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‘s Included
WiFi on board
Driver
Air-conditioned vehicle
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Lift to The Seven Rila Lakes
What To Expect
Rila Monastery
The amazing Rila Monastery
The breath taking 7 Rila Lakes
Options
7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery tour
Reviews
131 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Both the monastery and...
Tamas C,
Jul 31, 2025
- Viator
5.00Both the monastery and the seven lakes are as beautifull as on the pictures. If your are experienced in hiking, you should have no problems, but if you are not, than at least bring good hiking shoes! If you go in the summer, than also bring sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat, because there is little shadow up there. The tour is self-guided, so having company or teaming up with others might be a good idea. The seven lakes are accessible via cable lift, which takes about 15-20 minutes form the parking lot, and costs 30 BGN (in 2025).
activity that could not be done because of having a non-guide , not knowing the region , nor the mountains
nadejda M,
Jul 30, 2025
- Viator
1.00that the guide was not a Bulgarian , to introduce us to the region, that he's not a mistletoe DE high mountains so, he didn't accompany us on the hike which is irresponsible, because if there had been an injured person, found alone, he would have died alone in the mountains
Nice hike to 7 Lakes
Pompeyo L,
Jul 18, 2025
- Viator
5.00The tour starts with a visit to the Rila monastery but the highlight is really the hike to the 7 lakes.
An overall great experience..!!
Stelios S,
Jul 16, 2025
- Viator
5.00An overall great experience..!! A day away from the city and close to nature. A beautiful monastery in a green landscape. As for the 7 lakes, it's a stunning scenery with breathtaking views. It is recommended for everyone to visit it, either take the short route with fewer lakes or the long one with all 7 lakes.
Rila Monastery and 7 Lakes Tour
Ahmed K,
Jul 7, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great experience we were in small groups of 4/5 people, the tour followed the steps marked in the booking, Apostolos was very good at providing us with information and creating a nice atmosphere during the trip to the attractionsIt was a great experience and I recommend it to everyone!
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Operated by Smart Trans Bulgaria