Explore the most famous natural and cultural sites of Bulgaria on a self-guided trip to the 7 Rila Lakes and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Rila Monastery in Rila National Park.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 12 hours: Check availability to see starting times

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

Genna – United Kingdom

We really enjoyed this day trip to Rila, it was well worth the visit! Beautiful scenes and the monastery was interesting too ☺️ I will say that £40 each for not really having a guide with you was a little expensive but it is a lot of driving and hard to navigate on your own, so overall I’d still recommend! Also joining the WhatsApp group is a great idea for finding your way around and finding the meeting spots! Super helpful guide at the start also, would revisit! ✨

Tayrine – Germany

We had an amazing experience. The Fila Mountains are breath taking. Thanks to Philip, that explained everything very well and it was so kind. I totally recommend it.

Highlights

Get back to nature at the 7 Rila Lakes
Explore the 10th-century Rila Monastery at your own pace
Benefit from a convenient round-trip transfer from Sofia city center

Full description

Depart Sofia in the morning and travel by shuttle bus with a friendly English-speaking driver. Journey in air-conditioned comfort to Panichishte in the beautiful Rila National Park. Get briefed on arrival by your driver, who will tell you the different options and routes you can take up the mountain.

Ride the chairlift to the 7 Rila Lakes, where you will get 5 hours of free time to go on some amazing nature walks independently to experience the glacial lakes from different perspectives.

Board the shuttle bus at the agreed meeting point and relax on the 2-hour drive to Rila Monastery in a deep valley of the Rilska River. Founded in the 10th century, the monastery complex is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural and historical monuments. Get 1.5 hours to explore the largest Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria at your own pace.

Then, return to Sofia in the evening and get dropped off at the meeting point.

Includes

Round-trip shared transfer
Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
Licensed driver

TIckets for the Rila Lakes chairlift and Rila Monastery History Museum
Food and drinks
Guide
Mountain rescue insurance

Not suitable for

People with mobility impairments
Wheelchair users

Meeting point

The meeting point is National Art Gallery, in the carpark at Knyaz Alexander 1 square, in front of the former Royal Palace. The nearest metro station is Serdika. Look for the shuttle with the Rila shuttle sign on the front window.

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Important information

What to bring

Comfortable shoes
Warm clothing
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Rain gear
Packed lunch
Passport or ID card for children
Cash

Not allowed

Pets
Smoking in the vehicle

Know before you go

This trip involves a moderate to intensive amount of walking. Hiking experience is essential
The ticket for the 7 Rila Lakes chairlift costs 30 Leva per person, roundtrip and is payable in cash, onsite (no credit cards accepted)
Entry fee for the optional visit to Rila Monastery History Museum is 8 Leva per person, payable in cash, onsite (no credit cards accepted)
This trip operates in all weather conditions. Please dress appropriately
High heels, short skirts and trousers, and shirts with no sleeves are not permitted to enter Rila Monastery
Child/baby seats have to be requested in advance, at least 24 hours before travel date

Nearby destinations

Nearby sights

From Sofia: 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Self-Guided Trip