Zemen Monastery, Boyana Church and National History Museum

This private day trip is ideal for travellers looking to dive into Bulgaria’s cultural and spiritual heritage, all within a single day.

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel or address in Sofia at 10:30 AM. First stop is the Zemen Monastery, nestled in the peaceful Zemen Gorge. This quiet 11th-century complex is renowned for its unusual architecture and frescoes from the First Bulgarian Empire. The drive takes approximately 1.5 hours each way, with an hour-long guided visit on site.

Upon return to Sofia, your next stop is the National Museum of History, housed in a former communist government residence. With more than 650,000 artefacts, this museum provides a sweeping look at Bulgaria’s Thracian, medieval, and modern history. You’ll enjoy a 1-hour private guided tour through its highlights.

Finally, you’ll visit the Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating to the 11th century and famous for its 13th-century frescoes, the church is considered a forerunner of the Renaissance style. You’ll spend about 30 minutes at the site with your guide explaining the art and history behind this exceptional monument.

The tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel around 5:00–5:30 PM, depending on city traffic.

Optional audio guides available in Spanish, Italian, German, French, Romanian,  Bulgarian, Russian, Chinese, Ukrainian and Portuguese (pre-booking required).