I would probably do a tour if I was going on my own, but I reckon they are too pricey. especially when domestic flights between host cities and match tix are not included. plus as an experienced traveller, the older I get, the more I wanna take in the culture of the region and less inclined to wanna hang around fellow Aussie's all the time (except on match days of course). I sussed out the GGA hotel in Moscow and its miles away from the centre of Moscow (although is close to Luzhniki Stadium). I'd prefer to stay central, but whatever floats your boat i guess. 

Fanatics are a downright embarrasment. 

I have been on a GGA to teh Asian Cup. TBH I expected the worst (I was only on it for a day or two as I had other accoms) but I found them a lot better than expected. There was another football tour group I saw in Iran, I was not on it but the guy who ran it was helping other ppl out with tickets. He seemed like he ran a good ship and was a good dude. I think tehy are doing russian tours with francis leach as well.

Can you elaborate on the Fanatics? Are you talking about their behavior?

Interesting that you were able to join the GGA tour for just a couple of days. how did that work? did they let you just pay for that small part of the tour?

It would be great (and I've made an enquiry but not received an answer yet) if I could pay them to facilitate the transport and join them on game days and arrange my own accommodation. I expect they wont allow that though as their margins are no doubt in the package as a whole.

 

The fanatics organise trips to the ANZAC services in Gallipoli. On what is supposed to be an act of remembrance on hallowed ground, they dress up in green and gold like they're at the olympics. 

Basically what SydneyFC1987 said. They literally organised booze cruises of Gallipoli - you could go on a boat and it was marketed as having a party. Just ocker bogans. 

From memory - was 2007 so hazy - yeah, we just paid for bus transfers and pre match function at some joint in Thailand and also teh post match function. After losing 3-1 we didnlt sick around though.

I recall now seeing news stories about the Fanatics at Gallipoli. Not a good look at all.

Thanks.