I agree with the others. This was a super holiday whether it was a first JY holiday or not. It was certainly the most packed itinerary of any holiday I have been on before with JY. Everywhere we went was so interesting and it is a taster for going back to that area again.Â
My favourite town was San Gimignano with lovely alleyways to explore. It is also home of the world famous ice cream and that was sampled by many of the party. I can honestly say it is the best ice cream I have ever tasted!
At the Fattoria Il Poggio we were shown how to make pasta. We weren't able to cook it but now know how to make it at home - haven't tried it yet! The lunch that followed was delicious and several different wines were chosen to accompany it. Perhaps that is why it was so quiet in the coach afterwards.
At the Castello Sonnino we made our lunch from local ingredients. It was an introduction to simple, Tuscan cookery. The wine we sampled while we made the dishes probably added to the hilarity. There was a visit to the castle itself while the staff organised the lunch tables and cooked the chicken dish. The Countess welcomed us all and then showed us the kitchen where her meals were being prepared. It was very rustic and welcoming.
We visited Volterra for a short time on the way back and there were several alabaster shops there for anyone who wanted gifts for home.
The weather was very hot when we were there so I felt I didn't make the most of the sightseeing in Lucca, Florence or Siena. After the guided tours a few of us needed to have a refreshing drink and to sample more dishes and wines in a cool Trattoria but that is part of the experience too.
After several hours in Florence we stopped at Castello di Bolgheri to have an excellent talk and wine tasting before returning to the hotel.
On the last day there were no trips and I think we all enjoyed relaxing around the small town, walking along the beach and sampling more Italian food.
Jonathan was an excellent Tour Manager and must have great stamina to do this tour back-to-back as he has done. Thank you Jonathan and thank you everyone in the group for a great holiday.