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 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
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
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
280 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Breathtaking landscape
Critiqueaisee,,Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great scenery in Rila! It had snowed a lot the day before and it wasn’t planned, so the chairlift was out in the morning, but we were able to take a pickup to the shelter. Philip our guide was absolutely adorable, attentive and understanding! Unfortunately for us, unable to do the planned hiking loop, we had snow up to our knees at times. We were able to see beautiful landscapes anyway. I honestly think better explanations would have been necessary, we were equipped but some people from the bus came in sneakers and shorts, which is totally dangerous with the cold and the place (only when it snows, but think about taking real hiking shoes...). We will come back with a nicer climate to make the loop (which apparently lasts 3 hours when there is no snow/ice)
Wonderful day at Rila
danielmY1947OH,,Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful experience, the lakes and monastery are wonderful and beautiful, and our host Philip and our bus driver were great. Despite in November it can be a bit cold already and the weather is not the best, I had a great time. The daytrip was very well organized and very puntual and Philip had spot-on recommendations that were super helpful to make the best out of our day and visit. Very happy with the trip. The cable car fee is not included in the trip but it's really worth to take it, it offers beautiful views and saves time and energy.
Super recommended
alejosuargo,,Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was amazing this day. Highly recommended the seven lakes of Rila. Rila Shuttle’s service was perfect for this experience as they offer you information necessary to make your day go well and complete independence to do the activities you like the most. Highly recommended.
The best way to see both the lakes and the Monastery!
samuelrD1851FF,,Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Well organized! The bus rides were very confortable and we felt Philip could help us at any time. I totally recomend It!!
Rila trip review
150nazarb,,Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The trip was great. Philip is really nice guider. All was very smoothly. And of course Rila views are great. I highly recommend anyone this trip!
Easy and comfortable tour to two beautiful sites
allB6888FP,,Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a wonderful time on this tour. The pickup location was easy to find even though we left before sunrise. Philip did an excellent job explaining the details of the tour and how to make the most of the day. The bus was clean and comfortable, and the driver was great as well. I would absolutely recommend this experience to anyone staying in Sofia for more than a couple days. I went in mid-November. The Rila lakes were chilly but I was fine with just a thermal base layer and two mid layers. Visibility wasn't perfect but I still got a beautiful view of the snowy landscape and mountains.
Brilliant Day
Shane L,,Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Phillip was a joy to spend the day with. He was very helpful in helping me choose which route I took walking the RILA lakes. I adhered to his advise & had an amazing 3 hour hike. His knowledge & history lesson of This region & the Rila Monastery will forever be remembered. We had some great conversations about culture & bulgaria. Anyone taking this tour hopefully gets Phillip as their guide. He made an effort to get to know his guests & showed genuine heartfelt care into the quality of visit his guests had. I am grateful. Shane
Beautiful Carpathian country often overlooked by Americans visiting Europe.
toddbG9786HX,,Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The trip was a great combination of physical activity and historical sightseeing. Definitely recommend not wearing running shoes like I did for the hike.
Recommended
R175IWsergior,,Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great! Everything was perfect and well organized, Philip, our guide, gave us maps and directions to perform both activities, was open to questions and was very friendly throughout. Recommended.
Unforgettable
B4893GAnataliaa,,Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The treatment of the boy very friendly and friendly, all very punctual, I wish the route had been guided to go safer when not getting lost and follow the route well Thank you so much!!!
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Operated by URCA Ltd