Explore Rila - Bulgaria's highest mountain

Welcome to Sofia. Depending on the time of arrival, you can join our complementary city tour of Sofia starting at 14:00. We shall explore Sofia numerous attractions. Visit some of the city's most remarkable sites such as: Alexander Nevski Cathedral gold domed Cathedral emblematic for Sofia, the church of St. Sophia which gave the name of the city, the Rotunda of St. George, which is the best preserved Byzantine building, the Russian church st. Nikolas, St. Petka medieval church, Banya Bashi Mosque, the ruins of ancient Roman Serdica and many more. At 16:30 we drive to v. Govedartsi for an overnight.

After breakfast, drive to Malyovitsa skiing area from where you start hiking. The mountain path is surrounded by impressive peaks dominated by peak Malyovitsa (2729 m.) – the second highest in Bulgaria. The main hiking route takes about 2.5-3 hours to the top of Malyovitsa and it passes through two glacial plateaux, called “terraces”, many moraines and a blue lake. In the afternoon, possibility to visit Borovets – the oldest mountain resort in Bulgaria founded as a hunting destination of the Bulgarian royalties or viist the town of Samokov and its old quarter. Overnight in v. Govedartsi. /B/

Morning transfer to Panichishte resort and take the chair lift to hut Rila lakes (approx. 2000m above sea level). Start hiking to the Seven Rila lakes. There is hardly a visitor who will remain indifferent to this place. Surely, this will become one of the most exciting hikes in your collection, and the sights that will reveal to you will last in your consciousness for long reminding you of the grandeur and the timeless beauty of Mother Nature. The lakes follow each other at a height between 2100 and 2500 meters above sea level. They are all linked to a certain image, and their names are associated with these images. From lowest to highest you pass by “The Lowest Lake”, “The Fish lake”, “The Trefoil”, “The Twin”, “The Kidney” followed by “The Eye” and “The Tear”. From top of the lakes you will be rewarded with the most breath-taking view of the whole circus surrounded by rugged peaks and deep valleys. In the afternoon, drive back to Sofia. /B/