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.

Located in the village of Banya, these thermal pools are only a 15-minute ride away from Bansko. The mineral thermal pools are open daily at 11:00AM in the morning. Your experience will begin as you depart from the rental shop at a time of your choosing (after 10:30AM). At your disposal are 3 pools with natural mineral water from the nearby thermal springs: Thermal pool number 1: the big main pool where the water isn’t unbearably hot and great for swimming; Thermal pool number 2: a smaller pool which is shallow and warmer where your children can safely enjoy the benefits of mineral water and those of you who cannot swim can comfortably relax; Thermal pool number 3: a really hot pool, where the water temperature is well over 40 degrees Celsius, but at the same time nice (and not to mention healthy) There are changing rooms right next to the pool and a restaurant at your disposal, and at the conclusion of your experienced you will be returned to your point of origin.

Start your day of adventure by arriving at the meeting location at your selected time slot. Upon arrival, enjoy a pleasant meet and greet with the local staff who will direct you to your driver. After a scenic, 15-minute drive to the nearby small town of Dobrinishte, you'll arrive at the horse ranch where you'll meet your instructor for this experience. Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned pro, this tour is perfect for you. For beginners, you'll learn the basics of horse riding and ride in a closed field. If you are more experienced at horse riding, you can explore the countryside with your instructor. When you complete the activity, you'll be driven back to Bansko and returned safely to the original starting location. 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.

The meeting point is at our ski rental shop "Ski & Board Traventuria", and the driver will be there. You will be assisted with your luggage before boarding your vehicle. Your shuttle will run at scheduled times during the day. The trip takes up to 2:30 hours.

Journey to the outskirts of Bansko mountain resort, situated at the foot of the UNESCO listed Pirin National Park, where you will partake in a tour of the mountains with a local guide. Visit the St. Nikola archeological complex and the “Nameless Settlement”, dating back to the end of the II century AD, enjoy lunch at a restaurant with own Balkan trout fish farm situated at the shore of a picturesque mountain lake and relax deeply at the end of the tour in the thermal spas fed by hot spring waters in Banya, or Dobrinishte village.

- private quick, safe and 100% reliable transfer service - door-to-door transfer to or from your hotel in Bansko ski resort or the surrounding area - if you land at Sofia Airport, our driver will meet you with a sign with your name and take you directly to your destination address - if you book your return transfer, our driver will wait for you in front of your hotel or address in Bansko for a direct transfer to the Airport - no waiting, no additional payment - plenty of room for your ski equipment (please request) - free child/infant seats (please request) - 24/7 English speaking customer service - fully licensed and bonded company

This 11-hour guided small-group tour focuses on the highlights of Rila Monastery and Melnik. You will be also introduced to nature conservation, Bulgarian geography, as you will see two of the highest mountains in the Balkans, agriculture, and the economy during and after communism. There are plenty of other interesting themes that you can discuss with your experienced guide while on the road.  Depart early in the morning from busy Sofia and head to Melnik. Admire the strangely shaped sand and clay formations. Now the smallest town in Bulgarian with only 208 inhabitants, Melnik still preserves part of its glory from the 17th to 19th centuries, when it was a flourishing tobacco and wine-producing center. Today, the city is famous for its lovely white houses and cobbled streets, mild climate, and of course internationally recognized brands of red wine. You will have a guided walking tour through the city and enter the biggest Bulgarian Revival Period style house and its tunnel-like wine cellar. Your tour continues to the tranquil heart of the Rila mountains, where you can admire the impressive Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Its architecture and the frescoes represent the apogee of Bulgarian Renaissance art. In a one-hour guided tour of the most treasured monuments in the inner yard and the Monastery museum, you will learn the most fascinating facts and stories about the biggest Bulgarian monastery complex. Enjoy free time to buy souvenirs, take photos, or continue to explore it by yourself. 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.

Hike to admire Banderishki Lakes and see the highest peak of the mountain, Vihren. Go down to the biggest ski resort in Bulgaria, Bansko, to tuck into a traditional Bulgarian lunch. Take a guided walk in the historical part of the town and learn about the history and architecture of the Revival period. At 8:00 AM, be picked by your guide from your accommodation in Sofia. Enjoy a 2-hour drive on a very beautiful scenic road. See the highest mountain on the Balkans—Rila Mountain—on the way. Then, reach the starting point of your hike, Vihren hut. The hiking takes approximately 3.5 hours in both directions, during which you pass by 3 of the Banderishki Lakes. When back in your vehicle, head towards Bansko Ski resort, just 15 minutes from the parking. Upon coming down from the mountain, relax in Bansko, nestled in a valley. Have a Bulgarian lunch in the heart of the historical part of Bansko. Afterward, join a 30-minute walking tour of the place. Be introduced to the local Revival period architecture. Learn about the beginning of the Revival period in the 18th century. At around 04:30 PM, start your journey back to Sofia. Your guide will drop you off at your hotel.

Тake a two-hour walking journey throughout Bansko's historical district. Absorb the culture while reliving the lifestyle of the 18th century. By exploring the hidden corners of the Old Town, you will explore its history, legends, and the unique architecture of its fortified houses. Experience daily life in the Old Town, feel the spirit of the past, and dive into the local cuisine by hearing about local recipes shared from generation to generation. Admire the hand-painted murals of the Holy Trinity Church to discover the local art of Bansko. Learn about the first days of Bansko's history as a ski resort and how it reached the popularity of today, while finishing up the tour at the newest pedestrian street in the town.