retiretoexplore

Ölüdeniz

Image: Crescent shaped Ölüdeniz Plaji (Beach) from one of the viewpoint going to Butterfly Valley. Highlights – What to see and do in Ölüdeniz, Turkey.   Time of Visit: October 2025 Duration of Visit: Two Nights Description Ölüdeniz is located on Turkey’s stunning Turquoise Coast near Fethiye.  It is one of the country’s most iconic seaside …

Ölüdeniz Read More »

Pamukkale

Image: The rounded white travertine formations covering the hillside give rise to the name Cottoncastle. Highlights – Your ultimate guide in visiting the Pamukkale Cottoncastle, Hierapolis Ancient City and blue Salda Lake in central Turkey. Time of Visit:  October 2025 Duration of Visit:  Two Nights Description Pamukkale is a Turkish word that means cotton castle.  …

Pamukkale Read More »

Antalya To Kaş

Image: Sunset at Patara Sand Dunes. Highlights – What to see and do between Antalya and Kaş, Antalya, Turkey.   Time of Visit: October 2025 Duration of Visit: Çamyuva – Three Nights, Kaş – Three Nights Description Antalya is Turkey’s fifth most populous city.  Visitors who explore the Turkish Riviera would most likely fly into Antalya.  …

Antalya To Kaş Read More »

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 …

Seven Rila Lakes Read More »

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 …

Bansko Read More »

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 …

Belogradchik Read More »

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 …

Transfăgărășan Highway Read More »

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 …

Sinaia Read More »

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 …

Bucura Lake Read More »