Guided Tours

From Sofia: Rila Monastery & The Seven Rila Lakes Day Tour

Name: From Sofia: Rila Monastery & The Seven Rila Lakes Day Tour
Start: 2026-07-24T06:57:00
End: 2026-07-24T18:57:00
Location: Sofia Center,

Duration

12 hrs

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Audio guide

Enhance your experience with multilingual audio guide

Guided tour

Transfers available

Embark on a 3.5-hour trek through the Rila Mountains, visiting stunning lakes like Babreka, Okoto, and Salzata, depending on the route.

Travel in comfort with round-trip transfers from Sofia in an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring a smooth and effortless journey.

Take a scenic cable car ride from the Rila Lakes Hut, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Seven Rila Lakes and the surrounding peaks.

Choose from an expert English or Spanish-speaking guide, who will share insights into the geological formation and natural beauty of the lakes and mountains.

Use the online cloud-based audio guide in your preferred language to learn more about the history and ecological significance of the lakes.

The route can be tailored on the spot to suit your fitness level, making the adventure accessible for active travelers.

Add an insightful tour of the Rila Monastery, where you can admire its frescoes and learn about its spiritual significance.

12-hour Rila Monastery and the Seven Rila Lakes guided day tour

Round-trip transfers from Sofia in an air-conditioned vehicle

3.5-hour trek in the Rila Mountains (starts from the Rila Lakes hut)

Cable car ride to the Seven Rila Lakes Cirque (Rila Lakes hut)

Visit to Babreka, Okoto, and Salzata Lakes (depending on the trek route)

Visit to Rila Monastery

Expert English or Spanish-speaking guide (as per option selected)

Online cloud-based audio guide in English, Spanish, Italian, German, and French (as per option selected)

Starting point: Tsentar, ul. "Yanko Sakazov" 9, 3100 Mezdra, Bulgaria

Return chairlift tickets (31.30 BGN/€16, to be paid in cash on site)

Entry to Rila Monastery (8 BGN/€4)

Hotel pick-up and drop-off services

Food and drinks

Tips/gratuities (optional)

Personal expenses

TOTAL DURATION12 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
Timeline
Map
Start point
Tsentar, ul. "Yanko Sakazov" 9
Get direction
2 hr by a/c bus
100 km
1. Cable car ride to Rila Lakes Cirque
20 min
After boarding the comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, enjoy a scenic ride through the Bulgarian countryside, followed by a brief cable car ride up to the Seven Rila Lakes Cirque, where your hike will begin. You’ll be greeted by stunning views of the surrounding mountain peaks and valleys.
2. Seven Rila Lakes trek
4 hr
3. Babreka Lake (The Kidney)
10 min
4. Okoto Lake (The Eye)
10 min
5. Salzata Lake (The Teardrop)
10 min
6. Return descent to Rila Lakes Hut
30 min
45 min by a/c bus
30 km
7. Rila Monastery
1 hr
30 min by a/c bus
25 km
End point
Tsentar, ul. "Yanko Sakazov" 9
Get direction
Your ending point would be same as your start point

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

What to bring

Wear durable, closed-toe hiking shoes with good tread, as the Seven Lakes trek involves rocky paths and some uphill sections.

Apply sunscreen to protect yourself from UV rays, as you'll be outside for extended periods at high altitudes.

Pack a warm layer to wear under your jacket, as temperatures can drop significantly in the mountains.

Bring enough cash in BGN (Bulgarian Lev) for chairlift tickets and shop purchases, as not all places accept card payments.

Carry snacks, such as energy bars or trail mix, to help maintain your energy levels during the hike.

What’s not allowed

Large backpacks are not permitted on the trek due to the need for mobility and the challenging terrain.

Pets are not allowed on the trek, as the terrain can be dangerous for animals.

Do not leave trash along the trail; please take all waste with you to preserve the natural environment.

Accessibility

This hike is not accessible for wheelchair users or individuals with mobility challenges due to the uneven terrain and altitude variations.

The trek requires a moderate level of fitness and is not recommended for children under 12, pregnant women, people with a fear of heights, or those affected by altitude sickness.

Additional information

Arrive 15 minutes early at the meeting point, Yanko Sakazov, to ensure you have enough time for preparation, and the trek can start on time.

Timetables are approximate and may change depending on factors like the group’s pace, weather conditions, and traffic, so flexibility is essential.

Guided tours can be tailored to your preferred language, so don’t forget to specify your choice when booking.