Rila Monastery and 7 Rila Lakes Self-Guided Shared Trip from Sofia
4.5
Rila Monastery and 7 Rila Lakes Self-Guided Shared Trip from Sofia
By Rila Shuttle
About
from per adult
$54.73
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 36 per group
Duration: 13h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
English
- Round-trip shared transfer
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
- Driver
- Entry/Admission - Rila Shuttle
What's not included- Entrance fees - Rila Lakes chairlift ticket (25 BGN per person, two-way)
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
- Guide services
- Departure details
- Knyaz Aleksandar I 1, 1000 Sofia Center, Sofia, Bulgaria 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.
Return details- Returns to original departure point
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 15352P6- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- 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.
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 36 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- What you can expect during your visit
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
- Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
- Face masks required for guides in public areas
- Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Community- Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
- Which attractions will I visit with Rila Monastery and 7 Rila Lakes Self-Guided Shared Trip from Sofia?
- During this experience, places you will visit include:Discover and book Rila Monastery and 7 Rila Lakes Self-Guided Shared Trip from Sofia on Tripadvisor
- How much is Rila Monastery and 7 Rila Lakes Self-Guided Shared Trip from Sofia?
- Rila Monastery and 7 Rila Lakes Self-Guided Shared Trip from Sofia price starts from $55.46. Discover and book Rila Monastery and 7 Rila Lakes Self-Guided Shared Trip from Sofia on Tripadvisor
- What is the Rila Monastery and 7 Rila Lakes Self-Guided Shared Trip from Sofia cancellation policy?
- Rila Monastery and 7 Rila Lakes Self-Guided Shared Trip from Sofia cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book Rila Monastery and 7 Rila Lakes Self-Guided Shared Trip from Sofia on Tripadvisor
- Which company provides Rila Monastery and 7 Rila Lakes Self-Guided Shared Trip from Sofia?
- Rila Monastery and 7 Rila Lakes Self-Guided Shared Trip from Sofia is hosted by Rila Shuttle. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Rila Shuttle on Tripadvisor. Discover and book Rila Monastery and 7 Rila Lakes Self-Guided Shared Trip from Sofia on Tripadvisor
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 15352P6
Reserve your spot
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- You'll start atKnyaz Aleksandar I 1Knyaz Aleksandar I 1, 1000 Sofia Center, Sofia, BulgariaGo 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.See address & details
- 1St. Alexander Nevski CathedralStop: 15 minutesSee details
- 2Seven Rila LakesStop: 6 hoursSee details
- 3Rila MonasteryStop: 60 minutesSee details
- 4Rila ShuttleStop: 13 hours - Admission includedSee details
- 5Rila MountainsStop: 13 hoursSee details
- 6Rila National ParkStop: 13 hoursSee details
- You'll return to the starting point
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About the operator
- claivi0ns00Very much recommended!Very well co-ordinated, very knowledgeable and friendly staff, absolutely amazing customer service and overall, beutiful locations. Can not recommend enough.
- 603taniaa00Will use their services againOur plan was to visit the 7 lakes and monastery but due to bad weather, we could not go to the lakes. The company gladly offered us this alternative and a refund for the other excursion was settled the next day. Despite being unguided, the tour guide gave us sufficient information to visit the monastery on our own. We left Sofia on time and also arrived back on time. 10/10 Thank you!
- evapY690XW00ImpressiveLovely trip. Bobby, our tour guide, was great. Even stopped for a look at the wine yards. Couldn’t recommend more.
- MF180000Your fit for kings, excellent guide BobusExcellent tour with comfortable transport of a regal standard. The highlight was our guide Bobus who was friendly and provided a wealth of knowledge on the Bulgarian life. Highly recommended to anyone in the greater Balkan region
- shakira201500Exceptionally well organized tour with an awesome guide BobbyGreat value for the price, exceptionally well-organized team sending us a reminder, the exact location of our meeting point. Bobby, our guide, was highly knowledgeable and super friendly but also had a great sense of humour that made us laugh a lot, and made our bus journey very entertaining. The white Mercedes shuttle was very comfortable that comes with a phone charger. I really enjoyed this visit that I decided to join their Koprivshtitsa and Plovdiv tour. If you are planning on visiting Rila Monastery, don’t look elsewhere, just book with Rila Shuttle and you’ll be in good care.
