GPS&Audio Guided Winter Tour to Rila Monastery & Stob from Bansko
Active
12h - 14h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
A concept, that offers you the best of two worlds where we create your own personalized excursion or choose from recommended routes.
We bring your car personally to your accommodation in Sofia, the cultural capital of Bulgaria.
With an audio guide, access to unique places, the best restaurants, leisure, and outdoor adventures; all-inclusive: kilometrage, maps, GPS coordinates, vouchers, and tickets., our experienced team is 24/7 at your disposal.
In this tour, we bring you from the Museum of Mining, Stob Pyramids, and the Rila Monastery to the Varosho of Blagoevgrad; a personalized excursion in the intimacy of your own relatives.
Your schedule and itinerary will be both online and as a hard copy be made available.
This is a self-guided audio tour with all-inclusive car + services, device, map, GPS coordinates, audio guides + videos, excess kilometrage, entry tickets, restaurant reservations, vouchers, etc.
Available options
GPS&Audio Guided Winter Tour to Rila Monastery & Stob from Bansko
Pickup included
What's included
All Inclusive Car fully Covered
Audio & Video Guided
Vouchers for à la carte Menu
GPS Coordinates
Entry Tickets
Detailed itinerary
1
08:30 Departure
Drive 69 km, 1 Hour, 3 Minutes
09:30 Arrival Stob Pyramids
In the western Rila Mountains, you can see from far the dramatic rock pinnacles known as Stob’s Earth Pyramids. Wander through pure nature to reach the highest point and admire the colourful fairy-tale formations.
11:00 Departure
2
Stop 2
Drive 27 km, 33 Minutes
11:30 Arrival Rila Monastery
After the visit to the Stob pyramids our self guided tour to Rila Monastery from Sofia will take you to the most amazing landmark in Bulgaria – the Rila Monastery, nestled in the Rila Mountains offering beautiful scenery, full of energy. The Rila monastery is listed on the UNESCO list of world heritage and it is a place where all of the Bulgaria Spirit comes together and where nature meets religion. You will have the opportunity to enter the monastery museum and visit the Rila monastery kitchen and explore the life of the monks.
12:30 Departure
3
Stop 3
Drive 0 km, 0 Minutes
12:30 Arrival Restaurant
Enjoy your well-deserved lunch, we made a special reservation for you at Restaurant Stranopriemnitsa Rilla.
Departure: 14:00
4
Drive 40 km, 46 Minutes
14:45 Arrival Blagoevgrad Varosha
Dive into the past in the oldest part of Blagoevgrad. Well preserved houses of the Bulgarian Revival surrounded by narrow cobbled streets. The romantic atmosphere is completed with traditional restaurants, and galleries Find Just over the river a large pedestrian area for original and contemporary shopping.
Maybe drive uphill to the famous Cross?
Departure: 17:00
Drive 108 km / 1 hour, 23 minutes
18:30 Arrive back in your accommodation in Sofia
What's not included
Parking Fees
Personal Expenses
Available languages
Audio guide
DE
EN
RO
NL
Written guide
DE
EN
RO
NL
Important information
Specialized infant seats are available
Service animals allowed
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Drivers must be 22 years old minimum and/or hold at least one year his/her driver license
About Bansko
Bansko is a picturesque mountain town in southwestern Bulgaria, renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and world-class ski resorts. Nestled in the Pirin Mountains, it offers stunning natural beauty, traditional architecture, and a unique blend of relaxation and adventure.
Top Attractions
Bansko Ski Resort
One of the best ski resorts in the Balkans, offering excellent slopes for all skill levels, modern lifts, and stunning mountain views.
Adventure
Full day
Moderate to Expensive (€30-€60 per day for lift passes)
Holy Trinity Church
A beautiful 19th-century church with traditional Bulgarian architecture and intricate wood carvings.
Religious
1-2 hours
Free (donations appreciated)
Bansko Old Town
A well-preserved area with traditional Bulgarian houses, cobblestone streets, and charming squares.
Historical
Half day
Free to explore (museum entry fees apply)
Dobrinishte Lake
A scenic lake surrounded by forests and mountains, perfect for hiking, picnicking, and nature photography.
Nature
Half day
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Banitsa
A savory pastry made with filo dough, cheese, and eggs, often served for breakfast.
Breakfast
Vegetarian
Shopska Salad
A fresh salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and grated sirene cheese.
Appetizer
Vegetarian
Kavarma
A traditional Bulgarian stew made with meat (usually pork or chicken), vegetables, and wine.
Main Course
Contains meat
Mekitsi
Fried dough pieces, often served with jam, cheese, or honey.
Snack
Vegetarian
Popular Activities
Skiing
Snowboarding
Hiking
Mountain biking
Spa treatments
Yoga
Picnicking
Visiting museums
Best Time to Visit
December to March (Winter) and June to August (Summer)
Winter is ideal for skiing and snowboarding, while summer offers hiking, mountain biking, and cultural exploration. Both seasons see high tourist activity.
Winter: -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F), Summer: 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F)
Winter: 23°F to 41°F, Summer: 59°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Bulgarian
- Widely spoken: English, Russian
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Bulgarian Lev (BGN)
Time Zone
GMT+2 (EET)
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Bansko is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
- • Keep valuables secure in crowded areas
- • Book tours through reputable agencies
Getting there
By air
- Sofia Airport • 150 km (93 miles)
By bus
Bansko Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Affordable and convenient for getting around town. Buses are frequent and reliable.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Yellow Taxi, TaxiMe
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Bansko Old Town
Gondola Area
Dobrinishte
Day trips
Melnik
100 km (62 miles) • Full day
A charming town known for its unique sandstone formations, wine cellars, and historic architecture.
Rila Monastery
150 km (93 miles) • Full day
A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important monasteries in Bulgaria, known for its stunning architecture and religious significance.
Plovdiv
180 km (112 miles) • Full day
One of Bulgaria's oldest cities, known for its Roman ruins, vibrant arts scene, and historic old town.
Festivals
Bansko Folk Festival • August
International Jazz Festival • September
Pro tips
- Visit the Old Town in the evening for a relaxed stroll and to experience the charming atmosphere.
- Book ski lift passes in advance during peak season to avoid long lines and ensure availability.
- Try local specialties like banitsa, shopska salad, and kavarma for an authentic culinary experience.
- Explore the surrounding nature by hiking or mountain biking to discover the stunning landscapes.
- Attend local festivals and events to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and traditions of Bansko.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
