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Things to do in Blagoevgrad Province

Our most recommended things to do in Blagoevgrad Province

Bansko: Thermal Pool Escape

1. Bansko: Thermal Pool Escape

Located in the village of Banya, these thermal pools are only a 15-minute ride away from Bansko. The mineral thermal pools are open daily at 11:00AM in the morning. Your experience will begin as you depart from the rental shop at a time of your choosing (after 10:30AM). At your disposal are 3 pools with natural mineral water from the nearby thermal springs: Thermal pool number 1: the big main pool where the water isn’t unbearably hot and great for swimming; Thermal pool number 2: a smaller pool which is shallow and warmer where your children can safely enjoy the benefits of mineral water and those of you who cannot swim can comfortably relax; Thermal pool number 3: a really hot pool, where the water temperature is well over 40 degrees Celsius, but at the same time nice (and not to mention healthy) There are changing rooms right next to the pool and a restaurant at your disposal, and at the conclusion of your experienced you will be returned to your point of origin.

From Bansko: Horse Riding Experience

2. From Bansko: Horse Riding Experience

Start your day of adventure by arriving at the meeting location at your selected time slot. Upon arrival, enjoy a pleasant meet and greet with the local staff who will direct you to your drive. After a scenic, 15-minute drive to the nearby small town of Dobrinishte, you'll arrive at the horse ranch where you'll meet your instructor for this experience. Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned pro, this tour is perfect for you. For beginners, you'll learn the basics of horse riding and ride in a closed field. If you are more experienced at horse riding, you can explore the countryside with your instructor. When you complete the activity, you'll be driven back to Bansko, returned safely to the original starting location.

From Sofia: 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Self-Guided Trip

3. From Sofia: 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Self-Guided Trip

Depart Sofia in the morning and travel by shuttle bus with a friendly English-speaking driver. Journey in air-conditioned comfort to Panichishte in the beautiful Rila National Park. Get briefed on arrival by your driver, who will tell you the different options and routes you can take up the mountain. Ride the chairlift to the 7 Rila Lakes, where you will get 5 hours of free time to go on some amazing nature walks independently to experience the glacial lakes from different perspectives. Board the shuttle bus at the agreed meeting point and relax on the 2-hour 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 1.5 hours 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.

From Sofia: Rila Monastery, Scenic Train Ride & Bansko Town

4. From Sofia: Rila Monastery, Scenic Train Ride & Bansko Town

In the morning - meet your local English-speaking host at the centrally located meeting point. A 2-hour minibus transfer through the Bulgarian countryside takes you to the Rhodope mountains, where you climb aboard the narrow gauge train for a scenic ride through the mountains. Meet local Bulgarian people on the train and learn about the history of the area. Get off the train at Avramovo station for a short transfer to Bansko town at the footsteps of Pirin National Park. Your driver will drop you off at the convenient location, close to the Old Town. Explore at your own speed the ancient streets, visit the main church or take the opportunity to taste traditional local food at one of the traditional restaurants called mehana (lunch is optional and not included). In the afternoon, meet again your host and driver for a minibus transfer to the Rila National Park. You will arrive at the UNESCO listed Rila monastery after the crowds have gone, for a truly intimate experience. Explore on your own the ancient monastic complex. Later in the afternoon, get on the minibus for the final transfer back to Sofia city.

From Bansko: Private Transfer to/from Sofia Airport

5. From Bansko: Private Transfer to/from Sofia Airport

- private quick, safe and 100% reliable transfer service - door-to-door transfer to or from your hotel in Bansko ski resort or the surrounding area - if you land at Sofia Airport, our driver will meet you with a sign with your name and take you directly to your destination address - if you book your return transfer, our driver will wait for you in front of your hotel or address in Bansko for a direct transfer to the Airport - no waiting, no additional payment - plenty of room for your ski equipment (please request) - free child/infant seats (please request) - 24/7 English speaking customer service - fully licensed and bonded company

Bansko: Guided ATV Adventure

6. Bansko: Guided ATV Adventure

Explore the mountains in a unique way. Our ATV safari will take you to stunning and beautiful locations where you could enjoy the slopes again as well as some breathtaking views. You could choose a convenient time slot from the booking form and your unforgettable experience will start from our rental shop Ski and Board Traventuria. А 3-4 minute drive will take you to the starting point, where the instructor will be waiting. Short training on the terrain, safety instructions, and the necessary equipment (helmets, goggles) are included in the price. The safari lasts for about an hour. Customers are driving the ATVs on a track following the instructor, who is looking after the safety of the participants in the event. After your tour, you will be transferred back to our store. Note! Only customers with valid driving licenses are allowed to drive the ATV. Children above the age of 7 may ride the ATV behind the instructor or an adult. Children under the age of 7 cannot take part in the rides.

