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Rila Monastery, Seven Rila Lakes Hike and Hot Springs from Sofia

By Buddy travel’s Bulgarian Adventures
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$181 per adult

Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 12h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
  • Selective hotel pickup
  • Multiple languages

Overview

Step into a day where nature, history, and relaxation come together in one unforgettable journey through Bulgaria.

Begin your day with a guided visit to the stunning Rila Monastery, Bulgaria’s most iconic spiritual site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover its peaceful courtyard, admire the vivid frescoes, and learn the storey of the hermit saint Ivan of Rila, who founded this remarkable monastery in the 10th century.

The journey then continues into the breathtaking Rila Mountains, where a scenic chairlift ride takes you to the alpine world of the Seven Rila Lakes. Enjoy guided or free time to explore the area at your own pace, surrounded by spectacular mountain views. (Chairlift ticket not included.)

To end the day, you can unwind in the warm mineral pools of Aqua Club Kotvata in Sapareva Banya — the perfect way to relax after the hike. (Spa entry optional and not included.)

Activity location

  • Rila Monastery
    • 2643, Rila, Bulgaria

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Rila Monastery
    • 2643, Rila, Bulgaria

Check availability

Rila Monastery, Seven Rila Lakes Hike and Hot Springs from Sofia
  • Activity duration is 12 hours12h
    12h
  • English

Pickup included

Starting time: 8:00 AM
Price details
NZ$108.44 x 1 AdultNZ$108.44
Paid at activityNZ$72.30
Total
Price is NZ$180.74

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's included
    Private transport
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Admission fee
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Parking Fees
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Chairlift
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Spa
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Lunch

Know before you book

  • Not recommended for travellers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travellers
  • Not recommended for travellers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travellers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Activity itinerary

Rila Monastery

  • 1h
  • Admission ticket included
Rila Monastery is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and one of the country’s most important cultural and spiritual landmarks. Founded in the 10th century by the hermit saint Ivan of Rila, it became a major centre of religion, education, and Bulgarian culture during the Middle Ages and the Ottoman period. Surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Rila Mountains, the monastery is known for its striking black-and-white arcades, colourful frescoes, and the richly decorated Church of the Nativity of the Virgin. In 1983 it was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Today, Rila Monastery remains an active religious centre and one of Bulgaria’s most visited historical sites, attracting pilgrims and travellers from around the world.

Seven Rila Lakes

  • 3h
  • Admission ticket not included
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the 7 Rila Lakes, a natural wonder nestled in the Rila Mountains. From above, these glacial lakes offer crystal-clear waters, dramatic mountain backdrops, and an unforgettable panorama at every turn. The Lakes: Each lake has its own name and character—The Tear, The Eye, The Kidney, The Twin, The Trefoil, The Fish, and The Lower Lake—and reflects the surrounding peaks like a mirror. Scenic Beauty: Turquoise waters, alpine meadows, and rugged cliffs create one of Bulgaria’s most photogenic landscapes. Hiking & Photography: Optional short walks along the lakes’ edges give you the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and capture incredible photos. Seasonal Highlights: Spring and summer bring vibrant wildflowers, while autumn paints the mountains in warm, golden tones. The 7 Rila Lakes are an absolute must-see and a highlight of any Bulgarian adventure.

Aqua Club Kotvata&Restaurant Kotvata

  • 2h
  • Admission ticket not included
Travellers will finish the day with a relaxing visit to Aqua Club Kotvata, a modern thermal spa complex known for its naturally heated mineral water. Located near the town of Sapareva Banya—famous for having the hottest geothermal spring in continental Europe—this spa offers the perfect place to unwind after the mountain hike. Guests can soak in warm outdoor mineral pools surrounded by mountain views, relax their muscles after the hike at the Seven Rila Lakes, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this natural hot spring area. The mineral water is rich in healing elements and has been used for relaxation and wellness for centuries. You only need to bring swimming costume, towel and flip-flops. This final stop adds a refreshing and rejuvenating ending to a day combining nature, culture, and adventure.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    Rila Monastery
    • 2643, Rila, Bulgaria

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Rila Monastery
    • 2643, Rila, Bulgaria

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