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
175 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Do not go on Monday!
Sarah H,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00The Monastery was amazing, and I would highly recommend visiting it. The driver did a good job of getting us there before the large tour busses arrived, but other than that I was very disappointed with the tour. I have never left a bad review for a tour before, but I was very unhappy with this experience. There was very little information given by the guide, and what little he did speak I could not hear because he spoke so softly. It was stuffy in the van, and I was in the back, so I asked for some air. He barely cracked the window, and it did very little to help. It was miserable. We were quoted 16 euros for the lift, but when we arrived were told it was 20 euros for a Jeep that only took us partway up. The Jeep got stuck for about 45 minutes, and when it was finally free, drove about 100 more meters and stopped. We could have hiked the rest of the way in far less time than we sat in the Jeep waiting for it to pull free. This left us with the remainder of the way to hike up a steep incline. It took me about 45 minutes, and I am an avid hiker. Only four in our group even had time to make it to the second lake before we had to turn around. Many of the places were closed because it was Monday, and were not informed before the trip. Overall, I would not recommend this tour.
Amazing😍😍
aritaelizabeter,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was great!! I liked it very, very! I am happy about your offer! Everything was organized great, comfortable and superb! It was possible to see everything, to see everything. Perfect offer. Our tour guide Apostolos was amazing !!! Thank him for comfort and interesting storys!! 🌎🗻🌍😇🥰😍
Rila trip
Shreyas R,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The travel started from Sofia like agreed at the location and time. There was a dedicated bus for our trip to Rila monastery and up to the mountain. We got an hour to explore at Rila monastery after which we began our journey to mountain. This journey is like almost 2 hours. By the time we reached the base of mountain it was like 1 pm. The tour guide told us we will be leaving by 4pm back and asked us to come back before that time. The only problem here is that one cannot explore all seven lakes on mountain. First of all, in winter or spring, like in beginning of April or late March, the snow fall can be quite hectic and as told by the guide it can take 2 hours minimum to just go and come back to 1st lake from the lift point. This information is not shared anywhere, except it's advertised as one can see all seven lakes. Maybe in summer time, one could go and see at least one lake in the allocated 3 hours on top of mountain. Other than that the guide, transportation arrangements were good and we had no problem of that kind.
Excursion monastery and lakes of Rila
Shangia G,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Very well but we could not see the lakes because of the fog, so this fact makes the experience has not been so spectacular. Yes, the guide warned us but I would have liked to know before catching and paying for the tour as we had paid to see the lakes and it was disappointing.
Great!
alexaaE1555XG,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved our experience!!!! The monastery and the mountain were incredible. Going to both in the same day was really worth the price. We felt like the time spent in each place was just enough. But what made the tour especially great was the friendliness and knowledge of our guide, Apostolos and bus driver, Dimi. Thank you!!!
Excursion to the Monastery and the Seven Lakes of Rila
sangiag,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The experience was great but we ran out of seven lakes. Our guide warned us about the snow but it was very foggy too and nothing was visible. I would still recommend this type of excursion when you can see the lakes because in the end you are paying to see the lakes and it made me a bit angry not to be able to see them. It's for you to keep in mind.
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!
From €59.00
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