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
4.7
(228 Ratings)
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Brittti
Jun 7, 2025
Very well organised trip - Amazing experience, very well organised. We received clear instructions at the beginning, including paper maps, and a whatsapp group was made to ask questions and receive more detailed instructions with pictures during the day. It's a long day, 7am - 8pm, but you do get two great experiences in one day. There was plenty of time at both the lakes and the monastery.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Solanabch
Jun 1, 2025
Rila 7 Lakes National Park and Monastery - Great day. Comfortable ride and very punctual. Philip was great and so was the driver (i.e. very safe) Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Z2260vbkathyk
May 31, 2025
Beautiful and well organized! - It was a very well organized day trip. Everything was well prepared and was clearly explained by our guide Philip. We were unlucky with the weather on the trip to the 7 lakes and Philip was genuinely concerned with us and our well-being. On the bus it was pleasantly warm and we could get up to temperature. The time at the Rilak Monastery could have been shorter. Despite the weather it was a beautiful trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sabineby6779zv
May 31, 2025
Highly recommended day for hiking and culture lovers - What a great day! With an early rest and a little sleep on the bus, we arrived early at the chairlift. Not my favourite thing in the world, but the guide had prepared us well, and we were dressed warm enough (I'd bring something to sit on as the chairs were wet!). With the fog it was very mystical. Alas, the clouds and fog didn't disappear during the hike as hoped. But in the end i think that added to this adventure: It was surreal hiking through that landscape in that weather. Truly girgeous and adventrous. With good, waterresistant, hiking boots, decent layers and a raincoat: you really get to enjoy an almost private encounter with this beautiful environment. Maybe bring gloves or a hat and sufficient food for a 3 hr hike in cold conditions (may is considered winter). The cabin at the start/end had various warm good post hiking food options. The rila monastery as the next part of the trip was in sunny weather, and very quiet as well. Thus makes the trip feel very special. The guide had great humour, was warm and welcoming, and had excellent tips. A long day, but truly perfect, I really enjoyed it and highly recommend it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anitaao5
May 29, 2025
Great excursion with very good price - performance - ratio - The excursion was super well organized. Although actually without a guide Philip gave us the most important information in writing and verbally at the start and kept us informed through the day via WhatsApp. The driver was always on time at the agreed place long before the agreed time and also let us on the bus earlier when it rained heavily at the Rila monastery.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joyj2
May 29, 2025
Do book with them if you’re heading to Rila - Booked for the above self guided tour. On the day itself, before the driver sets off, a guide was there to provide us with maps & very useful information pertaining to the trip. Despite it being a self guided tour, the guide is always available via WhatsApp. I like how the schedule runs; about 6hrs for Rila Lakes & one full hr for Rila Monastery. That’s ample time for both spots. In fact, a day before the tour, the guide already dropped us certain crucial reminders (weather,dress code,food options etc). That’s much appreciated. The driver is also very punctual in bringing us from one point to the other. I would highly recommend anyone who’s looking to head to Rila to book direct with them.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Martine
May 24, 2025
Good communication and lovely day trip - Great communication and clear schedule leaving a good amount of time at both the 7 lakes and the monastery. You arrive early at the lakes for the hike which meant (for us at the end of may) that we were pretty much the only ones up on the mountain. Self guided meant there was the free choice to fill in you hours on the mountain and decide on your own how heavy the hike was going to be. Would definitely recommend for others!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
U3556aejulianh
May 21, 2025
Beautiful trip highly recommended - Pick up point from a central place that was easy to find. Short clear instructions in advance that were also sent by whatsapp. A very nice trip with enough free time to fill in everything yourself.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robertjeffrey_p
May 19, 2025
The best guide - Wow talk about clear and informative information, our guide Philip was the best! Clearly explaining everything you need to know from pick up points to tips on white hiking routes to take. If only all guides were as good! Highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Traveler56946283373
May 18, 2025
Well organized tour! - It was a truly amazing trip to the Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery. The tour is very well organized, Philip provides all the information you need, and the bus ride felt safe and comfortable. Thank you for this unforgettable day!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $51
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).