- DP_SouthAfrica00Great experience definately recommendAmazing place, definitely worth the visit. Trip is approx 2 hours from Sofia with lovely views of the country side. You also learn more about the place from Bobbi. The actual Monastery is beautiful. Super peaceful fresh mountain air and water. Great energy. Really enjoyed
- beerwort00A must seeThe monastery is very unique and worth the drive. Bring warm clothes! Our guide was very organized and helpful, I had a great trip
- mrstraveller100Enjoyable Tour, Excellent GuideThis was an enjoyable & worthwhile trip which combined 3 of the attractions I was most interested in. I booked via Getyourguide, but the tour was operated by Rila Shuttle who offer a variety of excursions. I was lucky that there were just 5 of us in our group which meant travelling by mini-van rather than a large coach (which may be the case in peak season). Our guide, Bobby, was excellent. Very friendly & concerned about our enjoyment, & very well informed & interesting, in addition to being fluent in English (alongside Serbian, Russian & of course, Bulgarian). He chatted to us, as opposed to reeling off dull facts & figures, & was keen to hear our travel tales & views on life. Fun & convivial company… which is a bonus on a 12 hour trip! The meeting point, outside the National Gallery was clear & convenient, & pick up & drop off, to schedule. Everyone will have a different view, but of the 3 components of the tour, the least thrilling for me was the ride on the Septemvri- Dobrinshte line narrow gauge train. It’s a quaint & novel experience, especially as you’re joined by locals as this train is the only available public transport from Velingrad to Avramovo (the sector covered on our trip) but there’s not a fat lot to see along the way. That said, I wanted to experience it, & it only takes about an hour. I really liked Bansko, Bulgaria’s top ski resort, & as a skiier I was interested to weigh it up for a potential winter trip in the future, but mainly to see its charming, cobbled old town. We spent an hour & 3/4 there which is probably ample if you’re just looking around, but a bit of a push if you want to fit in a decent lunch as I did. The highlight of Bansko is the gorgeous Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity. Our final stop was the 10th century Rila Monastery, a magnificent structure located at 1300m, amongst forest & with the snow capped Rila mountain as its backdrop. It is the biggest monastic complex in the country, stunningly adorned with frescoes & intricate carvings. It would be extra special if you could time a visit when a service is on, but sadly that wasn’t the case for us. This trip makes for a long day, with around 2 hours each way spent travelling to & from Sofia, but you get to see some lost in time villages & lovely mountain scenery along the way. And if you get Bobby, you can be assured of a fun & chatty ride en-route!
- alicerY2464WL00Amazing experience - a must do!This trip was extremely well organised. I emailed to change the day from a Saturday to a Sunday a few days before as the weather had changed and they replied and sorted this out free of charge within a matter of minutes! We had a great English speaking guide on the bus who told us the routes to take for the walk and even gave us his phone number incase we got lost and were running late for the pick up. The drive was very smooth. The views were beautiful and I would highly recommend this to explore outside of Sofia! The chairlift was 25 lev in cash for a return trip and lasted about 20 minutes. Weather was sunny when we went but the wind was very cold so definitely bring a hat, scarf and gloves!
- Helen M00Excellent tourGreat experience Not to be missed while in Bulgaria. The guides where very nice and helpful. They take good care of the whole group and really enjoy it
- Gini700Sun, rain and the incredible beauty of the Rila lakes regionHiking is always the best part and the magnificant Rila lakes are in a class of their own. This tome I was with a young child and he enjoyed tremendously. Our driver/guide Bobby was the best I have ever had in Bulgaria. His English is decent and he knows a lot about the mountains, history and geography and talks with enthusiasm. He goes oit of his way to make the tourists comfortable and happy. I will trval with him anytime any place!
- Lavalampen00Beautiful placeHad a awesome experience, with a great guide. It does require a decent amount of walking and hiking, so be prepared for that.
