The 4 Sofia Hot Springs Tours That Earn Their Price

1.Seven Rila Lakes Snowshoe Walk & Thermal Spring Pools

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 79 reviews · 1 day · from $129Our pick

Leave Sofia for a guided 2.5-hour snowshoe walk above the tree line, using a chairlift to reach Rila Lakes Hut at 2,150 meters. Guides such as Velko, Alex, Daniel, and Kiril lead the route, then you relax in Sapareva Banya’s thermal pools.

“One of the most beautiful places I have ever been, there is not enough words to describe the hiking and the views, a really amazing walk guided by Kiril, it was a real privilege to be able to do it in such great weather conditions. Kiril is a very experienced and helpful guy, I am very grateful about this tour!”

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2.Full-day Rila Mountains, Seven Lakes Hike, and Hot Springs Tour from Sofia

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 70 reviews · 6 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $132

Travel from Sofia to the Seven Rila Lakes with a licensed mountain guide, choosing a 3-hour or 5-hour trail above the tree line. Guides such as Daniel, Kiril, Velko, and Swet have helped adapt walks to changing weather and fitness levels. Finish with optional thermal baths at Sapareva Banya.

“Terrible experience..The weather was terrible witn rain and strong wind ..It was impossible to get to the lakes...We were soaking wet when we made it to tne second sale but there was no fire place to warm us up a little..The chairlift ride was 25 minutes..It was very very windy and quite scary at times especially when it stoped because of the wind and left us hanging in the wind and rain..My daughter and wife were terrified.. To the positives our guide Swet was amazing..So was the spa at the end...They should cancel the excursion when the weather is so bad It is dangerous.”

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3.7 Rila Lakes Hiking & Thermal Spa Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 46 reviews · 1 day · from $129

Travel from Sofia into Rila Mountains National Park for a three to five-hour hike among the Seven Rila Lakes, guided in English by a mountain guide and tour guide. Choose a shorter route or climb to Lakes Peak, then relax at Sapareva Banya’s thermal pools. Guides have included Mariya, Marin, Velko, and Krill.

“Hiking the Rila Mountains is a highlight of my life. I've never done anything quite like this before and it was VERY challenging but well worth it! Bring or rent hiking poles - trust me!! Marin is a great guide, we really enjoyed spending the day with him and the other hikers in our small group. The hike took a lot longer than expected (it really was very challenging!). We stopped at a waterfall on the way which was not in the description. It was nice to see, but took time away from the planned activities. Two participants had a flight to catch, so we unfortunately only got an hour…”

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4.Half Day Tour around Sofia and the mountains with Thermal Spa

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 43 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $210Top rated

Travel by Wi-Fi-equipped car or van from central Sofia to the National Museum of History, Vitosha Mountain, Boyana Church, and Pancharevo Lake. Guide Dimitry or Rado leads the day, with a traditional lunch stop and time at Korali’s outdoor mineral pool.

“We had a great experience, the places we visit were all interesting and we cover the most relevant aspects of sofia Rado is an excelent guide always ready to answer questions, help us with pictures and explaining us detaila of all points we visited”

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