• Embassy of Slovakia - Departure is scheduled for 07:00 from the parking area next to the Vasil Levski Monument, located in front of the Embassy of Slovakia.
• Seven Rila Lakes - The tour kicks off with an early transfer to the Rila, followed by a short cable car ride to the Seven Rila Lakes Cirque. These glacial lakes are situated between 2100 and 2500 meters (6800 and 8200 feet) above sea level, with names that reflect their shapes, such as Babreka (the Kidney), Okoto (the Eye), and Salzata (the Teardrop). Depending on the schedule and fitness levels, participants can either complete the entire trek around all the lakes or opt for a shorter walk, possibly skipping the two highest lakes.
• Rila Monastery - Marvel at the stunning Rila Monastery (UNESCO), where the architecture and frescoes represent the pinnacle of Bulgarian Renaissance art. During an approximately 1-hour guided tour of the most cherished monuments in the inner courtyard and the optional Monastery museum, participants will discover intriguing facts and stories about Bulgaria’s largest monastery complex.
• bul. “Yanko Sakazov” 9 - The tour concludes at the starting point at approximately 19:30.

• Transport by air-conditioned bus/coach or minivan
• English-speaking guide (if guided tour selected)
• Surcharges on fuel

• 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)

Embark on a day-long guided hike across the Rila Mountains, exploring its prime spots - the Rila Monastery (listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the 7 Rila Lakes. Seize the opportunity to visit the two most frequented tourist attractions in Bulgaria within a single day. Combine an exciting trek with an insightful tour filled with history at the country’s largest and most significant monastery.

• 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.

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