I was surprised , after being so nervous as a first time JY traveller to have met some lovely people to share the experience with.

The hotel staff are amazing, Marina (tour manager) has a great personality and the excursion sights will delight your camera!

Less-agile people found some of the hilly terrain on the Siena and San Gimignano trips a bit taxing, but the scenery is a delight.

I met some people who I will probably share another JY trip with, as we got on so well together!

On this occasion I chose not to book the extra trips to Lucca and Elba, because I planned to have some time on the beach ( terrace of the hotel, 3rd floor - must be done if you don`t like sand!) for sunbathing.

But Italy is always there and I shall definitely be going back!

Just to think that I have been receiving `Just You` brochures through

the post for 5 years (plucking-up the courage to go) and putting them in the recycle box - what a waste!!

Bet you are planning your next trip asap.

Cindy

I am so glad that you had a great time. I enjoyed this tour the other year, and loved the sunbathing on the balcony, I don't like sand!!!!.. I did not do Elba tour either. I must say this is a nice tour and not to hectic, Like you I have met people (holiday freinds) and I now sometimes meet up with them and we go together on tours but I still go alone as well.

Bet you are planning your next trip asap.

Cindy

The Tuscany trip was a huge learning curve for me as a `first -timer` with JY - about time ,I realised how much I`ve been missing out!

It certainly gave me confidence to travel as so many people are doing it 🙂

Yes, on a whim I`ve booked the `Discover Vietnam` trip and others in the group are joining me - Woooo!

`Girl Power` revisited !

Janet

That's it go for it....now you have the travelling bug there will be no stopping you, and it's a great way to meet others so then you can link up again on another tour, which is what I do sometimes but if no one fancys a certain tour I still go on my own.. How exciting Discover Vietnam...GOOD FOR YOU ..

Cindy

It's great that you had such a good time and well done for booking Vietnam. I've been there before. It's a fascinating country and a real experience!

Happy holidays!!

Theresa

loved your post as I too am going to Tuscany Oct 18th. Am looking forward to it with slightly less apprehension now.

Glad you had a good time.

Freddie

Thanks for your replies.

I hope you have a great time!

The hotel manager ( Salvatore) and his wife ( Rita) are always of help and the night porter Frederico is a real character with a great sense of humour (he`s there from 10pm to 7am every eve) !

Just one thing - bear in mind the cafe across the road form the hotel has `Karaoke` some nights and we were subjected to some fireworks ( unsure where from) until quite late one evening.

The beach nearby has some areas for public sunbathing , but many spots are for private hotel residents ( check out the aerial view of the hotel in the reception area).

The tour manager will give you details about a discount available for one private beach area.

Do follow Marina ( tour manager) in San Gimigano , she will lead you to the most AMAZING ice cream shop there - see queues for it , it`s so popular!

You`ll definitely have a great time and the farewell dinner on the last night has a surprise lovely surprise or two !

Look forward to your reveiw when you return.

Kindest,

Janet

Thanks