Start your Audio/Video and GPS guided adventure from your accommodation in Sofia at a convenient time

• Drive 32km to the Museum of Mining in Pernik

Your self drive road trip in Bulgaria will start with a visit to Pernik, the City of Black Gold which is closely linked to the mining industry. The Mining Museum is housed in the original underground galleries of the city. Imagine yourself in the life of a miner during the 40-minute tour in the galleries of the old mine and walk through the various exhibitions. Especially for children one of the attractions is that helmets have to be put on at the start. Pernik is the closest city to the Bulgarian capital which makes it a great option for a self guided tour from Sofia. 

• Drive 85 km 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 27 km 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. 

[caption id="attachment_13890" align="alignnone" width="2560"] The famous Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Bulgaria[/caption]

• Drive 41 km 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 7 km to the Blagoevgrad Cross

Our self drive itinerary will take you to The Orthodox Memorial Cross “Memory and Faith” in Blagoevgrad which has become its symbol. It is located on the hill above the Renaissance quarter “Varosha” and you can reach it on a short hike on a newly established eco-trail

• Drive 108 km 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.