The Seven Rila Lakes & Rila Monastery
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 126 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is The Seven Rila Lakes & Rila Monastery worth booking?
The Seven Rila Lakes & Rila Monastery is a 12-hour experience in Sofia, Bulgaria, from $63 per person. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 126 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 76 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (126)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $63 per person
Experience Bulgaria’s two ultimate highlights in a single day. This expertly timed day trip combines a breathtaking hike to the panoramic Seven Rila Lakes with a cultural visit to the historic Rila Monastery, the largest and most important spiritual landmark in the country. It is the ultimate mountain-and-culture combo designed to maximize your time without feeling rushed. - Conquer the highlights of the Rila Mountains in just one day from Sofia. - Trek past the spectacular lakes with stunning panoramic views (chairlift ticket optional/paid locally). - Rila Monastery: Enjoy ample time to explore the vast UNESCO-listed complex and its famous frescoed church. - Relax in an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver navigating the mountain roads. - Active yet Accessible: A moderately active trek perfect for travelers with basic physical fitness and comfortable shoes.
What you get
About this experience
Experience Bulgaria’s two ultimate highlights in a single day. This expertly timed day trip combines a breathtaking hike to the panoramic Seven Rila Lakes with a cultural visit to the historic Rila Monastery, the largest and most important spiritual landmark in the country. It is the ultimate mountain-and-culture combo designed to maximize your time without feeling rushed. - Conquer the highlights of the Rila Mountains in just one day from Sofia. - Trek past the spectacular lakes with stunning panoramic views (chairlift ticket optional/paid locally). - Rila Monastery: Enjoy ample time to explore the vast UNESCO-listed complex and its famous frescoed church. - Relax in an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver navigating the mountain roads. - Active yet Accessible: A moderately active trek perfect for travelers with basic physical fitness and comfortable shoes.
What's included
Included
- Visit to Rila Monastery
- Parking fees
- Professional Tour Guide OR Cloud Audio Guide App (depending on the option you select have booked)
- Round-trip transport by air-conditioned minibus or coach
Not included
- Entrance fees
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Chairlift ticket- appr. 16EUR (only cash payments in euro accepted)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
What you'll see and do
Departure at 07:00 from the car parknext to Vasil Levski Monument, in front of the Embassy of Slovakia
Pass by without stopping
Seven Rila Lakes
The tour begins with an early transfer to the Rila, followed by a brief cable car ride to the Seven Rila Lakes Cirque. The glacier lakes are at between 2100 and 2500m/6800 and 8200ft above sea level, with name fitting their shapes, like Babreka (the Kidney), Okoto (the Eye), and Salzata (the Teardrop). As we need to follow strict time schedule depending on your fitness we can either walk the whole trek around all lakes, or make the stroll shorter and skip some of them (normally the two highest ones).
240 minutes here
Rila Monastery
Admire the impressive Rila Monastery (UNESCO)- its architecture and the frescoes present the apogee of the Bulgarian Renaissance art. With an about 1-hour guided tour of the most treasured monuments in the inner yard and the Monastery museum (optional), you will learn the most fascinating facts and stories about the biggest Bulgarian monastery complex.
60 minutes here
Return at the starting point of the tour at approximately 19:30
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Sofia
IMPORTANT: The meeting point next to Vasil Levski Monument, in front of the Embassy of Slovakia| | GPS coordinates: 42.69677705130451, 23.336332286917877 | Please, be there 15 min. in advance!
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
IMPORTANT: The meeting point next to Vasil Levski Monument, in front of the Embassy of Slovakia| | GPS coordinates: 42.69677705130451, 23.336332286917877 | Please, be there 15 min. in advance!
Options you can book
ENG Guide: 7 Lakes & Rila Hike
⚠ 16 EUR Lift NOT Included: The chairlift ticket to the lakes is excluded. ➤ You MUST pay 16 EUR locally in CASH. No cards or online tickets accepted. ➤ Bus To The Rila Monastery: After the hike, enjoy a comfortable bus ride to the UNESCO Rila Monastery. NO food stops—ensure you have a packed lunch! ★ Hike 7 Lakes & Rila Abbey: with a live English guide. ℹ Hiking boots required. Bring a rain jacket & packed lunch—there are NO food stops on this tour!
Audio App: Rila & 7 Lakes Hike
⚠ 16 EUR Lift NOT Included: The chairlift ticket to the lakes is excluded. ➤ You MUST pay 16 EUR locally in CASH. No cards or online tickets accepted. NO Lunch Stop Included: Bring a packed meal & water! Also, you may share a bus with a guided group (NO English host for you here). ★ Audio App: Lakes & Rila: with NO live guide. Bring a smartphone, internet & headphones! ℹ Closed-toe boots are required. Vehicle & Group Size: : Transport is provided by large 45 to 65-seater tourist coaches (not small minibuses).
Basic Transport: Rila & Lakes
⚠ 16 EUR Lift NOT Included: The chairlift ticket to the lakes is excluded. ➤ You MUST pay 16 EUR locally in CASH. No cards or online tickets accepted. ❌ NO Live Guide Included: This option provides a bus seat only. You explore independently and may share the bus with a guided group. ★ Transport To Lakes & Rila : with NO live guide or app. ℹ Bring closed-toe boots & packed lunch—there are NO food stops here!
