From Sofia: Rila Mountain Trip - Panoramic SPA & Natural Retreat
Overview
Available languages
9 hours
Mobile ticket
Spend an unforgettable day in the nature of the Rila Mountain, just 1.5 hours away from Sofia!
Embrace the nature and the fresh air, and feel the magical atmosphere of the formal Royal Residence - Tsarska Bistritsa - one of the favorite places of the last Bulgarian monarchs!
Visit Sapareva Banya, where you will indulge in the cozy warmth of its thermal springs.
The mineral water pools are a great way of relaxing and their healing properties have been used science ancient times.
Sample hearty local dishes like, accompanied by a glass of wine to toast the day’s adventures.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Sapareva Banya
The tour departs at 9:00 from Sofia city center and first you will go to Sapareva Banya - the thermal capital of the Balkans, famous for its hot mineral springs. There, you will have about 4 hours to relax in a notable SPA complex, famous for its 5 pools with panoramic views! The complex also has a restaurant, which offers different lunch options on reasonable prices.
Borovets
In the afternoon, we will take you to the second largest Bulgarian ski resort - Borovets. There, hidden in the forest, you will visit the old Royal Residence - "Tsarska Bistrista", remarkable for its beauty. It was built in the beginning of the 20th century for the Bulgarian monarch - King Ferdinand and it is the most famous site of the resort. Next to it passes the Bistritsa river, which makes the landscape even more scenic! The residence and the park around it are an astonishing place for memorable photos! The residential buildings are closed for visitors, but the old stable is now turned into a museum-gallery and there you can feel the spirit of the last Bulgarian royal families! The residence even has its own hydroelectric power plant, which was built in 1912, and still continues to operate today! The departure from Borovets is at around 16:30 and the expected return in Sofia is around 18:00.
What‘s Included
English- speaking host, who will accompany you during the day
Transportation by a comfortable A/C vehicle
Bottled water
Audio info (cloud-based) about Tsarska Bistrista in EN, ES, IT - smartphone and wi fi required
Trip to Borovets and Sapareva Banya
Food tasting: Bulgarian retro - snack (only for the group option!)
Entrance ticket to SPA complex with 5 panoramic pools and sauna - 20 euro (cash on spot)
10 euro (cash or card) for renting towels or bathrobes
10 euro refundable deposit (Cash only!) for a storage key
Tsarska Bistritsa entrance ticket - 3.50 euro (cash on spot) EUR 3.50 per person
Gratuities (optional in the end of the trip)
Options
Nature Trip - Private Option
Winter Trip - Private Option: This is a private option - includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, and the SPA tickets!
Nature Trip - Group Option
Nature Trip - Group Option: This is the standard option. You should come to the specified meeting point. Please be there at 8:40.
Reviews
9 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Nice program
GustavoMMS,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00It’s a nice program to do while you are in Sofia, basically you can see the important buildings in one day so this is a good program for a relaxed day in the mountains.
Landscapes, history and rest
Venture44039003420,Feb 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing landscapes, a very good lunch and a relaxing afternoon of spa.
Relaxing day to feel like a prince
Culture33332081396,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Relaxing day trip. Starting in a beautiful park and ending at the thermal spa centre. Enough time to make photos and enjoy the spa resort with luxury options such as a large saunas, good washing and locker facilities, and 5 different outdoor baths (children, sulphur, infinity pool, bio pool and aqua tonic). Before jumping in the pools, the food in the restaurant is very recommended and well priced. The guide is very accommodating and friendly.
Pure relaxation getaway
Getaway32061809999,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic day trip. A short historical stroll in the snow in Borovets Park and then heading to the SPA is pure pampering. With Private option gave us the luxury of flexibility…. That’s what is getaway is all about.
Rila winter trip
Aleksandar N,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We really enjoyed the trip to Borovets and Sapareva Banya! The first stop next to the old royal palace was truly magical with all of the snow around it! And then we had a great relaxing time in the pools of the SPA complex, from where you also see beautiful panoramic views. Highly recommended!
Very fun day all around!
k0llinz,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great experience — we had a lot of fun. Very good time at the hot springs and enjoyed learning about the history of the town.
An amazing experience!
Traveler67293361745,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Everything was wonderfully organized, and the tour guide was great! I highly recommend it! Nature is beautiful, and so are all the places we visited! It is worthwhile, not only from a business perspective, to meet with your partners in such an environment, which contributes to successful negotiations, but also for relaxation and recovery from accumulated stress! Nature is a natural immune booster and antidepressant for people who want to reboot and relax.
A Perfect Winter Escape in Rila Mountain
Culture59222505967,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The skiing part was fantastic — the slopes were well‑maintained, and the atmosphere was relaxed, making it easy to enjoy the time on the mountain regardless of skill level. What really completed the experience, though, was the SPA visit afterward. Warming up in the mineral pools surrounded by winter scenery was the perfect way to unwind after a few active hours outdoors. Everything ran smoothly, from transportation to timing, and the staff were friendly, helpful, and attentive throughout the day. It felt like a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation, and I left feeling refreshed, energized, and genuinely happy with the experience. I would gladly recommend this winter day trip to anyone looking for a memorable and well‑organized escape into the mountains.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Perfect Day Trip: Relaxation & Mountain Magic
G7886KN,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This day trip was nothing short of incredible and easily one of the highlights of our travels. The combination of peaceful mountain scenery and a rejuvenating spa experience was absolutely perfect. The journey itself was beautiful, with stunning mountain views that instantly made us slow down and breathe a little deeper. Once there, the spa was pure bliss — spotless facilities, calming atmosphere, and plenty of space to fully relax. Soaking in the warm pools while surrounded by mountains felt unreal, like something out of a postcard. Everything was well organized and stress-free, making it easy to just enjoy the day without worrying about timing or logistics. Whether you’re looking to unwind, escape the city, or treat yourself to a special experience, this trip delivers on every level. I would 100% recommend this day trip to couples, friends, or anyone who wants a perfect balance of nature and relaxation. Truly unforgettable — I’d do it again in a heartbeat!
From €35.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Hola Bulgaria