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Post by eppingblue on Sept 8, 2017 11:24:39 GMT
It would be helpful if you indicated where you live and When is the earliest you can go out there? Also, do you need to get back to Cardiff for the ROI March? Sorry - should have put that in the message shouldn't I! I'm near Pwllheli but the others are in Cardiff, so most probably drive down to Cardiff and then travel from there as I need to get back for the Irish game on the Monday. I've got work off from the Thursday so can go from then really. What's the overnight train I've read about? I think there's overnight trains from Baku and Yerevan although I think the one from Yerevan only runs on alternate night in each direction. The train can be quite reasonable but you've still got to get to Azerbajan or Armenia neither of which seem well served by low cost airlines. Kutasi on the Thursday night from Luton is still fairly reasonable although its now pretty dear coming back. Manulike is sure to advise on the best deals and most improbable routes. |
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Post by eppingblue on Sept 8, 2017 11:31:49 GMT
Sorry - should have put that in the message shouldn't I! I'm near Pwllheli but the others are in Cardiff, so most probably drive down to Cardiff and then travel from there as I need to get back for the Irish game on the Monday. I've got work off from the Thursday so can go from then really. What's the overnight train I've read about? I think there's overnight trains from Baku and Yerevan although I think the one from Yerevan only runs on alternate night in each direction. The train can be quite reasonable but you've still got to get to Azerbajan or Armenia neither of which seem well served by low cost airlines. Kutasi on the Thursday night from Luton is still fairly reasonable although its now pretty dear coming back. Manulike is sure to advise on the best deals and most improbable routes.
Wizz air to Kutaisi. Out on the Thursday £ 106 Return on the Sunday £ 210. You got to get to and Kutaisi but its probably your best bet now.
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Post by Matt11 on Sept 8, 2017 11:48:39 GMT
Going from Stansted 1.25 to Istanbul then on to tbilisi same on Sunday coming home anyone else on these flights ??
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Post by cymroircarn on Sept 8, 2017 11:55:30 GMT
It would be helpful if you indicated where you live and When is the earliest you can go out there? Also, do you need to get back to Cardiff for the ROI March? Sorry - should have put that in the message shouldn't I! I'm near Pwllheli but the others are in Cardiff, so most probably drive down to Cardiff and then travel from there as I need to get back for the Irish game on the Monday. I've got work off from the Thursday so can go from then really. What's the overnight train I've read about? There is talk of a chartered flight from Cardiff if there is enough interest |
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Post by cymroircarn on Sept 8, 2017 12:45:23 GMT
From Facebook:
"Following last nights great result in Chisnau, we, Strachan Sports Travel, would be very interested to know what sort of numbers you would estimate might be looking to travel to Tbilisi, Georgia, next month. It's not an easy, nor cheap, destination but we have already been asked to quote a forty strong group and would be only too pleased to see what possibilities there are for more supporters! We could charter an aircraft, although the distance and flying hours restrictions may mean an overnight stop, rather than a day return as it were. Let me know, as I'm sure I and my colleagues could come up with a cost-effective solution!
All the very best
Ken Beecher
Strachan Sports Travel
01446 776212"
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Post by manulike on Sept 8, 2017 17:57:59 GMT
I think if the earliest you can leave is Thursday (the match is on Friday) then the only realistic option is Wizz Air out Thurs from Luton at 6.40pm back on Sunday in Luton for 6.20pm
It's £300 return and be sure to buy their loyalty membership thing!
Kutaisi to Tbilisi by coach from airport in about 4 hours arrive Tbilisi forward breakfast...
Otherwise, Dept from Birmingham at 5pn Thursday (or from Dublin 5pm on Lufthansa) arrive Tbilisi at 3am matchday back Sunday for £360.
CHEAP CARDIFF on Wednesday
dept 10am Flybe to milan
Connection with Wizz Air to Kutaisi arrive midnight for £100
Almost same deal at 12 noon Wednesday from Birmingham
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Post by ianrush79 on Sept 9, 2017 14:54:32 GMT
I received this today if anybody is looking for a day trip
Dear Wales Supporter,
GEORGIA V WALES FRIDAY, 06 OCTOBER
K.O. 8.00PM Boris Paichadze Stadium, Tbilisi.
