retiretoexplore

Seven Rila Lakes

Image: Twin (Bliznaka) Lake. Highlights Description of the Seven Rila Lakes hike in Rila National Park, Bulgaria.  Time of Visit:  September 2025 Duration of Visit: Three Nights Description The Seven Rila Lakes are one of Bulgaria’s most iconic natural wonders. They are located high in the Rila National Park at altitudes ranging from about 2,100 …

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Bansko

Image: Old Town Bansko. Highlights Day trips and hiking from the mountain town of Bansko, Bulgaria.   Time of Visit:  September 2025 Duration of Visit: Five Nights Description Bansko is a charming mountain town in southwestern Bulgaria.  Nested at the base of the Pirin Mountains, it makes a great base for explorations to surrounding villages.  It …

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Belogradchik

Image: Belogradchik Fortress Highlights – What to see and do in the quiet small town of Belogradchik, Bulgaria.   Time of Visit:  September 2025 Duration of Visit: Two Days Description Belogradchik is a small town in northwestern Bulgaria about three hours drive from the capital city, Sofia.  It is best known for its natural rock formations …

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Transfăgărășan Highway

Image: Transfăgărășan Highway, North of the pass Highlights Useful information to successfully plan an exploration of the Transfăgărășan Highway in Romania. Time of Visit:  September 2025 Duration of Visit: Two Nights Description The Transfăgărășan Highway, officially known as DN7C, is one of Romania’s most iconic roads, winding through the rugged Făgăraș Mountains in the southern …

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Sinaia

Image: Peles Castle Highlights How to visit the mountain town of Sinaia as a day trip from the capital city of Bucharest, Romania.   Time of Visit:  September 2025 Duration of Visit: Three Nights (in Sinaia) Description Sinaia is a charming mountain town nestled in the Prahova Valley of Romania. Surrounded by the Bucegi Mountains, Sinaia …

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Bucura Lake

Image: Bucura Lake. Highlights – A day hike to scenic Bucura Lake in the Retezat National Park in Western Romania.   Time of Visit:  August 2025 Duration of Visit: Two Nights Description Bucura Lake is a glacial alpine lake in the heart of Retezat National Park.  It is the largest lake in the park and also …

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Plitvice Lakes

Image: The waterfalls and lakes at the downstream end of the park near Entrance 1. Highlights – Useful information and tips in visiting Croatia’s stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park. Time of Visit:  August 2025 Duration of Visit: Four Nights Description Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of Europe’s most stunning natural wonders and a …

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Dubrovnik

Image: Old Town Dubrovnik Highlights  – Useful information in planning a trip to the medieval Old Town Dubrovnik, Croatia. Time of Visit: August 2025 Duration of Visit: Three Nights Description Dubrovnik is often referred to as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” It is a stunning coastal city located on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. Enclosed by massive …

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Logar Valley

Image: Logar Valley in the afternoon. Highlights – Useful information and tips in visiting Slovenia’s magnificent Logarska Dolina or Logar Valley. Time of Visit:  August 2025 Duration of Visit: Four Nights Description Logar Valley (Logarska Dolina) is one of Slovenia’s most stunning valleys, tucked away in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps in the northern part of the …

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