Rila Monastery & 7 Rila Lakes Day Trip from Sofia

Summary

Mountain lakes, monastery walls, and a day outside Sofia

You’ll start your day with pickup in Sofia before winding into Bulgaria’s mountains for time at Rila Monastery—don’t forget to cover shoulders and knees—then ride up to hike around the Seven Rila Lakes. Expect fresh air, honest conversation with your local driver, WiFi onboard for sharing photos, and maybe a new favorite view you’ll keep thinking about.

What’s the experience like?

By the time we pulled up to the Rila Monastery, I’d already lost count of how many shades of green I’d seen out the window. Our driver—Nikolay, who had this quiet way about him—pointed out a stork’s nest on a telephone pole as we curved through sleepy villages. The monastery itself was quieter than I expected. You could smell incense just inside the gates, and there was this echo of footsteps on old stone. I almost forgot to cover my shoulders until Nikolay gently reminded me (he even had a spare scarf in his car, just in case).

The drive up to the Seven Rila Lakes felt longer on the way there than coming back. Maybe because I was nervous about the lift—I’d never been on one that high before. There’s this moment when you step off at the top and suddenly it’s just you, wind, and these blue-green lakes scattered below like someone dropped paint on a canvas. I sat down on a rock for a while and just listened to nothing but wind and distant cowbells. It smelled like wet grass and pine needles. Honestly, my legs were shaking more from the view than from hiking.

Coming back down, my shoes were muddy and my phone was full of blurry photos (I’m not great at taking pictures when my hands are cold). Nikolay was waiting by the car with bottled water—he doesn’t say much but he smiles when you ask about his favorite lake (he likes “The Kidney,” which made me laugh). The ride back to Sofia is quiet; everyone sort of drifts off or stares out at the mountains. I still think about that silence up there sometimes—you know how some places just stick with you?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Rila Monastery and 7 Rila Lakes

• Pickup from Sofia at 08:00
• Visit Rila Monastery
• Travel to lift for 7 Rila Lakes
• Take lift up to 7 Rila Lakes
• Explore 7 Rila Lakes
• Return to lift and meet driver
• Drive back to Sofia

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Sofia to Rila Monastery & 7 Rila Lakes?

The tour starts at 08:00 and finishes around 19:00, so it lasts about 11 hours.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

The tour includes pickup by your driver in Sofia.

Do I need special clothing for visiting Rila Monastery?

Yes, shoulders and knees must be covered inside the monastery. Bring appropriate clothes or a scarf.

Is there WiFi available during the trip?

Yes, WiFi is available onboard the vehicle during your journey.

How do we get up to the Seven Rila Lakes?

Your driver will take you to the lift station; you'll ride up by lift to reach the lakes area.

Is lunch included in this day trip?

No lunch is included; you'll need to bring your own or buy food along the way.

How physically demanding is hiking around Seven Rila Lakes?

The area is suitable for all physical fitness levels; you can choose how far you want to hike.

Will our driver guide us during hikes?

The driver will show you around Rila Monastery but waits at the bottom while you explore the lakes independently.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in Sofia by an English-speaking driver, comfortable air-conditioned transport with WiFi onboard for sharing photos or maps on the go, plus plenty of time at both Rila Monastery and riding up to explore around all seven lakes before heading back in the evening.