Italy Away - 1st April 2009

[MariborKev]

Aye,

I asked the Scottish lads on the Tartan Army message board and a number of them had stayed in the Boston, said it was grand.

[Sligo Hornet]

Looked at the Mercure but decided on the Boston - as its right in the centre :)


We are probably booking into this Hotel......only 3 star Newry....not up to "our usual standard"......but it does have a Bar!:D

[Newryrep]

We are probably booking into this Hotel......only 3 star Newry....not up to "our usual standard"......but it does have a Bar!:D

Good stuff, will look forward to having a cold one with you all, they better be well stocked , we should be there about 21.00 on the Tues (flight arrives at 20.30) after a 7 hour stopover.

As Maribor says as I wouldnt hang around too long before you book a room, there isnt a great selection of hotels in Bari particularily town/city centre.

[Sligo Hornet]

Good stuff, will look forward to having a cold one with you all, they better be well stocked , we should be there about 21.00 on the Tues (flight arrives at 20.30) after a 7 hour stopover.

As Maribor says as I wouldnt hang around too long before you book a room, there isnt a great selection of hotels in Bari particularily town/city centre.

Went ahead and booked the Boston Hotel (5 of us) but can cancel without penalty, should the worst happen....I'll book the flights ONLY when venue CONFIRMED!

[MariborKev]

Lads,

See below for the advice from the Scotch lad. They also have a contact for hiring buses etc if anyone is thinking of hiring ones from Rome etc. She is Irish but has lived in Italy for years.

"Hi there - thought my review of the Hotel Boston might be of use to you?

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g187874-d237464-r7259593-Hotel_Boston-Bari_Puglia.html

Honestly, the location was spot on, just far enough away from the square (where I'm sure you'll spend all your time and money at!) but close enough to walk - max 10 minutes, if that.

As someone mentioned, we had the "inconvenience" of a booze ban on match day but that lasted all of about 30 minutes I think - we went and sat over at the old harbour and were sinking bottles of Peroni for €1 or a box of 24 for €20, not bad and no queueing either! The square on match day was heaving and not a square inch to be had and we were there early shocked.gif

Got to remember, the game going ahead at that time was seriously in doubt, as the month before, a policemen was killed at a southern Italian derby match. Quite funny, as we got there on the Monday afternoon and by that night, the Bari Ultras were out and about - after less than 10 minutes, they knew they we're asking the wrong support about fighting......ended up getting pished with us, then the same the Tuesday night, with a wee sing song in the square - do a youtube search, there's probably just as many from the Italian's, as there are from us and the amount of families out to come and get their picture taken with you, you'll enjoy it lol.gif

Anyway, even if there's a remote chance of you guys playing there, I'd book now (I used Venere.com and reserved on my CC, paid on departure), as there ain't many rooms in Bari itself.

Hope you enjoy the travels and get the result you want but you'll have a lot to live up to, as we spent the equivalent of typical 3 months turnover for the whole area (not just the bars), in just over 48 hours beer2.gif


Oh and if for whatever reason you don't get a ticket from your own FA, we bought ours from this site (the offical Italian ticket agency)

www.oneticket.it
(or it's something very similar if I'm wrong - just don't buy Curve Nord Upper - that's the Ultras and they are pretty territorial about that!) Actually, we got in the Scotland end with Italian tickets, so much for strict security, eh!"

[Greenforever]

Been There - have your room booked in Mercure Villa Romanazzi Carducci. Twin room for Mon Tues Weds.


Will ring you over the next few days, you can pay upon departure. Room held with my credit card.

[srfc-1901]

Surprise to who??

They put the Scots in Bari, so it was always a possibility.

Decent stadium afaik, athletic track, good location weatherwise, so not bad. Poor though for the travel agents and press corps, who banked on Milan/Rome, and hiked their prices as a result. €800 - WTF???? :confused::eek:

You should be surprised as anyone considering you said this on page 4 of this thread

"It will have to be one of the big stadiums, of which there are only 3 with sufficient capacity, Milan, Rome, or Naples. They'll easily get 80,000 at any one of those. It is a key game in the group."

Cheers for the heads up MP:rolleyes:

[mypost]

It should be borne in mind that said quote, was 10 months ago on Page 2, in very different expectations at the time.

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3914
Finally something on the FAI site although it is pretty much what was said on RTE a couple of days ago

[Bungle]

lads, anyone got a website where we could get more or less face value tickets?!

where are most people flying to?I flew to Naples from London with Easyjet a few years ago so if there is a train there that might be an option!!

[NeilMcD]

www.fai.ie

[offaly16]

Lads anyone getting from Rome to Bari can fly with Easyjet for €60 return, flying out on Wednesday and back on Thursday.

