Rila Monastery and 7 Rila Lakes Self-Guided Shared Trip from Sofia

4.8 (336 reviews) 13 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

336 reviews

4.8

Rila Monastery and 7 Rila Lakes Self-Guided Shared Trip from Sofia — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

7 Rila Lakes in Bulgaria — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

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At a glance

Duration: 13 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 36 people
People per booking: 1–30
Written guide: English
Operated by: URCA Ltd

Ages: Infants (0–4 years) · Children (5–12 years) · Adults (13–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Driver
Included: Round-trip shared transfer
Included: Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Not included

Not included: Entrance fees - Rila Lakes chairlift ticket (25 BGN per person, two-way)
Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Food and drinks
Not included: Guide services
Not included: Mountain rescue insurance

Itinerary

St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral

15 min

Enjoy stunning morning views of Sofia's main landmark
Seven Rila Lakes

6 hours

Admire the beautiful Seven Rila Lakes at your own pace
Rila Monastery

one hour

Admire the biggest Christian Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria
Rila Shuttle

13 hours Admission included

Travel with ease to the Rila mountains from Sofia on the Rila Shuttle
Rila Mountains

13 hours

Enjoy the beauty of the Rila Mountain in Bulgaria
Rila National Park

13 hours

Spend your day at Bulgaria's most beautiful mountain

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Go to the car parking at Knyaz Aleksander I square (in front of The Palace - National Art Gallery). Look for a vehicle with Rila Shutle sign. Nearest metro station is Serdika.

End point

Go to the car parking at Knyaz Aleksander I square (in front of The Palace - National Art Gallery). Look for a vehicle with Rila Shutle sign. Nearest metro station is Serdika.

Using your ticket

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
Bring local cash money (BGN Leva) for the chair lift and food/drinks. Credit/debit cards are not accpeted at the site.
Dress code at the Rila Monastery: high heels, short skirts and trousers, shirts with no sleeves, etc. are not allowed in the monastery.
Each traveler is allowed a maximum of 1 carry-on bag. Oversized or excessive luggage may have certain restrictions, please inquire with the operator prior to travel to confirm if your excess luggage is acceptable
The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
Due to the nature of this tour and the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is canceled, you will not be entitled to a refund.
Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

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.

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