Sofia - Rila Monastery - Borovets - Pancherevo - Sofia
Get personalised attention on this 1-day tour to Bulgaria's Rila Monastery, Borovets and Pancherevo lake. This tour includes a scenic drive through the country's pine-forested Rila Mountains, a half-day skiing, trekking, mountain biking, jeep tour, gondola-lift ride or just delicious lunch (depending on the season and your interests) in Borovets or paddling around the Pancharevo lake.
About:
The biggest and most picturesque of the Bulgarian monasteries – Rila Monastery in 1961 was declared Rila Monastery National Museum. In 1976 it was announced a National Historical Reserve, and in 1983 it was included in the List of World Cultural Heritage of UNESCO. In 1991 the state restored the religious status of the abbey and closed Rila Monastery National Museum institution. Rila Monastery, Hrelyo’s Tower and the monastery buildings were declared a group architectural, artistic and historical complex of national importance.
Borovets is the oldest Bulgarian winter resort with a history that dates back to 1896. Gradually it has developed into a modern ski resort with hotels, restaurants, bars and a network of ski tracks and lifts along the slopes of the Rila Mountain. It has hosted twice World Cup Alpine Skiing Rounds, and its Biathlon track is one of the best in the world. Borovets is a favourite place all over the year and especially in summer when it provides a cool escape from the hot city, offering a variety of activities.
Borovets (1350 m above sea level) can be the base for your hiking up Mt. Musala, the highest peak in Bulgaria and the Balkans. Take the nearly 5-km long gondola-lift ride to Yastrebets chalet (2363 m above sea level) and continue on an approximately 3-hour scenic mountain paths to the top. Enjoy the bird’s-eye views over glacial lakes and ridges from the summit. This trip is suitable for average fit walkers with some mountain experience and equipment. Standing at 2,925m, Musala is the highest peak not only in Bulgaria but also in South-Eastern Europe. It rises high above Samokov valley in the North-East part of the Rila Mountains - the sixth European highest mountain of alpine character.
Our tours include a licensed tour guide and a modern, comfortable A/C vehicle.