PRIVATE CHARTER FLIGHT & RETURN AIRPORT TRANSFERS:
£499.00 PER PERSON (Match tickets are not included, available only from the FAW)
ARRIVAL TRANSFER - AIRPORT TO CITY CENTRE
DEPARTURE TRANSFER - STADIUM TO AIRPORT
05 OCT Cardiff 2330 / Tbilisi 0730 (times subject to confirmation)
07 OCT Tbilisi 0030 / Cardiff 0230 (times subject to confirmation)
In order to go ahead with your booking, please complete the attached booking form and return with your full payment & passport details, without these details we cannot accept bookings.
Payment can be via the following methods
· BACS, HSBC Sort Code:40 18 18 / Account # 91736159, use your full name as reference
· Debit(no surcharge)/Credit Card(2% surcharge applies)
· Cash
· Bookings will be taken on a first come, first served basis, the aircraft has only 217 seats.
· In order to avoid disappointment please, make your booking immediately.
· Please note: The flight price depends on confirmed passenger numbers, and subject to current euro/pound exchange rates.
· Standard rules apply for Air Travel. No alcohol allowed on Coaches and you can be refused travel if you attempt to bring any on board.
· Strachan Travel cannot be held responsible if you, or any member of your group, does not have a valid passport or is refused entry or exit at any borders for any other reason.
With best regards
Julie
Julie Whittingham
Operations Manager
Strachan Sports Travel
55 High Street, Cowbridge, CF71 7AE, Vale of Glamorgan, UK
Tele: +44 (0) 1446 776212 / Fax: + 44 (0) 1446 773695 Mobile: +44 (0) 7958 376055
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Post by manulike on Sept 9, 2017 17:11:14 GMT
Unless people really fancy driving down to Luton, I think that £500 deal from Cardiff is excellent value.
FYï, the Irish charter flights deal was 1000 euro!
I just left Chisinau today, flew via Kiev to ... YEREVAN...
So if any of you fancy a day or two here (highly recommend) just let me know..
Just one important note, although the sleeper train to Tbilisi takes 13 hours, there are four direct minibuses that do it in 5 hours!
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Post by straightjacket on Sept 10, 2017 7:46:02 GMT
I'm not sure if someone has already posted this, Strachan Sports Travel are putting on a direct flight from Cardiff to Tbilisi for £499 per person, this might sound expensive but when you break it down there is no accommodation costs and transfers are included. If you are interested or you know someone email ken@strachansportstravel.com.
GEORGIA V WALES FRIDAY, 06 OCTOBER
K.O. 8.00PM Boris Paichadze Stadium, Tbilisi.
PRIVATE CHARTER FLIGHT & RETURN AIRPORT TRANSFERS:
£499.00 PER PERSON (Match tickets are not included, available only from the FAW)
ARRIVAL TRANSFER - AIRPORT TO CITY CENTRE
DEPARTURE TRANSFER - STADIUM TO AIRPORT
05 OCT Cardiff 2330 / Tbilisi 0730 (times subject to confirmation)
07 OCT Tbilisi 0030 / Cardiff 0230 (times subject to confirmation)
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Post by eppingblue on Sept 10, 2017 10:48:16 GMT
I really hope this is a success. I've made other arrangements and to be honest it sounds a bit of a gruelling schedule, but it would a fantastic development going forward. A possible hitch could be people not willing to commit early enough due to an uncertainty over the ticket allocation. If the ticket office could issue a statement advising that we can have a very large allocation if we need it, then I'm sure it would help people commit to this.
In any case the WFA need to get moving on the tickets, people are travelling in little more than 3 weeks. |
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Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Sept 10, 2017 13:38:56 GMT
I've posted my plans already but I'm out from Gatwick on the Wednesday and going via Istanbul with Turkish Airlines. Coming back on the Saturday via the same route.
Turkish Airlines were great for Serbia.
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Post by eppingblue on Sept 10, 2017 13:55:58 GMT
I've posted my plans already but I'm out from Gatwick on the Wednesday and going via Istanbul with Turkish Airlines. Coming back on the Saturday via the same route. Turkish Airlines were great for Serbia.
We're doing that although we come back into Heathrow. I see that Turkish airlines are one of the few that provide wi fi on their planes. Did you try it and what was it like as there'll be a couple of games we'll need to keep up with while we're flying ?
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Sept 10, 2017 14:20:04 GMT
I don't have the details in front of me but I'm adamant it's Gatwick there and back for me. I think the Istanbul airports are different though.
I didn't use the wifi. There were a chatty couple from Manchester to Istanbul so I just chewed the grease with them.
