The trip starts at 10 am with a pick- up from your place in Sofia. The traveling time to the monastery is about 2 hours on a scenic road. The Rila Monastery was established in the 10th century by the Bulgarian Saint John of Rila – the miracle maker. It is the biggest Bulgarian monastery and the most beautiful one. The current monastery complex was built in the 19th century. When you arrive there, you will have 3 hours of free time to explore it, if you have booked the option with a driver only, or you will have a guided tour + free time, if you have booked the option with a tour guide. The monastery also has several museums which you might opt to visit if you are interested, as well as souvenir shops and a bakery. During your free time, you should also do your lunch break – you can either bring your own food from Sofia (this is a good idea for the summer, if you want to spend more time outside), or you can ask the driver to take you to one of the restaurants near the monastery.