Hi Sam
Welcome to the Community!
I did this tour in September 2015 and had an absolute blast. If you put 'Pompeii' into the search function at the top right of the page, you find reviews from me and several others with loads of hints and tips. I thoroughly recommend it for your first JY experience.....especially if you like gelato...
I also urge you to go ahead with Canada for your big '49 plus VAT' next year. I've done both Eastern Canada and the Rocky Mountaineer trip and both were superb. Go for it - you will love it!
Happy to help with any other questions once you've had a look at the reviews on either trip.
All the best
Mandy