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.

Enjoy a full-day trek into the Rila Mountains to explore the most picturesque area near Sofia and one of Bulgaria's most beautiful natural sites, the Seven Rila Lakes.  This group of glacial lakes lies between 6,900 and 8,200 feet (2,100 and 2,500 meters) above sea level, surrounded by rugged peaks and deep valleys. Leaving Sofia, you will drive for 90 minutes to reach the Panichishte resort area, where you board the chairlift to the Rila Lakes mountain hut.  From here, continue on foot to explore the landscape and its majestic blue pearls – the Eye, the Tear, the Kidney, the Twins, the Trefoil, the Fish Lake, and the Lower Lake. The route is not difficult and can be altered on the spot depending on fitness levels or strength, following either more gentle routes or steeper gradients. Take your chance to explore the Blue Pearls of the Rila Mountains, and the Seven Rila Lakes. The local tour operator, Traventuria, was awarded a “Business Which Supports Biodiversity” certification by the Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation for its “Tours with a Cause” initiative.

Your tour begins as you are picked up from your hotel/accommodation in Sofia. After an approximately 2-hour drive, you will reach Lovech. From there you will begin exploring the old quarter of the city. You will walk through the small cobbled streets, traveling back in time as you admire the typical 14th-century houses. You will then take a detailed trip to the Vassil Levski Museum, before continuing your walk to the Hisarya Fortress. The last site in the town to which you will pay attention is the famous Covered Bridge, a masterpiece of Bulgarian architecture which was built by Master Kolio Ficheto. Following the bridge, you will continue your trip with a 20-minute drive to your next stop, Devetashka Cave. Once there you will have some time to walk around the stunning cave, and will proceed to the Krushuna Waterfalls (a 20-minute drive from Devetashka Cave). There you will discover a unique natural wonder where you can take a walk through the beautiful forest and along the stream that has formed this beautiful cascade of blue waterfalls. Following this waterfall visit, your tour will then end with drop off at your point of origin.

This full-day tour is designed for active people wishing to combine a trek to natural wonders, with a tour of the most visited tourist attraction in Bulgaria, the magnificent Rila Monastery. Departing Sofia, you will head for the Rila Mountains, where you will enjoy a moderate hike through what is arguably the most distinguished area in the mountains, the 7 Rila Lakes. After a transfer of approximately 90 minutes, you will reach the region of Panichishte, where you will board a chair lift to the Rila Lakes hut. Consisting of a group of glacial lakes, the 7 Rila Lakes is located at an altitude of between 6,900 feet (2,100 meters) and 8,200 feet (2,500 meters) above sea level. Surrounded by rugged peaks and deep valleys, you will see spectacular views as you walk through its pearls, such as The Eye, The Tear, The Kidney, The Twins, The Trefoil, The Fish Lake, and The Lower Lake. The route can be adjusted on the spot, following more gentle or steeper paths, depending on your fitness levels. Having visited all of the lakes, continue by car for approximately 90 minutes to Rila Monastery, the biggest and most important symbol of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. Behind the 65-foot (20-meter) walls lie impressive monastery buildings, including a church and a chapel with valuable murals. The monastery's most treasured historic and artistic monuments include the 14th-Century Hrelyo Tower, the 5th-domed Birth of the Blessed Virgin Church, and the original monastery kitchen from the 19th century. You will also explore the monastery’s rich museum, containing a valuable collection of old manuscripts and documents, charters and icons, an ethnographic exhibition of fabrics, jewelry, carpets, and wrought iron objects, and a library containing more than 16,000 books. The tour is offered as well with an ONLINE, cloud-based audioguide in different languages - English, Spanish, Italian, German, French, and English. INTERNET required to download and use. The local tour operator, Traventuria, was awarded a “Business Which Supports Biodiversity” certification by the Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation for its “Tours with a Cause” initiative.

Take a day trip to the northwestern corner of Bulgaria to see the Belogradchik rocks, located in the Balkan Mountains. You will drive 2.5 to 3 hours from Sofia until you reach this area. The rocks are grouped in various formations and are made up of primarily sandstone. In 2009, they were nominated as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Many rocks have fantastic shapes and are associated with interesting legends. They are often named for people or objects they are thought to resemble, and on your tour, your guide might share some of these stories while pointing out the specific rocks and their names. The Belogradchik Rocks have also been declared a Natural Landmark by the Bulgarian government and are a major tourist attraction in the region. At the top of a hill near to some of the rocks is also a medieval fortress, known as the Belogradchik Fortress, built when the region was part of the Roman Empire. You will have the opportunity to visit the fortress and behold its well-preserved and menacing facade. Later, you will also be taken to the nearby Veneca cave, an incredibly beautiful cave with modern colorful lights. All entrance fees are included in the price and there will be time to stop for an optional lunch, which is not included.

