Sofia: Seven Rila lakes Hike, River Rafting and Rila Monastery
Overview
Embark on a truly unique adventure that blends adrenaline, nature, and culture—all in one unforgettable day! Here’s why you should book your Seven Rila lakes and Struma River rafting experience with us:
Immersive Natural Insights: Discover the spectacular beauty of the Seven Rila lakes and its surrounding region.
Exhilarating Rapids & Tranquil Waters: Whether you're a thrill-seeker or a nature lover, experience the perfect balance of mild to moderate rapids and peaceful stretches that let you take in the breathtaking scenery.
Expert Guidance & Safety: Our experienced guides provide a thorough safety briefing and expert instructions, ensuring you navigate the river safely while learning essential rafting techniques.
Memorable Team Experience: Rafting is more than an activity—it's a chance to build lasting memories with friends, family, or fellow adventurers.
Don’t miss out on this exceptional opportunity to explore one of Bulgaria’s most captivating natural settings.
What's Included
- Rafting fee and instructor
- Private transportation
- Use of SCUBA equipment
- Guided hiking
- Lunch
- Chairlift ticket - 16 euro/per person
Meeting and Pickup
"Aleksandar Nevski" Square
Old City Center, 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.
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
What To Expect
Seven Rila lakes Hike (2 h)
1. Transfer from Sofia
Pickup: Begin your adventure with a comfortable, air-conditioned 1h.30 ride from Sofia to the 7 Rila lakes chairlift starting point.
Scenic Route: Enjoy spectacular landscapes from the viewpoints to the lakes (2H hiking)
Struma river rafting (3h)
2. Arrival & Safety Briefing
Meet Your Guides: Upon arrival, our experienced rafting team welcomes you.
Gear & Safety: Receive life jackets, helmets, and paddles. The briefing covers essential techniques, emergency procedures, and how to work as a team.
3. The Rafting Adventure 3h.
Launch: Board your raft and set off on a journey along the Struma River.
Rapids & Calm Waters: Navigate a mix of mild to moderate rapids and gentle stretches, ensuring an exciting yet safe ride for all skill levels.
4. Scenic and Educational Highlights
Natural Beauty: Admire breathtaking views of lush hills and towering mountains.
Wildlife: Keep an eye out for local birds and other wildlife.
Local Culture & Ecology: Learn about the historical importance of the Struma River, and the conservation efforts protecting its unique ecosystem.
Transfer Back: Board the return 1h30 transfer to Sofia.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (12)
Q: Are there any weight restrictions for kayaking?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-5554322P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 3 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 (12)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
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The maximum weight capacity for kayaking is 340 lbs / 154 kg.
Nov 2021No experience is necessary! Beginners are welcome on all of our kayak tours. Most of our guests have never been in a sea kayak before. Anyone in average physical condition may join a kayak tour. If you can hike or bike, you can paddle our sea kayaks. You do not need any swimming skills either.
The only prerequisite is a healthy spirit of curiosity and adventure.
Regardless of age or skill level you will find that our expeditions offer enough flexibility to make your experience with us safe and rewarding. We will show you proper sea kayaking technique and water safety before leaving the beach. And your expert guides will be with you throughout the adventure to give you pointers and improve your skills.
Sep 2022Your safety is Cool Shore Excursions’s number one concern. In general, sea kayaking is safer than most other outdoor pursuits, even bicycling.
Jan 2023If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- 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.
- Rafting fee and instructor.
- Private transportation.
- Use of SCUBA equipment.
- Guided hiking.
- Lunch.
- Chairlift ticket - 16 euro/per person.
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 2025The minimum age to participate is 12..
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 Sofia: Seven Rila lakes Hike, River Rafting and Rila Monastery is as follows:
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Sofia: Seven Rila lakes Hike, River Rafting and Rila Monastery 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
- Rafting fee and instructor
- Private transportation
- Use of SCUBA equipment
- Guided hiking
- Lunch
- Chairlift ticket - 16 euro/per person
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
