Rila Monastery and 7 Rila Lakes Self-Guided Shared Trip from Sofia
Overview
Available languages
13 hours
Mobile ticket
This self-guided, shared shuttle tour will take you to both the 7 Rila Lakes area in the morning and then in the afternoon to the UNESCO Rila Monastery in the Rila National park - Bulgaria's most famous natural and cultural sites. In the morning the shuttle bus tour bus will take you to the start of the hiking routes ar the Rila Lakes area and base station of the chair lift from where you can take the chair-lift up in the mountain. You have more than 5 hours for your self-guided tour of the Rila Lakes area. After that in the afternoon the shared shuttle will take you to the Rila Monastery - Bulgaria's most visited cultural and historical site. You have more than 1 hour to explore the monastery site on your own.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
A moderate to intensive amount of walking is involved (walking/hiking experience is a must)
Comfortable walking shoes and clothes suitable for mountain/walking are required
Sun cream and sunglasses are strongly recommended
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Dress code at the Rila Monastery: high heels, short skirts and trousers, shirts with no sleeves, etc. are not allowed in the monastery.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Driver
Round-trip shared transfer
Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Entrance fees - Rila Lakes chairlift ticket (25 BGN per person, two-way)
Gratuities
Food and drinks
Guide services
Mountain rescue insurance
What To Expect
St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral
Enjoy stunning morning views of Sofia's main landmark
Seven Rila Lakes
Admire the beautiful Seven Rila Lakes at your own pace
Options
Self-guided (transport only)
Self-guided trip: Have complete freedom to explore on your own.
With mountain guide
Guided trip: English speaking guide will help you discover the best hikes
Reviews
235 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Travel to the top!...
Thomas M,
Jun 20, 2025
- Viator
5.00Travel to the top! Organization and super nice team! Beautiful landscapes!! Thank you, go ahead without delay
Great hike among amazing nature with a monastery unique vibe
Oleksii H,
Jun 14, 2025
- Viator
5.00It's an excellent hike as well as a quick visit of the monastery. From my point of view hike is the main thing. Nature is amazing and it is a good balance between effort and reward. Monastery is a great too, just be aware it is relatively small, you would not spend there more than an hour.
The best guide
ROBERTJEFFREY P,
May 19, 2025
- Viator
5.00Wow talk about clear and informative information, our guide Philip was the best! Clearly explaining everything you need to know from pick up points to tips on white hiking routes to take. If only all guides were as good! Highly recommend.
Great views all round
David M,
May 12, 2025
- Viator
5.00The entire day is incredible! The guide was informative, friendly, spoke great English and had a good sense of humour! The seven lakes was beautiful, not to challenging at all and finished within a few hours! But you need to do this hike, it’s stunning! The monastery was so rich in history as well, very stunning and a special place to visit
Amazing experience
DiegoAlejandro G,
Nov 11, 2024
- Viator
5.00Philip is very friendly and always available to answer any questions you might have even though it is a self-guided tour. Everything was handled perfectly. The landscape was amazing. Make sure to bring confortable shoes. Thank you Philip
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Operated by URCA Ltd