From
NZ $1,208

Rila-Pirin Mountain Trek (Bulgaria), guaranteed departures

8 days
Start and end in Sofia
4.7
14 traveler reviews
Rila-Pirin Mountain Trek (Bulgaria), guaranteed departures - Penguin Travel
From
NZ $1,208
Find this price
+ $188 Local Payment
Save and compare this adventure
Payment plan $362 now + easy payments of $423 Learn More

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Plan your adventure:
Hiking & Trekking
Epic trails and breathtaking landscapes await
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Guided in English
Group Size 4 - 12
Age range 10 to 79
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Highlights

  • Climb Musala Peak for panoramic views
  • Trek to the scenic Seven Rila Lakes
  • Explore UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery
  • Hike through Central Pirin's stunning trails
  • Ascend Mount Vihren, Pirin's highest peak

Itinerary

Expand All
  1. Introduction
  1. Day 1 Sofia (Bulgaria)
  2. Day 2 Musala Climb - Govedartsi
  3. Day 3 Govedartsi - Maliovitsa resort - Prekorechki Lakes - Govedartsi
  4. Day 4 The Seven Rila Lakes - Rila Monastery - Bansko
  5. Day 5 Pirin Trek, Bezbog - Tevno Ezero
  6. Day 6 Tevno Ezero - Demyanitsa Hut - Bansko
  7. Day 7 Bansko - Mount Vihren - Bansko - Sofia
  8. Day 8 Departure
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What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport
  • Free eSIM
    TourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Operated by

Penguin Travel

Number of tours

41

Age Range

18 to 80 years old

Response time

within 1 day

Response rate

96%

Established in 1989 in the heart of Copenhagen (Denmark), Penguin Travel rose...

Read more

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Customer Reviews

  • Overall Rating
    Excellent
    4.7
  • Itinerary
    Excellent
    4.5
  • Guide
    Excellent
    4.8
  • Transport
    Excellent
    4.6
  • Accommodation
    Excellent
    4.8
  • Food
    Excellent
    4.8
  • 4.4
  • Most Recent
  • Most Popular
  • Highest First
  • Lowest First
  • A
    · January 2nd, 2024
    Everything was perfect from start to finish, One recommendation is to include one day in Sofia to also do some culture tours.
    Show more
    Trip date: July 2022
    Review collected by Penguin Travel
  • A
    · January 2nd, 2024
    The hikes were all great, accommodation was wonderful, and the food - was diverse with a lot of local products. Our guide went above and beyond - he was willing to share his clothing and equipment if needed, always happy and willing to share information. I had a small issue and couldn't find my arrival transfer, but Penguin was supportive and handled that perfectly.
    Show more
    Trip date: January 2023
    Review collected by Penguin Travel
  • A
    · January 2nd, 2024
    The hike from Malyovitsa to Scary Lake was my favourite, the itinerary was excellent and we enjoyed diverse views, Our guide Anton was fun to have conversations with. Unfortunately I sprained my wrist and couldn't fully enjoy, but will definitely recommend doing this trip with Penguin to my hikers friends
    Show more
    Trip date: January 2023
    Review collected by Penguin Travel
  • A
    · January 2nd, 2024
    Stunning mountain scenery! We visited some amazing places, but for older guests, it's better to have a rest day (e.g. mineral water swimming) in the middle of the week. The hiking was much harder than advertised. Our guide was Anton,. He was passionate and enthusiastic! Overall a good, but exhausting experience.
    Show more
    Trip date: January 2023
    Review collected by Penguin Travel
  • A
    · January 2nd, 2024
    A great trip, with no issues at all. Our guide Anton was very friendly and willing to help. I would only suggest to check if the AC is working propperly in the bus before trips
    Show more
    Trip date: January 2023
    Review collected by Penguin Travel
  • A
    · January 2nd, 2024
    Our guide Anton was helpful and service-minded. The accommodation was excellent, the views were breathaking. We truly loved our time in Bulgaria.
    Show more
    Trip date: January 2023
    Review collected by Penguin Travel
  • A
    · January 2nd, 2024
    As a passionate hiker, my recent adventure in the Bulgarian Alps was nothing short of extraordinary, I loved the diverse landscapes, ranging from lush valleys to towering peaks. Boryana's flexibility and encouragement were invaluable. One suggestion for improvement would be to provide a daily briefing in advance, complete with a map, to better prepare participants for the upcoming trails and points of interest.
    Show more
    Trip date: June 2023
    Review collected by Penguin Travel
  • A
    · January 2nd, 2024
    An excellent introduction to the Bulgarian Alps and wide range of scenery. We had to change routes, because of snow and unsafe conditions and were a bit surprised we were not informed before departure about that possibility. Some of the days were quiet long, even for experienced hikers like us. All accommodation was good. our guide Boryana was excellent - she was always very encouraging and flexible with group itineraries adjustments, she was pro-active with suggestions and very supportive and informative. It would be good if each day was explained in advance with a map.
    Show more
    Trip date: June 2023
    Review collected by Penguin Travel
  • A
    · January 2nd, 2024
    Despite some longer-than-expected days, I enjoyed this hike. Everything was very well organised and the guide was excellent.
    Show more
    Trip date: June 2023
    Review collected by Penguin Travel
  • A
    · January 2nd, 2024
    Walking down the valley from the overnight shelter at Tevno Lake was amazing. The snow (unseasonal) made the walking one level harder in places, a bit beyond my comfort level. Maybe have easier alternatives available in case of adverse weather like too much snow in our case. Our guide, however, adapted well to challenging conditions and made us feel calm and encouraged.
    Show more
    Trip date: June 2023
    Review collected by Penguin Travel

Dates & Availability

8 days
Rila-Pirin Mountain Trek (Bulgaria), guaranteed departures
From Sofia to Sofia

Why book with TourRadar?

