Perched atop the stark white cliffs of Pamukkale lies Hierapolis — an ancient city that's as rich in history as it is in thermal springs. Once a Phrygian cult centre and later a flourishing Greek city, Hierapolis boasts a well-preserved amphitheatre, an array of atmospheric ruins, and the famed Sacred Pool, a thermally heated delight where you can immerse yourself amidst submerged Roman columns, scattered by an ancient earthquake. Just a stone's throw away, the terraces of Pamukkale steal the show. These gleaming white formations, made of travertine — a sedimentary rock deposited by the mineral-rich hot waters — give the town its name, meaning 'Cotton Castle'. With temperatures ranging from 35°C to a steamy 100°C, these hot springs have been creating an expanding landscape of terraces for centuries, as calcium carbonate from the waters crystallises into the soft gel of travertine. Awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, Hierapolis and Pamukkale offer a unique fusion of cultural history and natural wonder that should not be missed.

A lesser-known attraction, the National Opera and Ballet is Sophia's hidden gem. Performances are of very high quality, and good seats are easy to get at affordable prices. This is also the place to go and listen to classical music by great masters like Wagner and Rossini.

The Sofia Art Gallery holds an excellent collection of Bulgarian art. The collections include both past masters and contemporary artists. Housed in what formerly used to be a palace, the space showcases works of celebrated artists such as Tsanko Lavrenov and Vladimir Dimitrov-Maistor.

North of Antalya and Alanya, the Köprülü canyon and Beşkonak is a delight for all senses. It hosts ancient ruins, trout farms, and offers a welcome retreat from the coastal heat. If you're looking for an adrenaline rush, why not experience the thrill of white water rafting in this lush landscape?