Recently got back from this holiday.  

I endorse Neil Y review of his trip last May. A very good holiday with lots of interesting places to see. We had a good group and all seem to get on well and our Tour Manager Carol drafted in at the last minute was superb.

The only negative for me were the 3 included dinners in local restaurants.

First one was reasonable

Second one was poor. Little choice and they served Creme Caramel and Panacotta but the Panacotta was the same as the Creme Caramel which caused a lot of amusement.  We also had to pay for wine and water at this restaurant which was included at the first. 

3rd one on our last evening was supposed to be at the second Restaurant again.  This did not go down well and the majority of the group decided that they would eat elsewhere at their own cost rather than go back.  

After discussions with our Tour Guide and Just you our final dinner was changed to the first Restaurant.

Just You if you are going to include meals please give the restaurants a reasonable budget so we get a decent meal. I see far too many comments regarding poor food on your European holidays. 

Eve

I agree entirely with you.  I think it is important that JY do include some dinners on all tours, so the group can eat together.  This is especially important for those new to JY or those who are shy and don't mix so easily - otherwise they could find themselves on their own.  And in some places it is essential, if the hotel is far from the centre, does not serve dinner or if its dining choices are poor.  It is also necessary on some tours, when the group has been out all day and only gets back to the hotel early evening!  The thoughts of having to find somewhere to eat after a hectic day are not what you want at that stage...I have some amazing included meals on JY tours - and some terrible ones.  When dinners aren't included, the tour manager needs to give some suggestions as to some decent places to eat - most TMs do this.  But one told us, she wasn't allowed!  I checked this with JY when I got back and this is not true!!  JY need to give the restaurant a decent budget if we are just going to be served a set menu.  I have been in a good number of restaurants for an included meal, only to be served very mediocre food - and looked on in envy at what other "paying" customers have been served...

A current trend seems to be to reduce the number of included meals, so customers are "free to experience local cuisine" - that is fine, if there are plenty of decent options available but if a tour has had the number of meals reduced, I would expect a reduction in the cost of the tour.  Otherwise it is just a cost cutting exercise.  

All the best,

Bob