Rila Lakes and Monastery: Self-Guided Shuttle Tour

Embark on a self-guided shared trip from Sofia to the stunning 7 Rila Lakes and the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery. Hike through the lakes in the morning and explore the monastery in the afternoon.

Duration: 13 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral - Enjoy stunning morning views of Sofia’s main landmark
What's Included
  • Driver
  • Round-trip shared transfer
  • Transport by air-conditioned minivan
What's Not Included
  • Entrance fees - Rila Lakes chairlift ticket (25 BGN per person, two-way)
  • Gratuities
  • Food and drinks
  • Guide services
  • Mountain rescue insurance
Additional Information

Embark on a self-guided, communal shuttle tour that will usher you towards the stunning 7 Rila Lakes area in the morning, followed by a visit to the UNESCO-protected Rila Monastery in the Rila National Park, highlighting Bulgaria’s finest natural and cultural spots, in the afternoon. In the initial part of the day, the shuttle bus will transport you to…

Location
пл. „Княз Александър I“ 1
площад „Княз Александър I“
Go to the car parking at Knyaz Aleksander I square (in front of The Palace - National Art Gallery). Look for a vehicle with Rila Shutle sign. Nearest metro station is Serdika.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.7
(209 Ratings)
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Xzoepickardx
Oct 28, 2024
Great trip and professional! - Thank you to Rila Shuttles for an excellent service to visit the lakes and monastery! I originally booked through GetYourGuide but they emailed me to let me know that the chairlift was closed for my trip and asked if I still wanted to do the trip. This was very professional and I then continued to book the trip through their website. Philip was great, he kept in touch with timings and messages on WhatsApp throughout the day and was there to text/call if we needed! Driver was great and drive carefully. Thanks for a great day!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
T5337vfannap
Oct 25, 2024
Rila - The view was amazing. We took a lot of photos! Guide and driver was very nice. Bus was nice and comfortable. Rila monastery was interesting.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Odyssey44738915739
Oct 5, 2024
One day trip in Rila 7 lakes and Monastery - It’s actually an unforgettable experience. Highly recommended !!!The guide is professional and knowledgeable. So do not hesitate to put it in your travel list. :)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kappellife
Oct 5, 2024
Beautiful trip on the mountain - Very beautiful trip to the Rila lakes and the monastery. Everything was very well organized. Smiling and welcoming guide. Thanks for the trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Desmer_d
Oct 2, 2024
An experience to remember - A highly recommended tour. This was well organised and interesting. There was some early snow on the mountains that made this even more memorable.
Review provided by Viator
J4392ulannac
Sep 26, 2024
Trip - The trip was very good. The trip was organized exactly on time, the organizer at the meeting tells in detail how to get there on your own and gives advice on the route, they also provide a map and precise explanations in chats. Have a great time, I recommend it to everyone!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Helende70
Sep 26, 2024
Great day out at Rila Lakes and monastery! - Easy to book, communication of pick up was clear, took time before we set off to explain everything and give tips and clear times to regroup etc. Very pleasant and posted information throughout the day on Whatsapp trip group to keep informed. The lakes walk is amazing..something for everyone of all age an ability. George, our driver was great and very calm. It was a long day but totally worth it. The frescoes at the monastery are beautiful and so colorful. Take local cash for buying food and souvenirs at the monastery. The chair lift return trip is 30 lev p/p and they can take card payment. Thanks Philip and George.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
250mirkon
Sep 25, 2024
Excelent - even though it was a self-guided tour, we received very detailed information both verbally and on paper before the tour itself. In addition, all participants received further detailed information via WhatsApp. The mountains and lakes are beautiful! The tour around the lakes can be managed according to the ability of the participants. And the monastery? An amazing place with a very rich history!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Neonninja9898
Sep 24, 2024
Unmissable and a great travel company - Seven Lakes is phenomenal, There are levels of hikes, everything is super clear, and even if you're not a hiker, it's worth it alone for the cable car ride. Rila is stunningly beautiful. A must see and a perfect combination as the monastery isn't very big so having a second activity is smart. Go to the monastery bakery amd thank me later ;) As for this trip, I think it is better run than other companies because you do the hike first in the morning so it's less busy, and Rila in the late afternoon, again when it's quieter. Some companies do it the other way round which is not as smart as it gets crowded. This way was more enjoyable. This is an excellent way to see Seven Lakes and Rila. Organising public transport would be impossible, amd I wouldn't enjoy driving on those winding roads in a country I don't know well. Also they're not the type of locations where you want to follow a guide, yoi want to enjoy at your own pace. So this was fantastic. Phillip was a great guide. Gave clear instructions in person and on paper, and messaged on WhatsApp throughout the day. The driver was awesome . Everything was smooth amd ram like a dream Amazing 110% recommended
Review provided by Tripadvisor
O1213fqemmam
Oct 30, 2024
⚠️SAD⚠️ - ⚠️We have been waiting for the driver at the meeting point with 2 people for 30minutes! We have contacted all the numbers appearing on the page none of which answer⚠️
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
November 2024
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