Thank you in advance! The Forum is always so helpful for planning!
Advice here for a reputable tour company connected me with Stefan, for example, for my late September 2 day Sofia visit.
From all I've researched the top places to visit in Sofia appear safe and quite manageable on my own, an older female solo traveler and fast walker :)
I have the (still summer hours) information from the Boyana Church website and various TA reviews and other travel blogs, etc. For example, contrary to being there at opening, advice is to go later after the big tours. And cash (euro) for the entrance fee.
And as the last Monday of the month I see it's free after 3 and no reservations, so before then.
Question: what about taking a Yellow Taxi there, early afternoon? The public transportation option looks time-consuming and somewhat tricky and I always get lost :)
Seeing the frescoes is on my dream list. (Note: I will see Rila later in the week, every tour online combines Boyana with Rila). More thanks!
Posted by
Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico
2328 posts
I'm currently in Sofia, and today I headed to the Boyana Church.
On their website are the times it's open for a visit. It lists times that are only available for organized groups with a reservation, and then it says "The rest of the time is dedicated exclusively to individual visitors and small groups of up to 5 people, with or without reservation." (https://boyanachurch.info/en/visitors-information-en/). It currently is showing winter hours, so it may be different in September when you are there.
I got there at 1:30, and, sad to say, the next available time slot wasn't until 3:30, and I was unable to wait, so I didn't get to go inside. I would therefore strongly recommend you email them for a reservation time and pay in advance. There are some excellent photographs of the interior online, fortunately.
My hotel provided a car and driver. I was warned that it is very complicated to try to get there by public transportation.
Posted by
Republic of Texas / U.S.A. / Magyarország / Budapest
26016 posts
Everyone likes to burry the OP in their favorites with little advice on how to make it work in the time or schedule. Well. Bon Voyage forgive me for doing the same.
Some years back I visited The 11th century Church of the Holy Mother of God at Asen's Fortress outside of Plovdiv. I dont think the RS group wants to hear my life story so suffice to say that if you visit in the right frame of mind and meet the right monk, this church may become a profound memory.
Also that day we ended up at the Bachkovo Monastery which, because of 20th century history was a moving visit, and because of current events would be more moving for me today, than then. If I could only go to Bachkovo or Rila, but not both ... I dont know ... Rila is beautiful ... but Bachkovo ... I would flip a coin. But dont listen to me. I am a bit unusual.
I am jealous. You are going to a beautiful place.
Posted by
OP
West Coast
453 posts
Thank you, both! Exactly what I needed to learn!
Lane- I've been unable to find a guided tour (to guarantee entry) that isn't a full-day without Rila included. Stefan (highly regarded here and hired by me for Plovdiv and my transfer to Thessaloniki with Rila on the way) noted what Lane, you described, for the complexity of getting inside. And also the advice to instead see some others that are overlooked.
I have one full day on a Monday. I think my plan is a taxi to Boyana early afternoon after seeing the main Sofia highlights in the morning (still Boyana summer hours) and just plan to wait- unless I have some luck with their online system. You have to wire the $ (+ $35 fee from my bank). But it sounds like it would be worth it.
Thank you again so very much for the great insights!
Posted by
OP
West Coast
453 posts
Update: after a second attempt at using the email contact on the Boyana Church website I actually got a response! He said to check back a month before the date and he would send the ticket purchase information. My little bank will charge $35 for the wire transfer, but since I still can't find a tour that goes only there (not combined with Rila, not all the way to Plovdid, etc) it's worth it to me.
Lane, I'm sorry you weren't able to enter. I also know that in 9+ minutes (!) plus with the gatekeeper clicking on their timer I will only see a few very small parts. I don't know how much freedom we have but as you said, with the online images I will try to have a game plan!
Thank you again! I will either take a taxi or ask the hotel, as you did, for the transportation.
Posted by
Washington DC
30535 posts
Quite a number of people on the forum have used Wise to transfer money to Europe when necessary to pay for apartment rentals, traffic fines, etc. I've never had to do that, but all the reports I've seen have been positive, and I believe the fees are a lot lower than those charged by US banks.
Posted by
OP
West Coast
453 posts
Thanks for the reminder! I do do appreciate the tips and advice generously offered!
On the website it specified a "bank wire transfer" but when they actually send the information on what they want (before I leave) maybe there's more options (PayPal, Wise, etc).
Posted by
Washington DC
30535 posts
I think a Wise transfer will be equivalent to a bank transfer as far as the recipient is concerned, but I am no expert on such matters.