Sofia Tours
The Seven Rila Lakes & Rila Monastery
4.5

The Seven Rila Lakes & Rila Monastery

By Traventuria
Recommended by 95% of travelers
95% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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About
Sofia visitors may not know it, but the Bulgarian capital is an ideal jumping-off point for the countryside. With this full-day tour, you're whisked to the Seven Rila Lakes, and visit a monastery that's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Though entry fees and chairlift ride are at your own expense, you still get a great value, with travel—and mountain views—included. Upgrade to add an audio guide or a live guide.

Ages 12-99, max of 30 per group
Duration: 12h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Audio guide: German, Russian, English, Italian, French, Spanish
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Highlights
  • Explore the Bulgarian mountains on this full-day tour and trek from Sofia
  • Ride a cable car to the Seven Rila Lakes, and enjoy a mountainous hike
  • Visit Rila Monastery, and see its cloisters, chapel, and museum collection
  • Travel easily from a convenient location in Sofia's old city center

  • Transport by air-conditioned bus/coach or minivan
  • English-speaking guide (if guided tour selected)
  • Fuel surcharge
What's not included
  • Entrance fee for the Rila monastery's museum appr. 5EUR/10BGN (optional)
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Chairlift ticket- appr. 15EUR/30BGN (only cash payments in BGN accepted)


Start:
  • Pl.SV. Aleksandar Nevski, Old City Center, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
    IMPORTANT: The meeting point is BEHIND Alexander Nevski Cathedral (opposite La Cattedrale restaurant) | | GPS coordinates: 42.695598, 23.333649 | Please, be there 15 min. in advance!
End:This activity ends back at the meeting 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: 6992P20

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • 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
    • Food: although there are two huts on our way where we can purchase some basic food (i.e. beans soup, meatballs, tea) we advise you to come prepared with a lunch pack from Sofia, because the programme today is rather tight and for sure we won’t have much time for a proper lunch.
    • Difficulty: the hiking route is moderately arduous, with individual brief paths featuring steep inclines. Please bring along comfortable walking boots. Sandals and flip-flops are not accepted. Rain jacket might be useful in summer as heavy showers sometimes occur in the afternoons.
    • IMPORTANT FOR MAY AND JUNE DEPARTURES! Kindly note, that availability of the tour depends on the weather conditions and the operation of the chairlift.
    • The terrain will be very wet and slippery and there will still be snow in the area. Walking in such conditions requires adequate equipment (good trekking boots, waterproof clothes and a warm layer beneath the jacket). The hike is demanding, so a good fitness level is also required. Keep in mind that some of the lakes may be covered in snow.
    • Important! As with all lifts the one, used for the hike to The Seven Rila Lakes, may halt operations (due to strong winds, power cuts etc.). In this unlikely event, an alternative hike will be offered on spot by the guide. Mind that such a situation does not make you eligible for a refund for the tour.
    • Tour with ONLINE (cloud-based) Audio-guide in different languages (EN, ES, IT, FR, DE, RU). INTERNET required to download and use. Headphones required, too.
    • 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 tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    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: 6992P20

