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Explore the most famous natural and cultural sites of Bulgaria on a full day trip to the 7 Rila Lakes and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Rila Monastery in Rila National Park.

Highlights

• Get back to nature at the 7 Rila Lakes
• Explore the 10th-century Rila Monastery at your own pace
• Benefit from a convenient round-trip transfer from Sofia city center
• Hike the Rila lakes trail at your own pace
• Extended hours for the hike at the Rila lakes area

Description

Depart Sofia early in the morning and travel by shuttle bus with a professional driver. Journey in air-conditioned comfort to Panichishte in the beautiful Rila National Park. Get briefed on departure from Sofia by your English speaking host, who will tell you the different options and routes you can take up the mountain. Get 6 hours of free time to go on some amazing nature walks independently to experience the glacial lakes from different perspectives. Choose to ride up with the chair lift to the Rila lakes hut (to save you somme physical effort) or hike all the way up from the parking lot to the lakes area. In case you use the lift, please kindly note that there is still hiking involved. The number of lakes seen can vary according to the route you take, the walking speed and number of breaks and other factors. Board the shuttle bus at the agreed meeting point and relax on the 1-hour 45-min drive to Rila Monastery in a deep valley of the Rilska River. Founded in the 10th century, the monastery complex is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural and historical monuments. Get 1 hour 15 min to explore the largest Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria at your own pace. Then, return to Sofia in the evening and get dropped off at the meeting point.

Includes

Round-trip shared transfer Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle Licensed driver

Important Information

• This trip involves a moderate to intensive amount of walking on mountain terrain. Hiking experience is recommedned
• The ticket for the chairlift costs 30 Leva per person, roundtrip and is payable in cash, onsite (often credit cards are NOT accepted)
• Lift opreation is outside our control and in case the lift is not working on the day - a longer hike will be required to reach the lakes area
• Entry fee for the optional visit (optional) to Rila Monastery History Museum is 8 Leva per person, payable in cash, onsite. Often credit cards are not accepted
• This trip operates in all weather conditions. Please dress appropriately
• Dress code in the monastery: shoulders need to be covered and pants, shorts, skirts need to be at least knee-long. See-though clothing is not accepted.
• Child/baby seats are not available
• If coming with a luggage bigger than a day small-backpack, you need to request availability in advance. Normally the shuttle vans do NOT have space for larger luggage.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund