Georgia Away - 6th September 2008

[AidoM]

Watch it Aido...less of the cheek!

Looks a good enough hotel ( although if yourself and the Bear get in the roof pool together there wont be enough room for the water!)

You'll also be pleased to see that your Hotel has an iron and ironing board.......so at least "The Flag" will be well looked after!

:D :D :D

[galah]

I am, see my itinerary back a few pages on this thread.

http://foot.ie/showthread.php?t=77521&page=9

Did you book the Tbilisi Batumi ticket Beavis ..and if so what website?
Hope that Istanbul train isnt booked by time get there cos isnt much margin for error on this trip!

[biscuit]

anyone ever travel with Celtic Horizon tours. I appled for a price from them, send me the itinary today. Prices Ranging from 1800-2630, depending on quality of accomodation you choose,match tickets guaranteed but extra. 7 days, 3 in georgia,4 in montenegro. Thinking of booking for a few of us, but interested to hear any reports from others who have used them.

[FONT=Times New Roman]PACKAGE INCLUDES
** Charter flights Dublin / Tbilisi / Tivat // Podgorica / Dublin
** Return transfers from Tbilisi airport to hotel
** Three night’s accommodation at selected hotel in Georgia on B&B basis
** Flight from Tbilisi Airport, Georgia to Tivat Airport, Montenegro
** Return transfers from Tivat airport to hotel
** Four night’s accommodation at selected hotel in Montenegro on B&B basis
** Stadium transfers included for both matches
** Local assistants on all transfers

[Newryrep]

anyone ever travel with Celtic Horizon tours. I appled for a price from them, send me the itinary today. Prices Ranging from 1800-2630, depending on quality of accomodation you choose,match tickets guaranteed but extra. 7 days, 3 in georgia,4 in montenegro. Thinking of booking for a few of us, but interested to hear any reports from others who have used them.

Pilgrims Abroad was a much better deal for about half that price but they may be all booked up - havent travelled with either

[NeilMcD]

Jesus that is some price for the trip. I would be doing that for about a third of that I reckon.

[Greenforever]

Dublin Tbilisi - 1 stop Weds 3rd Sept E178

Tibilisi Podgurcia - 1 stop Mon 8th Sep E445

Dubrovinik Dublin - 1 stop Thurs 11th Sep E204

Not in equation is cost from Pod back to Dubrovinik.

Am booking this route next week, price has remained the same for the past month or so. Hotels are reasonable enough.

[Sligo Hornet]

Dublin Tbilisi - 1 stop Weds 3rd Sept E178

Tibilisi Podgurcia - 1 stop Mon 8th Sep E445

Dubrovinik Dublin - 1 stop Thurs 11th Sep E204

Not in equation is cost from Pod back to Dubrovinik.

Am booking this route next week, price has remained the same for the past month or so. Hotels are reasonable enough.

You could try to squeeze onto NeilMcDs "Fun Bus"......see separate thread.

[Greenforever]

You could try to squeeze onto NeilMcDs "Fun Bus"......see separate thread.


No thanks travelled with that madman from Baden BAden to Stuttgart :D,

Ideally we want to spend the night of the match in Pod as a 4 hr journey after a match kinda kills the athmosphere, no matter what the result, done it before, if worst comes to worse will stay over till Fri or Sat.

[biscuit]

the prices I qouted are for 2 people sorry. Those prices are for twin accomodation.

[Newryrep]

the prices I qouted are for 2 people sorry. Those prices are for twin accomodation.

Biscuit I think they are per person according to their web site

Otherwise it is E900 for all those flights and 7 night hotel accomodation ?

Pilgrims Abroad were E1100 pp

[paul_oshea]

biscuit i would take it that you read it as for two people, when they actually mean
"prices based on two people sharing" , which actually means to get the price above you need two people sharing....thats bloody expensive 3600 - 5260 for 2 people thats very expensive

[biscuit]

ohh! ya your prob rght lads, 1800 a piece seems more realistic. Steep though. Had a look at some of the Itineraries on previous posts. What should we expect to pay, if we book it all separate as others have. Not the cheapest price, but whats the average cost to most of ye,per person. cheers

[Newryrep]

ohh! ya your prob rght lads, 1800 a piece seems more realistic. Steep though. Had a look at some of the Itineraries on previous posts. What should we expect to pay, if we book it all separate as others have. Not the cheapest price, but whats the average cost to most of ye,per person. cheers

About E480 for flights Dub -Tbs-Dub Wed - Mon
4 nights E60 per night E240

Not much change out of E750 booked as soon as fixtures came out. not going to Montenegro as couldnt work out a relatively cheap/hassle free route.

[stiofain]

About E480 for flights Dub -Tbs-Dub Wed - Mon
4 nights E60 per night E240

Not much change out of E750 booked as soon as fixtures came out. not going to Montenegro as couldnt work out a relatively cheap/hassle free route.

Is that per person, out of interest?

[soylent green]

I've gone for the following with Turkish Airlines

Dublin to Istanbul

Istanbul to Tbilisi on Thursday 4th (Dep 13:10 Arr 16:25)

Tbilisi to Istanbul to Sarajevo Sunday 7th ( Dep 0420 Arr Ist 0550 Dep Ist 1710 Arr Sarajevo 18:00)

I'll probably bus down to Dubrovnik and on to Podgorica for game.

Flight home from Dubrovnik to Dublin with Aer Lingus on Sunday 13th (Dep 1240 Arr 1505)

[Newryrep]

Is that per person, out of interest?

Stiofain

For 2 people it was 673LVL which equates to E960 approx E480pp booked 15-01-08

However Air Baltic are a point to point carrier so in theory if you didnt book the return leg you could go a different route. Point to point carriers are normally half price one way but the scheduled carriers anytime I checked their one way prices were prohibitive.

Same with hotel approx E120 per room per night

[stiofain]

Thanks Newryrep, i was just curious as to how much people paid the day the fixtures came out.

[da griff]

I've my flights booked, taking the scenic route though. Fri 5th Sept depart Dublin 05.55, arrive Riga 10.55. Depart Riga 22.40 arrive Tbilisi 03.10 Sat morning. Mon 8th, Depart Tbilisi 03.45 arrive riga 06.20, Depart Riga 12.25 arrive Minich 13.40. Depart Munich 15.50 arrive Cologne 17.00, depart Cologne 18.15 arrive Belgrade 20.15. Anyone out there with the same flights, probably not I say. Also does anyone know about the train timetables in Serbia and Montenegro, I need to get a train or bus from Belgrade to Podgorica.

[cobra]

Flying out 4 sept dub-prg-tibilisi with czech airlines, return 7sept same route..flights and 2 nights hotel €450

[Sligo Hornet]

Has anyone else noticed that whichever airline we are travelling on, and from numerous different destinations, they all arrive at 3.00 am Saturday morning?:confused:

Are the Georgians trying to sneak us in unnoticed or have they laid on a fantastic "Surprise Welcome Party"?;)

[Greenforever]

Has anyone else noticed that whichever airline we are travelling on, and from numerous different destinations, they all arrive at 3.00 am Saturday morning?

Are the Georgians trying to sneak us in unnoticed or have they laid a fantastic "Surprise Welcome Party"?


Looks like the the airport only opens from 3am to 5am :D its the same leaving no matter what route you seem to be departing about 4am

As long as theres taxis and pubs working / open when we land we'll survive :D

[newrynyuk]

Looks like the the airport only opens from 3am to 5am :D its the same leaving no matter what route you seem to be departing about 4am

As long as theres taxis and pubs working / open when we land we'll survive :D

Well, when we were there in 2003, the bars seem to stay open all night and street vendors still out selling snacks and chocolate at 5am. So I think we'll be alright there, Greenforever.

The awkward arrival/departure times is due to Georgia's time zone and location, it's practically in Asia, really.

