7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Tour
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The drive to the monastery is around 1.5 - 2.5 hours, depending on traffic
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Rila Monastery
The amazing Rila Monastery
The breath taking 7 Rila Lakes
What‘s Included
WiFi on board
Driver
Air-conditioned vehicle
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Lift to The Seven Rila Lakes
Options
7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery tour
Reviews
172 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Good experience, guide...
Rajapandian S,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Good experience, guide apostolos shared the history of Bulgaria and rila mountain during the trip...
Great trip but don’t expect to see the Lakes in Winter
Mary G,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00It was a great day. We visited the Monastery first which was really nice and as we were there early it wasn’t busy. We then travelled to the mountains and took the ski lift to the top. It was difficult to walk in the snow but we enjoyed the views. We visited in March and the lakes were all frozen over and there was snow on top of them. We had something to eat in the chalet which was good. We were lucky with the weather as it was a beautiful, sunny day. Our guide Apostolos was excellent at sending us information on times and other things via What’s App. Overall we really enjoyed the day even though we didn’t actually see any lakes.
Save this experience for non-winter months
Jocelyn B,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The monastery was beautiful, but I would not recommend making this trip in the winter. All 6 of us on the tour packed boots and warm clothes for a snowy hike, but hiking was not possible at the top of the mountain. Visibility was extremely low, so even after we trudged up a snow bank (no packed down path, we all kept falling through and needing to pull ourselves out of thigh-deep snow), we were unable to see anything, let alone the lakes. We had to trudge back down after that and spent the rest of the time inside the lodge. The dogs on the top of the mountain were very cute and friendly! Also - note the roads to the monastery and Rila lakes are your typical mountain switchbacks. If you get carsick from that, consider taking medication. If not, don’t let the guide pressure you into taking medication - the roads are not extreme by any means.
Seven Rila Lakes and Monastery tour
Y1654DOhenriquef,Feb 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great experience visiting Rila Monastery and the Seven Rila Lakes with Alex. The tour was very well organized, and Alex was knowledgeable, friendly, and professional throughout the day. He explained the history in a clear and engaging way and made sure everyone felt comfortable during the day. The landscapes were stunning. Highly recommend this tour!
Apostolos + Views + Walking
mchammers5,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Big shout out to Apostolos - good driver and excellent answering all my stupid questions - on time and explained a lot about the sites and Bulgaria as a whole. The trip didn't feel rushed. Thank you. The monastery was beautiful with the views fantastic. The lakes - WOW - put on walking boots
a guide that doesn't say anything about the trip
Lidija B,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00guide that doesn't say anything about the trip, the trip is not feasible in such a winter, we were not informed about the difficult conditions, nor about the alternatives
great!
Lamsn,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00rila monestary is great and artistic but we can just spent about 40 min in it. the 7 rila lake trail is fastinating but a bit tricky to follow when covered with snow, and is more challenging as expected. we can just visited the 1st lake and have to go back due to limited time. we may be too greedy to visit 2 place at one time but both places are worth visiting!
Perfect trip with a perfect tour guide
665ayelett,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were two in a group of eight. Alexander the tour guide and the driver was great from the minute we met him until the end of the trip. He has perfect English and a wide knowledge about Bulgaria. Take care of all our needs and everything was orgenized perfectly.
Too little time in winter
sandrinelQ1779OW,Dec 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Wahou Monastery 7 lakes impossible to do in December because snow, not enough time and no signs, we got lost a little panicked because we kept slipping and falling, being very well put on, a sports minimum and having your mobile to steer is a minimum, the view on the other hand incredible and our guide super nice even if he stayed in the car, not crazy the wasp 😂 I think in summer it must be much easier and less stressful and the lakes must be beautiful We only saw one and froze
Great tour
TalE109,Dec 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Alex the guide was so nice and helpful. We enjoyed his stories that made the drive pass with ease. All in all we had a great time
From €59.00
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