Rila Monastery and 7 Rila Lakes Self-Guided Shared Trip from Sofia
Overview
This self-guided, shared shuttle tour will take you to both the 7 Rila Lakes area in the morning and then in the afternoon to the UNESCO Rila Monastery in the Rila National park - Bulgaria's most famous natural and cultural sites. In the morning the shuttle bus tour bus will take you to the start of the hiking routes ar the Rila Lakes area and base station of the chair lift from where you can take the chair-lift up in the mountain. You have more than 5 hours for your self-guided tour of the Rila Lakes area. After that in the afternoon the shared shuttle will take you to the Rila Monastery - Bulgaria's most visited cultural and historical site. You have more than 1 hour to explore the monastery site on your own.
What's Included
- Driver
- Round-trip shared transfer
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
- Entrance fees - Rila Lakes chairlift ticket (25 BGN per person, two-way)
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
- Mountain rescue insurance
- Guide services
Meeting Location
Old City Center
пл. „Княз Александър I“ 1, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Seven Rila Lakes
6 hours Admission Ticket Free
Rila Monastery
1 hour Admission Ticket Free
Rila Shuttle
13 hours Admission Ticket Included
Rila Mountains
13 hours Admission Ticket Free
Rila National Park
13 hours Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- 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
- A moderate to intensive amount of walking is involved (walking/hiking experience is a must)
- Comfortable walking shoes and clothes suitable for mountain/walking are required
- Sun cream and sunglasses are strongly recommended
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Dress code at the Rila Monastery: high heels, short skirts and trousers, shirts with no sleeves, etc. are not allowed in the monastery.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 36 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Rila Monastery and 7 Rila Lakes Self-Guided Shared Trip from Sofia?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-15352P6
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.84 out of 5 stars based on 290 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EET).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Driver.
- Round-trip shared transfer.
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan.
- Entrance fees - Rila Lakes chairlift ticket (25 BGN per person, two-way).
- Gratuities.
- Food and drinks.
- Mountain rescue insurance.
- Guide services.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Rila Monastery and 7 Rila Lakes Self-Guided Shared Trip from Sofia is as follows:
- 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
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Rila Monastery and 7 Rila Lakes Self-Guided Shared Trip from Sofia will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Driver
- Round-trip shared transfer
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
- Entrance fees - Rila Lakes chairlift ticket (25 BGN per person, two-way)
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
- Mountain rescue insurance
- Guide services
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- 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
- A moderate to intensive amount of walking is involved (walking/hiking experience is a must)
- Comfortable walking shoes and clothes suitable for mountain/walking are required
- Sun cream and sunglasses are strongly recommended
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Dress code at the Rila Monastery: high heels, short skirts and trousers, shirts with no sleeves, etc. are not allowed in the monastery.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 36 travelers
