GPS & Audio-Guided Private Tour to Rila Monastery and Stob Pyramids

Start your self guided adventure from your accommodation in Sofia at a convenient time

• Drive to pernik.

Pernik, also known as the City of Black Gold, is closely linked to the mining industry.

Mining activities first took place in 1891, exactly where the museum is now located. Mining took place here until 1966 but was finally stopped because the depots were exhausted.

The actual museum is not housed in a building as usual but is located in a part of the original underground galleries.

Especially for children one of the attractions is that helmets have to be put on at the start. Not because there is a danger for the visitors in the tunnels, but to emulate a real experience.

During the approximately 40-minute guided tour through the galleries of the old mine, you will see various exhibitions, that follow the development of the mining industry.

• Drive to the Stob Pyramids

The self drive tour from Sofia continues through the western Rila Mountains where you can see from far the dramatic rock pinnacles known as Stob’s Earth Pyramids. Wander through the pure nature to reach the highest point and admire the colourful fairy-tale formations.

• Drive to the 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.

• Drive to Blagoevgrad Old Town

The last place included in our self-guided tour to Rila from Sofia is the city of Blagoevgrad. Well preserved houses of the Bulgarian Revival are surrounded by narrow cobbled streets. The romantic atmosphere is complete with traditional restaurants and galleries.

• Drive back to Sofia

After you visit all landmarks included in our self drive tour to Rila monastery you will drive back to your accommodation in Sofia.