HOTEL Thermal Healing Mineral Spa and the 7 Rila Glacial Lakes, Bulgaria

To see other attendees on the trip, please check the following LINK

Step into the heart of the Balkans where glacial lakes mirror soaring peaks and ancient thermal springs whisper tales of Thracian gods. Welcome to the majestic Rila Mountains – the crown jewel of Bulgaria and the highest range in the Balkan peninsula. Here, sparkling lakes, thundering waterfalls, and flower-dotted alpine meadows create a landscape of untamed beauty waiting to be discovered.

On this journey, we'll immerse ourselves in the raw splendour of this pristine wilderness. Trek through ancient forests alive with birdsong, marvel at the legendary Seven Rila Lakes, and soak in Europe's hottest mineral springs in the historic town of Sapareva Banya. Along the way, we'll explore paths once walked by Thracian tribes while embracing the fascinating blend of natural wonders and ancient healing traditions.

To make this really special we're staying in a lovely modern Guest House with swimming and jacuzzi, it's rated 4.9/5 from over 130 reviews: The Rock Guest House, Sapareva Banya LINK

Join us for an adventure where crystal-clear lakes, thermal waters, and Balkan culture merge to create an exhilarating mountain experience!

HIGHLIGHTS

• Just 2 days off work for a 3-night adventure in the heart of the Balkans!
• Explore the Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria’s most famous glacial lakes, each with its own unique charm and legend
• Soak in Europe's hottest mineral spring at Sapareva Banya's historic thermal healing baths - we enjoy an entire morning at the spa
• Hike through Rila National Park, home to Bulgaria’s highest peaks with rare wildlife and stunning alpine scenery
• Witness the unique geyser fountain of Sapareva Banya - the only one in continental Europe, firing out at 103 Celsius
• Stay in the historic spa town of Sapareva Banya, known since Thracian times for its healing mineral waters
• Visit the spectacular 39m-high Goritsa Waterfall, a hidden gem nestled in the lush foothills of Rila
• Experience the vibrant nightlife and culture of Sofia, one of Europe’s oldest cities
• Enjoy traditional Bulgarian cuisine and hospitality in a picturesque mountain town
• Discover landscapes dotted with rare Balkan endemic flowers like Edelweiss and Rhodopean lilies
• Small group adventure, limited to just 8 participants to make it really special
• Stay in Hotels/Guest Houses - with twin bedded en suite rooms

HOLIDAY DESCRIPTION

The Rila Mountains – Bulgaria’s crown jewel and the sixth-highest mountain range in Europe – offer a breathtaking landscape of alpine lakes, endemic wildlife, and ancient thermal springs. This remarkable scenery combines pristine wilderness with centuries of healing traditions, creating an adventure that feeds both body and soul.

Our journey begins in the historic town of Sapareva Banya where we are staying, home to Europe's hottest mineral spring, where ancient Romans once sought healing in the therapeutic waters. From here, we’ll venture into Rila National Park to hike the mystical Seven Rila Lakes, a cluster of glacial lakes scattered across the mountains at altitudes reaching 2,500 meters. Each lake tells a story – legends of giants and celestial tears – as we ascend through an ever-changing panorama of ridges, waterfalls, and wildflower-dotted meadows.

We’ll balance adventure with relaxation as we soak in Sapareva Banya's healing mineral waters, before embarking on a gentle stroll to the picturesque Goritsa Waterfall, the second-highest in the Rila Mountains. Our adventure concludes in Sofia, where ancient Thracian treasures, Roman ruins, and vibrant nightlife create a fascinating finale to our Bulgarian journey.

From the breathtaking beauty of high-altitude lakes to the healing powers of Europe's hottest springs, this trip offers a unique blend of natural wonders, blissful relaxation and cultural heritage.

ITINERARY

Friday

Arrive at Sofia Airport and transfer to the historic spa town of Sapareva Banya. Nestled at the foot of the Rila Mountains, this charming town is known for its thermal springs, valued since ancient times by Thracians and Romans. After check-in, enjoy a traditional Bulgarian dinner and relax before our adventure begins. We will also have time to enjoy our Guest House pool.

Saturday

Hike: Seven Rila Lakes
Grading: Intermediate/Challenging
Ascent: approx 500 to 600m
Hiking time: Approx 3.5 to 5 hours

Today, we embark on the highlight of our trip – the legendary Seven Rila Lakes. After breakfast, we take a scenic chairlift ride high into the mountains offering panoramic views of the Rila range. Our trail winds through alpine meadows with native mountain flowers, leading us to each of the seven glacial lakes nestled between 2,100 and 2,500 meters altitude.

The lakes are a true natural wonder, their crystal-clear waters reflecting the sky like liquid sapphire. We’ll hike past Salzata ("The Tear"), the highest and purest lake, Okoto ("The Eye"), a deep, mysterious oval pool, and Babreka ("The Kidney"), with its dramatic curved shoreline offering a panoramic viewpoint over the entire valley.

