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Seven Rila Lakes Guided Hike and Thermal pools

4 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 4 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Sofia, Bulgaria
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from $148.37 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 28 (0) days in advance.
7 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

Overview

Experience Bulgaria’s most spectacular alpine scenery on this private / small group guided adventure to the breathtaking Seven Rila Lakes in the majestic Rila Mountain. This unforgettable tour combines scenic hiking, authentic mountain cuisine, and relaxation in natural thermal mineral waters. If needed, the winter equipment is provided for free - snowshoes, spikes or sticks.

Depart from Sofia and travel to the Panichishte mountain resort area. Enjoy a scenic chairlift ascent to 2,100 meters, followed by a guided hike among crystal-clear glacial lakes, dramatic peaks, and panoramic viewpoints.

After the hike, enjoy a traditional lunch at a mountain hut, surrounded by pristine alpine nature. Option: Complete your experience with a relaxing visit to the thermal spa pools of Sapareva Banya, famous for its natural hot mineral springs — the perfect way to recover after your hike adventure.

This tour offers the ideal balance of activity, culture, and relaxation in one unforgettable day.

What's Included

  • Winter equipment - snowshoes, sticks, spikes
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Licensed Mountain Guide
  • Lunch
  • Personal expenses, souvenirs, or additional entrance fees Gratuities (optional, but appreciated)
  • Chairlift
See 1 moreSee 4 more

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point

Old City Center
1000 Sofia, Bulgaria

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Meeting point

Old City Center
1000 Sofia, Bulgaria

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

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

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Seven Rila Lakes

Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria’s most famous glacial lakes, on this full-day guided tour from Sofia. Perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers, the tour combines scenic landscapes, cultural insights, and unforgettable alpine views.
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2 hours Admission Ticket Included

Ski lift Panichishte, The seven Rila lakes

The adventure begins with a scenic 25-minute chairlift ride from the Panichishte resort up into the Rila Mountains. As you gently ascend, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of pine forests, mountain ridges, and alpine meadows unfolding beneath you. The ride is smooth, safe, and offers a chance to relax before your hike begins.The chairlift brings you directly to the Rila Lakes Hut area (2,100 m altitude), the starting point for exploring the legendary Seven Rila Lakes. From here, hiking trails lead you to the crystal-clear glacial lakes, each more beautiful than the last.Highlights of the Lift Experience:20 minutes of breathtaking alpine sceneryComfortable, safe, and suitable for all agesUnique opportunity to capture photos from aboveEasy access to Bulgaria’s most iconic natural wonder
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25 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Sapareva Banya

The hottest geyser in continental Europe
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Seven Rila Lakes Guided Hike and Thermal pools?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. 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). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-5554322P3

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
4 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 4 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
4
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 28 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Seven Rila Lakes Guided Hike and Thermal pools?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • 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).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Winter equipment - snowshoes, sticks, spikes.
  • Air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Licensed Mountain Guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Lunch.
  • Personal expenses, souvenirs, or additional entrance fees Gratuities (optional, but appreciated).
  • Chairlift.
  • Spa.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 18..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If 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 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Seven Rila Lakes Guided Hike and Thermal pools is as follows:

  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Seven Rila Lakes Guided Hike and Thermal pools 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 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once 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 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Winter equipment - snowshoes, sticks, spikes
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Licensed Mountain Guide
  • Lunch
  • Personal expenses, souvenirs, or additional entrance fees Gratuities (optional, but appreciated)
  • Chairlift
  • Spa

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name