Private Tour

Seven Rila Lakes Tour from Sofia Lunch Included

Overview

7 hours

Mobile ticket

Begin your adventure with a comfortable 1 hour 30 minute transfer from Sofia to the Panichishte chairlift station. After arrival around, you will board the scenic chairlift at approximately 9:45–10:00. The lift ride takes about 25 minutes and brings you directly to the Rila Lakes Hut.

Follow a panoramic mountain path offering beautiful views of the Lower Lake, Fish Lake, Trefoil, Twin Lake from above—in winter they are covered with snow. Continue until you reach the Kidney Lake around 12:00, one of the most iconic viewpoints in the Rila Mountains and the site of the Paneurhythmy dance.

Enjoy a lunch at the Rila Lakes Hut between.

Take the chairlift back down and continue with a short drive to Sapareva Banya, where you’ll see Europe’s hottest geyser, a with water erupting at 103°C.

Optional Spa (if the premium option selected): Relax in mineral pools.

Depart for Sofia around 16:30–16:40, with a comfortable transfer of 1 hour 15 minutes, arriving back at your hotel around 17:45–18:00.

Additional Info

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Seven Rila Lakes

Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria’s most famous glacial lakes, on this full-day guided tour from Sofia. Perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers, the tour combines scenic landscapes, cultural insights, and unforgettable alpine views.

2 hours • Admission Included

The adventure begins with a scenic 20-minute chairlift ride from the Panichishte resort up into the Rila Mountains. As you gently ascend, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of pine forests, mountain ridges, and alpine meadows unfolding beneath you. The ride is smooth, safe, and offers a chance to relax before your hike begins. The chairlift brings you directly to the Rila Lakes Hut area (2,100 m altitude), the starting point for exploring the legendary Seven Rila Lakes. From here, hiking trails lead you to the crystal-clear glacial lakes, each more beautiful than the last. Highlights of the Lift Experience: 20 minutes of breathtaking alpine scenery Comfortable, safe, and suitable for all ages Unique opportunity to capture photos from above Easy access to Bulgaria’s most iconic natural wonder

20 minutes • Admission Included

What‘s Included

Private transportation

Entrance fee

Lunch

Air-conditioned vehicle

Personal expenses, souvenirs, or additional entrance fees Gratuities (optional, but appreciated)

Chairlift

Coffee and/or Tea

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Options

Seven Rila Lakes Tour from Sofia Lunch Included

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

1 review

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

6/5 Recommend
D6720MYbrianb,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Pick-up: 5/5 Simeon arrived about 20 minutes early but didn’t announce it, so I could walk to the car at my own pace as agreed. This made the start of the day very relaxed and comfortable. Ride: 5/5 We were a small group of five people, which made the ride very enjoyable. Simeon and his colleague were friendly, positive and very talkative, creating a great atmosphere in the car. Mountain tour: 5/5 Everything was explained clearly and carefully. The group was split so everyone could walk at their own pace, with one guide at the front and one at the back. The climb was challenging but absolutely beautiful, easily worth a 5/5 on its own. Lunch: 5/5 We stopped at a local restaurant at the foot of the mountain. I asked to be surprised and was served meat with potatoes and roasted peppers. It was outstanding and one of the best meals I’ve had in Bulgaria so far. Spa: 5/5 After the hike we visited a geyser spa with multiple pools at different temperatures. The perfect place to relax after a long climb. Overall: 5/5 The tour officially ended at 4:00 PM, but we returned to the hotel around 7:30 PM. Simeon never rushed us and truly enjoyed the experience together with the group. Summary: An excellently organized tour with personal attention, flexible pacing, great food and a relaxing spa. Highly recommended.