This is the best known of Bulgaria's monasteries, justly famed for both its architecture and mountainous setting. Set high in the Rila Mountains and about 1 hour from Bansko, the Rila Monastery (still being a working monastery) is breathtaking. The church which is set in the central courtyard is decorated inside and out with brightly painted murals depicting stories from the Bible. The altar, with its elaborate carvings and icons, is awe inspiring. Within the museum can be found hand crafted crosses in wood and silver filigree, hand crafted prayer boxes and hand sewn tapestries. Although you may wish to visit the monastery on a packaged day trip, it is perfectly possible to get here independently. It will take just over an hour from Bansko and is reasonably easy to find. You might be surprised when you walk into the main courtyard since the Monastery may seem a lot larger than expected and also a lot more breathtaking. It is recommended that you go inside the church but don't wear shorts, etc. as you won't be allowed inside - you will still be able to walk around the courtyard, just not enter the church. The abundance of trails leading off into the densely forested hills will make an extended stay more than worthwhile. Though the monastery gates are open daily to visitors from dawn till dusk, some of the sites within the complex keep more restricted hours. If you want to see a service, morning prayers start at 7 or 8am, evening prayers at 4 or 5pm. Services are preceded by monks hammering on wooden panels in the monastery courtyard, a ritual designed to remind the congregation of Christ's nailing to the cross. The start of the Saturday evening service is usually announced by a monk ringing a carillon of bells from Hrelyos Tower. While the Thursday morning service is traditionally dedicated to St. John and features sacril chanting thought to date to the 15th century. Apart from Easter, the two main religious festivals celebrated here are the Birthday (August 18th) and Feast Day (October 19th) of St. John of Rila.

The Dancing Bear Rehabilitation Park

Just a short trip (around 40km) from Bansko is a reserve for ex-dancing bears, located near the town of Belitsa - 1200m above sea level. The Park is located in a forest area with natural water resources and is also home to the wild Brown Bear. Each bear has its own territory with access to water and plenty of space for climbing. The food for the bears is deliberately hidden at different locations within the Park so that they find it themselves, just as they would in their natural habitat, allowing the bears to revert back to their normal behaviour in nature. Specially trained people and veterinary surgeons oversee the programme and take care of the animals. It is sponsored by the Brigitte Bardot Foundation and the Four Paws Foundation (an international non-profit making organisation - financed mainly by charity) and is supported by the local authorities who hope the centre will turn into an attractive tourist spot. It is home to around 20 bears which have been bought (rescued) from their owners and moved into the Park, putting an end to the cruel tradition of using the bears for entertainment and forcing them to dance in the streets. The practice of teaching bears to dance by forcing them to step on to hot metal plates whilst a rhythm is played in the background is now illegal in Bulgaria. Guided tour visits are available between April and November. Intersport can arrange your visit to the Bear Park if you wish, which will include transport and lunch. You will be taken to the train station where the (slow) train from Bansko to Belitsa will depart. You will then be met and taken the rest of the journey to the Park by car.

Natural Spas & hot springs

The spa resort is situated in a mountainous area at some 550m above sea level and close to the Mesta river. The area is rich in mineral water springs and was used during Roman times. The remains of Roman spa facilities have since been transformed into the village's public bath. Ognyanovo offers perfect conditions for recreation and spa treatment all year round with its mild Mediterranean climate. The mineral water temperature here is 43 degrees and is used for the treatment of a number of illnesses.

Yagodinska cave

The Yagodinska Cave is the "pearl in the crown" of the Rhodope Mountains. It is situated near Buynovska River, 3 km from the village of Yagodina. The cave is a part of the unique Karst of Buynovsko Gorge. It is 10 km long, and 5 stories high, with many labyrinths and abysses inside. Visitors enter the cave through an artificially dug opening, while the natural entrance is 30 m above. A special path through the cave offers the opportunity to see the wonderful underground world formed over the course of millions of years. Atmospheric lighting illuminates the mysterious formations. Draperies, pipe-like stalactites, cave pearls, "leopard's skin" and hanging stalactone visible along with many others. Some of the formations inside resemble the well- known Santa Claus, Snow-White and The Seven Dwarfs, Virgin Mary and her newborn child, the Elephant, the Crocodiles and hundreds more.

Train journey from Bansko to Belitsa or Velingrad

Why not take the Mountain train to Belitsa or Velingrad? The narrow-gauge railway winds through the mountains with the most spectacular scenery. Organised trips are available, taking tourists from Bansko to Velingrad or Belitsa, where you can visit the Bear Park. The organised tours include return transfer and a traditional Bulgarian lunch.