The landscapes here are nothing short of mythical. According to legend, the lakes were formed from the tears of a giantess mourning her fallen lover. Today, a rock near Babreka ("The Kidney") is said to resemble the lovers, standing as eternal guardians of their sacred land. Along the way, we might spot soaring golden eagles, agile chamois on rocky ledges, and delicate wildflowers unique to the Balkans.

After descending, we return to our Guest House in Sapareva Banya for a well-earned evening of relaxation and dinner.

This hike has quite a bit of ascent, but if you're a regular hiker and fit then it's intermediate, possibly bordering on intermediate/challenging due to the ascent. This is not a trip for beginners or anyone who does not hike regularly

Sunday

Morning at the Kotvata thermal pools and saunas Complex

Walk: Goritsa Waterfall
Grading: Beginners - very gentle, this is more of a stroll
Time: 1 to 2 hours

We begin our day with a relaxing morning at Sapareva Banya's mineral spa, where the healing traditions of Thracians and Romans live on. Soak in various pools of different temperatures, including waters from Europe's hottest spring (103°C), known for their ability to ease muscle tension and rejuvenate the body.

After a leisurely morning of relaxation and healing and lunch, we take a gentle walk to Goritsa Waterfall, a 39-meter cascade hidden in the lush foothills of Rila. The journey takes us through shaded forest trails, across wooden bridges, and up to a scenic viewpoint where the rushing waters create a refreshing mist in the summer air. This serene natural spot is the perfect way to round off our time in the mountains.

In the afternoon, we'll transfer to Sofia arriving later afternoon/early evening, where you'll have a free evening to explore Bulgaria's vibrant capital nightlife - a city where ancient Roman ruins, Ottoman mosques, and modern boulevards coexist in harmonious contrast.

Monday

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Sofia, with free time to explore at your own pace - stroll through bustling markets, sip coffee in a historic square, or wander through ancient ruins. Then take a short metro ride or taxi to the airport for your flight back home.

COST & PAYMENT

£378. Click “Attend” and pay the £100 deposit by Paypal. The remainder is due by bank transfer before Sunday 27th April, we’ll email payment details 1 week before.

Trip payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. When the trip is sold out fully paid spaces can be advertised to the same gender, for details: FAQ

START AND END TIME

Times are local time i.e. the times for Bulgaria are in Bulgarian time.

We suggest the inbound group flights below, for anyone on these flights or at the airport at this time we arrange a complimentary transfer to the accommodation at 1:55pm, this will depart from Terminal 1. If you arrive later you will need to make your own way to the accommodation (we wait for the suggested flights if delayed).

Inbound flights 13.06.2025
1. Ryanair 7:55am from London Stansted (STN) to Sofia (SOF) 12:55pm at Terminal 2
Flight FR1730
2. WizzAir 8:25am from London Luton (LTN) to Sofia (SOF) 1:35pm at Terminal 1
Flight W64302

RETURN

The trip ends at the hotel in Sofia and you can make your own way to the airport. The cheapest way to do this is via metro (underground) and it costs about 1.60 BGN (£1), taxis are also cheap.

FOOD

Breakfast will be provided in Sofia. In the spa town we will visit a local cafe. We will stop by a local grocery shop where you can buy your favourite items for lunches. For dinner you can explore the local cuisine for approximately £10-£15 excluding drinks.

Vegetarian food can be catered for. Some dietary requirements such as lactose free, nut free, gluten free or vegan cannot be catered for.

We need to be aware of all dietary requirements prior to booking, please email us to verify if they can be catered for first: info@outdooraholics.co.uk

THE PRICE INCLUDES:

• 3 nights Hotel/Guest House accommodation in twin en suite rooms, 2 of those with a swimming pool
• Complimentary airport transfer at the start for everyone taking the suggested flight option
• Private minibus transport throughout the trip and back to Sofia
• Breakfast in Sofia
• Compliance with the 2018 Package Travel Regulations including Financial protection
• Hiking pole hire
• Bulgarian/English speaking mountain guide

THE PRICE EXCLUDES:

• Dinners, lunches, 2 breakfasts (approx £4 each), spa entry £9
• Chair lift pass - approx 30 Lev (£13)

INSURANCE

It is essential that you have travel insurance that covers the cost of emergency medical treatment and also the activity of hiking (up to 3000m in this case). It is also recommended that this covers illness, cancellation and curtailment. You will be required to provide a copy of this before the trip. Without it we cannot accept you onto the trip and no refund will be due in this case.

Outdooraholics cannot verify policies or what they cover so please confirm with your insurer. The guide accepting your policy is not an indication that we confirm it is valid or covers what we list, only your insurers can confirm this.

There are lots of insurers who cover hiking, for example the BMC: LINK

You will also need to ensure you have all valid documents to visit this country including a passport and Visa if you require one. Bulgaria is within the EU.

SAFETY - Your guide is a trained hike leader. Outdoor activities involve a risk of personal injury. Please bring suitable hiking footwear and hiking clothes such as warm clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers - CLOTHING TIPS

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