The Seven Rila Lakes & Rila Monastery

Price

45

Duration

12 hours

Overview

Experience Bulgaria’s top treasures on this combined tour to the Seven Rila Lakes and the Rila Monastery. Begin with a scenic hike through the Seven Rila Lakes, celebrated as one of the Bulgaria Tourist Association’s Top 100 National Tourist Sites. Marvel at the glacial lakes and breathtaking alpine views. Then, immerse yourself in history at the Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage. This tour offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical significance, perfect for those seeking a memorable and challenging adventure.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
  • Experience a perfect blend of nature and culture as you explore both the serene beauty of the Seven Rila Lakes and the historic grandeur of the Rila Monastery
  • Marvel at the intricate frescoes adorning the walls of the Rila Monastery, showcasing the artistry and deep spiritual heritage of Bulgaria
  • Get captivated by the monastery’s stunning architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage site that stands as a testament to Bulgaria's rich history
  • Delight in the taste of freshly made "mekitsi", a classic Bulgarian treat at the Rila Monastery
  • Learn fascinating details about Bulgarian culture, history, and the natural wonders of the Rila Mountains from our expert guides
  • Enjoy a relaxing journey through Bulgaria’s picturesque countryside in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus, making the trip as enjoyable as the destinations

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Included/Excluded

  • Transport by a modern air-conditioned bus
  • Live guide throughout the trip (if option selected)
  • Audio guide (if option selected)
  • Food & Drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Ticket for the chairlift (30 BGN)
  • Entry ticket for Rila monastery museums

Tour Plan

07:00 Departure from Alexander Nevsky Cathedral meeting point.

Meet us behind the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, close to a restaurant called "La Cattedrale" (LINK to the meeting point on Google Maps).
Please, arrive at the meeting point at least 10 min earlier. The bus departs at 07:00 am sharp and does NOT wait for any late passengers.

09:00 Arrival at Panichishte chair lift bottom station.

After a 2-hour journey you will arrive at the lower lift station where you can buy tickets for the Panichishte chair lift. The return ticket price is 30 BGN as in 2024.

09:00-09:30 Seven Rila Lakes Chair Lift Ride.

Enjoy the beautiful Rila mountains nature during a 30 min ride on the Seven Rila Lakes (Panichishte) chair lift.

09:30-14:30 Hiking to the Seven Rila lakes and back.

The total hiking time to the lakes is around 3.5/4 hours depending on the group's speed and the route taken. The route if of moderate difficulty.
Circular trek, starting from the Rila Lakes hut, going along the lower lakes up to the Kidney Lake, before descending back to the Rila Lakes hut (the highest two lakes will be skipped due to lack of time). (3,30hrs hiking time only; 4,5km; +200m; -200m)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).

14:30-16:00 Transfer to Rila monastery.

Enjoy the beautiful rural scenery on the way to the Rila monastery with Traventuria's comfortable and reliable transportation vehicles. Great time to catch some rest from the hike and recharge for your next sight!

16:00-17:00 Rila monastery guided tour (free time included)

After hiking around Rila’s most remarkable and beautiful parts - the Seven Rila Lakes, you are transferred to the Rila Monastery: the largest and most significant Bulgarian Orthodox Church establishment. The 20m/70ft high walls shelter impressive cloisters, a church, and a chapel with unique murals and museum collections.
Spend around 1.5 hours at the Rila monastery, including a guided tour and some (however limited) free time, to explore on your own this stunning UNESCO heritage site. Visit the monastery's museum or grab a snack from the local bakery. We recommend their homemade traditional Bulgarian doughnuts - "mekitsi", offered with traditional Bulgarian yogurt.

19:00 Arrival at the back ot Alexander Nevsky cathedral (meeting point).

After an approximate two hours driving, the tour is back at its starting point - behind the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, by the restaurant called 'La Cattedrale". (LINK to the meeting point on Google Maps).
Additional drop off points may be available during the booking process.

*Please note that all of the timetables are approximate and are subject to change, depending on the size of the group, the traffic along the way, weather conditions, and others

*Please note that all of the timetables are approximate and are subject to change, depending on the size of the group, the traffic along the way, weather conditions, and others

Important info

  • Dress Code: The Rila Monastery is at 1150 m (3770 ft) a.s.l. Dress according to the season & the weather forecast. Don’t forget your umbrella.
    There is a strict DRESS CODE at the Monastery. Shoulders and knees MUST be covered. High heels are NOT acceptable!
    The Seven Rila Lakes are situated between 2,100 and 2,500 metres above sea level!
    Dress according to the season & the weather forecast. Don’t forget a windproof and waterproof jacket or raincoat. Please wear comfortable hiking shoes. Sneakers and other kinds of sports shoes are acceptable as well. Please bring an extra layer of clothing and a hat and sun lotion for the summer.
  • Cash or Card: Payment by card at the Panichishte chair lift, Rila Monastery museum, and gift shop is possible but not reliable due to potential lack of internet connection. It is very important to have cash in Bulgarian leva (BGN) prepared for lift tickets and personal expenses like food, drinks, and use of toilet facilities.
  • Food: Bring a packed lunch, some snacks and a bottle of water! The tour is long and on a tight schedule. There won’t be time to sit down and have lunch at a hut or restaurant along the way.
  • Hiking: Please have in mind that this is also a hiking tour. The chair lift does not take you directly to the lakes, but to the starting point of the trail. The trail is very well marked, but please pay attention to the tour leader and stay with the group!
  • Different schedule for Monday departures: Please note that the chair lift is under maintenance every Monday morning. For tours scheduled on Monday, the first stop will be the Rila Monastery and the hiking tour of the Rila lakes will be in the afternoon.
  • Meeting time and place for departure from the lakes: Your tour leader will set a meeting time and place (usually the bottom lift station) for departure to the Rila monastery. Please be on time and make sure you keep your tour leader updated of your whereabouts in case you are running late. The group will NOT wait for you if you are late. In this case, you might have to make your own way back to Sofia.

Why choose Traventuria?

At Traventuria we pride ourselves on creating unforgettable travel experiences. With expert local guides, carefully curated itineraries, and a digitally optimized booking process, we ensure that your journey is smooth from start to finish. From the moment you book with us, your adventure is our priority. Trust us to take you into the heart of the destinations you dream of exploring.

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