Bansko:Shared Transfer with fixed departure to Sofia Airport

7. Bansko:Shared Transfer with fixed departure to Sofia Airport

The meeting point is at our ski rental shop "Ski & Board Traventuria", and the driver will be there. You will be assisted with you luggage before boarding your vehicle. Your shuttle will run on scheduled times during the day. The trip takes up to 2:30hours.

Musala Peak, Rila Mountains: Full-Day Hiking Tour from Sofia

8. Musala Peak, Rila Mountains: Full-Day Hiking Tour from Sofia

The majestic heights of the Balkans await you on this hiking day-tour to Musala Peak; the pinnacle of the Rila mountain range with its 2925-meter (9596 feet) summit, 6th highest in Europe. Wander a path leading above deep gorges, past 150 crystal-clear glacial lakes, in a panorama of crests extending before you like a stormy seascape. Starting the day early from Sofia, transfer to the famous Borovets Resort, and ride the gondola lift to neighboring Yastrabets summit. From here the hike begins as the path leads towards Musala Peak via stops at the Musala chalet, and Ledeno Ezero(icy lake) mountain shelter, and onto the last stage of the trek to Musala Peak. Rest and take in the surroundings before returning on the same route. Witness the breathtaking mountain panoramas, and pristine lakes on this moderate difficulty hike; for anyone in good physical condition with a passion for supurb vistas.

Bansko: Traditional Folklore Experience

9. Bansko: Traditional Folklore Experience

You'll begin by arriving to the meeting point, where you'll meet your driver and board your vehicle. Following a 25-minute drive, you'll arrive to the nearby small village of Gorno Draglishte. This village is a place filled with history, tradition, and culture. The starting point of your activity is the guest house of Deshka, where you'll be greeted by the cheerful and energetic babi (grandmothers). You will then participate in traditional local dances, weave a razboi, and dress in traditional local nosii (folk costumes). There's going to be plenty of traditional local dishes to eat, which will guarantee you won't stay hungry. There's also going to be locally brewed rakia, which is a traditional Bulgarian alcoholic drink.

Bansko: 2-Hour Old Town Walking Tour

10. Bansko: 2-Hour Old Town Walking Tour

Тake a two-hour walking journey throughout Bansko's historical district. Absorb the culture while reliving the lifestyle of the 18th century. By exploring the hidden corners of the Old Town, you will explore its history, legends, and the unique architecture of its fortified houses. Experience daily life in the Old Town, feel the spirit of the past, and dive into the local cuisine by hearing about local recipes shared from generation to generation. Admire the hand-painted murals of the Holy Trinity Church to discover the local art of Bansko. Learn about the first days of Bansko's history as a ski resort and how it reached the popularity of today, while finishing up the tour at the newest pedestrian street in the town.

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Other Sightseeing Options in Blagoevgrad Province

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What people are saying about Blagoevgrad Province

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 473 reviews

We had lots of fun and made great memories with our friends at the Bulgarian evening! Our evening started by being driven to a small village with a van. We did not know what to expect but our cheerful hosts Baba Iana and Baba Elena greeted us and made us feel like honored guests. They showed us the house and talked to us, even though we did not understand Bulgarian we felt we communicated very well. We got the traditional Rakiya as a welcome drink and from then on it got only better:) We had a big variety of delicious homemade traditional food, that was even tastier in the traditional environment. The hosts sang for us after dinner and let us get into traditional, beautiful Bulgarian costumes. We danced all together and took plenty of pictures of us. The two ladies were the perfect hosts for letting us get in touch with the Bulgarian culture in this unique and engaging way. It was definitely a highlight of our stay in Bansko!

We arrived at the meeting point which is very well explained on the ticket. Then there was a driver which took us to the farm where there are the horses. Apart from horses there are other animals which are super super cute. We then started the horse riding experience, where by the owner and the helpers were very attentive to us. The experience in general was very nice and I highly recommend it to someone going to bansko.

This tour is an unique and interesting way to see more of Bulgaria. We loved all the activities and the transport is comfortable. Our host, Bobby, is a wealth of knowledge and brings a fun element to the group. I would highly recommend this tour!

This was a great trip, the towels they provide are very small and there are no lockers for your belongings but the pool and two hot tubs were excellent and the restaurant attached is incredibly cheap £3.20 for a spag bol

Tsvetan was just fabulous. Knowledgable and witty throughout. Happy to answer any questions. Would highly recommend this tour and tour guide