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Post by CrackityJones on Sept 10, 2017 18:27:28 GMT
I'm out of Gatwick Wednesday back to LHR Sunday. Train to Cardiff the following morning
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Post by greenforever on Sept 10, 2017 19:34:41 GMT
I really hope this is a success. I've made other arrangements and to be honest it sounds a bit of a gruelling schedule, but it would a fantastic development going forward. A possible hitch could be people not willing to commit early enough due to an uncertainty over the ticket allocation. If the ticket office could issue a statement advising that we can have a very large allocation if we need it, then I'm sure it would help people commit to this.
In any case the WFA need to get moving on the tickets, people are travelling in little more than 3 weeks. You will get tickets, however the Georgian's are always late sending tickets out. Any regular traveller should know what games may have ticket issues once the draw is made, based on stadium size and normal home attendances etc. there will be thousands of empty seats in the stadium in Tbilisi |
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Post by jono on Sept 10, 2017 19:42:22 GMT
Another logistical nightmare with flights. You'd think at least one of the Northern airports i.e MAN, LIV or BHX would have direct flights.
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Post by eppingblue on Sept 10, 2017 20:44:11 GMT
I really hope this is a success. I've made other arrangements and to be honest it sounds a bit of a gruelling schedule, but it would a fantastic development going forward. A possible hitch could be people not willing to commit early enough due to an uncertainty over the ticket allocation. If the ticket office could issue a statement advising that we can have a very large allocation if we need it, then I'm sure it would help people commit to this.
In any case the WFA need to get moving on the tickets, people are travelling in little more than 3 weeks. You will get tickets, however the Georgian's are always late sending tickets out. Any regular traveller should know what games may have ticket issues once the draw is made, based on stadium size and normal home attendances etc. there will be thousands of empty seats in the stadium in Tbilisi I think the regulars have either sorted this or are giving it a miss. I booked my flights a year ago and if you follow the tournament closely then you'd know the ground is huge and the allocation shouldn't be an issue. You could have said much the same about the game in Serbia. Those likely to be enticed by this reasonable' but late offer wont be following as closely as we are.
We've sold out our allocation in the 4 games to date and people have spent a lot of money to travel a long way to watch a game in a bar. That's bound to have some effect on their decision on whether to commit to this.
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Post by eppingblue on Sept 10, 2017 20:46:26 GMT
Another logistical nightmare with flights. You'd think at least one of the Northern airports i.e MAN, LIV or BHX would have direct flights.
I think the only direct flight to Tbilisi is Georgian out of Gatwick so its difficult which ever way you look at it.
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Post by Ccfcwales_ on Sept 10, 2017 21:10:19 GMT
Be careful with Strachan Travel.
We booked to go with them to the quarter final in Paris. The plane they ordered was too noisy to leave Paris after the game. Put us in a hotel for a few hours and then a Eurostar and coach back to Cardiff, without any sort of compensation or refund. Was too late to do anything but than go with it as they only told us on the Friday evening with the game on the Saturday.
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Post by Gringo Starr on Sept 11, 2017 10:42:57 GMT
I think if the earliest you can leave is Thursday (the match is on Friday) then the only realistic option is Wizz Air out Thurs from Luton at 6.40pm back on Sunday in Luton for 6.20pm It's £300 return and be sure to buy their loyalty membership thing! Kutaisi to Tbilisi by coach from airport in about 4 hours arrive Tbilisi forward breakfast... Otherwise, Dept from Birmingham at 5pn Thursday (or from Dublin 5pm on Lufthansa) arrive Tbilisi at 3am matchday back Sunday for £360. CHEAP CARDIFF on Wednesday dept 10am Flybe to milan Connection with Wizz Air to Kutaisi arrive midnight for £100 Almost same deal at 12 noon Wednesday from Birmingham Thank you so much for posting these options! Much appreciated. And to those who posted re: charter flight from Cardiff. |
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5pike
the carls
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Post by 5pike on Sept 11, 2017 12:47:10 GMT
Wizz Air are doing 20% off for discount member today only. With the discount return comes out around £264, but those flights are to Kutsai so you still have to travel between there and Tbilisi.
