Hello all,

Having had my wrist slapped for continuing my introduction post - I am starting a new post as requested.

On Friday I shall be arriving at Sofia Airport (for the first time) at about 19.00, picking up a rental car and driving to Elhovo to have a look at some houses on Saturday/Sunday.

Which is the best route to take - I shall have a Navigation system in the car and any dos and donts?

Stick to the motorway, A1 i believe, all the way to Yambol exit then through to Elhovo on the 7, very easy peasy.

Oh and whether your using sat nav or road signs, follow the Plovdiv signs out of Sofia and re-adjust the nav just before you reach Plovdiv, but stay on the A1, some navs don't have the finished/completed motorway (A1) on them, so will take you a different route. Make sure the hire co supplies snow chains, just in case. Enjoy your break.

Hi
Yes it is an easy route and the roads are good . Just a word of caution - once you arrive near Elhovo itself the roads deteriorate a bit . If you are driving around the area try to always drive through the town - avoid the bypass - the condition of the road is terrible - massive ruts - the repair work due to be completed this year has been delayed until next year as the money dissappeared !! Welcome to Bulgaria!

It is a straight road all the way, plenty of service area's even a Maccy d's at Plodiv, well just b4. Even if you take a half hours break along the way you should do it to Elhovo in about 3 to 3 1/2 hours. As had been said the road close to Elhovo is bad. You might also be well advised to look at property closer to Yambol as this seems to be the main shopping place for most people that live down in that area. There some nice villages between Elhovo and Yambol. Good luck.

Hello all,
I made it and live to tell the tale.
Arrived at Sofia airport and picked up the rental car from Sixt - I was surprised when they informed me that the CDW did not cover tyres, glass and wing mirrors - additional cost added. Then I was informed that a deposit of 900 Euros was required to make sure I got a Police report if the car got stolen - another surprise. I will never use SIXT again.
Drove from Sofia airport - surprised that the locals kept to the Speed limits and thanks to the satnav arrived at the Baniata Hotel in Elhovo.

The receptionist was very kind and helpful - got a bite to eat and drink ( just had to sample the Rakia - which to me was very similar to the italian Grappa). The room was quite basic but adequate - the bed was narrow and uncomfortable. What surprised me was that the Shower had no enclosure - so after a shower the whole bathroom was wet - just a comment. Surprised when I got the bill - bed, breakfast, wine, rakia for less than 20 Euros !!!! Would stay again but after I checked the bed - the wet bathroom after a shower is their problem!!!

Looked at a number of houses in Srem, Miladininovtsi - rather likes the one in Miladinovtsi - but SHE (who must be obeyed) will have the final say.

Drove to Haskovo again with the help of satnav and arrived at the Hotel Retro - which is on the main road into Haskovo after passing the Orange bridge across the road - I did not take a note of the name in BG so I passed the hotel a number of times before actually recognising it. Hotel was good - room excellent - shower had an enclosure this time!!. Dinner, full English breakfast and large comfortable room for 30 Euros !!!

The next day went to see some houses in Elena - and happened to meet up with Wyn (Campcook) who very kindly gave me some informaation about the village.

Headed back to Sofia and flight back to Germany.

The country is a lot 'greener' than Turkey and also much cheaper - cars also stop for people at pedestrian crossings and cars generally keep to the speed limits.

Pleasantly surprised - and will come again for the final viewing with SHE. Cannot decide between Miladinovsti or Elena.

Miladinovsti seems to have more of an infrastructure in the village but Elena has beautiful views.

Thanks to those who replied to my post and gave me some tips.

Further comments on either of the two villages would also be gratefully received.

It will have to be your choice and what is best for you and your buget along with what kind of lihe you want or expect. Good luck

Decisions, decisions Maybe you could rent a place or stay in the hotels in both places to test the waters so to speak, if the place is for you, you will know instantly. Don't rush into anything Good luck keep us updated

hi

i have driven a few times out of sofia stright on the motorway turn off for yambol 3.5 hours the another 30 min to elhovo

From what you have said I think both places have different things to offer, from what I can remember having only been there once to see a friend who has since passed away the village was quite a nice little place with plenty to see and do although shopping you would probably end up going into Yambol. Have a look at this site it's a blog that my friend wrote while she was with us it's very comprehensive click in the archives down on the right it starts when she first went to Bg

An Aussie in Bulgaria [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]