From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Plovdiv Day Trip

From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Plovdiv Day Trip

See the best of Bulgaria in 1 day. This self-guided, shared shuttle tour will take you to both the UNESCO Rila Monastery in the Rila National park in the morning and then in the afternoon to the city of Plovdiv - the cultural capital of Bulgaria. In the morning the shuttle bus will take you to the Rila Monastery where you have more than 1 hour to explore the site at your own pace. The complex is compact in size so the time allows to see the most important parts of it. After that in the afternoon the shared shuttle will take you on a 3.5 hours journey through the scenic mountains of Bulgaria to the city of Plovdiv - one of Bulgaria's most visited cultural and historical sites. You have more than 4.5 hours to explore the historical city center on your own. Driver will provide you with a tourist map and tips for what to see.

In the morning meet your kind English-speaking driver at the centrally located meeting point behind Alexander Nevski Cathedral. Departure time is at 07:00 am (for the period May-September departure is at 07:30). The meeting point is at the car parking behind Alexander Nevski Cathedral (in front of La Catedrale restaurant), in the historical center of Sofia and close to metro station Sofia University. After a 2 hours drive with comfortable A/C van/minibus you will reach the Rila Monastery located high in the Rila National Park. Dress up accordingly as it could get cold during winter time. 

After arriving at the Rila Monastery - your driver will brief you of the history of the place and what to see and do. You have more than 1 hour to explore the site at your own pace. Time is enough to see the most important parts of it as the complex is compact in size.

After that your driver and van will be waiting for you at the previously agreed meeting point for your transfer further to the city of Plovdiv. A 3.5 comfortable ride (with a break half way) will take you through Bulgaria's countryside to the city of Plovdiv. This is the second largest city in the country and also considered as the cultural capital of Bulgaria.

Your driver will leave you at central point near the historicak town and the pedestrian zone. Enjoy your self guided visit to tcity of Plovdiv in the next 4.5 hours.

In the later afternoon meet your driver at the meeting point for your transfer back to the city of Sofia. 

Departure time is at 06:00 pm (for the period May-September departure is at 06:30 PM). Please be ready on time for boarding as now waiting time is included.

The drop off location is at the square/parking behind Alexander Nevski Cathedral (in the historical center of Sofia and close to metro station Sofia University).