Overview
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.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Driver
Round-trip shared transfer
Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Entrance fees - Rila Lakes chairlift ticket (25 BGN per person, two-way)
Gratuities
Food and drinks
Guide services
Mountain rescue insurance
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet 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
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Good to know
- 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.
What to expect
-
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
1 hour
Admire the biggest Christian Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria
-
Rila Shuttle
13 hours
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (Europe/Sofia).
Additional Information
- Dress code at the Rila Monastery: high heels, short skirts and trousers, shirts with no sleeves, etc. are not allowed in the monastery.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Rila Monastery and 7 Rila Lakes Self-Guided Shared Trip from Sofia
Can I cancel Rila Monastery and 7 Rila Lakes Self-Guided Shared Trip from Sofia for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 13 hours.
Where does it start?
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.
What's included?
- Driver
- Round-trip shared transfer
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
What's not included?
- Entrance fees - Rila Lakes chairlift ticket (25 BGN per person, two-way)
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
- Guide services
- Mountain rescue insurance
Which places does it visit?
It visits St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral, Seven Rila Lakes, Rila Monastery, Rila Shuttle, Rila Mountains, Rila National Park.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by URCA Ltd
