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
(336 Ratings)
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865chelseyc
Oct 4, 2026
brilliant communication and organisation from peter the guide - The experience was fantastic from start to finish.. peter was extremely well organised and communicated the timings/group instructions very clearly. The 7 lakes were amazing and so was Rila monestary.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jimmyl322
Oct 1, 2026
Great Trip - The arrangement is great. We visited at shoulder season, no need to queue for chairlift. We had plenty of time for walking. Unfortunately, it was cloudy and cold, weather never predictable. The monastery was also very quiet, still enough daylight for photo. It is a great trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
L2596slilonab
Sep 26, 2026
Well done Georgine. Very nice, beautiful trip. Really worth it - We had a fantastic day. The communication was excellent. Our guide Philip was especially great. Spoke very clearly and enthusiastically about the trip and what we could expect.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vacation02922201607
Sep 18, 2026
Magnificent excursion. - It was a superb day, really a must-do if you are in Sofia! The shuttle is very convenient and the staff is great, very friendly, helpful, very good communication with clear instructions. (special mention to Philip). The trail is great, several possible paths so it is suitable for all skill levels. And the monastery is truly wonderful. A day not to be missed, go for it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jan_e
Sep 15, 2026
Super excursion! There is... - Super excursion! There is a lot of good information about the monastery and the hike during the bus ride. Very well organized! Thank you very much Philip!
Review provided by Viator
Charlottecstn
Sep 14, 2026
Superb! - Superb experience! I recommend it! The guide Philip explained every step to us. The instructions were precise and very much appreciated for fully enjoying the moment, thank you very much!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
C4731dqmagdalenaz
Sep 12, 2026
Rila Lakes and Monastery with Philip - We had an amazing experience! We had just the right amount of time to comfortably enjoy all the sites without feeling rushed. Philip was fantastic at giving us helpful information and tips, and explained everything so clearly. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Go31364864174
Sep 4, 2026
Nice excursion - They were very nice places and the transport worked well, if you were on time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
I3016jyemmas
Aug 30, 2026
Yay - Had a great time, loved the hike and the monastery
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mani_s
Oct 5, 2026
Rila National Park - It is a beautiful national park half a day does not work.. take hiking gear if you want to scale all the peaks and lakes.. It is cold.. on top. as far as tour guide, my understanding was that it was going to be a small group.. it was bus full of people..
Review provided by Viator
From $53
up to 30 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).