RILA MONASTERY WINE TASTING TOUR - EVERY FRIDAY AND SUNDAY

  Wine production has a long history in Bulgaria, dating back to the times of the Thracians. The following tour gives you the opportunity to get an introduction to Bulgarian wines during a guided tasting combined with a tour to one of the most important tourist attractions in Bulgaria – Rila Monastery. We will visit the modern winery complex named Medi Valley located on the way to the Rila Monastery and is among the most charming new destinations for wine tourism.
  The meeting point is behind St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral. We departure at 09:00 a.m. and firstly we will visit the Rila Monastery which is located in the middle of the coniferous forests of the most beautiful mountain in Bulgaria – Rila Mountain. After 2 hours drive we will arrive in the Rila Monastery complex where the guide will narrate you about the history of this UNESCO site as well as the history of the saint who gives the name of the monastery – Saint Ivan. After the guide explanations you will have free time to visit the Rila Monastery History Museum, to make a walk in the area of the complex, or just to try the traditional breakfast named mekitsi.
  The tour continues with lunch in authentic local restaurant on the way back to Rila Monastery where you can taste grilled trout caught in the nearby river or delicious grilled meatballs.
  Our final stop in this trip is Medi Valley Winery where you will have a short tour in the winery itself – you will see the grapes reception, the fermenters, the bottling room and the aging room. Furthermore you will receive some useful tasting tips – what does the wine label tell us, why we turn the glass, what we find in the aroma of wine and so on. Here you will enjoy 5 different types of wine along with some bread and crackers.
  In the afternoon we head up to Sofia where you should arrive between 17:00 and 18:00 o’clock with good impressions and positive energy.