- Janox00A very enjoyable day trip to three sites.This was such a great trip, Philip is a great guide full of useful information. I would definitely recommend visiting all three sites, there's enough time at each and the day was very well planned. I would definitely go on another. The driver George was great too.
- 763valentinv00very good tour it was amazing , will come back in the near futurevery nice place and full of history my tours guy was amazing, will come back in the near future, the tour was full of history
- luigicH4123TX00Rila shuttlewe spent a wonderful day in the company of Bobby always caring and friendly I recommend everyone thanks
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
49 reviews
Excellent
33
Very good
10
Average
4
Poor
0
Terrible
2
ilonka
Bucharest, Romania2 contributions
The transfer ride to Rila was ok. It was minibus with airconditioning and very comfortable. Before we left we were given information. Unfortunately, we couldn’t visit the museums Monastery because it closed at 16.30 hrs. Self guided tour through the Rila lakes was perfect because you could do things at your own pace. You really need all that time. It is such a marvelous place. The monastery is also worth the visit, but after a whole day hiking what I wanted was to get back to my hotel.
Written August 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jackie D
6 contributions
Nov 2021
Bobby was our tour guide for a Private shuttle from Sofia, the trip included the 7 Rila Lakes and the Rila Monastery.
Bobby was an excellent tour guide, provided us with excellent maps to use on the hike, was very accommodating and gave us lots of information about the lakes, monastery and Bulgaria.
Was a thoroughly enjoyable trip and would highly recommend! Much easier than organising to use local transport to visit both these places!
Bobby was an excellent tour guide, provided us with excellent maps to use on the hike, was very accommodating and gave us lots of information about the lakes, monastery and Bulgaria.
Was a thoroughly enjoyable trip and would highly recommend! Much easier than organising to use local transport to visit both these places!
Written November 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ray mountford
Malta8 contributions
Oct 2022
Had an excellent day out. The trip up to the lakes on the chairlift was very cold and in fact was 1oC at the top. There is a building where you buy drinks and food, and a great log fire going in the large room. The walk to the lakes is quite hard but the views are stunning. The Monastery is amazing and well worth the visit. All in all a great day out.
Written October 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Johann L
Vergeze, France23 contributions
This day was the best during our stay in Sofia. The city is very nice to visit, but the Rila moutains are incredible. The nature tells you "Hey, take a pic'" every 10 meters! The walk all around the 7 lakes takes some time (about 4 to 5 hours if you take your time) and is really enjoyable. Don't forget to take some good hiking shoes, and a jacket! Is was cold on the top, even for August (about 10°C). Definitely worst the driving time, which was anyway nice too, as Philippe takes the time to explain everything about the trip and more about the area and Bulgarian History.
After the lakes, he drove us to the Rila Monastery while telling us its building origin. The site is a jowel surrounded by the Rila mountains. You'll take some very beautiful pictures and surely learn a lot about the Bulgarian religious history.
After the lakes, he drove us to the Rila Monastery while telling us its building origin. The site is a jowel surrounded by the Rila mountains. You'll take some very beautiful pictures and surely learn a lot about the Bulgarian religious history.
Written August 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew T
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Solo
Phillip was an extremely quick to reply to messages, informative, helpful, and kind guide. His instructions for the hike were helpful as well as the map he provided for both the rila mountains and the monastery. He exchanged some of my euros for Bulgarian lev, as the ticket booth for the lift refused to accept card claiming their internet does not work (suspiciously my internet worked mine). So like Philip advised it is wise to take some Bulgarian lev for the lift. The hike was wonderful and the bus ride was pleasant and air conditioned. I highly recommend.
Written August 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ethan
12 contributions
Nov 2020
Fantastic hiking experience. Amazing scenary and gorgeous views.
If you go in the colder months though, stick to the shorter route, the longer one gets very icy and difficult to navigate. The shorter route has much better views anyway.
The Monestry was interesting, though a lot quiet at the time of year that I went.
Special thanks to Philip for rearranging the days of the trips so that the Rila Monestry was viable too before I returned home.
If you go in the colder months though, stick to the shorter route, the longer one gets very icy and difficult to navigate. The shorter route has much better views anyway.
The Monestry was interesting, though a lot quiet at the time of year that I went.
