7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Tour in Sofia, Bulgaria
Sofia, Bulgaria

7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Tour

Outty Ranking 76 4.5 · 218 traveler reviews10 hoursFrom $67
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Outty Ranking

76/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.5/5

Based on 218 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Tour worth booking?

7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Tour is a 10-hour experience in Sofia, Bulgaria, from $67 per person. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 218 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
76 / 100
Rating
4.5/5 (218)
Duration
10 hours
From
$67 per person

IMPORTANT: Entrance in the monastery is only allowed with covered shoulders and covered knees. So please make sure you have appropriate clothes. Often called the 8th wonder of the world, the Seven Rila lakes are legendary for their beauty and awesomeness. They are one of the most visited natural sites of Bulgaria. We combine them with a visit to the Rila Monastery. The Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. The tour starts at 08:00 and finishes around 19:00. The driver will pick you up, will take you to the Monastery and will show you around. After that he will take you to the lift to the 7 Rila Lakes, you will be able to go up to the lakes, the driver will stay down and wait for you there. When you come back, he will pick you from the lift and bring you back to Sofia.

What you get

    About this experience

    IMPORTANT: Entrance in the monastery is only allowed with covered shoulders and covered knees. So please make sure you have appropriate clothes. Often called the 8th wonder of the world, the Seven Rila lakes are legendary for their beauty and awesomeness. They are one of the most visited natural sites of Bulgaria. We combine them with a visit to the Rila Monastery. The Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. The tour starts at 08:00 and finishes around 19:00. The driver will pick you up, will take you to the Monastery and will show you around. After that he will take you to the lift to the 7 Rila Lakes, you will be able to go up to the lakes, the driver will stay down and wait for you there. When you come back, he will pick you from the lift and bring you back to Sofia.

    What's included

    Included

    • On-board WiFi
    • Driver
    • In-vehicle air conditioning

    Not included

    • Food and drinks
    • Gratuities
    • Entrance fees

    What you'll see and do

    1. Rila Monastery

      The amazing Rila Monastery

      60 minutes here

    2. The breath taking 7 Rila Lakes

      300 minutes here · Admission not included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Sofia

    Iskar 31 street - Big Yellow House - Only a few minutes away from Alexander Nevski Cathedral.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Iskar 31 street - Big Yellow House - Only a few minutes away from Alexander Nevski Cathedral.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 30 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Smart Trans Bulgaria

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • The drive to the monastery is around 1.5 - 2.5 hours, depending on traffic

    Photos

    7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Tour in Sofia, photo 27 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Tour in Sofia, photo 37 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Tour in Sofia, photo 47 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Tour in Sofia, photo 57 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Tour in Sofia, photo 6

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 212 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    9 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Physical effort

    3 mentions

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Organization

    2 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Traveler reviews

    212 verified traveler reviews for 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    158
    4 star
    29
    3 star
    10
    2 star
    3
    1 star
    12
    Sort
    I7877RKcarolinel · October 2026

    Apostolos the way to Rila Monastery Bulgaria

    Apostolos- very Safe driving, friendly and informative! Well done 👍👏👍

    via Tripadvisor

    183myas · October 2026

    👌🏽

    The tour was fantastic and our Guide Alex was absolutely amazing.

    via Tripadvisor

    Andrea_S · October 2026

    Great trip to the 7 Lakes and Rila Monastery

    It was a fantastic day out of the city. We first saw Rila Monastery in the morning when it was still very quiet what we enjoyed very much. After that we had about four hours in the mountains. As the lift didn’t run our guide had organized jeeps. The ride was a bit of an adventure (esp. downhill) as we were far too many people in the vehicle, but we survived (-: . The hike was extremely beautiful, we only wished we would have had another hour to see even more. Our guide Apostolos was friendly, very caring and knowledgeable. We had a terrific day!

    via Viator

    J2434XM_ · October 2026

    Seven Rila lakes

    Our guide Apostolos is amazing and he is very helpful

    via Tripadvisor

    rodrigosP2612MJ · October 2026

    Rila ando seven lakes

    Apostolo great guide, travel was very good free wifi

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    10 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    76
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Smart Trans Bulgaria, who run 18 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 57.5.

    See everything Smart Trans Bulgaria runs

    Why this scores 76

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)66
    Review evidence (18% weight)82
    Booking momentum (14% weight)79
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)27
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Sofia.

    How much does 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $67 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Sofia usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 10 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Sofia is not rushed.

    Is 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 218 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Sofia, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Tour?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Tour?

    +

    Around 76 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Sofia can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Sofia and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Sofia within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Sofia?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Sofia experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sofia Highlights 2 Hour Sightseeing Walking Tour, Communist Walking Tour of Sofia, Museum of illusions Sofia Official Entry ticket. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Sofia?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Sofia?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Tour?

    +

    Included: On-board WiFi; Driver; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Food and drinks; Gratuities; and Entrance fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Tour?

    +

    Iskar 31 street - Big Yellow House - Only a few minutes away from Alexander Nevski Cathedral. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Tour offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Tour?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    What happens to 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Tour?

    +

    Across 218 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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