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    Itinerary
    • Old City Center, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
      IMPORTANT: The meeting point is BEHIND Alexander Nevski Cathedral (opposite La Cattedrale restaurant) | | GPS coordinates: 42.695598, 23.333649 | Please, be there 15 min. in advance!
    • Pass by
      St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral
    • 1
    • 2
      Pass by
      St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral
    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Traventuria
      1,653
      Sofia, Bulgaria
      Joined in March 2011
    • Jane C
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Beautiful 7 lakes hike
      Logistics worked perfectly. Early departure and arrival at start of hike meant we missed the crowds and on a very misty day at high altitude we saw most of the 7 lakes before the mist descended completely. Our guide Rad was great, advising of safe timing for expected rain, keeping a good pace, and providing information about where we were. Beautiful landscape and especially dramatic in the most.
      Written September 19, 2024
    • MMMNJ2000
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Rila views
      We loved our trip to Rila Lakes, a good hike, great views. While we elected not to do the guided tour, our guides advice on the trip there was extremely helpful and those who took the guided option enjoyed it. Plan for a full day as the drive is 2 hours each way.
      Written September 17, 2024
    • WayfaringLibertarian
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Liubomir was a driver and an educator — and excellent at both!
      This was the third day trip I’ve been fortunate enough to take from Sofia and the first one where I felt like I had actually learned something. The itinerary was flawless and Liubomir did an excellent job taking his time to explain things to our small group. I felt like he went the extra mile and I’m grateful for his diligence and patience. I actually preferred Koprivshtitsa to Plovdiv and felt like the extended day trip was well-worth the additional money and drive-time. This was a really pleasant day trip and one that I highly recommend.
      Written September 15, 2024
    • yovrtula
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Nice day trip, I recomend it.
      It was nice trip, despite it was cold. The guide was also profesional an polite. The group was big enough, we quickly understood each other. Overall it was nice trip.
      Written September 8, 2024
    • lifeisbeaut
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great tour to do when one does not have car of Rila Monastery and Boyana Church
      This is a good tour to do when one wants to go to the Rila Monastery and Boyana Church and one doesn't have a car. It is more affordable than doing a private tour which is not necessary. The guide, Hristo made it worthwhile as he was so passionate about the places being visited and Bulgaria in general and he was interesting to listen to. We had a large bus that was very comfortable with a very careful driver. It didn't feel like too much driving. There was sufficient time at the monastery to look around/eat etc. It was exactly as expected.
      Written September 6, 2024
    • globalhealthmidwife
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great day trip
      Great day trip, I highly recommend. In Canada, we don’t have historical cites less than 150 years old. So, it’s really amazing to see the historical sites, very walkable, but cobblestones.
      Written September 5, 2024
    • 754jelmerk
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Decent value for money
      Plovdiv should not be missed when visiting sofia. It has that fairytail village kind of vibe about it. Our guides presentation was so so but i was very knowledgeable. all in all good value for money
      Written August 26, 2024
    • kriskY9157SL
      0 contributions
      1.0 of 5 bubbles
      Misleading tour description, inflexible and rude tour guide
      The tour is advertised at 7 am, and according to the description that also includes a 15 minute entrance into the cathedral which opens at 7 am, so that means the bus should leave at 7:15 am. I called the tour guide Martin Krastev at 7:02 am and informed him that I would be there within less than 10 minutes as I walking to the destination. Again, based on the information provided on Viator. He said that he cannot wait for me and that the bus is already in the highway (this being at 7:02 am)!! and then hung up and never picked up the phone again, I tried to ask if I can take a taxi and meet him at a destination during the day and received not response. I followed up the company and no offer of rescheduling or refund.
      Written August 24, 2024
    • nadiawX4837YB
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great help in an emergency situation!!
      A week ago I traveled from Rila Seven Lakes to Sofia with Traventuria and 2 of their drivers with the same name : Radi & Radi. I want to thank both of them for the big help and support they have been for me in an emergency situation 😍their kindness, reactiveness, sense of organization, and absolute efficiency saved my day ! I totally recommend them and I’ll definitely travel with them again 🙏☀️
      Written August 21, 2024
    • T5597ZEjennas
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      BEST TOUR GUIDE OF THE CITY
      my boyfriend and I booked this tour last minute and it was AMAZING! the organization of the entire tour was outstanding. We felt safe, comfortable and our tour guide, Maria was so so good! She had amazing facts that kept us very engaged throughout the entire day. If you are visiting, you absolutely must visit Plovdiv!!!!!
      Written August 20, 2024
    • 858sallyf
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing ancient city
      Our guide, Hristo was knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and helpful. The city of Plovdiv is a cultural and architectural treasure. The Roman theater is spectacular.
      Written August 10, 2024
    • carolinarM2654KA
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      History, relax, plenty of time to explore
      I don't normally like taking tours, but the transportation to get to the monastery won me over. I knew that I would enjoy the monastery, but I was much more intrigued by the Boyana Church with its history serving its small community in the 11th-13th centuries. I can understand the significance and the beauty of this small church with extraordinary frescos, the layers, the vibrant colors and depiction of real men and women on those walls. Can't take pics here though. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable both this church and the monastery by pointing out the most important aspects of each sight. She also gave us plenty of time to explore on our own. I was placed with a group of people who took the option of going to the cave of the founder of the monastery which gave me more time to explore and relax. I made to the pick-up meeting point without a problem, but we were given three choices for drop-offs which I appreciated. My hostel was closer to the only mosque in the city. Overall, I give this tours, two thumbs up.
      Written August 6, 2024
    • Y370LHharryl
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Brilliant staff
      Really lovely driver called Yanko K that went out his way to drop me at my hotel instead of just the usual place. Friendly throughout and happy to communicate in English.
      Written August 6, 2024
    • s0ltraveller
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Seven lakes hike
      Seamless. Booked day before spontaneously. They had a message to me v quickly w logisitics. Radi our tour guide was awesome. Super chill and easy to hang out with. Made it super fun.
      Written August 1, 2024
    • goec2023
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Go for these two places
      Initially I did not see this tour on trip advisor. But someone told me of this company and I checked it out. These two places are both worth it. Hristo the guide was good and knowledgeable . He did two hrs walking tour in Plovdiv and 1 hr walking tour in the K place. Both places we got some free time to roam around. We were driven by Todor who is a great driver.
      Written July 7, 2024
    See all 1,653 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members 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.

    Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

    Popular mentions

    4.5
    4.5 of 5 bubbles60 reviews
    Excellent
    49
    Very good
    8
    Average
    1
    Poor
    0
    Terrible
    2

    These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
    This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.

    Sugandha G
    London, UK12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sep 2023 • Couples
    The Seven Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery day trip with Traventuria was great. My partner and I both enjoyed the tour. The coach was comfortable (though limited leg room) with charging ports and wifi. Please note you only see five lakes- NOT seven despite the description. This is due to limited time with the Rila Monastery visit. The Seven Lakes hike is lovely- the chairlift is 30mins each way with beautiful views, the lakes are stunning. The hike itself is of average difficulty, the initial half is uphill but you go at a slow pace. The rest is flat/downhill. There were lots of elderly people (60s-70s) and children on the hike so should be possible for most people to complete it. I would recommend this day trip if you have limited time but if you have longer, I'd suggest doing a full day trip to the seven lakes so you can complete the entire hike and visit the monastery separately.
    Written September 27, 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.
    Hello and thank you very much for your lovely review. We greatly appreciate your feedback and time and will be happy to have you again on a tour with us. This hike is moderate, but sometimes but still accommodated to the group's pace. We also recommend visiting the lakes separately from the Monastery, for those who would like more time at the 7 Rila Lakes. Safe travels! Nora Dobrinska (Traventuria Team)
    Written September 29, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    xanthe0160
    Northampton, UK58 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2023 • Couples
    Loved the Rila lakes, but the guide said he would go at a moderate speed, he did not!!! Hence I missed any bits of info that he gave to the people at the front. May I add that I am not a slow walker, or particularly unfit. We were not allowed to enjoy the beautiful scenery, because of the sheer speed that we needed to walk at and before we started we were told only seeing 5 lakes not the seven! However it was stunning up there, the monastery was nice as well, if you are really into history then you would want longer than an hour there. This trip needed to be longer by a couple of hours to see 5 lakes and all day to see all 7 and really appreciate them.
    Written July 13, 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.
    Hello and thank you very much for your feedback. It is of great importance to us and we appreciate your time. Our highest priority is customer satisfaction and we will take into account your remarks. We will put an effort into improving as we always strive to provide the best hassle-free experience to our customers. We would be very happy to have you on another tour with us. It would be great to give us another chance to impress you - next time with 5 out of 5 stars! With our kindest regards, Nora Dobrinska (Traventuria Team)
    Written July 14, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Gareth Jones
    Hailsham, UK19 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2023 • Friends
    We had our best day in Bulgaria doing this! It's a long way up and steep in places. When they advise good walking shoes, you should listen. Some parts could be slippery, especially coming down. Walking poles are a good idea. The views though were astonishing and we felt a great sense of achievement in getting to the peak! (Having said that, there were several small children who also made it...). The guides were really nice and informative. I'm not going to post photos because that would spoil the impact. Lake 6 had mini icebergs floating about in July...
    Written July 16, 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.
    Hello and thank you very much for your feedback. It was a pleasure reading your review. The Seven Rila Lakes are one the most beautiful nature sights in Bulgaria and we are glad you have enjoyed your trip with Traventuria. Looking forward to seeing you again in the future. With best regards, Nora Dobrinska (Traventuria Team)
    Written July 26, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Cathy Beans
    16 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2022
    The views from the 7 lakes hike were absolutely beautiful; and the walk was nice and easy in pace so that we had time to really take in our surroundings. Going up the chair lift was a lovely way to start viewing the mountain. It was a bit chilly on the chairlift, but then when we were hiking it was really warm (we were lucky with the sunshine).

