7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Tour

Discover Bulgaria’s wonders: Explore the stunning 7 Rila Lakes and historic Rila Monastery on a guided tour. Book now for an unforgettable adventure.

Duration: 11 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

Rila Monastery - The amazing Rila Monastery

What's Included
  • On-board WiFi
  • Driver
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
  • The fee for the Lift to 7 Rila Lakes which is around 15 Euro
Additional Information

IMPORTANT: Entrance in the monastery is only allowed with covered shoulders and covered knees. So please make sure you have appropriate clothes.

Often called the 8th wonder of the world, the Seven Rila lakes are legendary for their beauty and awesomeness. They are one of the most visited natural sites of Bulgaria. We combine them with a visit to the Rila Monastery. The Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria.

The tour starts at 08:00 and finishes around 19:00.
The driver will pick you up, will take you to the Monastery and will show you around. After that he will take you to the lift to the 7 Rila Lakes, you will be able to go up to the lakes, the driver will stay down and wait for you there. When you come back, he will pick you from the lift and bring you back to Sofia.

  • The drive to the monastery is around 1.5 - 2.5 hours, depending on traffic
Location
ul. "Iskar" 31
ulitsa "Iskar"
Iskar 31 street - Big Yellow House - Only a few minutes away from Alexander Nevski Cathedral.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.7
(70 Ratings)
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_k7529mx
Aug 27, 2024
Wonderful adventure - Our trip to Rila Monastery and the Seven Rila Lakes was fantastic!!! We had a small group, so it felt almost like a private tour. Our guide, who was also our driver, was really friendly and told us short story behind the monastery. He gave us plenty of time to explore on our own. The real adventure started when we reached the Seven Rila Lakes. The hike was tough and took 5 hours, but the views were amazing. Everything was well organized, and we never felt rushed. It was the perfect way to spend a day, enjoying beautiful nature and learning about the area's history.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
704nataschah
Aug 26, 2024
Nice trip - Amazing tour with a nice, small group. Our guide and driver was really friendly and we had a lovely day. I just think next time people should be warned that it is an 8km hike from the lift and that you should have lunch somewhere before hiking.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sneaky87
Aug 20, 2024
Rila National Park, seven lakes! - We had a small group trip.Our driver, Lucas, brought us to Rila monastery, told us a short story behind it, and gave us some free time to explore. After he took us to Rila National Park. Round trip to use lift is 30lev. Important - cash only! Lift takes around 20-25 minutes , slow journey to the lower part of the park. Once you here , you can get some snacks, coffee or refreshments, cash/card both accepted. From here, real journey begins. Just follow rocky track , and enjoy mesmerising views. It takes around 1h30mins -2 hours to reach the top. And 1h30 to go down.If you keep walking.But all depends on weather,or it might be a bit crowded Important!! Have a good footwear, some rocks might be loose, or slippery.Walking sticks are not necessary, but helpful.Also check the weather forecast!! As it was good weather all day, but on the way back, we got into storm and got completely soaked...Something to remember 😁
Review provided by Tripadvisor
X3680owsharonm
Aug 18, 2024
100 - We had an amazing time, felt almost like private tour! The monastery had a few authentic shops around where we found homemade cheese and yogurt 😋 the Rila lakes was spectacular very challenging I would say since it took us about 6 hours, but the beautiful view was worth it and the water was very fresh and cold. We had an amazing time with our Israeli Guide too, he gave us the right safety instructions and very good advice of where and what to do.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
313garethh
Jul 22, 2024
Amazing, Must-See Trip in Sofia - Amazing Tour, guide Simon was very helpful and friendly all day. Views were stunning, really unique experience. Must do if you’re in Sofia for any time at all.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tho_t
Dec 28, 2023
Beautiful lakes and monastery! - We did this a few years ago and it was a wonderful experience. The sights are stunning and the tour guides are lovely. We would recommend it.
Review provided by Viator
Yvonnewien
Nov 12, 2019
Great tour - It was a good choice to do this tour. Visiting Rila monastery and Rila lakes is a perfect program for one day. The organisation was good, the driver very friendly and the trip very comfortable (only two tourists in one car!) We had enough time for the monastery and the lakes. hiking in this area is amazing and the panorama is beautiful. We weren't in a hurry. Our driver was waiting for us.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joseph
Oct 24, 2019
The Trip was smooth! - The trip and ride was smooth,very friendly driver as well! We personally think Lakes need a bit more time! Amazing!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Boris_e
Oct 16, 2019
Amazing experience - To take the trip to the rila monastery and the Rila lakes was the best decission we made during our visit of Sofia. My girlfriend and I had an amazing experience exploring the beautiful nature of Bulgaria. Our guide/driver Stoyan made the trip even more memorable with his enthusiasm and knowledge about the place and Bulgarian history. He was really helpfull and ready to answer all our questions, we would really recommend him as a guide! Bulgaria had a lot more to offer than I expected. I would really recommend this trip!
Review provided by Viator
780adelinap
Mar 28, 2020
Bad choice - Bad choice. My expectations were completely differend. We traveled slowly and wearily. We didn't have time to see both pleaces. I'm disappointed!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 12 guests
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September 2024
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