Rila Monastery Afternoon Half Day tour

I really wanted to see Rila Monastery but didn’t have a car. The tour guide drove us is a mini-van and took us to the Monastery. When we got there he gave us a short history lesson and took us to the restaurant to try some local cuisine. Then you have about 45 minutes to take photos. It would have been nice to have more time to take photos as the drive is about 2 hours. However it is a half day.

I would like to thank a great guide with whom I was on three tours in Sofia: A trip to the Rila monastery outside Sofia, a tour to know Sofia, its main sites and its historical story and a tour of the Jewish story that was really exciting. The Slavyan guide is knowledgeable, full of humor and courtesy and we and all the tour participants have had a lot of fun with him. He's a Bulgarian patriot and loves people, easy to fall in love with, as much as the Minister of Culture and Foreign Affairs of Sofia and Bulgaria. We highly recommend joining his and his company’s free tours and getting his excellent guidance. We’ll be back...Thank you very much Response from Israel.

A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon visiting the Monastery. After navigating our way to a somewhat odd pick-up point, we were promptly met by our guide Slavyan and -following a brief introduction-embarked on our 1½ hour journey by people carrier through the scenic Rila mountains. Our English- speaking guide was very personable and knowledgeable about the background to the monastery, but also the context and history of Bulgaria in general. He welcomed questions and was very thorough and well- informed. The monastery itself was breathtaking; a place of beauty and tranquility, which provided an opportunity to pause, reflect and be inspired. We had about 90 mins to explore and take photos and whilst it was busy, it felt unrushed. Despite some problems encountered, such as others in our party who bought tickets to look around the monastery kitchen museum which they then couldn't access; and also a rather speedy, hair- raising drive back to Sofia, I would certainly recommend this tour.

The trip was incredibile: amazing panorama from the mountains , stunning magical monastery and a beautiful torrent nearby. Our guide Slavyan was super prepared and willing to tell us everything about the site and Bulgaria in general. I super recommend this tour: you cannot miss Rila monastery!

Rila Monastery is truly amazing. Slavyan our guide was very knowledgable and brought his own personal experiences to the tour. A great afternoon but wish we could have had a little longer at Rila.

Sofia and the history of the country are truly remarkable. I was unaware of the hardships and inhumanity endured by the Jewish people in Bulgaria. The country, its people, its cuisine, and its history all exude inspiration and fascination. Our tour guide, SLAVYAN, of exceptionally knowledgeable in the history and is an excellent guide! In fact, we scheduled with him 3 days in a row!!!! Total MUST DO while in Sofia

The guide was there right on time and the location was easy to find. The travel to the mountains was pleasant and Lyubo knows so much history of the Balkans! I learned so much and have so much homework to do!! The monastery is incredibly beautiful. It is hard to imagine the creation of all the murals. The sanctuary is amazing - the paintings, but also the chandelier. We were advised to try the freshly baked Matsika and ask for blueberry jam. This was key. Lots of people were eating them around me, but only I had blueberry jam.

Slavyan Kanovski was an amazing guide. I recommend this company!

Slavyan organized a perfect trip!

Just wow the guide, Swen is very interesting et very to understand!