Special thanks to Philip for rearranging the days of the trips so that the Rila Monestry was viable too before I returned home.
Written November 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Veronika M
5 contributions
Enough time for a 9km or longer hike at the Rila lakes and enough time to see the Rila monastery.
I am happy that I decided to do the combined tour even if it was a long day.
Everything was very punctual and well organized
I am happy that I decided to do the combined tour even if it was a long day.
Everything was very punctual and well organized
Written June 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
M Dominguez
2 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
This tour is the best way to visit two fantastic places in only one day, for a great price. Philip was very nice and explained everything very thoroughly and clearly, it was all very straightforward and well-planned. You'll have plenty of time in both places; if you are in good shape you can even do the full loop of the lakes, and one hour is enough to visit the monastery. Would recommend!
Written July 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Simon G
Leeds, UK6 contributions
Oct 2020
We took a full day Rila 7 Lakes plus Rila Monastery trip back in October and had a fabulous time (we had the walk almost to ourselves in completely glorious weather). We'd organised a private version of the trip with Philip so we could spend more time on the walk and less at the monastery as this suited our interests better. Philip gave us a great price and we really enjoyed his company on the journey. He was very punctual & picked us up from our AirBnB. Highly recommended!!
Written December 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charbel
Antelias, Lebanon23 contributions
Oct 2022
the monastery was really nice but the weather was horrible. They knew it but we are tourists. i did not expected the weather to be this bad on october 3rd!! so obviously we did not see any lake. the fog was too much and it was extremely cold and raining like crazy. so we sat in the cabin for few hours until its time to go home HAHA
Written November 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vanessa-clair F
Birkirkara, Malta12 contributions
What time does the tour start, and what time does it end? I cannot find the timings anywhere in the information.
Vanessa-clair F
Birkirkara, Malta12 contributions
Hi! What time does the tour start, and what time does it end? I cannot find the timings anywhere in the information.
Thomas C
10 contributions
Hello! Does this tour include a guide on the hike? I don't really trust myself to find my way back...
Ethan
12 contributions
Hi there
Regarding this trip and the current situation of everyone losing their mind over the coronavirus, will this trip be effected in any way in the coming months if I were to make a reservation for later in April? (assuming everyone calms down and we return to business as usual soon)
Thanks
Nurçin Ö
Istanbul, Türkiye
Hello, what is the expected return hour to city center? We have a late night train to catch. Thank you
Danielle Torchia
Utrecht, The Netherlands50 contributions
We got back at 20:00!
Tracy C
Hong Kong, China17 contributions
may I know how long we will stay in the Monastery and when will be back to Sofia?
BanskoShuttle
Sofia Region, Bulgaria
Hi, the time spend at the Rila Monastery is approx 1h 30 min. If you have any other questions - please do not hesitate to contact us.
WheresNextOnTheList
Guildford, UK24 contributions
We are interested in doing this trip on Wednesday 29 May but have heard elsewhere that the chairlift for Rila Lakes does not open until 1 June. Is this tour running and can the lakes be hiked?
Many thanks
Vicky
josep37p
Majorca, Spain18 contributions
Hello
We're a group of 4 and we would like to book the tour "The seven lakes and Rila's monastery" for 21st of June
We have an overnight hotel stay for the 21st and checkout on the 22nd of June in a hotel nearby the monastery
The question is: Could we come back to Sofia with your trip on the 22nd of June?
In that case, What time would that be?
Best regards
Fern987
3 contributions
Hi there, we are coming to Sofia tomorrow Monday 18th March and would like to do the seven lakes on Tuesday 19th March. Is this possible at this time of year? Thanks
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Rila Monastery and 7 Rila Lakes Self-Guided Shared Trip from Sofia provided by Rila Shuttle
Product Overview: Rila Monastery and 7 Rila Lakes Self-Guided Shared Trip from Sofia
| Prices From | $0 |
|---|---|
| Number of Reviews | 48 |
| Number of Photos | 72 |
| Duration | 780 minutes |






















