[paul_oshea]

Has anyone else noticed that whichever airline we are travelling on, and from numerous different destinations, they all arrive at 3.00 am Saturday morning?:confused:

Are the Georgians trying to sneak us in unnoticed or have they laid on a fantastic "Surprise Welcome Party"?;)


well lets hope ye dont end up like this:

http://www.georgiadefenders.com/assault.kidnapping.htm

Summary
We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Georgia because of the serious risk of crime against foreigners, including kidnapping.
We strongly advise you not to travel to the regions of South Ossetia, Abkhazia and the Pankisi Gorge north of Akhmeta because of the threat of terrorist and criminal activity related to local separatist movements.

[Beavis]

Did you book the Tbilisi Batumi ticket Beavis ..and if so what website?
Hope that Istanbul train isnt booked by time get there cos isnt much margin for error on this trip!

No, I would be very surprised if you could book it over the internet. Georgia doesn't really do internet bookings, they're more into the free-for-all method of doing things.

[newrynyuk]

No, I would be very surprised if you could book it over the internet. Georgia doesn't really do internet bookings, they're more into the free-for-all method of doing things.

Ain't that the truth. Unless you're looking to stay at the Sheraton or Marriott, good luck on finding a hotel room on the net. There are a few, but most of the others require you to email then and enquire about availability. And most of them don't bother to reply.

On the plus side, I vaguely recall beer in Tbilisi costing only 50p a bottle the last time. Oh, and 12.5% proof too!

[AidoM]

Ain't that the truth. Unless you're looking to stay at the Sheraton or Marriott, good luck on finding a hotel room on the net. There are a few, but most of the others require you to email then and enquire about availability. And most of them don't bother to reply.

On the plus side, I vaguely recall beer in Tbilisi costing only 50p a bottle the last time. Oh, and 12.5% proof too!

I got the Sympatia on www.selectgeorgia.com no problem.

[cobra]

Found the hotels did not reply either to e-mails, also ended up booking through selectgeorgia.com.. booked hotel VIP :othinking it was the hotel victoria VIP where a good few Irish are staying.. its very plain looking to say the least, will hardly see it much anyhow

[Sligo Hornet]

I got the Sympatia on www.selectgeorgia.com (http://www.selectgeorgia.com) no problem.

I thought you ALWAYS got the Sympathy vote Aido?:D

[AidoM]

I thought you ALWAYS got the Sympathy vote Aido?:D

Don't you need that supporting Ireland and meeting your gang, Hornet :p

[da griff]

My plane doesn't land in Tbilisi until 03.10 Saturday morning. Is there anyone else on the same flight. Whats the story with accommodation. Will I have to pay for the Friday night if I want to check in at that hour in the morning or will I have to wait until say 10.00 before I get the chance. Don't want to be called a cheap c**t but don't see the point paying for a nights accommodation if I won't be using it. Also I haven't booked accommodation yet. Where are the Irish fans staying in Tbilisi and Podgorica.

[cobra]

My plane doesn't land in Tbilisi until 03.10 Saturday morning. Is there anyone else on the same flight. Whats the story with accommodation. Will I have to pay for the Friday night if I want to check in at that hour in the morning or will I have to wait until say 10.00 before I get the chance. Don't want to be called a cheap c**t but don't see the point paying for a nights accommodation if I won't be using it. Also I haven't booked accommodation yet. Where are the Irish fans staying in Tbilisi and Podgorica.

we arrive around 3am on friday morning and out 4am sunday morning.. have booked thurs and fri night, sat night will be match- pub-airport..
when arrive in tbilisi fri morning, def want a few hours sleep as wont get much after it

[kingdomkerry]

OK the bank finally sent me my new unexpired credit card. So Im going to book the trip later on tonight.

2 choices

1. Dublin-Riga-Tiblisi: one night in Riga, one night in Tblisi €500 for flights

2. Dublin-Prague-Tiblisi: 2 nights in Tblisi €417 for flights

I think ill go with option 2 as its cheaper
its only two flights instead of 4 and no stayover in another city
Im not going to Montenegro. I know alot of people who are going to both games are going the Riga route cause they need to get back to Riga to get to Montengro.