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Post by CrackityJones on Sept 11, 2017 13:22:36 GMT
Latest from FSF Cymru:
Tbilisi is a large capital city with plenty of bars and things to do for the visiting Welsh fan. Tbilisi public transport includes: underground (metro), buses, mini-buses and taxi. Public transport is very cheap and taxis are not expensive and you should get anywhere within the central part of the city for a fiver but negotiate. Airport Taxis wait just outside the arrival hall and are available 24 hours a day. A ride to the city centre shouldn’t cost more than 20 - 25 Lari. (£6-£8) Be aware that if you take one of the Toyota taxis outside, then your taxi fare will be an average of 65 Lari (£20). The airport is at its busiest in the early hours of mornings when many people arrive and depart.
We were expecting around 1500 Welsh fans to travel, given the distance and costs involved and our first allocation of tickets will cover that. Since the two recent wins interest has increased and the FAW may well have to try to secure more tickets but even if we only get the permitted 5% that would mean 2,500. We will have to see how the tickets sell but there will be staging probably for tickets as normal and this should be made clearer from Monday so look out for bulletins from the FAW on their website. The match ticket will be cheap EVEN THOUGH IT WILL INCLUDE THE COST OF BUSES TO AND FROM THE MATCH. The ground is about 2-3 miles out of the centre and the FSF, FAW and Welsh police all agreed that it would benefit the supporters to source and supply transport, like what happened in Serbia and Moldova. These buses will pick up from Europe square and drop off after the match at Freedom Square and of course back at Europe square, two drop offs in areas near most hotels. They are not compulsory and you are welcome to make your own transport plans.
The stadium is old but has seen much renovation over the years and the facilities are ok with toilets, refreshment areas and large concourses behind the stand. The capacity is over 50,000 but they expect around 25,000 to attend.
Gol will be holding the customary pre match fund raising party at the very good Hangar bar which can be found in the maze of streets between Europe and Freedom squares (centre of city and best areas to book hotels if possible) more details will follow.
Europe square is on the river and easily found because its where you get on the cable cars that go up to the fortress and can be seen from quite a distance.
Fuller information will be provided by the Welsh fan Embassy team by means of updates , our on line booklet and of course the information booklets that get sent out with tickets.
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Post by eppingblue on Sept 11, 2017 15:42:18 GMT
London Luton on the Wed at 8.30 to Katowice £ 31.99 or £ 21.09 if your in their club WIZZ AIR
Katowice - Kutaisi at 22.40 £ 48 or £ 32 if your in their club.
An extra £ 5 and you can take the 14.30 from Luton which still connects with plenty of time to spare.
So if your a member its a pint over £ 50 gets you to Georgia albeit a little bit away from Tbilisi. Getting home is a little bit dearer but when I looked on expedia earlier they had Turkish from Tbilisi to Heathrow for £ 140 on the Saturday although its not as cheap as that on their site. |
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Post by manulike on Sept 11, 2017 15:47:39 GMT
I shall try to keep you lads updated when I get to Tbilisi and Kutaisi this week end :+)
For now, all I can say, is if anyone actually has 3 days to spare, Yerevan is a truly stunning city.
More beautiful then Bordeaux, more charming then Toulouse, better night life than Tel Aviva, and even more friendly than the Serbs :+)
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Post by phillywelsh83 on Sept 11, 2017 15:51:09 GMT
I shall try to keep you lads updated when I get to Tbilisi and Kutaisi this week end :+) For now, all I can say, is if anyone actually has 3 days to spare, Yerevan is a truly stunning city. More beautiful then Bordeaux, more charming then Toulouse, better night life than Tel Aviva, and even more friendly than the Serbs :+) Not sure if i missed it on here, but is there direct flights to Yerevan from the UK? Is this a worthwhile option instead of flying to Georgia? |
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Post by Ger on Sept 11, 2017 15:51:11 GMT
I shall try to keep you lads updated when I get to Tbilisi and Kutaisi this week end :+) For now, all I can say, is if anyone actually has 3 days to spare, Yerevan is a truly stunning city. More beautiful then Bordeaux, more charming then Toulouse, better night life than Tel Aviva, and even more friendly than the Serbs :+) Could you let us know costs when there if you can spare a few minutes if possible? Chisinau was mixed comparing real costs of beer, food and taxis to website averages. Just need a rough estimate on how much to take out from cashpoint when I land! |
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Post by eppingblue on Sept 11, 2017 15:56:38 GMT
