Tour the Seven Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery

Free cancellation

Place: Sofia

Duration: 11 hours

Language: English

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Guided Tour

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Do this because

Walk along the Seven Rila Lakes Cirque
Enjoy the idyllic alpine beauty of Rila Mountains
Visit the largest and the most famous Bulgarian Monastery
Learn about Bulgarian Revival Period and see the frescoes

What to expect

Enjoy a full-day guided trek to the Rila Mountains and explore the most important area in the mountains – The Seven Rila Lakes and the UNESCO World Heritage Rila Monastery.

Begin with a transfer to Rila, followed by a brief cable car ride to the Seven Rila Lakes Cirque. Located between 2100 and 2500m above sea level, you'll see the glacier lakes with names fitting their shapes, like Babreka (the Kidney), Okoto (the Eye), and Salzata (the Teardrop). Walk the whole trek around all lakes, or make a shorter stroll and skip the two highest ones.

Next, admire the impressive Rila Monastery with architecture and frescoes that present the apogee of Bulgarian Renaissance art. On a 1-hour guided tour of the inner yard and the Monastery museum, you'll learn the most fascinating facts and stories about the biggest Bulgarian monastery complex. Then return to the starting point of your tour.

This tour requires a minimum age of 13
At checkout, choose between two tour options: a self-guided tour or an audio-guided tour
The self-guided tour offers you transportation to the points of interest - with no guided tours of the areas
The audio-guided tour is offered in different languages - English, Spanish, Italian, German, French, and Russian. The audio guide is online (cloud-based), therefore an internet connection is required for download and use
The Chairlift ticket from Panichishte and back is not included in the cost of the tour. The entrance fee is 10 euro (25 BGN) per person, to be paid directly on site
The entrance fee to the Rila Monastery history museum is not included in the cost of the tour. If you wish to enter, please bring 8 BGN per person. Entrance to the monastery complex and church is free of charge
Please note that there are two huts on your way around the Seven Rila Lakes where you can purchase some basic food (i.e. beans soup, meatballs, tea). But, it is advised to come prepared with a packed lunch - as the tight tour program may not offer time for a seated lunch
Difficulty: The hiking route is moderately arduous, with individual brief paths featuring steep inclines
Wear comfortable walking boots - sandals and flip-flops are not acceptable shoe options. It's recommended to bring a rain jacket in summer months when heavy showers sometimes occur in the afternoons
This tour depends on the weather conditions and the operation of the chairlift. In the event that the tour is canceled due to harsh conditions or closures, you'll be offered a full refund