It’s a nice program to do while you are in Sofia, basically you can see the important buildings in one day so this is a good program for a relaxed day in the mountains.





Spend an unforgettable day in the nature of the Rila Mountain, just 1.5 hours away from Sofia! Embrace the nature and the fresh air, and feel the magical atmosphere of the formal Royal Residence - Tsarska Bistritsa - one of the favorite places of the last Bulgarian monarchs! Visit Sapareva Banya, where you will indulge in the cozy warmth of its thermal springs. The mineral water pools are a great way of relaxing and their healing properties have been used science ancient times. Sample hearty local dishes like, accompanied by a glass of wine to toast the day’s adventures. Rila mountain is not just about skiing or spa – it is a destination where you can immerse yourself in nature, culture, and history. Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquility, Rila promises a memorable winter escape, with its blend of natural beauty, cultural riches, and warm hospitality. So, pack your bags, bring your sense of wonder, and prepare to create cherished memories in this natural paradise!
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $296.
Larger groups pay less per person.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 6.
First, you will travel to Sapareva Bania, where you will indulge in the cozy warmth of its thermal springs. The mineral water pools are a great way of relaxing and their healing properties have been used science ancient times. We will take you to an amazing SPA place with 5 panoramic pools and saunas, where you will have about 4 hours to relax! For lunch, sample hearty local dishes, accompanied by a glass of wine to toast the day’s adventures in the restaurant of the SPA complex.
In the afternoon, we will take you to the second largest Bulgarian ski resort - Borovets. There, hidden in the forest, you will visit the old Royal Residence - "Tsarska Bistrista", remarkable for its beauty. It was built in the beginning of the 20th century for the Bulgarian monarch - King Ferdinand and it is the most famous site of the resort. Next to it passes the Bistritsa river, which makes the landscape even more scenic! The residence and the park around it are an astonishing place for memorable photos! The residential buildings are closed for visitors, but the old stable is now turned into a museum-gallery and there you can feel the spirit of the last Bulgarian royal families! The residence even has its own hydroelectric power plant, which was built in 1912, and still continues to operate today! So, pack your bags, bring your sense of wonder, and prepare to create cherished memories in this natural paradise!
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Excurgo comparison of 605 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From Sofia: Rila Mountain Winter Trip - SPA & Nature Magic lasts about 9 hours. The itinerary has 2 stops.
Prices start at $34 per person for this Sofia experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $296. There are 3 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, starting at 8:59 AM and 9:00 AM.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
The meeting point is The meeting point is at Vasil Levski Boulevard, near the corner with Vrabcha street. The bus will have a sign with a rose on the front and a writing "Hola Bulgaria". Please be there 20 minutes before the departure! The bus departs at 09:00 and can not wait for late arrivals! Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
The experience is available in EL, EN, EN, IT, FR, ES.
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 40 participants.
Children under 5 years old
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 9 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Hola Bulgaria.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
It’s a nice program to do while you are in Sofia, basically you can see the important buildings in one day so this is a good program for a relaxed day in the mountains.
Amazing landscapes, a very good lunch and a relaxing afternoon of spa.
Relaxing day trip. Starting in a beautiful park and ending at the thermal spa centre. Enough time to make photos and enjoy the spa resort with luxury options such as a large saunas, good washing and locker facilities, and 5 different outdoor baths (children, sulphur, infinity pool, bio pool and aqua tonic). Before jumping in the pools, the food in the restaurant is very recommended and well priced. The guide is very accommodating and friendly.
We had a fantastic day trip. A short historical stroll in the snow in Borovets Park and then heading to the SPA is pure pampering. With Private option gave us the luxury of flexibility…. That’s what is getaway is all about.
We really enjoyed the trip to Borovets and Sapareva Banya! The first stop next to the old royal palace was truly magical with all of the snow around it! And then we had a great relaxing time in the pools of the SPA complex, from where you also see beautiful panoramic views. Highly recommended!
This was a great experience — we had a lot of fun. Very good time at the hot springs and enjoyed learning about the history of the town.
Everything was wonderfully organized, and the tour guide was great! I highly recommend it! Nature is beautiful, and so are all the places we visited! It is worthwhile, not only from a business perspective, to meet with your partners in such an environment, which contributes to successful negotiations, but also for relaxation and recovery from accumulated stress! Nature is a natural immune booster and antidepressant for people who want to reboot and relax.
The skiing part was fantastic — the slopes were well‑maintained, and the atmosphere was relaxed, making it easy to enjoy the time on the mountain regardless of skill level. What really completed the experience, though, was the SPA visit afterward. Warming up in the mineral pools surrounded by winter scenery was the perfect way to unwind after a few active hours outdoors. Everything ran smoothly, from transportation to timing, and the staff were friendly, helpful, and attentive throughout the day. It felt like a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation, and I left feeling refreshed, energized, and genuinely happy with the experience. I would gladly recommend this winter day trip to anyone looking for a memorable and well‑organized escape into the mountains.
This day trip was nothing short of incredible and easily one of the highlights of our travels. The combination of peaceful mountain scenery and a rejuvenating spa experience was absolutely perfect. The journey itself was beautiful, with stunning mountain views that instantly made us slow down and breathe a little deeper. Once there, the spa was pure bliss — spotless facilities, calming atmosphere, and plenty of space to fully relax. Soaking in the warm pools while surrounded by mountains felt unreal, like something out of a postcard. Everything was well organized and stress-free, making it easy to just enjoy the day without worrying about timing or logistics. Whether you’re looking to unwind, escape the city, or treat yourself to a special experience, this trip delivers on every level. I would 100% recommend this day trip to couples, friends, or anyone who wants a perfect balance of nature and relaxation. Truly unforgettable — I’d do it again in a heartbeat!
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
From Sofia: Rila Mountain Winter Trip - SPA & Nature Magic | 9 hours | 4.9 (9) | $34 | |
Half Day Tour around Sofia and the mountains with Thermal Spa | 6 hours | 5.0 (47) | $213 | View |
Rila Monastery and St. Ivan Cave History & Nature Trip from Sofia | 8 hours | 4.8 (45) | $23 | View |
Seven Rila Lakes - Full Day Hiking Trip in the Rila Mountain | 10 hours | 4.8 (44) | $34 | View |
Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Full-Day Tour | 8 hours | 4.6 (1,173) | $23 | View |
From Sofia Rila Monastery with Boyana Church or St. Ivan’s Cave | 8 hours | 4.6 (1,018) | $23 | View |
Rila Monastery and 7 Rila Lakes Self-Guided Shared Trip from Sofia | 13 hours | 4.8 (336) | $54 | View |