Rila monastery + 7 Rila lakes in 1 day
Self-guided day trip from Sofia
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:
- 7 Rila lakes chairlift : 25 BGN per person, two-way
- Rila monastery museum (optional) : 8 BGN per person
- Meals and personal expenses
- Guiding services
Schedule
07:00 h : departure from Sofia city centre.
Meeting point is at National Art Gallery - the car parking at Knyaz Alexander I square.
In front of the former Royal Palace (The Palace: National Art Gallery).
Nearest metro station is Serdika. Please note this is NOT St. Alexander Nevsky cathedral
08:45 h : arrival at the base station of 7 Rila Lakes chairlift.
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 National Art Gallery
Need hotel pick-up/drop off?
Upon request we can offer hotel pick-up in the morning from any hotel/address in Sofia city. Price is 3.99 EUR per person. Reserve at info@rilashuttle.com. Drop off after the trip can also be reserved. Price is 2.99 EUR per person.
Before you go
With this combo shuttle : lakes + monastery, 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.
