Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery shuttle day trip from Sofia

Free cancellation

Place: Sofia

Duration: 12 hours

Language: English

Mobile voucher accepted

Instant confirmation

e-Voucher

Transport included

Do this because

Enjoy a moderate hike in the mountains
Relax in a natural atmosphere and have a break from the noise of the big city
See the marvelous Rila Lakes
Visit the Rila Monastery, a UNESCO heritage sight

What to expect

Join this shuttle day trip from Sofia and discover the Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery.

The Rila Lakes are just a 1,5 hour’s drive away from the capital, which makes them a great day trip to nature. From the mountain village of Panichishte, you’ll take a cable car to the area of the lakes. All seven lakes have their own name which reflects their typical shape or characteristics. They are situated between 2,100 and 2,500 meters above sea level. In winter, they are frozen over and covered in snow; in summer, they are clear emerald green and are great spots for picnics. The hiking path is of moderate difficulty and it takes about 4-5 hours. Your driver will give you directions and timing for the hiking route.

In the afternoon, you’ll travel to the famous Rila Monastery, a UNESCO heritage sight. Admire its amazing frescoes and architecture. The visit to the monastery will be about 1 hour. Afterward, you’ll travel back to the location where you departed in Sofia.

Please note that this ticket doesn’t include any guided tour
This tour is not suitable for children under the age of 6 years, people with back problems, pregnant travelers, or people with heart conditions
This tour is not wheelchair or stroller accessible
Not suitable for pets
The cable car fee is 25 local BGN (approx. 13 EUR). The fee needs to be paid in cash on the spot
The monastery (yard and church) is free of charge. The entrance ticket to its museum is 8 local BGN (approx. 4 EUR; optional visit). If you want to enter the museum, please pay the entrance fee in local currency in cash on the spot
Available from June to October
The hiking is with moderate difficulty. Duration of the hike: 4-5 hours
Be prepared for mountain conditions with comfortable walking shoes and light jackets/ sweatshirts. On sunny days, please bring sun cream and a sun hat
Women should have their knees and shoulders covered in the monastery
It’s strongly recommended to bring your own food; if you can’t bring your own food, you can buy snacks from a gas station during the break on the way in the morning

What’s included

Transportation in air-conditioned vehicle

Driver

What’s not included

Food and drinks

Entrance fees

Cancellation policy

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.

Location

1А pl. "Sveti Aleksandar Nevski", 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria

Meeting point:

Please meet your driver behind Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, near the Café La Cathedrale. Look for travel agency "City Tour". Please make sure to be at the meeting point 15 min before the tour start.