The Seven Rila Lakes & Rila Monastery

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Description

Summary

Starts
bul. "Yanko Sakazov" 9
Duration
12 Hrs.
Languages
German, Russian, English, Italian, French, and Spanish
Difficulty
Medium
Admission
Mobile ticket
Minimum age
12 years

Description

Discover the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Bulgaria on a full-day guided adventure to the Seven Rila Lakes and the Rila Monastery. This tour departs early from Sofia, taking you deep into the heart of the Rila Mountains for an unforgettable blend of hiking and history.

Your journey begins with a scenic transfer to the mountains, followed by a cable car ride up to the Seven Rila Lakes Cirque. These glacier lakes, each uniquely named after their shape, sit at elevations between 2,100 and 2,500 meters, offering breathtaking alpine views. Depending on your fitness level and preference, your guide will tailor the hike to include as many lakes as possible.

After exploring the lakes, you'll continue to the iconic Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Bulgaria’s largest and most significant monastery. Here, you’ll have a guided tour of the inner courtyard and, optionally, the monastery museum, where you’ll learn about centuries of Bulgarian art and tradition.

Travel is comfortable in an air-conditioned vehicle, and your knowledgeable guide will provide insights throughout the day. Please note that food, drinks, and entrance to the monastery museum are not included, and the chairlift ticket requires cash payment in Bulgarian lev. Bring a packed lunch, sturdy boots, and weather-appropriate clothing for this moderately challenging hike.

Experience two of Bulgaria’s top attractions in one seamless day, with all logistics handled for you. Spaces fill quickly, especially in peak season, so check availability and secure your spot today for an active and enriching escape from Sofia.

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Included

English-speaking guide (if guided tour selected)
Fuel surcharge
Transport by air-conditioned bus/coach or minivan

Destinations

Sofia - city in BulgariaSofia

Map

Attractions

Photo of Beautiful view of the Orthodox Rila Monastery, a famous tourist attraction and cultural heritage monument in the Rila Nature Park mountains in Bulgaria.Rila Monastery

Options

The Seven Rila Lakes & Rila Monastery
English-speaking tour guide: This option is with a certified English-speaking tour guide, who'll be with you during the entire tour
Self-guided tour with a driver
Only with a driver, who'll collect you from the starting point of the tour and bring you back. There's no tour guide.
Tour with Audio-guide
Tour with ONLINE (cloud-based) Audio-guide in different languages. INTERNET required to download and use.

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
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.
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.
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 FOR MAY AND JUNE DEPARTURES! Kindly note, that availability of the tour depends on the weather conditions and the operation of the chairlift.
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.
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.
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

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Receive your e-ticket and booking summary immediately after checkout, with all meeting points and schedules included.
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Explore with confidence
From ancient cities to alpine peaks, we’re here for you 24/7 with local expertise and support, wherever your travels take you.
Secure your spot
Book instantly and lock in your place on one of Europe’s top-rated tours. Enjoy the best price and secure checkout so you can focus on the fun.
Get instant confirmation
Receive your e-ticket and booking summary immediately after checkout, with all meeting points and schedules included.
Easily make changes
Plans changed? No problem. Our team is just seconds away—ready to help with any adjustments quickly and smoothly.
Explore with confidence
From ancient cities to alpine peaks, we’re here for you 24/7 with local expertise and support, wherever your travels take you.

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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