HOTEL :-
To be fair i didn't expect too much as it was a 3 star and some trip advisor reviews were a bit iffy. Yes the rooms were basic which to me isn't a issue as dont intend spending lots of time in there. What i will say is everything was spotless, the bed was comfy along with plenty of hot water so no real complaints. Didn't use the TV but apparently was one English channel.
One disapointment was the swimming pool was closed, too early in the season we were told but is was noted the hotel next door had theirs open.
Food was decent although strange to us Brits, two starters Soup followed by a Pasta dish, very filling which was a good job as the main course was small, either a meat, fish or veggie option which you selected at breakfast. All was very tasty and i enjoyed but the puddings weren't so great.
Breakfast was very basic, no hot food but you could survive on it.
The main thing i would criticise is the location and would suggest its something JY should consider. It was a 3 hour drive east of Pisa airport and all our walks and excurrsions were between one and two hours back in the same direction so got a bit boring spending lots of time going down the same road. a hotel 50 to 75 mile west of this one would have been ideal in my opinion.
TOUR MANAGER :-
Silvia was great you could tell straight away she enjoyed her job and was always available and kept us well informed. She was very dedicated and went the extra mile in providing evening entertainment with two excellent quizes (we were robbed). She had also made a JY flag for us to follow on the city tours a great idea and think all tour managers should have one.
Excellent tour manager would have no objection to having her on future trips.
WALKS :-
All very different but think the first one needs changing. It was in the main along a logging road through a forest and was a little boring even without the lorries choking us as the went by kicking up dust.
The 2nd walk was mainly down hill with some tricky bits which a few of the group thought a little dangerous. However i enjoyed it but would suggest JY tell people walking boots and a stick are a necessity, had mine so not really a problem but others in trainers would have really struggled had it been wet.Strange that before this walk we did lunch and a wine tasting, possibl not the best of ideas.
The 3rd walk was superb with some fantastic views, this to me was the real tuscany but will add a few sharp hills tested everyones fitness. Was pleased with mine but do know a couple of people found it tough, you do need a reasonable fitness level. Fortunately everyone managed it but could imagine on some trips it may not be the case.
Missed the 400 metre walk up the volcano following walk one, interesting to tramp through snow in my shorts, lol.
EXCURRSIONS :-
Were great firstly to Florence which is a must, very busy with large crowds everywhere (good job we had Silvias flag to follow).
2nd trip was to Sienna & then San Gimignano, again not to be missed but be careful if eating in the main square in Sienna as you will find rip off prices.Not advertised but Silvia took us on the local service bus to a hill top town on the spare day and arranged a visit to a wine cellar, was fantastic one of the best tastings i've been to needs including on future trips.
COACH :-
Never had a coach with so much leg room, excellent and our driver was a real nice bloke.
PEOPLE :-
Was a bit of a mix of holiday makers and keen walkers mainly in the mid 50's upwards age range (i was among the youngest few i believe, but not the baby of the group). We all seemed to get on well and have a good few laughs along the way whether on the trips or in the hotel bar.
In fact laughed loads which did me lots of good as the last 6 month have had plenty of ups and downs and its the sort of holiday i needed.
Would advise anyone to give it a go if its something they think will suit them, dont expect too much chill out time though it is quite hectic.