Oct Hike: Chairlift May Close
★ October Rila Lakes Hike: warning: Chairlift may be closed. If closed: Fit hikers hike today + FREE Monastery another day! Unfit do Monastery today! ⚠ Closed Lift Options: Unfit hikers also get a FREE Plovdiv tour on another day! Fit hikers get a FREE Rila Monastery tour on another day. Gear need
Late Oct-Nov: Lakes Hike
Weather Contingency: If lift is closed, fit hikers hike + get a FREE Monastery day! Unfit do Monastery today + FREE Plovdiv day. Cold gear needed! ★ Late Autumn Lakes Hike: runs normally in good weather. ⚠ Bad weather may close lift unexpectedly! If closed, +3h hike needed or alt tour offered. Vehicle & Group Size: : Transport is provided by large 45 to 65-seater tourist coaches (not small minibuses).
Winter Snow: 7 Lakes Hike
⚠ Winter Gear Mandatory: Waterproof winter boots, gloves & thermals required. Lift may close due to bad weather. Extra steep walking if lift closes ★ Winter Snow Lakes Hike: has deep snow & freezing temps. Monastery EXCLUDED today! All guests get a FREE Rila Monastery tour on another day
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, ru, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Traventuria
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- 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.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 126 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Physical effort
8 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Photo opportunities
7 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Pace and timing
4 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
126 verified traveler reviews for The Seven Rila Lakes & Rila Monastery. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Excellent tour seeing...
Excellent tour seeing beautiful sites and scenery - highlight in Sofia. Our guide, Megi, was very helpful! Tour requires moderate hiking ability - we walked around 15k steps, sometimes quite steep.
via Viator
Fabulous day in th mountains!
What an absolutely perfect way to spend the day!. We booked the guided option which I would absolutely recommend. We started at the monastery which is breathtaking. Radi our guide explained its history as well as describing many of the frescoes. The inside of the church is simply breathtaking. We proceeded to the Seven Lakes and had a wonderful hike, again with Radi explaining about the scenery and the lakes. We would highly recommend this tour and opt for the guided option.
via Tripadvisor
Great view
The hiking and the monastery were worth it and I do not regret the experience. I am leaving a mix review here, because I paid for the guide and did feel like it was not worth it. She was nice, but I did not feel that this added a lot to my experience and in the end.
via Viator
Wonderful
Both the Seven Lakes and the monastery were amazing. The views along the hiking trail were unbelievable. Megi, our guide, kept a good and moderate pace throughout and stopped to explain the landscape around us. She was very professional and friendly, answered all our questions, and gave us all the information we needed.
via Tripadvisor
Rila Seven Lakes and Monastery
Gorgeous day. The tour went smoothly. Guide spoke good English and communicated clearly. The pace was good and we had enough time for the sights at the Seven Lakes (only had time for 5) and the monastery.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $63 to $65
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 44
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Traventuria, who run 18 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 68.3.
See everything Traventuria runsWhy this scores 76
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
The Seven Rila Lakes & Rila Monastery: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Sofia.
How much does The Seven Rila Lakes & Rila Monastery cost?
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Prices start at $63 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 The Seven Rila Lakes & Rila Monastery take?
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Plan for about 12 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 The Seven Rila Lakes & Rila Monastery worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 126 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 The Seven Rila Lakes & Rila Monastery?
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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 The Seven Rila Lakes & Rila Monastery suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book The Seven Rila Lakes & Rila Monastery?
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Around 44 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?
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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 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does The Seven Rila Lakes & Rila Monastery start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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 The Seven Rila Lakes & Rila Monastery?
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Included: Visit to Rila Monastery; Parking fees; Professional Tour Guide OR Cloud Audio Guide App (depending on the option you select have; and Round-trip transport by air-conditioned minibus or coach. Not included: Entrance fees; Food and drinks; Gratuities; and Chairlift ticket- appr. 16EUR (only cash payments in euro accepted). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for The Seven Rila Lakes & Rila Monastery?
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IMPORTANT: The meeting point next to Vasil Levski Monument, in front of the Embassy of Slovakia| | GPS coordinates: 42.69677705130451, 23.336332286917877 | Please, be there 15 min. in advance! Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is The Seven Rila Lakes & Rila Monastery offered in?
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It is offered in German, Russian, English, Italian, French and Spanish. 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 The Seven Rila Lakes & Rila Monastery?
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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.
Is The Seven Rila Lakes & Rila Monastery wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to The Seven Rila Lakes & Rila Monastery if the weather is bad?
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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 The Seven Rila Lakes & Rila Monastery?
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Across 126 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, 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.
What booking options are available for The Seven Rila Lakes & Rila Monastery?
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There are 6 options to choose from, including ENG Guide: 7 Lakes & Rila Hike, Audio App: Rila & 7 Lakes Hike, Basic Transport: Rila & Lakes, Oct Hike: Chairlift May Close. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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