansky monastery u201cSaint John of Rilau201d, located in a picturesque area and dedicated to the most revered Bulgarian saint. It is nestled in the Lozen Mountains, just 5 kilometers southeast of the village of Guerman in the Sofia Region. nnGermansky Monastery is one of Bulgaria's oldest, belonging to the Sofia Holy Mount area, named after Saint Ivan of Rila, who is particularly venerated in the Sofia region. It was founded in the 10th century, making it one of the oldest monasteries in Bulgaria. Legend has it that Saint Ivan of Rila spent some time in the lands of the present monastery before retreating to Rila.nnIn the end of the 19th century, the monastery was visited by the Bulgarian ruler Ferdinand and his wife u2013 Maria Luisa. They planted two towering sequoias by the northern gate, which are still present nowadays.

• Finally, we will also visit the Kremikovsky monastery Saint George u201cthe Victoriousu201d u2013 one of the oldest in the Sofia Holy Mount, dating back to the 14th century. The monastery impresses with its frescoes and its peaceful atmosphere. nThere, you will have a time for a lunch break u2013 you can use the restaurant next to it or try the typical local barbecue, prepared in the monastery itself! It is also strongly recommended to visit its shop for authentic home-made dairy products, which are remarkable for its quality and taste! nnThis excursion offers a balanced experience u2013 nature, culture and spirituality u2013 just a step away from the modern European capital. nnAfter a great day of exploration, we will once again return and finish the tour in the city center of Sofia.

Good to know

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

• Not recommended for pregnant travelers

• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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