[SuperDub]

We are flying from Rome to Bari on the tuesday and back to rome on thursday with easyjet about €70 return.

[srfc-1901]

It should be borne in mind that said quote, was 10 months ago on Page 2, in very different expectations at the time.

You obviously hate being proved wrong on this forum as much as you do on the utlras forum.

[Newryrep]

Went ahead and booked the Boston Hotel (5 of us) but can cancel without penalty, should the worst happen....I'll book the flights ONLY when venue CONFIRMED!

Cant see it changing to be honest so went on ahead and booked the return as i need to be back on Thur. Might be able to use 1st and last flight if not Bari

Flights E170 each, hotel E140 each

I see on YBIG you got stung on Hotel , any joy ?

[Greenforever]

Mercure Villa Romanazzi Carducci hotel is now full, according to tartan army boards loads of them ended up sleeping on floors, very few hotel rooms in Bari, I'd strongly recommend booking hotels asap.

[Sligo Hornet]

Cant see it changing to be honest so went on ahead and booked the return as i need to be back on Thur. Might be able to use 1st and last flight if not Bari

Flights E170 each, hotel E140 each

I see on YBIG you got stung on Hotel , any joy ?

Not really "stung" (good pun Newry:D)......turns out that I have booked a "Family Room" that sleeps 5,) as there were no more Triple rooms....if I went for 2 rooms it works out the same.

[Newryrep]

Not really "stung" (good pun Newry:D)......turns out that I have booked a "Family Room" that sleeps 5, as there were no more Triple rooms....if I went for 2 rooms it works out the same.

Glad to hear

The Scots had a pretty good time if reports are anything to go by we just need to make sure we out drink and out sing them :) (3 points wouldnt be too bad either surely we are due a massive result but would settle for 1)

[NeilMcD]

I am booked Dublin Bologna and Bologna to Bari, One night in Bologna and 2 nights in Bari. Booked into the Victor Hotel too. Bring it on.

[SuperDub]

I just got stung by the mercure. I received a confirmation email the other day but today i got an email telling me the hotel is full and due to a computer failure i got a confirmation when i should have not:(

[Newryrep]

I just got stung by the mercure. I received a confirmation email the other day but today i got an email telling me the hotel is full and due to a computer failure i got a confirmation when i should have not:(

Sounds like they are trying it on Superdub, I think the Mercure/ACCOR group will guarantee you a room if you are Mercure/ACCOR group member even if the hotel is full - you may have been bumped - try to get them to sort you out with another local hotel as you have already made your plans etc made arangements etc based on their email - hope it works out for you

[Greenforever]

I just got stung by the mercure. I received a confirmation email the other day but today i got an email telling me the hotel is full and due to a computer failure i got a confirmation when i should have not:(


Sounds like Treacy ot 747 have tried to block book the hotel. That or they have copped on to the match and are trying to increase rates.

I would be very snotty with them and insist they source an equal or higher standard hotel, in the same area at the prices they quoted you, of not make it clear you will be arriving and expect them to provide the accomodation you booked.

What they are doing is trying to cancel all bookings at discounted rates, but probably wont cancel anyone who booked through the big websites such as expedia as they won't risk ****ing them off.

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

I just got stung by the mercure. I received a confirmation email the other day but today i got an email telling me the hotel is full and due to a computer failure i got a confirmation when i should have not:(

I booked on hotels.com at 9.21 last night and still have my reservation with them....

[Greenforever]

Italy v Republic of Ireland (http://www.747travel.ie/world_cup_2010_qualifying_group8_ireland_v_italy.h tm)http://www.747travel.ie/images/football_italy.jpg (http://www.747travel.ie/world_cup_2010_qualifying_group8_ireland_v_italy.h tm) vs http://www.747travel.ie/images/football_ireland.jpg (http://www.747travel.ie/world_cup_2010_qualifying_group8_ireland_v_italy.h tm)At Rome Italy, on 01 April 20093 DAY/2 NIGHT PACKAGE
Including Match Ticket +
Roundtrip Flights starting from €749Departure from Dublin at 0800hrs
on Tuesday 31st March 2009



Taken off there website today:D

[Greenforever]

Nazionale A



Qualificazioni Mondiali: Bari ospiterà la sfida con la Rep.d’Irlanda

Roma 02/01/2009

Sarà lo stadio “San Nicola” di Bari ad ospitare il prossimo 1° aprile l’incontro Italia-Repubblica d’Irlanda, valido per la qualificazione alla Coppa del Mondo FIFA –Sudafrica 2010.
Gli Azzurri faranno dunque ritorno nel capoluogo pugliese a due anni esatti dalla netta vittoria sulla Scozia, 2-0 con doppietta di Luca Toni, che per l’Italia segnò il punto di svolta nella corsa alla qualificazione all’Europeo in Austria e Svizzera. Ulteriori dettagli relativi a orario d’inizio, copertura televisiva, prezzi e modalità di vendita dei biglietti saranno resi noti dalla Federcalcio nelle prossime settimane.

