Rila Lakes and Monastery: Self-Guided Shuttle Tour

Embark on a self-guided shared trip from Sofia to the stunning 7 Rila Lakes and the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery. Hike through the lakes in the morning and explore the monastery in the afternoon.

Duration: 13 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral - Enjoy stunning morning views of Sofia’s main landmark
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
Additional Information

Embark on a self-guided, communal shuttle tour that will usher you towards the stunning 7 Rila Lakes area in the morning, followed by a visit to the UNESCO-protected Rila Monastery in the Rila National Park, highlighting Bulgaria’s finest natural and cultural spots, in the afternoon. In the initial part of the day, the shuttle bus will transport you to…

Location
пл. „Княз Александър I“ 1
площад „Княз Александър I“
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.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.8
(280 Ratings)
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Critiqueaisee
Nov 30, 2025
Breathtaking landscape - Great scenery in Rila! It had snowed a lot the day before and it wasn’t planned, so the chairlift was out in the morning, but we were able to take a pickup to the shelter. Philip our guide was absolutely adorable, attentive and understanding! Unfortunately for us, unable to do the planned hiking loop, we had snow up to our knees at times. We were able to see beautiful landscapes anyway. I honestly think better explanations would have been necessary, we were equipped but some people from the bus came in sneakers and shorts, which is totally dangerous with the cold and the place (only when it snows, but think about taking real hiking shoes...). We will come back with a nicer climate to make the loop (which apparently lasts 3 hours when there is no snow/ice)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Danielmy1947oh
Nov 24, 2025
Wonderful day at Rila - Wonderful experience, the lakes and monastery are wonderful and beautiful, and our host Philip and our bus driver were great. Despite in November it can be a bit cold already and the weather is not the best, I had a great time. The daytrip was very well organized and very puntual and Philip had spot-on recommendations that were super helpful to make the best out of our day and visit. Very happy with the trip. The cable car fee is not included in the trip but it's really worth to take it, it offers beautiful views and saves time and energy.
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Alejosuargo
Nov 24, 2025
Super recommended - It was amazing this day. Highly recommended the seven lakes of Rila. Rila Shuttle’s service was perfect for this experience as they offer you information necessary to make your day go well and complete independence to do the activities you like the most. Highly recommended.
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Samuelrd1851ff
Nov 23, 2025
The best way to see both the lakes and the Monastery! - Well organized! The bus rides were very confortable and we felt Philip could help us at any time. I totally recomend It!!
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150nazarb
Nov 23, 2025
Rila trip review - The trip was great. Philip is really nice guider. All was very smoothly. And of course Rila views are great. I highly recommend anyone this trip!
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Allb6888fp
Nov 12, 2025
Easy and comfortable tour to two beautiful sites - I had a wonderful time on this tour. The pickup location was easy to find even though we left before sunrise. Philip did an excellent job explaining the details of the tour and how to make the most of the day. The bus was clean and comfortable, and the driver was great as well. I would absolutely recommend this experience to anyone staying in Sofia for more than a couple days. I went in mid-November. The Rila lakes were chilly but I was fine with just a thermal base layer and two mid layers. Visibility wasn't perfect but I still got a beautiful view of the snowy landscape and mountains.
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Shane
Nov 11, 2025
Brilliant Day - Phillip was a joy to spend the day with. He was very helpful in helping me choose which route I took walking the RILA lakes. I adhered to his advise & had an amazing 3 hour hike. His knowledge & history lesson of This region & the Rila Monastery will forever be remembered. We had some great conversations about culture & bulgaria. Anyone taking this tour hopefully gets Phillip as their guide. He made an effort to get to know his guests & showed genuine heartfelt care into the quality of visit his guests had. I am grateful. Shane
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R175iwsergior
Nov 10, 2025
Recommended - Great! Everything was perfect and well organized, Philip, our guide, gave us maps and directions to perform both activities, was open to questions and was very friendly throughout. Recommended.
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B4893ganataliaa
Nov 10, 2025
Unforgettable - The treatment of the boy very friendly and friendly, all very punctual, I wish the route had been guided to go safer when not getting lost and follow the route well Thank you so much!!!
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Toddbg9786hx
Nov 10, 2025
Beautiful Carpathian country often overlooked by Americans visiting Europe. - The trip was a great combination of physical activity and historical sightseeing. Definitely recommend not wearing running shoes like I did for the hike.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $54
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).