firstly been off line as the youngsters like to say for over a week due to some storm on the Isle of Man, funny really as the fault was at the end of the line my side of course and i have to pay even though it came from the storm on there lines, but thats another story.

So Happy New Year everyone and lets all enjoy 2014

as i have pointed out in the past i live on the Isle Of Man, and i will be starting this year hopefully doing upto 3months in Bulgaria near Popovo the information on the forum is a bit dated and i thought it a good idea for someone who does the UK Bugaria or Bulgaria UK routes to give us some more info on well routes.
in the past i've seen Hull Rotterdam and Dover Calie so best routes from areas in the UK would be great with a bit of advise on sleeping in the van or hotel or other information on this would be great.

also noted a while back an IKEA store in Shumen but no one knows about it is it really there?

Hi ya Paddy

can't help with the travel route as It's a long time since I drove over, but someone will be along to help with advice.

I've got a good mate who lives on the IOM..he drove over for a visit a couple of years ago and seemed to enjoy it. He and I belong to the same Jeep forum. If you want to PM me I'll give you his name and maybe you could contact him direct for travel advice.

thanks Bazz,
but he is the one who gave me your details,
i will ask Peter never thought as he likes to be posh and i did not think he would drive any where to far so that thought has to change

My favourite route is through France and into Italy. Cross to the east coast of Italy and drive down to Bari. Catch the overnight ferry across to Greece (Igoumenitsa). A few hours driving in Greece and you can then cross the border near Sandanski in Bulgaria (then follow the road North to Sofia). However, as you're heading to Popovo, you might want to drive further east in Greece and cross into Bulgaria later on.

Yes,of course Paddy..my memory is terrible these days. Peter drove over in his Landcruiser which is very well set up..but certainly not posh!

There are many possible routes you can take, it all depends on how or what you want, if you wish to go the quickest then take the main route (depending on where you cross from UK) into Germany, Austria, Hungary, Romania into BG, i've done the red eye in 37 hours tho not recommended. I now take upto 2 weeks to get to Burgas (i also stay for the Summer so no rush), afterall you are passing some of Europe's finest Cities it would be a pity to miss them. I take a different(ish) route every year stopping off at some fantastic places, the Czech Republic is awesome, the drive from Dresden to Decin in the Czech along the Elbe to name just one. If you need any pointers, just ask.

As already said there are loads of routes but it realy depends on you and what you wish to see on the way over? so look at all the routes and choose one that you think you will be happy with.