Melnik and Rozhen Monastery: Explore Medieval History and Local Wine in Bulgaria
3.5
4 Ratings
Sofia

The journey includes a stop at the ancient Rozhen monastery, nestled in the Pirin mountains. The expedition then proceeds with a stroll through the scenic town of Melnik. Here, you will have the opportunity to sample the regional varieties of wine that are Bulgaria’s most renowned exports.

Duration: 10 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

The smallest Bulgarian town Melnik offers an amazing scenery. The town is at the foot of a unique nature phenomena

  • the Melnik sand pyramids. In the year 1215, Melnik emerged as a capital of an independent feudal principality, ruled by Despot Alexis Slav. The ruins of his fortress near the town are preserved till the present days. The houses in Melnik date from the National Revival period, with their interesting and typical architecture.

The region of Melnik is famous also with its specific sort of grape. The town is the perfect place for wine tasting, and there are numerous very special wine cellars in the area, where one can learn the history of the magic drink. Rozhen Monastery is the biggest monastery in Pirin Mountains, in the southwest of Bulgaria. It’s one of the few medieval Bulgarian monasteries, well-preserved until today. The unique architecture of the monastery makes it a popular tourist destination. Enjoy this tour of the medieval Rozhen monastery, the picturesque town of Melnik and the best wines of this beautiful corner of Bulgaria.

Itinerary: This tour starts from your hotel. After a 2.5-hour transfer, we will reach the town of Melnik for a 2-hour tour. Next is a visit to famous wine cellar for some wine tasting. After lunch there is a short transfer and visitation to the Rozhen monastery (1.5 hours). Transfer back to Sofia

  • the tour ends at your hotel.
What's Included
  • Wine tasting
  • Transport by modern vehicle
  • Hotel/port pickup and drop-off
Location
Sofia
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
3.5
(4 Ratings)
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Wendy_n
May 20, 2016
Loved Melnick, a quaint village with... - <p>Loved Melnick, a quaint village with some hiking thrown in. Our guide was great.</p>
Review provided by Viator
Carmen
Aug 20, 2016
Not worth going all the way as the... - <p>Not worth going all the way as the driver didn't stop us anywhere during the drive to these places and we ended up sitting for almost 4 hours each way. The wine tasting was OK and their small museum was quite interesting. Carmen S.</p>
Review provided by Viator
Angel_n
Sep 27, 2021
Great places, terrible driver, mediocre guide - It was the driver, the guide, and I. The drive was terrible. The driver chose the wrong route even though I told him that it was congested. We got stuck in traffic and lost an hour because of him. He was also very rude. The monastery was beautiful and Melnik is an extremely charming little town. In summary, I highly recommend this trip but discourage everyone from choosing this company - go for a different one since I have also met much better guides.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 11 guests
1 Adult
July 2024
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