[Greenforever]

OK the bank finally sent me my new unexpired credit card. So Im going to book the trip later on tonight.

2 choices

1. Dublin-Riga-Tiblisi: one night in Riga, one night in Tblisi €500 for flights

2. Dublin-Prague-Tiblisi: 2 nights in Tblisi €417 for flights

I think ill go with option 2 as its cheaper
its only two flights instead of 4 and no stayover in another city
Im not going to Montenegro. I know alot of people who are going to both games are going the Riga route cause they need to get back to Riga to get to Montengro.


Are you on the funny pills?? Dublin Prague 1 Prague Tibilisi 2 Tiblisi Prague 3 Prague Dublin 4 flights.

Rigas a great city if you have to stop over, mind you so is Prague! cheap beer in one and cheaper in the other:D

[kingdomkerry]

Are you on the funny pills?? Dublin Prague 1 Prague Tibilisi 2 Tiblisi Prague 3 Prague Dublin 4 flights.

Rigas a great city if you have to stop over, mind you so is Prague! cheap beer in one and cheaper in the other:D

The stop over in prague is only an hour and a half on the way over and 2 and a half on the way back. Just enough time to run down to the bar for one in prague airport. Its the same plane so id consider it as one.

[Greenforever]

The stop over in prague is only an hour and a half on the way over and 2 and a half on the way back. Just enough time to run down to the bar for one in prague airport. Its the same plane so id consider it as one.



What makes you think it's the same plane? It may well be a through ticket, but unlikely to be the same plane.

[cobra]

OK the bank finally sent me my new unexpired credit card. So Im going to book the trip later on tonight.

2 choices

1. Dublin-Riga-Tiblisi: one night in Riga, one night in Tblisi €500 for flights

2. Dublin-Prague-Tiblisi: 2 nights in Tblisi €417 for flights

I think ill go with option 2 as its cheaper
its only two flights instead of 4 and no stayover in another city
Im not going to Montenegro. I know alot of people who are going to both games are going the Riga route cause they need to get back to Riga to get to Montengro.

Can get to Montenegro on Prague route as well.. spend a few nights in Prague:) and sky europe fly from prague -dubrovnik(€62 inc taxes) morning of game..

[Green Tribe]

I've my flights booked, taking the scenic route though. Fri 5th Sept depart Dublin 05.55, arrive Riga 10.55. Depart Riga 22.40 arrive Tbilisi 03.10 Sat morning. Mon 8th, Depart Tbilisi 03.45 arrive riga 06.20, Depart Riga 12.25 arrive Minich 13.40. Depart Munich 15.50 arrive Cologne 17.00, depart Cologne 18.15 arrive Belgrade 20.15. Anyone out there with the same flights, probably not I say. Also does anyone know about the train timetables in Serbia and Montenegro, I need to get a train or bus from Belgrade to Podgorica.

we are on some of your flights. We got a JAT flight BEL/POD on monday try them although they could be busy now.
You could get an train from Belg to Podgorica also, there is an overnight train....try www.bahn.de

Pilgrims abroad have booked the 2240 RIX/TBS flight also so that will be a party plane.

[da griff]

we are on some of your flights. We got a JAT flight BEL/POD on monday try them although they could be busy now.
You could get an train from Belg to Podgorica also, there is an overnight train....try www.bahn.de (http://www.bahn.de)

Pilgrims abroad have booked the 2240 RIX/TBS flight also so that will be a party plane.
Cheers for that Green Tribe, Are ye staying in Podgorica for a few days. Looked up accommodation and there isn't much to choose from. Most of the hotels available are in either Tivat or Budva. I'm around for a few days as my flight doesn't leave until 12.40 Friday. I presume anybody travelling to the Montenegro game is going home via Dubrovnik. Do you know of any buses operating from Podgorica to Dubrovnik on the Friday.

