Sofia, Rila & Plovdiv
A short route starting from the capital, connecting Rila Monastery, Boyana Church, and Plovdiv Old Town.
Ideal for first-time visitors with only a long weekend. Spend two nights in central Sofia, dedicate one day to Rila Monastery, half a day to Boyana Church, and spend the final night in Plovdiv. This route excludes the Seven Rila Lakes and the Black Sea. As there is no convenient public transport to Rila Monastery, booking a day tour or a private charter is recommended.
Plovdiv can be very hot in midsummer. It is advisable to book Boyana Church tickets in advance during peak season.
Day by day
Day 1 · The Heart of Sofia Old Town
Sofia（St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral、Hagia Sophia Church、Church of St. George Rotunda、Ancient Serdica Complex）
Take Metro Line 1 from the airport to the city center (approx. 20 minutes), then explore the old town on foot.
The National Archaeological Museum is closed on Mondays; plan your visit accordingly.
Stay: Serdika City Centre
Day 2 · Rila Monastery Day Trip
Join a day tour or charter a car. The drive takes about 2 hours each way, with the entire trip lasting 8–10 hours.
Photography is forbidden inside the church. Visitors in shorts or short skirts may be denied entry. Arrive early to avoid crowds.
Stay: Serdika City Centre
Day 3 · Boyana Church to Plovdiv
Sofia（Boyana Church、National Historical Museum） → Plovdiv（Kapana Creative District）
Take a bus for about 40 minutes to Boyana in the morning, then take a bus or train for about 2–2.5 hours to Plovdiv in the afternoon.
Admission to Boyana Church is time-limited; book your tickets a few days in advance.
Stay: Kapana & Pedestrian Zone
Day 4 · Plovdiv Old Town and Return
Plovdiv（Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis、Old Town of Plovdiv、Nebet Tepe）
Explore the Old Town and the Roman Theatre on foot in the morning, then take a bus back to Sofia in the afternoon (approx. 2.5 hours).