[mypost]

You obviously hate being proved wrong on this forum as much as you do on the utlras forum.

Given the fact that nobody (seriously) considered Bari until the last week, everyone's wrong.

[Newryrep]

Nazionale A



Qualificazioni Mondiali: Bari ospiterà la sfida con la Rep.d’Irlanda

Roma 02/01/2009

Sarà lo stadio “San Nicola” di Bari ad ospitare il prossimo 1° aprile l’incontro Italia-Repubblica d’Irlanda, valido per la qualificazione alla Coppa del Mondo FIFA –Sudafrica 2010.
Gli Azzurri faranno dunque ritorno nel capoluogo pugliese a due anni esatti dalla netta vittoria sulla Scozia, 2-0 con doppietta di Luca Toni, che per l’Italia segnò il punto di svolta nella corsa alla qualificazione all’Europeo in Austria e Svizzera. Ulteriori dettagli relativi a orario d’inizio, copertura televisiva, prezzi e modalità di vendita dei biglietti saranno resi noti dalla Federcalcio nelle prossime settimane.

Happy days :) although you have to say the communication between FIGC and the FAI doesnt seem to be too good. Probably the Italians not giving a monkeys about anybody

[Sligo Hornet]

Happy days :) although you have to say the communication between FIGC and the FAI doesnt seem to be too good. Probably the Italians not giving a monkeys about anybody

Six of one and half a dozen of the other!!

Just booked my flights!...out Tues Heathrow/Rome/Bari (arrive Bari 14.25 :)) return same route on Thurs afternoon...£173 Alitalia

Glad that's all sorted.......now for the match tickets!

[SUB of the day]

Match tickets shouldn't be a problem, Alitalia still being in existence, now thats dodgy!

[Greenforever]

Just cancelled our hotel reservations in Milan, Genoa and Rome! Anyone with rooms dont forget to cancel or you will be charged. At least the rest of the matches are straight forward no guesswork for booking hotels and flights :rolleyes:

[Saint Tom]

Aye,

I booked

Dublin-Stansted- Bari(Monday with Ryanair)
Bari- Gatwick- Dublin(Thursday with BA and Ryanair)

Myself and another friend booked on this exact route. Worked out at €200 so not bad.

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

Given the fact that nobody (seriously) considered Bari until the last week, everyone's wrong.

No offence but pretty much every city in Italy is an option when it comes to where they play their home games

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3917

[EastTerracer]

I just got stung by the mercure. I received a confirmation email the other day but today i got an email telling me the hotel is full and due to a computer failure i got a confirmation when i should have not:(

I just had the same problem with the Mercure - received an email confirming "your cancellation as requested". I have lashed off a few emails to kick up a fuss. Let us know if anyone gets a response.

Also, for anyone who booked flights to Bologna, Ryanair still have seats on a Bologna to Bari flight on the morning of the match.

[viagogo]

Anyone who booked their flights with Ryanair are able to change. We changed from Stansted to Rome to Frankfurt Hahn to Bari. Are able to fly from Kerry to Frankfurt Hahn with Ryanair also. About six hour difference between flights. Booked Hotel Victor in Bari for 98 euro a night. Cost of trip 363 euros so far.

[stiffler]

Dont think i can make this game now, had flights booked into Milan Tuesday night, back thursday night from belfast, but cant find any suitable travel arrangements

:(

[Newryrep]

I just had the same problem with the Mercure - received an email confirming "your cancellation as requested". I have lashed off a few emails to kick up a fuss. Let us know if anyone gets a response.

EastTerracer/Superdub - did you book direct with Mercure/ACCOR or through an agency ?, I usually try and book direct just to avoid any possible problems but if you did I will go through an agency in future

[Newryrep]

Lads if anybody hasnt booked yet there are still cheapish deals that havent moved since 31/12

Tues Ryanair Dub - Malta 07.15 - 12.05 E50

Tues Ryanair Malta - Bari 19.15 - 20.35 E20

7 hour stopover but enough time to wander into town grab a few beers

Thur Sky Bari - Prg 11.10 - 13.10 E50

Thur Aer Lingus Prg - Dub 22.10 - 23.40 E50

8 hour stopover but again, enough time to wander into town.

