Skip to content
Tripsora

The Seven Rila Lakes & Rila Monastery

4.6(127)Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 127 reviews12 hFree cancellationBy Traventuria
The Seven Rila Lakes & Rila Monastery

About this activity

Experience Bulgaria’s two ultimate highlights in a single day. This expertly timed day trip combines a breathtaking hike to the panoramic Seven Rila Lakes with a cultural visit to the historic Rila Monastery, the largest and most important spiritual landmark in the country.

It is the ultimate mountain-and-culture combo designed to maximize your time without feeling rushed.

- Conquer the highlights of the Rila Mountains in just one day from Sofia.

- Trek past the spectacular lakes with stunning panoramic views (chairlift ticket optional/paid locally).

- Rila Monastery: Enjoy ample time to explore the vast UNESCO-listed complex and its famous frescoed church.

- Relax in an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver navigating the mountain roads.

- Active yet Accessible: A moderately active trek perfect for travelers with basic physical fitness and comfortable shoes.

What's included

  • ✓Visit to Rila Monastery
  • ✓Parking Fees
  • ✓Professional Tour Guide OR Cloud Audio Guide App (depending on the option you select have booked)
  • ✓Round-trip transport by air-conditioned minibus or coach

Not included

  • ✕Rila Monastery Museum (Optional; entrance to the main courtyard/church is free)
  • ✕Food and drinks
  • ✕Gratuities
  • ✕Chairlift ticket (only cash payments in euro accepted)
  • ✕Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting and pickup

  • IMPORTANT: The meeting point next to Vasil Levski Monument, in front of the Embassy of Slovakia| | GPS coordinates: 42.69677705130451, 23.336332286917877 | Please, be there 15 min. in advance!

Good to know

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Food: although there are two huts on our way where we can purchase some basic food (i.e. beans soup, meatballs, tea) we advise you to come prepared with a lunch pack from Sofia, because the programme today is rather tight and for sure we won’t have much time for a proper lunch.
  • Difficulty: the hiking route is moderately arduous, with individual brief paths featuring steep inclines. Please bring along comfortable walking boots. Sandals and flip-flops are not accepted. Rain jacket might be useful in summer as heavy showers sometimes occur in the afternoons.
  • IMPORTANT FOR MAY AND JUNE DEPARTURES! Kindly note, that availability of the tour depends on the weather conditions and the operation of the chairlift.
  • The terrain will be very wet and slippery and there will still be snow in the area. Walking in such conditions requires adequate equipment (good trekking boots, waterproof clothes and a warm layer beneath the jacket). The hike is demanding, so a good fitness level is also required. Keep in mind that some of the lakes may be covered in snow.
  • Important! As with all lifts the one, used for the hike to The Seven Rila Lakes, may halt operations (due to strong winds, power cuts etc.). In this unlikely event, an alternative hike will be offered on spot by the guide. Mind that such a situation does not make you eligible for a refund for the tour.
  • Tour with ONLINE (cloud-based) Audio-guide in different languages (EN, ES, IT, FR, DE, RU). INTERNET required to download and use. Headphones required, too.

Cancellation policy

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

More things to do in Sofia

Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Full-Day Tour

Join an 8.5–10 hour guided group tour to Rila Monastery, with select options also including Boyana Church — please check your chosen option before booking. Enjoy a 40-minute guided tour at Rila Monastery, followed by 2.5 hours of free time for photos, museums, shopping, or lunch. On options that include Boyana Church, admire its stunning 800-year-old frescoes with a brief guided visit. Note: Wome…

4.6(1,217)Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 1217 reviews8 hFree cancellation

From £17.01 per person

Sofia Highlights 2 Hour Sightseeing Walking Tour

Want to explore Sofia's main landmarks in just 2 hours? Then this walking tour is for you! You will get to see 20 of the city's most famous spots, learn about Sofia's and Bulgaria's history in a fun and interactive way, and learn more about local habits and traditions. All this while being accompanied by an enthusiastic professional local guide. We meet right in front of Sofia's most famous build…

4.9(784)Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 784 reviews2 hFree cancellation

From £13.61 per person

Communist Walking Tour of Sofia

Find out what it was like on the eastern side of the Iron Curtain by joining our Communist tour. A 45-year-long period compressed in about 3 hours, including the factors that led to it, its aftermath and how it affects present-day Bulgaria. The main goal is to present this controversial period of Bulgarian history in an objective and informative way. Topics include World War 2, education, healthc…

4.9(788)Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 788 reviews3 hFree cancellation

From £15.31 per person