    • Trusted and vetted operators
    • Rated excellent on
    • Best price guarantee
    • 24/7 customer support
    • Earn $50 in travel credits
    • Free eSim with every purchase

    To protect your payment and ensure your booking will be processed in Australia, never transfer or communicate outside of the TourRadar website or app.

More benefits
Select a departure month
  • Upcoming departures
  • June 2025
  • July 2025
  • August 2025
  • September 2025
Select The Travel Month

Upcoming departures
Hurry, deals only available for a limited time!
Ends on 17 Jun, 2025
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Saturday
    28 Jun, 2025
    To Saturday
    5 Jul, 2025
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $1,208
    Local Payment
    $188
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Saturday
    12 Jul, 2025
    To Saturday
    19 Jul, 2025
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $1,208
    Local Payment
    $188
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Saturday
    9 Aug, 2025
    To Saturday
    16 Aug, 2025
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $1,208
    Local Payment
    $188
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Saturday
    6 Sep, 2025
    To Saturday
    13 Sep, 2025
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $1,208
    Local Payment
    $188
From
NZ $1,208
Find this price
+ $188 Local Payment
Save and compare this adventure
Payment plan $362 now + easy payments of $423 Learn More

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
All questions
  • T

    Tom

    Asked on April 29th, 2025

    Can we do this self guided?

    Tour Details
    • Penguin TravelOperatorWritten May 2025

      Unfortunately, we do not have this as a self-guided version.

  • K

    Karen

    Asked on April 7th, 2025

    Is this trip suitable for me? Please advise return date to Sofia

    Age Range
    Tour Details
    • Penguin TravelOperatorWritten April 2025

      The last night in Sofia will be on 4 July, as scheduled. We believe that it will be suitable for you if you are good active person and have the passion to hike.

  • K

    Katrin

    Asked on March 5th, 2025

    What are the luggage limitations during the trek?

    Transport
    • Penguin TravelOperatorWritten March 2025

      Luggage transfers from point to point are included, except on days when you're at high altitude in a mountain hut. For those days, a 25-30 liter personal backpack is sufficient.

  • A

    Adrien

    Asked on March 4th, 2025

    Can payment for the tour be done in Euros?

    Payments
    • Penguin TravelOperatorWritten March 2025

      Yes, payment in Euros is acceptable for the tour.

  • L

    Lorena

    Asked on January 28th, 2025

    What group size can I expect for the trek?

    Group size
    • Penguin TravelOperatorWritten January 2025

      Group sizes can vary, but generally, the tours are designed to accommodate multiple participants for a communal experience.

  • K

    Kevin

    Asked on December 19th, 2024

    Do I need to be particularly fit to participate in the trek?

    Age Range
    Tour Details
    • Penguin TravelOperatorWritten December 2024

      The trek is suitable for reasonably fit persons. It includes relatively short walking days at moderate altitude, with occasional more difficult days.

  • S

    Sandra

    Asked on November 13th, 2024

    Are airport transfers included in the package?

    Flights / Transfers
    • Penguin TravelOperatorWritten November 2024

      Yes, transfers from and to the airport on the arrival and departure days are included in the package.

  • E

    Emilio

    Asked on October 15th, 2024

    Can I join the trek as a solo traveler and what are the implications for accommodation?

    Accommodation
    Single supplement
    • Penguin TravelOperatorWritten October 2024

      You can join the trek as a solo traveler. A single room supplement will be mandatory.

  • L

    Luis Alberto

    Asked on October 5th, 2024

    Can I rent trekking poles for the trek?

    Transport
    • Penguin TravelOperatorWritten October 2024

      Yes, you can rent trekking poles. They will be noted in your booking.

  • D

    Daniela

    Asked on September 19th, 2024

    Where is hotel? In Sofia?

    Accommodation
    Tour Details
    • Penguin TravelOperatorWritten September 2024

      Our hotel is at the foot of Vitosha mountain (Simeonovo), just 15-20 min drive from the airport. Airport transfer is included in tour price

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Penguin Travel with your enquiry, they usually respond within 1 day.

Good to Know

Tour ID: 112447

  • Currency
    лв.
    Bulgarian Lev
    Bulgaria
  • Plugs & Adapters

  • Vaccines
    • These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
    • Hepatitis A - Recommended for Bulgaria. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Tuberculosis - Recommended for Bulgaria. Ideally 3 months before travel.
    • Hepatitis B - Recommended for Bulgaria. Ideally 2 months before travel.
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before August 9th, 2025 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after August 9th, 2025, a minimum payment of 30% is required to confirm your booking with Penguin Travel. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • Some departure dates and prices may vary and Penguin Travel will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Penguin Travel" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.