[elroy]

Accomodation looks few and far between. Ive been looking into booking an apt for a few days in the city centre and there appears to be a few available. Have done this for a few away trips and it has worked out well and cheaper than hotels too.
There is only 2 of us def going at the moment so prob will have space available if anyone is interested in joining in.

[EastTerracer]

EastTerracer/Superdub - did you book direct with Mercure/ACCOR or through an agency ?, I usually try and book direct just to avoid any possible problems but if you did I will go through an agency in future

I did book the Mercure directly with the ACCOR/Mercure website. I just received an email claiming that there were problems with the booking system due to year-end but sounds like rubbish to me. I think the suggestion that Ray Treacy or 747 were trying to block-book sounds more plausible.

I'm continuing to battle with the Mercure directly.

[Newryrep]

I did book the Mercure directly with the ACCOR/Mercure website. I just received an email claiming that .......

I'm continuing to battle with the Mercure directly.

Try their Corperate owners ACCOR Group if you are having no joy with Mercure - good luck

ACCOR Group (they also manage Ibis's)

9. Customer service
Please contact our customer service center if you have any enquiries or comments:
- Tel : 01- 46- 62- 45- 50
- International : 33-1-46-62-45-50
- Fax : 01- 41- 33- 73- 33
- Email : rcc@accor.com (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.)

Address:

Service Clientèle (Customer Service)
Accor Centres de Contact Clients (Accor Customer Contact Centers)
31 rue du Colonel Pierre Avia
75904 Paris cedex 15- FRANCE

[teckno]

Hi Lads,

Just booked this today.

Tuesday 31st March: Dublin - East Midlands 08.00-09.00 €10
Tuesday 31st March: East Midlands- Pisa 12.40-15.55 £10
Wednesday 1st April: Pisa - Bari 06.15-07.40 €23.73
Thursday 2nd April: Bari - Pisa 08.15-09.35 €41.39
Thursday 2nd April: Pisa-Dublin 17.30-19.15 €81.56

Total Cost €166.68 for the flights: Staying one night in Pisa, One night in Bari

Not to bad hard enough to get the flights now for under €200

[gufct]

Try their Corperate owners ACCOR Group if you are having no joy with Mercure - good luck

ACCOR Group (they also manage Ibis's)

9. Customer service
Please contact our customer service center if you have any enquiries or comments:
- Tel : 01- 46- 62- 45- 50
- International : 33-1-46-62-45-50
- Fax : 01- 41- 33- 73- 33
- Email : rcc@accor.com (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.)

Address:

Service Clientèle (Customer Service)
Accor Centres de Contact Clients (Accor Customer Contact Centers)
31 rue du Colonel Pierre Avia
75904 Paris cedex 15- FRANCE

I took the gamble of the cheaper non refundable rate as i m staying from Sunday to Friday and have had no problems.

[Cowboy]

Thanks for the tip, just booked the Alitalia. Anyone travelling from Dublin can get an Aerlingus for 70 rtn at the min, click on "flexible dates" I found it throws up the cheaper fares.





Just booked my flights!...out Tues Heathrow/Rome/Bari (arrive Bari 14.25 :)) return same route on Thurs afternoon...£173 Alitalia

[Greenforever]

Dont think i can make this game now, had flights booked into Milan Tuesday night, back thursday night from belfast, but cant find any suitable travel arrangements

:(
Easyjet.com
Wednesday 01 April

Milan Malpensa to Bari flight 2831; dep. Wed 01 Apr 07:25
arr. Wed 01 Apr 09:00
€31.99 per person
(incl. taxes and charges)
Thursday 02 April

Bari to Milan Malpensa flight 2832; dep. Thu 02 Apr 09:35
arr. Thu 02 Apr 11:10
€76.99 per person
(incl. taxes and charges)

[Moscow Mule]

We are probably booking into this Hotel......only 3 star Newry....not up to "our usual standard"......but it does have a Bar!:D

Mr and Mrs M M are all booked in the Boston but had to search around to get a booking. There will be a cold one on the bar for your Newry and Mrs Newry if she is coming.

[Moscow Mule]

Myself and another friend booked on this exact route. Worked out at €200 so not bad.

Tom

Where are you staying in Bari?

[Sligo Hornet]

Mr and Mrs M M are all booked in the Boston but had to search around to get a booking. There will be a cold one on the bar for your Newry and Mrs Newry if she is coming.


Yeah......but it WON'T have been paid for!!;).......that's the russians for you!

[Moscow Mule]

Yeah......but it WON'T have been paid for!!;).......that's the russians for you!

The crunch is a terrible thing and I might have to move into your family room in order to pay for the beer. How many sets of bunk beds are there?

[NeilMcD]

Beware Paul may decide to bunk in one of those beds.