From Sofia: Scenic Retro Train, Belmeken Lake & Wine/Thermal

From Sofia: Scenic Retro Train, Belmeken Lake & Wine/Thermal

By Magical Tours Bulgaria

Free cancellation available

See tickets

Features

Free cancellation available
11h
Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation
Multiple languages

Overview

Guaranteed Departure: Unlike other operators, we go even if only one traveler is booked. Your plans are safe with us.

True Small Group: Strictly limited to 8 guests, ensuring an intimate, flexible, and personal experience in a premium AC vehicle.

Hassle-Free Logistics: We handle the “boring” stuff. Train tickets, winery bookings, and pool entries are all pre-arranged and included.

High-Altitude Focus: Most tours skip Belmeken Lake; we include it because we believe 1,900m is where the real magic happens.

Activity location

Belmeken Dam
- Rila, Bulgaria

Meeting/Redemption Point

Sofia mosque - Banya Bashi
- 18 bulevard "Knyaginya Maria Luiza"
- 1000, Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria

Check availability

Retro Train & Thermal Pools

11h
English

Travellers

Languages available

Starting time: 8:00

Price details

RM 833.02 x 1 AdultRM 833.02

Total

22% off

Until Sun, 7 Jun

What's included, what's not

Air-conditioned vehicle
Choice of: Full Boutique Wine Tasting OR Thermal Pool Entry
Pre-booked tickets for the Narrow-Gauge Train
Professional licensed guide
Lunch (Free time provided in Velingrad)
gratuities

Know before you book

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

Activity itinerary

Belmeken Dam

3h

The Mountain Adventure (Belmeken & Retro Train) Escape the modern world for a journey into the "Bulgarian Alps." We begin our day with a drive to the majestic Belmeken Lake. Situated at 1,900m in Rila, this high-altitude reservoir offers one of the most stunning alpine panoramas in the Balkans. It is a place of absolute peace, crisp air, and rugged peaks—the perfect introduction to the wild heart of Bulgaria. After soaking in the views, we descend to Avramovo, the highest railway station in the Balkans at 1,267m. Here, you board the legendary Narrow-Gauge Retro Train. This is not just a commute; it is a slow-travel masterpiece ranked by The Guardian as one of Europe’s top 10 most scenic rail journeys. Over the next 1.2 hours, you will wind through spiral tunnels, cross mountain bridges, and witness a lifestyle in the mountain villages that has remained unchanged for decades. Your train ticket is pre-booked, allowing you to simply relax and enjoy the nostalgic heritage atmosphere.

Velingrad

1h

Summer Relaxation (Thermal Outdoor Pools) Note: Available May to September. After descending from the mountain heights, we transition to the "Thermal Capital of the Balkans"—Velingrad. For those seeking relaxation, this option offers an afternoon in the region’s famous outdoor thermal mineral pools. These are not crowded city pools; we select authentic outdoor locations where you can soak in the healing, naturally hot waters while surrounded by the fresh scent of the Rhodope pine forests. This experience is designed to be rustic and refreshing. There is nothing quite like the contrast of the cool mountain air and the warm, mineral-rich waters. We have pre-arranged your entry fees, so you can walk straight in, find your spot under the sun, and let the stress of daily life melt away. It is the perfect natural "reset" before we make our way back to Sofia. Please remember to bring your swimwear and a towel to enjoy this natural Bulgarian wellness tradition at its best.

Karabunar

1h

Cultural Sophistication (Boutique Wine Tasting) Our wine option takes you into the prestigious Thracian Valley wine region. This area is the gateway to Bulgarian viticulture, home to a history of winemaking that dates back to the ancient Thracians. We visit a boutique winery near Velingrad that specializes in high-quality, small-batch production and the preservation of indigenous Bulgarian grape varieties. You will be guided through a professional tasting of premium wines, with a special focus on the bold and spicy Mavrud—a grape that grows nowhere else in the world. The tasting is held in a curated setting and is paired with local appetizers (meze) to enhance the flavors. You will learn about the unique terroir of the valley and the modern revival of Bulgarian wine. Because we have pre-arranged the tasting fee and selection, you can focus entirely on the storytelling and the bouquet of the wines. It is a sophisticated, elegant conclusion to a day of mountain exploration.

Location

Activity location

Belmeken Dam
- Rila, Bulgaria

Meeting/Redemption Point

Sofia mosque - Banya Bashi
- 18 bulevard "Knyaginya Maria Luiza"
- 1000, Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria

Best Deals on Things to Do

Experience the wonders of the world up close with great deals on things to do near and far. Expedia offers one-of-a-kind activities that allow you to explore Rila your way. Whether you love nature, culture, food or a bit of adventure, we have the perfect activity for you.

Top experiences in Rila

With so many things to do in Rila, planning the perfect day out may seem like a daunting task. Expedia is here to take the hassle out of finding the best attractions, tours and activities in Rila. Families, couples and business travellers can all find the perfect activity in Rila to create life-long memories with the help of Expedia.