The departure for the tour is at 8am. If you have booked non- private option, please be at the meeting point at 7:45. The Seven Rila Lakes are just 1 hour 30 minutes away from the capital Sofia, which makes them a great day trip in the nature. Relax en route as a comfortable minivan takes you to the Panichishte Resort Cable Car which goes us to the Seven Rila Lakes Cirque. See a different side to Bulgaria as you enjoy the hike around the lakes.  Discover all seven of the lakes  and how they have their own name which reflects its typical shape or characteristics. Gaze at the stunning emerald green of the water as you relax in the peaceful countryside. The hiking is with medium difficulty and it is about 2 hours walking in each direction. You will also have about 1 hour time for a lunch break next to the lakes. Please bring your own food. In the morning, the van will stop at a gas station where you will be able to buy snacks and sandwheches as well. The expected return in Sofia is between 5:30 and 6:00 pm.

Lovech is one of the oldest settled places in Bulgaria. During the Medieval times the town was an important military strategic center. During the 12th century Lovech was spread at the right bank of the Osum River where the quarter of Varosha – the architecture historical reserve is situated now. During the 13th and the 14th century Lovech was one of the biggest towns and fortresses in Northern Bulgaria and had reached a good economic prosperity. Later on, after the country fell under Ottoman Rule, during the years of the national liberation movement Lovech turned into the revolutionary capital of Bulgaria. The most popular Bulgarian hero Vassil Levski established a revolutionary headquarter in the town. Nowadays Lovech has established itself as a big cultural and tourism center, attracting visitors mostly for the monuments and the unique architecture buildings, as well for the unique and beautiful natural wonders of the region. We will visit the Ethnographical Museum– comprised of two mid-19th-century buildings with exhibits attesting to traditional Bulgarian life and customs, plus period furniture. There’s also a cellar full of winemaking equipment; Hisar Fortress- one of Bulgaria’s few remaining Ottoman citadels overlooks Lovech from a steep hill. Extensive ruins of mortar and crushed limestone walls, dating between the 8th and 10th centuries, spread across the 1200-sq-metre site; Vasil Levski Museum- examines the life and trials of one of Bulgaria’s best-known revolutionaries, Vasil Levski, through items from his life (including weapons) and artwork inspired by the dashing freedom fighter; Covered Bridge- the only such structure in the Balkans. Renowned Bulgarian architect Kolyu Ficheto masterminded the bridge, with stone foundations and wooden buildings, between 1874 and 1876. Today this dark wooden bridge is packed with craft and art shops. Afterward we will head toward Krushunski Waterfalls– one of the most attractive landmarks of the country. They are located 35 kilometers northeast of Lovech, in Maarata area. There is an eco-path, built for convenience of tourists. The path includes more than 15 bridges, located in the picturesque area. Spare time for lunch. Return to Sofia – the tour ends at your hotel.

The meeting point for the minivan is behind Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, near café La Cathedrale – you should be there at 7:45. The van will have a sign “Rila Lakes & City Tour” on the front. The departure is at 8 am. You will travel on a scenic road for about 1.5 hours to the mountain resort of Panichishte. There you will continue with the lift. The traveling time with the lift is 20 – 30 minutes. And after that, if you have booked the self-guided option, you will start on your own the hike around the lakes, or if you have booked the guide option, the guide will escort you during the hike. Usually, it takes about 2 hours to walk in each direction. You will be given a total of 5.5 hours to go around the lakes so at 15:30 at the latest you should board back the lift and at 16:00 you should be back at the parking where the driver will expect you for the trip back to Sofia. The estimated return in Sofia is at 18:00.

Benefit from pick-up at your hotel or accommodation in Sofia, and then take a scenic drive through the Balkan Mountains to arrive at the Iskar Gorge near the village of Karlukovo. Go for a 1.5-hour nature hike on arrival to explore the natural phenomenon of the Prohodna cave. Learn why the locals call it the Eyes of God. Journey through the largest cave passage in Bulgaria, and then continue to the Sueva dupka cave, where 5 halls and 400 meters of corridors reveal some of the most beautiful stalagmite formations in Bulgaria. Continue in the afternoon with a visit to the 13th-century Glozhene Monastery, perched like a bird’s nest on the northern slopes of the Stara Planina mountain. Take in the beauty of the natural surroundings before returning to Sofia in the late afternoon. Get dropped off at your hotel or accommodation on arrival.

Explore the striking Belogradchik Rocks on a guided day trip from Sofia. Walk among these unique rock formations perched atop a hilly outcrop, enjoying panoramic views of rolling green hills from the top. Learn about how the rocks came to be over 230 million years ago from your licensed guide. Sit back and relax on a return van ride from and to Sofia, enjoying the countryside views along your way. See these rock formations, an exceptional natural phenomenon unique to the Balkans, up close as you follow your guide through the rocky outcrop. Steeped in legends and history, these rocks were created in such a way that they offered a natural fortress with a high defensive potential. Visit the Belogradchik Fortress (at your own expense) to see how these rocks were once used as a natural fortress for many decades. Nominated for the New 7 Wonders of Nature competition, the Belogradchik Rocks were at the top of the list in the category for caves, rock formations, and valleys. If you can handle more experiences, we will visit the Venetsa cave, which is one of the most beautiful caves in Bulgaria