Latest from FSF Cymru: Tbilisi is a large capital city with plenty of bars and things to do for the visiting Welsh fan. Tbilisi public transport includes: underground (metro), buses, mini-buses and taxi. Public transport is very cheap and taxis are not expensive and you should get anywhere within the central part of the city for a fiver but negotiate. Airport Taxis wait just outside the arrival hall and are available 24 hours a day. A ride to the city centre shouldn’t cost more than 20 - 25 Lari. (£6-£8) Be aware that if you take one of the Toyota taxis outside, then your taxi fare will be an average of 65 Lari (£20). The airport is at its busiest in the early hours of mornings when many people arrive and depart. We were expecting around 1500 Welsh fans to travel, given the distance and costs involved and our first allocation of tickets will cover that. Since the two recent wins interest has increased and the FAW may well have to try to secure more tickets but even if we only get the permitted 5% that would mean 2,500. We will have to see how the tickets sell but there will be staging probably for tickets as normal and this should be made clearer from Monday so look out for bulletins from the FAW on their website. The match ticket will be cheap EVEN THOUGH IT WILL INCLUDE THE COST OF BUSES TO AND FROM THE MATCH. The ground is about 2-3 miles out of the centre and the FSF, FAW and Welsh police all agreed that it would benefit the supporters to source and supply transport, like what happened in Serbia and Moldova. These buses will pick up from Europe square and drop off after the match at Freedom Square and of course back at Europe square, two drop offs in areas near most hotels. They are not compulsory and you are welcome to make your own transport plans. The stadium is old but has seen much renovation over the years and the facilities are ok with toilets, refreshment areas and large concourses behind the stand. The capacity is over 50,000 but they expect around 25,000 to attend. Gol will be holding the customary pre match fund raising party at the very good Hangar bar which can be found in the maze of streets between Europe and Freedom squares (centre of city and best areas to book hotels if possible) more details will follow. Europe square is on the river and easily found because its where you get on the cable cars that go up to the fortress and can be seen from quite a distance. Fuller information will be provided by the Welsh fan Embassy team by means of updates , our on line booklet and of course the information booklets that get sent out with tickets.
I assume its this Monday - today, we'll be told the procedure. I really cant see why they leave it so late every time.
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Post by manulike on Sept 11, 2017 16:07:00 GMT
There are no direct flights to Yerevan.
If you are limited for time, the Cardiff charter or Wizz to Kutaisi are really your only options.
For those who can spare a week to ten days ...
Ukraine Airless does a super cheap Yerevan return from Kiev (£100 return) or its 50 euro one way on Azeri air Kiev to Yerevan via Baku (but rubbish connection times).
With minibus Yerevan to Tbilisi only taking 5 hours and costing £12 - I think it's worth looking at.
As for costs out here - generally I'd say it's a little cheaper than Chisinau.
4-bed dorm is £5.
Gorgeous three course meal is about £5
A taxi anywhere in the centre is £1 (or its 15p on the metro or bus).
Count on about £150 for a week if you stay at hosteand only drink local beer/wine.
Perhaps more like £30/day if you stay in a cheap guesthouse and eat / drink at the Irish bar ;-(
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Post by Ger on Sept 11, 2017 16:11:40 GMT
There are no direct flights to Yerevan. If you are limited for time, the Cardiff charter or Wizz to Kutaisi are really your only options. For those who can spare a week to ten days ... Ukraine Airless does a super cheap Yerevan return from Kiev (£100 return) or its 50 euro one way on Azeri air Kiev to Yerevan via Baku (but rubbish connection times). With minibus Yerevan to Tbilisi only taking 5 hours and costing £12 - I think it's worth looking at. As for costs out here - generally I'd say it's a little cheaper than Chisinau. 4-bed dorm is £5. Gorgeous three course meal is about £5 A taxi anywhere in the centre is £1 (or its 15p on the metro or bus). Count on about £150 for a week if you stay at hosteand only drink local beer/wine. Perhaps more like £30/day if you stay in a cheap guesthouse and eat / drink at the Irish bar ;-( Perfect thanks for your prompt reply much appreciated. In chisinau we experienced nothing but local cuisine, beer and wine - cant wait to do the same in Tblisi. |
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Post by manulike on Sept 11, 2017 16:23:35 GMT
I might be a little biased, but if you enjoyed the mostly bland Moldovan fare, you will never want to leave Georgia...
The local wine here has a hint of Shiraz sweetness and the food is really flavourful..
It's almost 8.30pm - so will go and explore some more (it's been 33c for last three days)
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