Rentals in other areas of Europe

Bulgaria lies to the south of Europe bordered by the Black Sea on its eastern and a number of other European countries on its other sides, the great rive Danube forming the border with Romania to the north. Part of the Eastern Bloc for many years, it is now a member of the European Union.

The official language of the country is Bulgarian, which, like Russian, uses the cyrillic alphabet (it actually originated in Bulgaria). Signs in major tourist areas will generally be duplicated in the more familiar Latin alphabet, but don't expect this in more remote areas. The country's currency is the euro and prices here are cheaper than in some of its European neighbours, although not as cheap as they used to be prior to its recent economic growth.

Bulgaria is varied in its geography, with high mountains in some areas, lower hills in others and extensive plains and lowlands. The climate is temperate - cold in the winter and hot in the summer although this varies according to the terrain.

The three main destinations for visitors are the winter/skiing resorts in the mountains (Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo being the most notable), the coastal resorts of the Black Sea and the capital, Sofia plus other major cities. There are also popular rural destinations and numerous religious sites with their distinctive architecture (think spires topped with gilded onion shaped domes, sparkling in the sun and reflecting the snow) .

Over the years since it gained independence from the Eastern bloc, Bulgaria has shaken off much of its communist era trappings, construction has boomed and towns and cities are now lively and attractive. Despite the amount of construction, the Black Sea beaches are still attractive and golden. In the countryside it is still possible to sample authentic Bulgarian life-styles.

Accommodation in Bulgaria depends very much on location. In ski areas, there are apartments in purpose built blocks and chalets. Some chalets are catered but many are self-catering, possibly more so than in other European ski destinations. The Black Sea resorts have many purpose-built apartments and a fair number of villas. In rural areas it is possible to rent little cottages and some apartments in converted houses.