[Green Tribe]

not much accomodation at present left in Podgorica da griff, they are slow at opening up their bookings. A lot are staying on the coast. There are buses which run from podgorica to dubrovnik, long journey apparently as goes along coast, timetable below;

http://www.libertasdubrovnik.hr/voznired.swf

Staying in podgorica, maybe one night in budva

[RodgenotPodge]

If you can get a hotel in Podgorica for the night of the match then it would be more convenient but the coast is only an hour away and loads of hotels in Budva or Petrovac. It should be easy to arrange a taxi and not much if shared.

Podgorica to Dubrovnik is only 135km but it can be slow - very pretty road but easy to get stuck behind a truck or bus. There are two delay points - the ferry across Kotor Bay can get backed up but it should be OK in September. Also the border into Croatia is unpredictable; it can take 2 minutes one day and an hour the next.

[Colie]

Colie, if it's the Sympatia myself, Bear11, the Banner Man and another are in there, arriving in Tbilisi 3 am on Friday and departing Saturday night/Sunday morning after the match for Prague, Belgrade and Podgorica.Good stuff lad. I'm on the same trip in and the same route to Podgorica but I decided to give myself a lie in on the Sunday in so I'll follow on the next day.

[Green Tribe]

Good stuff lad. I'm on the same trip in and the same route to Podgorica but I decided to give myself a lie in on the Sunday in so I'll follow on the next day.

God help ya Colie, same hotel as that lot:rolleyes:;)
Make sure you get a pic with the "Flag" :D

[AidoM]

The venue for this per FAI website Boris Paichadze National Stadium, Tbilisi. That's a surprise :rolleyes:. Time not yet confirmed. Stu, maybe put up on Summary Thread.

[Sligo Hornet]

The venue for this per FAI website Boris Paichadze National Stadium, Tbilisi. That's a surprise :rolleyes:. Time not yet confirmed. Stu, maybe put up on Summary Thread.

With a capacity of 78,000, shouldn't be any difficulty in obtaining tickets

[pineapple stu]

The venue for this per FAI website Boris Paichadze National Stadium, Tbilisi. That's a surprise :rolleyes:. Time not yet confirmed. Stu, maybe put up on Summary Thread.
Done, cheers.

Pictures here (http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/middle_east/georgia/tbilisi_paichadze.shtml). Looks a nice modern ground; wasn't expecting that for some reason (communist falling-apart ground with terracing and running track still springs to mind!)

[RodgenotPodge]

Looks can be deceptive; it s a crumbling post-communist wreck. They must have done lot of work on it in the past while as when I was last there it was a long, long way from FIFA standards.

For the last 4 or 5 years all games have been in the smaller but much more modern Lokomotiv Stadium. I'll try to find out from local contacts.

[AidoM]

Looks can be deceptive; it s a crumbling post-communist wreck. They must have done lot of work on it in the past while as when I was last there it was a long, long way from FIFA standards.

For the last 4 or 5 years all games have been in the smaller but much more modern Lokomotiv Stadium. I'll try to find out from local contacts.

From Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boris_Paichadze_Stadium

[RodgenotPodge]

Good news! I have confirmation from Tbilisi that the match will be in Dinamo stadium - the national stadium - with much bigger capacity. It has been renovated and now meets FIFA standards.

[AidoM]

From Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boris_Paichadze_Stadium


Good news! I have confirmation from Tbilisi that the match will be in Dinamo stadium - the national stadium - with much bigger capacity. It has been renovated and now meets FIFA standards.

Rodge

Check it out - they are the same :p :confused: :o

[RodgenotPodge]

Yes, the Dinamo stadium is the national stadium. The Irish game last time was in the Lokomotiv stadium which is much smaller.

When I was last in the Dinamo stadium (about 2-3 years ago) only a small part had "proper" seating - the rest was just concrete slabs. They played rugby internationals and some local soccer matches there (they also have bike races around the perimiter track at half time!) but couldn't use it for internationals. A mate in Tbilisi yesterday confirmed it has been upgraded but Wikipedia is ahead of the game!

Its pretty centrally located - just a walk across the river from the main part of town.