Bulgaria · 4 days · Mountains · City break

Sofia & Rila Mountains

Alpine lakes and monasteries from one of Europe's cheapest capitals.

Tap an airport to search flights from there.

Prices are estimates per person and change. Always check live prices before booking.

Day-by-day plan

1
Day 1: Sofia centre
Metro from the airport. See Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and have shopska salad for dinner.
2
Day 2: Seven Rila Lakes
Shuttle and chairlift, then hike the ridge above all seven glacial lakes.
3
Day 3: Rila Monastery
Day trip to Bulgaria's most beautiful monastery, deep in the forest.
4
Day 4: Vitosha & fly
Bus up Vitosha mountain for a short walk, then head to the airport.

Estimated cost per person

Based on 2 adults travelling together and sharing a room, in the best months below. This is a do-it-yourself trip, not a package: you book each part separately with partners.

Flights (return): ~£80
Stay: ~£80
Transfers & local transport: ~£30
Activities: ~£40
Estimated total: ~£230

Prices are estimates per person and change. Always check live prices before booking.

Best months to go

Late June–September

Money-saving tips

Fill a bottle from Sofia's free mineral springs.
Group shuttles to the lakes are much cheaper than private tours.
Mehanas (taverns) outside the centre are half the price.

Check prices

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Flights: search your dates and number of travellers.
Stay: book a hotel or apartment. Partners show the total room price, not per person.
Transfers and tours: add the airport ride and any activities.

Travelling as a family or group? Use the "Entire homes & apartments" filter on the stay site. A flat with a kitchen often costs less per person than hotel rooms. School-holiday dates usually cost more than our estimates.