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Tour the Seven Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery

Enjoy a full-day guided trek to the Rila Mountains and explore the most important area in the mountains – The Seven Rila Lakes and the UNESCO World Heritage Rila Monastery.

Begin with a transfer to Rila, followed by a brief cable car ride to the Seven Rila Lakes Cirque. Located between 2100 and 2500m above sea level, you'll see the glacier lakes with names fitting their shapes, like Babreka (the Kidney), Okoto (the Eye), and Salzata (the Teardrop). Walk the whole trek around all lakes, or make a shorter stroll and skip the two highest ones.

Next, admire the impressive Rila Monastery with architecture and frescoes that present the apogee of Bulgarian Renaissance art. On a 1-hour guided tour of the inner yard and the Monastery museum, you'll learn the most fascinating facts and stories about the biggest Bulgarian monastery complex. Then return to the starting point of your tour.

Main features

Free cancellation
Place: Sofia
Duration: 11 hours
Language: English
Mobile voucher accepted

Additional features

Instant confirmation
Guided Tour
e-Voucher

Why you’ll love this…

  • Walk along the Seven Rila Lakes Cirque
  • Enjoy the idyllic alpine beauty of Rila Mountains
  • Visit the largest and the most famous Bulgarian Monastery
  • Learn about Bulgarian Revival Period and see the frescoes

Important to know

Extra fees to be paid on-site:

  • The chairlift ticket from Panichishte and back is not included in the cost of the tour. The fee is 15 euros (30 BGN) per person
  • The entrance fee to the Rila Monastery History Museum is not included in the cost of the tour. If you wish to enter, please bring 8 BGN per person. Entrance to the monastery complex and church is free of charge

Know in advance:

  • This tour requires a minimum age of 13
  • At checkout, choose between tour options: Transport Only (a self-guided tour), or Guided tour with an online audio-guide
  • The audio-guided tour is offered in different languages - English, Spanish, Italian, German, French, and Russian. The audio is online (cloud-based), therefore, an internet connection is required for download and use
  • Please note that there are two huts on your way around the Seven Rila Lakes where you can purchase some basic food (i.e. bean soup, meatballs, tea). But, it is advised to come prepared with a packed lunch - as the tight tour program may not offer time for a seated lunch
  • The hiking route is moderately arduous, with individual brief paths featuring steep inclines
  • This tour depends on the weather conditions and the operation of the chairlift. In the event that the tour is cancelled due to harsh conditions or closures, you'll be offered a full refund

Remember to bring:

  • Wear comfortable walking boots - sandals and flip-flops are not acceptable shoe options. It's recommended to bring a rain jacket in summer months when heavy showers sometimes occur in the afternoons

Cancellation policy

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before the experience begins.


What’s included

  • Audio guide
  • Transportation in air-conditioned vehicle
  • Driver guide
  • Parking

What’s not included

  • Food and drinks
  • Entrance fees
  • Cable car ticket

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.


Location

Sofia Center, бул. „Янко Сакъзов“ 9, 1527 Sofia, Bulgaria

Meeting point:

The trip starts from Embassy of Slovakia, next to the Vasil Levski Monument. Please arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the tour starts.

Provider

Traventuria Ltd.


Need a hand?

Would you like some help making a booking? Or perhaps you just want to ask a few questions. Whatever the reason, don't hesitate to get in touch.

Opening hours: Our team is available from 10.00 to 18.00 CET

Phone number: +1 208-744-6464