Rila Mountain Retreat: Royal Residence & Springs

Explore Borovets: Ski, snowboard, or stroll in nature, then savor a traditional lunch. Just 1.5 hours from Sofia. Book your adventure today.

Duration: 9 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Sapareva Banya - The tour begins at 9:00 from the center of Sofia and first heads to Sapareva Banya, known as the thermal capital of the Balkans, celebrated for its hot mineral springs. Visitors will have approximately 4 hours to unwind in a renowned SPA complex, famous for its five pools offering panoramic views! The complex also features a…
What's Included
  • English-speaking host for the day
  • Comfortable A/C vehicle transportation
  • Bottled water provided
  • Audio info about Tsarska Bistrista in EN, ES, IT (smartphone and Wi-Fi required)
  • Trip to Borovets and Sapareva Banya
  • Bulgarian retro snack tasting (group option only)
What's Not Included
  • Entrance ticket to SPA complex with 5 panoramic pools and sauna - 20 euro (cash on spot)
  • 10 euro (cash or card) for renting towels or bathrobes
  • 10 euro refundable deposit (Cash only!) for a storage key
  • Tsarska Bistritsa entrance ticket - 3.50 euro (cash on spot) EUR 3.50 per person
  • Gratuities (optional in the end of the trip)
Additional Information

Experience an unforgettable day in the stunning Rila Mountain, just 1.5 hours from Sofia!
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and fresh air, and enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of the former Royal Residence - Tsarska Bistritsa - a beloved retreat of the last Bulgarian monarchs!
Explore Sapareva Banya, where you can luxuriate in the comforting warmth…

Location
Hola Bulgaria Trips - Meeting Point
bulevard "Vasil Levski"
The meeting point is at Vasil Levski Boulevard, near the corner with Vrabcha street. The bus will have a sign with a rose on the front and a writing "Hola Bulgaria". Please be there 20 minutes before the departure! The bus departs at 09:00 and can not wait for late arrivals!
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.9
(9 Ratings)
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Venture44039003420
Feb 15, 2026
Landscapes, history and rest - Amazing landscapes, a very good lunch and a relaxing afternoon of spa.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Culture33332081396
Feb 7, 2026
Relaxing day to feel like a prince - Relaxing day trip. Starting in a beautiful park and ending at the thermal spa centre. Enough time to make photos and enjoy the spa resort with luxury options such as a large saunas, good washing and locker facilities, and 5 different outdoor baths (children, sulphur, infinity pool, bio pool and aqua tonic). Before jumping in the pools, the food in the restaurant is very recommended and well priced. The guide is very accommodating and friendly.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Getaway32061809999
Feb 7, 2026
Pure relaxation getaway - We had a fantastic day trip. A short historical stroll in the snow in Borovets Park and then heading to the SPA is pure pampering. With Private option gave us the luxury of flexibility…. That’s what is getaway is all about.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aleksandar
Jan 25, 2026
Rila winter trip - We really enjoyed the trip to Borovets and Sapareva Banya! The first stop next to the old royal palace was truly magical with all of the snow around it! And then we had a great relaxing time in the pools of the SPA complex, from where you also see beautiful panoramic views. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
K0llinz
Jan 16, 2026
Very fun day all around! - This was a great experience — we had a lot of fun. Very good time at the hot springs and enjoyed learning about the history of the town.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Traveler67293361745
Dec 30, 2025
An amazing experience! - Everything was wonderfully organized, and the tour guide was great! I highly recommend it! Nature is beautiful, and so are all the places we visited! It is worthwhile, not only from a business perspective, to meet with your partners in such an environment, which contributes to successful negotiations, but also for relaxation and recovery from accumulated stress! Nature is a natural immune booster and antidepressant for people who want to reboot and relax.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Culture59222505967
Dec 29, 2025
A Perfect Winter Escape in Rila Mountain - The skiing part was fantastic — the slopes were well‑maintained, and the atmosphere was relaxed, making it easy to enjoy the time on the mountain regardless of skill level. What really completed the experience, though, was the SPA visit afterward. Warming up in the mineral pools surrounded by winter scenery was the perfect way to unwind after a few active hours outdoors. Everything ran smoothly, from transportation to timing, and the staff were friendly, helpful, and attentive throughout the day. It felt like a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation, and I left feeling refreshed, energized, and genuinely happy with the experience. I would gladly recommend this winter day trip to anyone looking for a memorable and well‑organized escape into the mountains.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
_g7886kn
Dec 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Perfect Day Trip: Relaxation & Mountain Magic - This day trip was nothing short of incredible and easily one of the highlights of our travels. The combination of peaceful mountain scenery and a rejuvenating spa experience was absolutely perfect. The journey itself was beautiful, with stunning mountain views that instantly made us slow down and breathe a little deeper. Once there, the spa was pure bliss — spotless facilities, calming atmosphere, and plenty of space to fully relax. Soaking in the warm pools while surrounded by mountains felt unreal, like something out of a postcard. Everything was well organized and stress-free, making it easy to just enjoy the day without worrying about timing or logistics. Whether you’re looking to unwind, escape the city, or treat yourself to a special experience, this trip delivers on every level. I would 100% recommend this day trip to couples, friends, or anyone who wants a perfect balance of nature and relaxation. Truly unforgettable — I’d do it again in a heartbeat!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gustavomms
Feb 22, 2026
Nice program - It’s a nice program to do while you are in Sofia, basically you can see the important buildings in one day so this is a good program for a relaxed day in the mountains.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $41
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).