    Both of our guides were nice and friendly and they gave us some really interesting info about the Rila Monastery and it's frescoes.

    We also got chatting to some other English travellers, so overall a really great day!
    Written October 24, 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.
    Dear Cathy! Thank you for sharing your feedback with others here on TripAdvisor! We are lucky we had you as our guest! Looking forward to many new trips! Best regards, Maria Kamenova
    Written October 26, 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Didi H
    Strasbourg, France329 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jun 2020 • Friends
    We did Seven Rila Lakes and Rila monastery in 2 days .This is one of the most beautiful areas of Rila mountain with stunning views and friendly local people .At this time of the year ,the weather was foggy and rainy so we could not actually hike to the top .The snow was melting the the mountain streams were wild ,flooded and not easy to cross .I have visited many times Seven Rila lakes and I think the bad weather was actually my award so I could experience something new and different.
    The next day at Rila Monastery was fabulous,due to the Pandemic it was empty and I shut the best pictures ever .
    Written September 27, 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.
    Dear Didi, Thank you for your review! It's amazing that such a passionate traveler is our guest! Most people find the bad weather really challenging and I am so happy to see that you enjoyed it! We are looking forward to seeing you again in the nearest future! Best regards, Annie Paykova
    Written May 10, 2021
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    CarrFarr
    12 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2022 • Couples
    I would like to thank both the guides / drivers and also to the administration team. They did all the best to help us in order to go / join these tours since we really wanted to go.

    Going to the 7 lakes it's was a wonderful experience. An experience that we will never forget. Even though the trail might be challenging in the beginning but worth it once you reach the summit.

    With regards the monastery, it was OK. It's an experience of you had never been to a monastery. Yet certain places where restricted to view them.
    Written July 19, 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.
    Dear Caroline! Thank you for reviewing our service. I hope you will meet us again and we will meet your expectations for an excellent review next time! Kind regards, Maria Kamenova
    Written August 1, 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Alex K
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2021
    Thank you. That was very nice tour with really fascinating views on Rila mountain. In Rila monastery was a great opportunity to hear some interesting facts about the history of Bulgaria and monastery.The guide was really nice and friendly.
    Written July 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.
    Hello, We are the people to thank you for choosing our services and for letting us host you in our small, but beautiful country! Wishing you many many amazing travels! Stay safe, Annie Paykova
    Written August 1, 2021
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Sam
    Nurensdorf, Switzerland124 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very great tour guide (Radi Stanchev) who didn't promise too much and planned everything well.
    It was never stressful and there were always photo stops.
    Of the 7 lakes, 6 lakes were realistic in terms of time to be back in Sofia at a normal time.
    I'd be happy to do it again
    Google
    Written September 12, 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.
    Hallo Sandro und vielen Dank für deine nette Bewertung. Wir wissen Ihre Zeit zu schätzen und werden Radi Stanchev sicherlich über Ihre netten Worte informieren. Ich freue mich darauf, Sie in Zukunft wiederzusehen! Herzliche Grüße, Nora Dobrinska (Traventuria Team)
    Written September 18, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Debbie G
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2024 • Solo
    An amazing experience! The views were breathtaking, and our guide was wonderful. I really appreciated the way he allowed everyone to go at their own pace and meet back at the chairlift at a specified time rather than making us all stay together in a group. I was able to hike fast to the top and spend more time enjoying the spectacular views. Then on the way back down, I did join up with others from the group and had some great conversations. The monastery was also beautiful. Overall, a great experience which I highly recommend.
    Written July 25, 2024
    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.

    Paul R
    Harringay, UK5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Well organised with friendly and knowledgeable guides.
    The trek is tiring on the legs but nonetheless provides amazing views. On my trip we saw 5 of the 7 lakes plus the monastery.
    All this was enhanced by being with a happy, sociable group of people.
    Definitely one of the best day trips/tours I’ve done and would highly recommend it.
    Written October 1, 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.
    Dear friend, Thank you very much for your kind review. We greatly appreciate your feedback and are glad you enjoyed your trip. Looking forward to seeing you again in the future for other hikes together. Safe travels! Nora Dobrinska (Traventuria Team)
    Written October 17, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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