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  • Explore Kyustendil Province
  • Places to see
  • Things to do
  • Top sights
  • Outside Kyustendil Province

Rila Monastery

Seven Rila Lakes

Vitosha

Lake Pancharevo

The Cave of St. Ivan Rilski

Nearby destinations

Attica tours

Sud-Muntenia Region tours

Transylvania tours

Brașov County tours

Dubrovnik–Neretva County tours

Tirana District tours

Sofia Province tours

Nearby sights

Acropolis of AthensAttraction in Athens, Greece

ErechtheionAttraction in Athens, Greece

ParthenonAttraction in Athens, Greece

Temple of Olympian Zeus, AthensAttraction in Athens, Greece

Bay of KotorAttraction in Kotor Municipality, Montenegro

Panathenaic StadiumAttraction in Athens, Greece

  • Top experiences

Hiking

Bus & minivan tours

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

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6
1012 reviews
Activity provider:
URCA Travel
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From Sofia: 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Self-Guided Trip
4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6
1012 reviews

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

5
5 out of 5 stars
L
Lauren – United Kingdom

Well organized, coach was clean and comfortable with air con. The seven lakes were lovely and Rila monestary was interesting. The only thing I wish I had known is that on weekends the cable car up the mountain is super, super busy and it's essentially a ski lift so you only fit two people at a time. We arrived at 8:45am but I didn't get to the top of the mountain for hiking until 10:30am, even though I went straight to the queue. This meant there wasn't quite enough time to do the longer hike and I was worried about getting down the mountain in time. Had I known I might have booked to do this on a week day instead as the coach times are the same irrespective of the day of the week. Part of the problem was the lift doesn't open until 9am I think, and there were lots of busses of people arriving at the same time. Not the organisers fault but I think it should be flagged at booking.

5
5 out of 5 stars
G
Guilherme – Brazil

Everything was wonderful! The lakes were spetacular. Enought time to do everything. Maybe the monastery could be less time, but all good! Defenetly the best thing to in Sofia!

Select participants and date

Participants

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.

Open in Google Maps

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
Save up to 18%

From $64 $53 per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.6 /5
4.6 out of 5 stars

based on 1012 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.6/5
  • Transportation
    4.6/5
  • Value for money
    4.4/5

Customer photos

+107
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5
5 out of 5 stars
L
Lauren – United KingdomJuly 13, 2025 – Verified booking
Well organized, coach was clean and comfortable with air con. The seven lakes were lovely and Rila monestary was interesting. The only thing I wish I had known is that on weekends the cable car up the mountain is super, super busy and it's essentially a ski lift so you only fit two people at a time. We arrived at 8:45am but I didn't get to the top of the mountain for hiking until 10:30am, even though I went straight to the queue. This meant there wasn't quite enough time to do the longer hike and I was worried about getting down the mountain in time. Had I known I might have booked to do this on a week day instead as the coach times are the same irrespective of the day of the week. Part of the problem was the lift doesn't open until 9am I think, and there were lots of busses of people arriving at the same time. Not the organisers fault but I think it should be flagged at booking.
5
5 out of 5 stars
G
Guilherme – BrazilJune 29, 2025 – Verified booking
Everything was wonderful! The lakes were spetacular. Enought time to do everything. Maybe the monastery could be less time, but all good! Defenetly the best thing to in Sofia!
5
5 out of 5 stars
M
Matīss – LatviaJune 24, 2025 – Verified booking
Everything was on time and as planned. Can’t complain.

Product ID: 121476

Activity provider:
URCA Travel
  • Bulgaria
  • Kyustendil Province
  • Rila Monastery

Top Attractions in Kyustendil Province

  • 1Rila Monastery
  • 2Seven Rila Lakes
  • 3Vitosha
  • 4Lake Pancharevo
  • 5The Cave of St. Ivan Rilski

Experiences in Kyustendil Province

  • 1Kyustendil Province Landmarks & monuments
  • 2Kyustendil Province Day trips
  • 3Kyustendil Province Wellness & spas
  • 4Kyustendil Province Nature & adventure

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