Seven Rila Lakes Guided Hike from Sofia with Lunch and Hot spring
+14 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Price from
- $149 / person
- Location
- Sofia, Bulgaria
- Rating
- 5.0 / 5 · 4 reviews
- Group
- Small group, up to 6
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Hotel pickup
- Available
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Buddy travel’s Bulgarian Adventures
Description
Experience Bulgaria’s most spectacular alpine scenery on this private / small group guided adventure to the breathtaking Seven Rila Lakes in the majestic Rila Mountain. This unforgettable tour combines scenic hiking, authentic mountain cuisine, and relaxation in natural thermal mineral waters. If needed, the winter equipment is provided for free - snowshoes, spikes or sticks. Depart from Sofia and travel to the Panichishte mountain resort area. Enjoy a scenic chairlift ascent to 2,100 meters, followed by a guided hike among crystal-clear glacial lakes, dramatic peaks, and panoramic viewpoints. After the hike, enjoy a traditional lunch at a mountain hut, surrounded by pristine alpine nature. Option: Complete your experience with a relaxing visit to the thermal spa pools of Sapareva Banya, famous for its natural hot mineral springs — the perfect way to recover after your hike adventure. This tour offers the ideal balance of activity, culture, and relaxation in one unforgettable day.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, and Sun
- Start times
- 8:00 AM
- Next available
- Sun, Oct 11
- Adult (ages 18–65)
- $149
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 10.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Seven Rila Lakes
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria’s most famous glacial lakes, on this full-day guided tour from Sofia. Perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers, the tour combines scenic landscapes, cultural insights, and unforgettable alpine views.
The adventure begins with a scenic 25-minute chairlift ride from the Panichishte resort up into the Rila Mountains. As you gently ascend, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of pine forests, mountain ridges, and alpine meadows unfolding beneath you. The ride is smooth, safe, and offers a chance to relax before your hike begins. The chairlift brings you directly to the Rila Lakes Hut area (2,100 m altitude), the starting point for exploring the legendary Seven Rila Lakes. From here, hiking trails lead you to the crystal-clear glacial lakes, each more beautiful than the last. Highlights of the Lift Experience: 20 minutes of breathtaking alpine scenery Comfortable, safe, and suitable for all ages Unique opportunity to capture photos from above Easy access to Bulgaria’s most iconic natural wonder
Sapareva Banya
The hottest geyser in continental Europe
What's included
Included
Winter equipment - snowshoes, sticks, spikes
Licensed Mountain Guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
Not included
Personal expenses, souvenirs, or additional entrance fees Gratuities (optional, but appreciated)
Chairlift
Spa
Lunch
Pickup Locations & Times
We will pick you up at the reception of your accommodation. The driver will be waiting for you with a sign of the travel agency.
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
4 reviews
How it compares in Sofia
- Starting price $149 is 13% above the typical $132 for tours of similar length in Sofia
Excurgo comparison of 608 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
Seven Rila Lakes Guided Hike from Sofia with Lunch and Hot spring lasts about 7 hours. The itinerary has 3 stops.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $149 per person for this Sofia experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does this tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, starting at 8:00 AM.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. We will pick you up at the reception of your accommodation. The driver will be waiting for you with a sign of the travel agency. Pickup points include Hotel Latinka.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 6 participants.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is this tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 4 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Buddy travel’s Bulgarian Adventures.
Reviews(4)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Compare similar tours in Sofia
- Lowest price: The Seven Rila Lakes Self - Guided Hiking Tour — $34
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- Shortest: Seven Rila Lakes Guided Hike from Sofia with Lunch and Hot spring — 7 hours
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seven Rila Lakes Guided Hike from Sofia with Lunch and Hot spring | 7 hours | 5.0 (4) | $149 | |
 Full-day Rila Mountains, Seven Lakes Hike, and Hot Springs Tour from Sofia | 6–8 hours | 4.5 (73) | $126 | View |
 Seven Rila Lakes Guided Hike With chairlift ticket | 10 hours | 5.0 (10) | $136 | View |
 From Sofia: Seven Rila Lakes Hike, Thermal Pools & Rila Monastery | 11–12 hours | 4.9 (15) | $86 | View |
 Seven Rila Lakes Snowshoe Hike and Thermal Baths Full-Day Tour from Sofia | 1 day | 4.5 (43) | $137 | View |
 Sofia: Seven Rila lakes Hike, River Rafting and Rila Monastery | 12 hours | 5.0 (2) | $137 | View |
 The Seven Rila Lakes Self - Guided Hiking Tour | 8h 30min | 4.4 (15) | $34 | View |
from$149
5.0(4) Free cancellation