Rila Monastery & Melnik

Meet us behind the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, close to a restaurant called "La Cattedrale" (you will receive a detailed map with GPS coordinates of the exact location at 19:30 on the day before the tour).
Please, arrive at the meeting point at least 15 min earlier. The bus departs at 08:00 am sharp and does NOT wait for any late passengers.

After an approximate two-and-a-half-hour drive, we reach our next highlight – the enchanting town of Melnik, nestled among striking sandstone cliffs and famed for its historic charm and local wines.

Enjoy a guided walking tour through the charming streets of Melnik, Bulgaria’s smallest town, famed for its sandstone cliffs and centuries-old wine tradition. As part of the experience, you’ll visit the renowned Kordopulov House — an impressive architectural complex from the Revival era.

The entry ticket includes access to the house and its underground wine cellar, along with a tasting of the region’s signature wine: Shiroka Melnishka Loza, a unique local grape variety cultivated only in this area.

Please note: This activity includes an extra fee, payable on spot.

Relax and enjoy a picturesque 1.5-hour drive through the foothills of the Pirin and Rila Mountains as we make our way to Bulgaria’s most iconic spiritual site — the Rila Monastery.

Discover the spiritual heart of Bulgaria with a guided tour of the Rila Monastery — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the country’s largest and most revered Eastern Orthodox monastery. Nestled high in the Rila Mountains, this sacred site dates back to the 10th century and is renowned for its vibrant frescoes, intricate wood carvings, and peaceful mountain setting.

Your guide will lead you through the monastery’s stunning courtyard, main church, and museum (optional entry), sharing insights into its history, religious significance, and the life of its founder, Saint Ivan of Rila. You'll also have free time to explore, take photos, or light a candle in the chapel.

Please note: Museum entry is optional and not included in the base tour price. Tickets can be purchased on the spot. 

At approximately 18:30 or 19:00 pm, the tour is back at its starting point - behind the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, by the restaurant called "La Cattedrale".