Bulgaria · Hiking

8-Day Hiking Adventure in Rila and Pirin with Peaks, Lakes and Spa

8 Days Round trip from Sofia Easy pace
View all 29 photos

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Conquer Musala, the highest peak in the Balkans
  • 02 Summit Vihren and Malyovitsa on challenging alpine routes
  • 03 Explore the stunning Seven Rila Lakes and Popovo Lake
  • 04 Trek through the dramatic landscapes of the Rila and Pirin Mountains
  • 05 Experience guided high-altitude hiking with expert support
  • 06 Discover the cultural heritage of Rila Monastery

Conquer Bulgaria's most iconic peaks on an 8-day hiking adventure across the Rila and Pirin Mountains. Summit Musala, Vihren, and Malyovitsa, trek through dramatic alpine terrain, and discover glacial lakes such as the Seven Rila Lakes and Popovo Lake. Balance intense mountain expeditions with cultural visits to Rila Monastery and time to unwind in spa resorts. The journey is led by professional mountain guides for a memorable high-altitude experience.

Summit Musala, Vihren, and Malyovitsa, trek through dramatic alpine terrain, and discover glacial lakes such as the Seven Rila Lakes and Popovo Lake.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Premium
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Sofia, Rila Monastery
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Sofia and Transfer to Govedartsi

  • Arrive in Sofia and meet the team at the airport or the arranged pick-up point.

  • Explore Sofia with visits to St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Rotunda of St. George, Ancient Serdica, and the National Institute of Archaeology.

  • Transfer to the village of Govedartsi.

  • Check in at the hotel and enjoy free time.

Enjoy dinner at the hotel and relax.

2
Day 02

Musala Summit Hike from Govedartsi

  • Depart after breakfast toward the Yastrebets chairlift.

  • Take the chairlift to Yastrebets Hut.

  • Begin trekking to Musala Hut.

  • Enjoy a picnic in the Rila Mountains.

  • Continue hiking to Ice Lake.

  • Ascend to Musala Peak and enjoy panoramic views.

  • Descend back to Yastrebets Hut.

  • Return to the hotel in Govedartsi.

Enjoy dinner and relax.

3
Day 03

Malyovitsa Summit Hike from Govedartsi

  • Depart after breakfast toward the Malyovitsa region.

  • Begin trekking from the starting point.

  • Reach Malyovitsa Hut and enjoy panoramic views.

  • Enjoy a picnic in the mountains.

  • Continue to the Second Terrace and Malyovishki Lakes.

  • Ascend to Malyovitsa Peak.

  • Descend back to Malyovitsa Hut.

  • Return to the hotel in Govedartsi.

Enjoy dinner and relax.

4
Day 04

Seven Rila Lakes Hike and Transfer to Bansko

  • Check out after breakfast and depart for Panichishte.

  • Take the chairlift to Rila Lakes Hut.

  • Hike to Lake Peak for panoramic views of the Seven Rila Lakes.

  • Enjoy a picnic in the mountains.

  • Explore the Seven Rila Lakes Cirque.

  • Descend back to the hut and take the chairlift.

  • Transfer to Bansko.

  • Check in at the hotel and relax.

Enjoy dinner at the hotel.

5
Day 05

Vihren Summit Hike and Spa Time

  • Depart after breakfast toward Vihren Hut.

  • Begin trekking toward Vihren Summit.

  • Enjoy a picnic in the Pirin Mountains.

  • Continue the ascent to Vihren Peak.

  • Enjoy time at the summit.

  • Descend back to Vihren Hut.

  • Return to the hotel in Bansko.

  • Relax and enjoy thermal spa facilities.

Enjoy dinner at the hotel.

6
Day 06

Bezbog Peak and Popovo Lake Trek

  • Depart after breakfast toward Gotse Delchev Hut.

  • Take the chairlift to Bezbog Hut.

  • Begin trekking in the Pirin Mountains.

  • Enjoy a picnic in nature.

  • Ascend to Bezbog Peak.

  • Continue to Popovo Lake.

  • Return to Bezbog Hut and take the chairlift.

  • Transfer back to the hotel.

  • Relax or enjoy an optional wine tasting.

Enjoy dinner at the hotel.

7
Day 07

Rila Monastery and St Ivan Cave Excursion

  • Depart after breakfast toward Rila Monastery.

  • Explore the monastery and learn about its cultural significance.

  • Enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant.

  • Visit St Ivan Cave.

  • Transfer back to the hotel in Bansko.

Enjoy dinner and relax.

8
Day 08

Return to Sofia and Departure

  • Check out after breakfast.

  • Enjoy optional free time in Sofia for shopping.

  • Transfer to the airport or arranged drop-off point.

Seven Rila Lakes, Musala Peak, Popovo Lake, Vihren Peak

Where this trip takes you

Seven Rila Lakes, Musala Peak, Popovo Lake, Vihren Peak

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Sofia 2 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Return transport by coach from the pick-up and drop-off points
  • 4 nights in 4-star spa hotels on a half-board basis
  • 3 nights in Rila National Park in the village of Govedartsi at Hotel Iskar
  • Daily breakfast
  • Lunchbox during hiking days
  • Daily dinner
  • Explore Rila National Park
  • Visit Musala Peak, the highest peak in the Balkan Peninsula
  • Visit Malyovitsa Peak
  • Visit the Seven Rila Lakes
  • Explore Pirin National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Visit Vihren Peak
  • Visit Bezbog Peak
  • Visit Popovo Lake
  • Visit Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Explore the town of Sofia with a city tour
  • Spa and wellness packages with thermal mineral water
  • Professional mountain guide
  • Travel insurance
  • Spa and wellness experiences, including classic and wine therapies
  • Accommodation at selected hotels, including Hotel Orbel

What's Not Included

  • Personal expenses
  • Flights

What to bring

  • Comfortable hiking boots
  • Warm clothing
  • Dry food
  • Sufficient water
  • Windproof and waterproof jacket
  • Extra garment such as a fleece
  • Water bottle of at least 1 liter
  • Hat or towel
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Raincoat
  • Insoles if needed

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable hiking boots and warm clothing.
  • Carry dry food and sufficient water.
  • Bring a windproof and waterproof jacket.
  • Pack an extra garment such as a fleece.
  • Carry a water bottle of at least 1 liter.
  • Bring a hat or towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a raincoat.
  • Use insoles if needed.
  • Expect possible changes or shortening of the program in bad weather conditions.
  • Maintain a moderate to good level of physical fitness.
  • Consult the tour representative in case of medical issues or allergies.
  • Follow mandatory safety instructions provided by a licensed mountain guide before each hike.
  • Comply with all guidance given during the tour.
  • Accept that program changes may occur due to weather or other objective factors.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Sofia, Bulgaria
Tour start
Sofia, Bulgaria
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 days finish where they began, in Sofia.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.

Starting from

EUR 850 /person
Book This Tour

When

Travellers

Total