Sofia and The Seven Rila Lakes Aerial Tour

Sofia , Bulgaria

Sofia and The Seven Rila Lakes Aerial Tour

Active

2h - 3h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore Bulgaria's breathtaking landscapes from the sky on this unique small airplane tour. Fly over the iconic 7 Rila Lakes, marvel at the expansive Iskar Dam, and capture stunning views of Sofia’s skyline, including the majestic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This intimate flight, limited to just 3 passengers, ensures a personalized experience with a professional pilot guiding you safely through the skies. Perfect for travelers looking for an extraordinary adventure, this tour offers unforgettable memories of Bulgaria’s natural beauty.

- Scenic 60-minute flight over the stunning 7 Rila Lakes and Iskar Dam
- Small group experience with a maximum of 3 passengers per flight
- Professional licensed pilot ensures a safe and comfortable journey
- Total duration of 2-3 hours including transfers from Sofia.

Available options

Sofia and The Seven Rila Lakes Aerial Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Landing and facility fees

Airport/Departure Tax

Detailed itinerary

Experience Bulgaria’s capital like never before—from the sky! Soaring above Sofia, you’ll see a stunning mix of history, architecture, and green landscapes all at once. From above, catch iconic landmarks such as:

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral – its golden domes shimmer in the sunlight.

Vitosha Boulevard & City Center – the heart of Sofia’s vibrant life.

National Palace of Culture (NDK) – the city’s cultural hub set among gardens and squares.

Vitosha Mountain in the distance – creating a breathtaking backdrop to the city.

Residential and historic districts – admire the contrast between Sofia’s modern and traditional architecture.

This aerial perspective gives you a unique understanding of Sofia’s scale, beauty, and charm—perfect for photography and unforgettable memories. The flight offers comfort, safety, and uninterrupted panoramic views that ground tours simply cannot match.

Discover the breathtaking beauty of the 7 Rila Lakes, a natural wonder nestled in the Rila Mountains. From above, these glacial lakes offer crystal-clear waters, dramatic mountain backdrops, and an unforgettable panorama at every turn.

The Lakes: Each lake has its own name and character—The Tear, The Eye, The Kidney, The Twin, The Trefoil, The Fish, and The Lower Lake—and reflects the surrounding peaks like a mirror.

Scenic Beauty: Turquoise waters, alpine meadows, and rugged cliffs create one of Bulgaria’s most photogenic landscapes.

Hiking & Photography: Optional short walks along the lakes’ edges give you the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and capture incredible photos.

Seasonal Highlights: Spring and summer bring vibrant wildflowers, while autumn paints the mountains in warm, golden tones.

Whether you fly over them in a small airplane or visit on a guided hiking route, the 7 Rila Lakes are an absolute must-see and a highlight of any Bulgarian adventure.

Marvel at the serene beauty of Iskar Dam, Bulgaria’s largest reservoir, set amid rolling hills and the striking Balkan Mountains. From above, the dam’s shimmering waters stretch across the landscape, framed by lush forests and quaint villages along the shore.

Panoramic Views: The aerial perspective showcases the full scale of the reservoir and its surrounding natural beauty.

Nature & Photography: Ideal for capturing the contrast of water, mountains, and green valleys—a true haven for photographers and nature lovers.

Peaceful Escape: The calm waters and scenic surroundings provide a striking contrast to the bustling city of Sofia nearby.

Seasonal Highlights: Vibrant greenery in spring and summer, golden hues in autumn, and misty mornings in winter create a constantly changing landscape.

Whether viewed from the sky on your small airplane tour or explored on the ground, Iskar Dam is a highlight for any visitor seeking a combination of nature, tranquility, and spectacular scenery.

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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.