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
What To Expect
Rila Monastery
The amazing Rila Monastery
The breath taking 7 Rila Lakes
Options
7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery tour
What‘s Included
WiFi on board
Driver
Air-conditioned vehicle
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Lift to The Seven Rila Lakes
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
181 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fantastic Experience A+++++
Venkat I,May 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic tour covering Rila Monastery and the Seven Rila Lakes. Our tour was in a comfortable car with just 5 people in the group. The ride to and from Rila was smooth. Our driver and guide Apostolos was very friendly, kind and super flexible which made the tour very enjoyable. We had plenty of time to admire each attraction and never felt rushed. We were able to make coffee and bathroom stops along the way as well. As for the attractions, Rila Monastery is amazing and so are the Seven Rila Lakes. The tour operator shared detailed information ahead of time so that we could be prepared for the hike to the Rila Lakes. Overall, this is an absolute must do tour if you are visiting Sofia. Arrived safely in Sofia before 6 PM which left me plenty of time to explore other things in the evening.
Great tour guide!
T9267CCtinad,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide, Apostolos, was wonderful! He spoke English very well and helped us make souvenir purchases. He also shared lots of interesting information about the country. He suggested we go to the Rila Spa (hot springs) instead and I wish we had listened. The Seven Rila Lake trails are not very passable this time of year. There were bridges washed outs and a lot of water rushing down the mountain. We did hike for an hour, but could not get to any great views. I would try this again in September.
Unfortunately it didn't go as I hoped
Erica S,May 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00Unfortunately the trip did not go as I hoped. Because after seeing the monastery of Rila, we did not go to see the 7 lakes but we were forced to go to the SPA. I was very disappointed.
Unexpected...but not in a good way
Terrence Y,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00The monastery visit was good. However, we didn't get to the lakes as the snow was still very thick, the shops were all closed so this wasn't the best time to run this tour in Apr. The 4x4 left us and other tourists mid way up the snow trail asking us to hike without proper instructions, notice of gear. The ski lifts were closed for maintenance works during weekdays. Upon further checking online, we understood that the ski lifts and shops were usually closed during weekdays given lower traffic. In this case, they should not advertise or allow tourists up when the sky lifts and shops are closed as it is very dangerous.
Great experience...
Katie S,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Great experience traveling to the monetary and the mountain. We traveled in April and so the lakes were unable to be seen because they were frozen over. The ski lift was also down so we hiked the whole way up to the chalet. Beautiful views- but no one gave us any idea of how long of a hike it would be or how long it would take- and had to meet the jeeps to pick us up at a specific time.
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!!!
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Operated by Smart Trans Bulgaria