GPS & Audio Guided Tour to Rila Monastery & Stob Pyramids with Lunch from Sofia
Active
12h - 14h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
A concept, that offers you the best of two worlds where we create your own personalized excursion or choose from recommended routes.
We bring your car personally to your accommodation in Sofia, the cultural capital of Bulgaria.
With an audio guide, access to unique places, the best restaurants, leisure, and outdoor adventures; all-inclusive: kilometrage, maps, GPS coordinates, vouchers, and tickets., our experienced team is 24/7 at your disposal.
In this tour, we bring you from the Museum of Mining, Stob Pyramids, and the Rila Monastery to the Varosho of Blagoevgrad; a personalized excursion in the intimacy of your own relatives.
Your schedule and itinerary will be both online and as a hard copy be made available.
This is a self-guided audio tour with all-inclusive car + services, device, map, GPS coordinates, audio guides + videos, excess kilometrage, entry tickets, restaurant reservations, vouchers, etc.
Available options
GPS & Audio Guided Tour to Rila Monastery & Stob Pyramids with Lunch from Sofia
Pickup included
What's included
Private transportation
Lunch
Entry Tickets
Detailed itinerary
1
08:00 Depart from your hotel in Sofia
Drive 40 km / 45 min
08:45 Arrive Museum of Mining
The Museum of Mining is in a real historical coal mine. Touring underground, you can see what happened in the mine until 1966 when the mine run out of coals. Here, in a unique way, is shown the work of miners. The Museum is a famous Bulgarian landmark, unique in its kind and an exceptional experience for children and adults.
Departure:10:15
2
Drive 85 km / 60 minutes
11:15 Arrive Stob Pyramids
In the western Rila Mountains, you can see from far the dramatic rock pinnacles known as Stob’s Earth Pyramids. Wander through pure nature to reach the highest point and admire the colourful fairy-tale formations.
Departure: 12:45
3
Stop 3
Drive 27 km, 33 minutes
13:15 Arrive Restaurant
Enjoy your well-deserved lunch, we made a special reservation for you at Restaurant Stranopriemnitsa Rilla.
Departure: 14:00
4
Stop 4
Drive 0 km / 0 minutes
Arrive Rila Monastery
After the visit to the Stob pyramids our self guided tour to Rila Monastery from Sofia will take you to the most amazing landmark in Bulgaria – the Rila Monastery, nestled in the Rila Mountains offering beautiful scenery, full of energy. The Rila monastery is listed on the UNESCO list of world heritage and it is a place where all of the Bulgaria Spirit comes together and where nature meets religion. You will have the opportunity to enter the monastery museum and visit the Rila monastery kitchen and explore the life of the monks.
Departure: 15:00
5
Drive 41 km / 49 minutes
15:50 Arrive Blagoevgrad Old Town
Dive into the past in the oldest part of Blagoevgrad. Well preserved houses of the Bulgarian Revival surrounded by narrow cobbled streets. The romantic atmosphere is completed with traditional restaurants, and galleries Find Just over the river a large pedestrian area for original and contemporary shopping.
Maybe drive uphill to the famous Cross?
Departure: 18:30
Drive 108 km / 1 hour, 23 minutes
20:00 Arrive back in your accommodation in Sofia
What's not included
Parking Fees
Available languages
Audio guide
DE
EN
RO
NL
Written guide
DE
EN
RO
NL
Important information
Specialized infant seats are available
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Sofia
Sofia is the vibrant capital of Bulgaria, nestled at the foot of the Vitosha Mountain. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and lively cultural scene, it offers a unique blend of ancient and modern attractions. The city is a treasure trove of Roman ruins, Orthodox churches, and Soviet-era landmarks, all set against the backdrop of beautiful natural surroundings.
Top Attractions
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
This iconic cathedral is one of Sofia's most famous landmarks. It was built in honor of the Russian soldiers who died during the Russo-Turkish War.
Religious
1-2 hours
Free (small fee for the museum and bell tower)
Vitosha Mountain
Vitosha Mountain offers a stunning backdrop to Sofia and is a popular destination for hiking, skiing, and enjoying nature.
Nature
Half day to full day
Free (lift tickets for skiing cost around €10-€20)
National History Museum
This museum houses a vast collection of artifacts that tell the story of Bulgaria's rich history.
Museum
2-3 hours
€5
Boyana Church
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Boyana Church is known for its stunning frescoes dating back to the 13th century.
Historical
1 hour
€4
Sofia Central Mineral Baths
This historic building was once a public bathhouse and is now a popular spot for shopping and dining.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free to explore
Must-Try Local Dishes
Banitsa
A traditional Bulgarian pastry made with layers of filo dough, cheese, and eggs. It's often served for breakfast with a side of yogurt.
Breakfast
Vegetarian
Shopska Salad
A refreshing salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and grated sirene cheese. It's a staple in Bulgarian cuisine and is often served as a side dish.
Appetizer
Vegetarian
Kebapche
A grilled minced meat sausage made with a mix of pork and beef, seasoned with spices like black pepper, cumin, and coriander. It's often served with french fries or lyutenitsa (a spicy pepper and tomato spread).
Main Course
Contains meat
Tarator
A cold soup made with yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and dill. It's a refreshing dish, especially during the hot summer months.
Appetizer
Vegetarian, Vegan (if made with plant-based yogurt)
Popular Activities
Hiking in Vitosha Mountain
Skiing in Bansko or nearby resorts
Mountain biking and other outdoor activities
Visiting spas and wellness centers
Strolling through parks and gardens
Enjoying a meal or drink at a rooftop bar
Exploring museums and galleries
Attending concerts and performances
Best Time to Visit
May to September
This is the best time to visit Sofia for warm weather and outdoor activities. The city is lively with festivals and cultural events.
15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F)
59°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Bulgarian
- Widely spoken: English, Russian, Romanian
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other places
Currency
Bulgarian Lev (BGN)
Time Zone
GMT+2 (EET)
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Sofia is generally a safe city for travelers, but petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas. It's important to take basic precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
- • Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or surveys
Getting there
By air
- Sofia Airport • 10 km (6 miles) from city center
By train
Central Railway Station
By bus
Central Bus Station, South Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The metro is efficient, clean, and affordable. It's the fastest way to get around Sofia.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Yellow Taxi, OK Taxi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
City Center
Lozenets
Studentski Grad
Orlov Most
Day trips
Rila Monastery
120 km (75 miles) • Full day
The Rila Monastery is one of the most important cultural and historical sites in Bulgaria. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful frescoes.
Plovdiv
150 km (93 miles) • Full day
Plovdiv is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It's known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.
Bansko
160 km (100 miles) • Full day or overnight
Bansko is a popular ski resort in the winter and a great destination for hiking and outdoor activities in the summer. It's known for its stunning mountain scenery and traditional Bulgarian charm.
Festivals
Sofia Film Fest • March
Sofia Pride • June
Sofia International Film Festival • October
Pro tips
- Visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the beautiful light.
- Try traditional Bulgarian rakia and meze at a local bar for an authentic experience.
- Explore the underground caves and tunnels of Sofia for a unique and fascinating look at the city's history.
- Take a day trip to the Rila Monastery or Plovdiv for a taste of Bulgaria's rich history and culture.
- Visit the National Palace of Culture for concerts, performances, and other cultural events.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
