It has to be done. I booked up Paris last year with free cancellation, before we played the second leg against Real. I wasn't expecting to go, just preparing in case we did. Because the dippers had already got there things sold out/spiralled in price very quickly. So it was the logical thing to do.
For those looking this time around, possible itinerary below.
Fri 7th June
Stansted 5.55 - Sofia 11.00
Mon 10th June
Sofia 12.30 - Stansted 13.45
Or... Sofia 21.15 - Stansted 22.30
Cost is £70-75 depending on combination with Ryanair.
Train to Istanbul headlines:
Leaves Sofia at 18.40 and arrives in Istanbul 05.34 the next day.
It then leaves Istanbul at 20.45 and arrives in Sofia at 09.20 the next day.
Good website below which gives prices/images of potential seating/sleeping options.
Times, fares & how to buy tickets for the sleeper train between Bucharest or Sofia & Istanbul.
www.seat61.com
Looks like circa £50 to get a decent place to kip so £100 return. Flights between the two cities are £200 as a quicker/easier option.