INDEPENDENT BULGARIAN ESTATE AGENTS

   Once across the Channel, the fastest route is through Yugoslavia (which became feasible again in 2001) following the itinerary: Nuremberg (Germany), Graz (Austria), Maribor (Slovenia), Zagreb (Croatia) and Belgrade (Yugoslavia). Allowing for overnight rests, it takes at least three days to drive the 2400km (1527 miles) from London to Sofia, assuming that things go okay at the many border crossings. Once beyond Croatia, expect the roads to be bad and don't travel at night, especially on the final leg down to the Dimitrovgrad/Kalotina crossing on the Bulgarian border. The alternative, even more arduous route is through Romania (2552km), via Arad-Timisoara-Drobeta-Turnu-Severin and then a ferry across the Danube to Vidin.
   A longer but more pleasant approach through Europe is via Italy and Greece, catching a car-ferry to the Greek mainland and driving northwards to Bulgaria. Besides the pleasure of driving through Italy and Greece, this route reveals the similarities and differences between Aegean and Pirin Macedonia and has the advantage of good roads and magnificent scenery for much of the way to Sofia past such prime attractions as Melnik, Bansko and Rila Monastery. Remember that you'll need an international driving licence, available from the motoring organizations in your home country for a small fee, together with an international Green Card from your insurance company -while to drive in Yugoslavia you must also buy a local insurance policy, paying with Deutschmarks.

Crossing the Channel

   The most common cross-Channel options for the majority of travellers are the ferry and hoverspeed links between Dover and Calais or Ostend. The much quicker Hoverspeed, with its Seacat catamarans, operates on both these routes, whilst a number of ferry companies operate more regular services between Dover and Calais. Further ferry services operate out of Folkestone, Ramsgate, Newhaven and Portsmouth to France; Felixstowe to Zeebrugge; Harwich to Hook of Holland; and Hull to Zeebrugge and Rotterdam. Ferry prices vary dramatically according to the time of year, time of day, length of stay and, for motorists, size of car, though there are usually a host of special offers going on throughout the year. Whilst Hoverspeed is more expensive, the journey time is half that of the ferry and you can pick up some excellent offers. Otherwise, fares in the summer, for a car and up to nine passengers, can be as high as £440 return. By ferry, the same run will cost around £290, but again look out for special promotional offers. Foot passengers should be able to cross the Channel for about £25 each way year-round; taking a motorbike costs around £60.
   An alternative, and quicker, way of crossing the Channel Is by Eurotunnel (see below). An open return ticket, for a car and as many passengers as can legally fit in it, costs £350, although prices do vary depending on the season, length of stay and time of day. In addition, there are frequent promotional offers throughout the year.

Cross-channel contacts

Eurotunnel 0870/535 3535, www.eurotunnet.com. Shuttle train via the Channel Tunnel for vehicles and their passengers only. The service runs continuously between Folkestone and Coquelles, near Calais, with up to four departures per hour (only 1 per hour midnight-6am) and takes 35min (45min for some night departure times), though you must arrive at least 30min before departure. It is possible to turn up and buy your ticket at the toll booths (after exiting the M20 at junction 11a), though at busy times booking is advisable. Rates depend on the time of year, time of day and length of stay; it's cheaper to travel between 10pm and 6am, while the highest fares are reserved for weekend departures and returns in July and August.
Hoverspeed 08705/240241, vvww.hoverspeed.co.uk. Twenty-four daily departures. Dover to Calais and Ostend; Newhaven to Dieppe.
P&O North Sea Ferries 01482 /377 177, www.ponsf.com. Hull to Rotterdam and Zeebrugge.
P&O Stena Line 0870/600 0600, www.posl.com. Dover to Calais.
Sea France 0870/571 1711, www.seafrance.com. Dover to Calais.
Stena Line in UK 0870/570 7070, in Republic of Ireland 01/204 7777, www.stenaline.co.uk. Harwich to the Hook of Holland.

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