Rila Mountain Winter Day Trip - Nature, History and Panoramic SPA
Active
9h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Spend an unforgettable day in the snow at the winter resort of Borovets, located in the highest mountain on the Balkan Peninsula just an hour and a half away from Sofia!
Embrace the nature and the fresh air, and feel the magical atmosphere of the formal Royal Residence - Tsarska Bistritsa - one of the favorite places of the last Bulgarian monarchs!
After that, continue to Sapareva Banya, where you will indulge in the cozy warmth of its thermal springs.
The mineral water pools are a great way of relaxing and their healing properties have been used science ancient times.
Sample hearty local dishes like, accompanied by a glass of wine to toast the day’s adventures.
Available options
Winter Trip - Group Option
Winter Trip - Group Option: This is the standard option. You should come to the specified meeting point. Please be there at 8:40. Operates on Saturdays.
Winter Trip - Private Option
Winter Trip - Private Option: This is a private option - operates from Thursday to Sunday. Includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, and the SPA tickets!
What's included
Food tasting: traditional Bulgarian home-made pastry (only for the group option!)
English- speaking host, who will accompany you during the day
Transportation by a comfortable A/C vehicle
Bottled water
Audio info (cloud-based) about Tsarska Bistrista in EN, ES, IT - smartphone and wi fi required
Trip to Borovets and Sapareva Banya
Detailed itinerary
1
The tour departs at 9:00 from Sofia city center and we will take you to the second largest Bulgarian ski resort - Borovets. The traveling time is about 1.5 hours.
There, hidden in the forest, you will visit the old Royal Residence - "Tsarska Bistrista", remarkable for its beauty. It was built in the beginning of the 20th century for the Bulgarian monarch - King Ferdinand and it is the most famous site of the resort. Next to it passes the Bistritsa river, which makes the landscape even more scenic! The residence and the park around it are an astonishing place for memorable photos! The residential buildings are closed for visitors, but the old stable is now turned into a museum-gallery and there you can feel the spirit of the last Bulgarian royal families! The residence even has its own hydroelectric power plant, which was built in 1912, and still continues to operate today!
2
After that, you will go to Sapareva Banya - the thermal capital of the Balkans, famous for its hot mineral springs. There, you will have about 3.5 hours to relax in a notable SPA complex, famous for its 5 pools with panoramic views! The complex also has a restaurant, which offers different lunch options on reasonable prices.
The departure from Sapareva Banya is at around 16:30 and the expected return in Sofia is around 18:00.
What's not included
Entrance ticket to SPA complex with 5 panoramic pools and sauna - 20.25 euro (cash or card on spot)
10 euro (cash or card) for renting towels or bathrobes
10 euro refundable deposit (Cash only!) for a storage key
Tsarska Bistritsa entrance ticket - 3.50 euro (cash or card on spot) EUR 3.50 per person
Gratuities (optional in the end of the trip)
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
IT
ES
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
5.0
7 reviews
5★
7
4★
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Important information
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
The meeting point is at Vasil Levski Boulevard, near the corner with Vrabcha street. The bus will have a sign with a rose on the front and a writing "Hola Bulgaria".
Please be there 20 minutes before the departure! The bus departs at 09:00 and can not wait for late arrivals!
Important notes
Bring swimwear and flip-flops.
Please dress appropriately for winter conditions, good booths/ shoes are recommended.
Please bring 10 euro in cash for the deposit of the storage locker.
The restaurant at the SPA complex is a great option to have a lunch there!
We do not have baby seats in the cars, so we cannot accommodate children under 5 years old on this trip!
About Sofia
Sofia is the vibrant capital of Bulgaria, nestled at the foot of the Vitosha Mountain. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and lively cultural scene, it offers a unique blend of ancient and modern attractions. The city is a treasure trove of Roman ruins, Orthodox churches, and Soviet-era landmarks, all set against the backdrop of beautiful natural surroundings.
Top Attractions
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
This iconic cathedral is one of Sofia's most famous landmarks. It was built in honor of the Russian soldiers who died during the Russo-Turkish War.
Religious
1-2 hours
Free (small fee for the museum and bell tower)
Vitosha Mountain
Vitosha Mountain offers a stunning backdrop to Sofia and is a popular destination for hiking, skiing, and enjoying nature.
Nature
Half day to full day
Free (lift tickets for skiing cost around €10-€20)
National History Museum
This museum houses a vast collection of artifacts that tell the story of Bulgaria's rich history.
Museum
2-3 hours
€5
Boyana Church
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Boyana Church is known for its stunning frescoes dating back to the 13th century.
Historical
1 hour
€4
Sofia Central Mineral Baths
This historic building was once a public bathhouse and is now a popular spot for shopping and dining.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free to explore
Must-Try Local Dishes
Banitsa
A traditional Bulgarian pastry made with layers of filo dough, cheese, and eggs. It's often served for breakfast with a side of yogurt.
Breakfast
Vegetarian
Shopska Salad
A refreshing salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and grated sirene cheese. It's a staple in Bulgarian cuisine and is often served as a side dish.
Appetizer
Vegetarian
Kebapche
A grilled minced meat sausage made with a mix of pork and beef, seasoned with spices like black pepper, cumin, and coriander. It's often served with french fries or lyutenitsa (a spicy pepper and tomato spread).
Main Course
Contains meat
Tarator
A cold soup made with yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and dill. It's a refreshing dish, especially during the hot summer months.
Appetizer
Vegetarian, Vegan (if made with plant-based yogurt)
Popular Activities
Hiking in Vitosha Mountain
Skiing in Bansko or nearby resorts
Mountain biking and other outdoor activities
Visiting spas and wellness centers
Strolling through parks and gardens
Enjoying a meal or drink at a rooftop bar
Exploring museums and galleries
Attending concerts and performances
Best Time to Visit
May to September
This is the best time to visit Sofia for warm weather and outdoor activities. The city is lively with festivals and cultural events.
15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F)
59°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Bulgarian
- Widely spoken: English, Russian, Romanian
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other places
Currency
Bulgarian Lev (BGN)
Time Zone
GMT+2 (EET)
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Sofia is generally a safe city for travelers, but petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas. It's important to take basic precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
- • Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or surveys
Getting there
By air
- Sofia Airport • 10 km (6 miles) from city center
By train
Central Railway Station
By bus
Central Bus Station, South Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The metro is efficient, clean, and affordable. It's the fastest way to get around Sofia.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Yellow Taxi, OK Taxi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
City Center
Lozenets
Studentski Grad
Orlov Most
Day trips
Rila Monastery
120 km (75 miles) • Full day
The Rila Monastery is one of the most important cultural and historical sites in Bulgaria. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful frescoes.
Plovdiv
150 km (93 miles) • Full day
Plovdiv is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It's known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.
Bansko
160 km (100 miles) • Full day or overnight
Bansko is a popular ski resort in the winter and a great destination for hiking and outdoor activities in the summer. It's known for its stunning mountain scenery and traditional Bulgarian charm.
Festivals
Sofia Film Fest • March
Sofia Pride • June
Sofia International Film Festival • October
Pro tips
- Visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the beautiful light.
- Try traditional Bulgarian rakia and meze at a local bar for an authentic experience.
- Explore the underground caves and tunnels of Sofia for a unique and fascinating look at the city's history.
- Take a day trip to the Rila Monastery or Plovdiv for a taste of Bulgaria's rich history and culture.
- Visit the National Palace of Culture for concerts, performances, and other cultural events.
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
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Free cancellation available
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