Rila monastery + 7 Rila lakes in 1 day
Self-guided day trip from Sofia
Closed until May 2021.
Alternative trips to Rila Monastery and Plovdiv available during winter
Adult
Child (3-11 years)
Child (under 3 years)
Price is per person / two-way / shared shuttle
What is included:
- Shared transfers to 7 Rila lakes and Rila monastery
- Professional driver
- Transportation with airconditioned vehicle
What is NOT included:
- Chairlift ticket and/or entrance fees (optional)
7 Rila lakes chairlift : €9 per person, two-way
Rila monastery museum : €4 per person - Meals and personal expenses
- Guiding services
Schedule
07:30 h : departure from Sofia city centre.
In July, August and September departure is at 07:00 h.
Meeting point is behind St. Alexander Nevski
cathedral and in front of La Cattedrale restaurant.
09:15 h : arrival at the base station of 7 Rila Lakes chairlift.
In July, August and September arrival is at 08:45 h
Free time to explore the lakes area until 15:00h.
15:00 h : departure from 7 Rila lakes chairlift parking in direction to Rila monastery.
Please be on time for that departure as the shuttle runs on schedule and there is no waiting time included. Thank you.
Approximately 1 h 30 min journey to the monastery.
16:30 h : arrival at Rila monastery
Free time to explore the site and surrounding area until 18:00 h.
18:00 h : departure from the Rila Monastery in direction to Sofia city. About 2 hours journey to Sofia
20:00 h : arrival in Sofia city. Drop off at St. Alexander Nevski cathedral in Sofia city centre.
Before you go
With the super shuttle you may be able to see some or all the Rila lakes depending on your hiking abilities.
The 7 Rila lakes + Rila monastery is a shuttle that offers less time at each of the places (in comparison to the full day Rila lakes trip) so that you can see both the lakes and the monastery in 1 day.
The 7 Rila Lakes are located high in the Rila National Park. Do not forget your comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Consider appropriate warm clothing and rain coat as weather in the mountain changes fast and temperatures can drop to 5° even during summer.
Prepare water and some packed food or snacks for the day as the dining options at the lakes are limited.
The Rila Monastery is a holy place for Bulgarians and Orthodox Christians.
Please visit the site with the due respect - talk quietly in the monastery yard and inside the churches. Shouting and smoking are not allowed.
Photos are allowed in the yard but not in the church.
Please dress up accordingly: high heels, short skirts and short trousers, shirts with no sleeves, etc. are not allowed in the monastery. The Rila Monastery is located high in the Rila National Park, so consider taking warmer clothes even in summer and comfortable walking shoes.
