From being excited when I first booked, I became apprehensive as the departure date neared. I was concerned that the introduction might be like an AA meeting "my name's Dave and I'm a widower". In the end I need not have been concerned; no-one pried and individuals' life stories just emerged as the holiday progressed.

The trip to Istanbul, Troy and Ephesus was great, always on the go (exactly what I wanted) and the other travellers were great company. The guide Ugur was extremely well prepared and gave us the facts we needed for each site we visited. He also managed the off-plan stops so that it appeared that we were having 3 meals each day. Local prices in turkish lire were cheap.

Would I recommend this trip? Yes 100%.

Will I go again? Of course I will. The only problem is that none of the trips in the brochure are quite as appealing as the one I've just been on. I'm looking for:

1. Not long haul

2. Ten days max

3. Plenty of activity, not lounging in the sun

If any more-seasoned JYer knows a holiday that fits these criteria, let me know.

Thanks to the new friends I met and who shared their holiday with me.

BTW It was the warmth of responses on this Community site that made me go in the first place. Thanks to those who took the time to respond to my posts.

Glad to hear you had a good time. That trip is on my (very long) list of trips to do. I suggest you have a look at the many trips to Italy - they may suit your needs. I've just come back from Cilento Coast - if you look at the review section Bosuncat has posted a very good review. I believe the other Italian trips are also good. Like you, I don't enjoy lying around the pool but there was an excursion every day to see the country.

Sally

Austrian Lakes (8 days) also as something happening every day and is really nice, mixes trips between beautiful scenic lakes and cities/towns such as Saltzburg, Cesky Krumlov(Czech Republic),etc.

Mick

Its not long haul and it is less than 10days, but I would recommend Egypt, OK you spend some of the time on a boat floating up the Nile (or is it down the Nile), but there is lots to see, that is if you are interested in history, I haven't done this trip with JY, but did it some 10 years ago.

I found it fascinating going itnto some of the tombs in the Valley of the Kings as well as the 2nd largest of the 3 pyramids, one thing I missed out on was a visit to Abu Simbel.

I would also recommend very highly, the Magic of Kenya tour, brilliant holiday

I am sure that you will receive plenty of recommendations from the fantastic people on this board, shame you don't want long haul because I would recommend any trip to the USA and also China.

Good luck in which ever holiday you choose next.

Martin

FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To the editors, please can you put this post under the Forum Announcements with the heading nervous about travelling with us for the first time.

Given the number of posts on this subject, i think it would be helpful.

With regards to future holidays, the one ive been on to Croatia is quitre fast paced if you do all the excursions. Most of the holidays are designed so that each day there is an included or optional excursion so that people can either give themselves a break or plan their own holiday.

Thnks

Is it possible to put this thread under forum announcements?

Mark

Andalucia and Costa de la Luz would suit you as well. I too do not like lazing around either by the pool or on the beach and I have been on both these trips and they both are wonderful.

Regards

Jaya

I didn't know I'd get so much instant feedback.

I've done an Andalucian trip before with Riviera, and I agree that it would be perfect ( if I hadn't already done it!)

I'm pretty well travelled in the USA too.

Italy and Croatia sound interesting , as does Egypt.

I love this community forum.

Dave

I always ask people on my JY holidays where they've been and would recommend, you get some great ideas you might not have thought ablout.

Have fun choosing your next holiday!

Bob

I am glad you feel welcomed. I went on my first JY trip when i was 21 and have never looked back. The security, variety and stress-free holidays they provide are something i now cherish. My friends are more back=packing type (which i am most definitely not) and so JY offer experiences that would otherwise be closed to me!

Glad you feel the love!

Cheers,

Bob

I've just booked Jordan for September, the itinerary looks brilliant. But as Sally says, there's lots to see and do on the Cilento holiday. Yes, it's beach, but it's really more about the places to visit.

Glad you enjoyed your first trip, you'll soon be hooked like the rest of us!

I was apprehensive when I went on my first trip in 2011 and very nervous the first night as I didn't know how I would fit in. Those fears soon vanished.

I went to Croatia last year, re-did Cilento Coast at the beginning of last month and am off to Tuscany on 3rd October. I would love to do one of the longer haul trips, but can't have that amount of time off work in one go.

Good luck with whatever you choose/ 🙂

My first trip in Sept '10 was to Jordan, Sinai and Egypt. Fortnight of culture, food and wonderful experiences. Had gone to see Petra and the Pyramids at Giza -on my bucket list- ended seeing so much more. Then Arab Spring came 3 months later and I guess Just You decided to split the holiday into two. Jordan is a good trip, memories of watching the sun come up over the Treasury at Petra was amazing, Wadi Rum and Seven Pillars of Wisdom, Roman city of Jerash and Amman itself.

June '11 was my last Just You holiday at Lake Garda with a trip to see Aida in Verona as an add on. Loved it all, Venice, Verona and the boat trip on the Lake.

Now I have 2 weeks holiday in August or September and where to go? I am a widow and while I holiday with my grown up daughters- just returned from Florida, I do love the Just You cameraderie. Looked at Route 66 or Classic Italy- decisions decisions :P

Have fun deciding where you want to go next, Jan.

Poland and the Tatra Montains...really nice tour and very scenic.

Austrian Lakes, ..I did enjoy this tour the lakes are stunning

Tuscany Highlights...histor, location and sights were interesting.

if you require more information please just ask..

happy travels,

Cindy

It is 8 very busy days, you certainly won't have time to sit around or even think !!

It was the Classic Cities of Italy and altho we had the most terrible weather it was still very knowledgeable and enjoyable. Chris was our guide and she knew everything there was to know about Italy, including the best place to eat, altho most meals were inclusive.

I have been thinking of going on the Troy tour and after reading your review it will now be my next holiday.

I'm glad you had a good time 🙂