DeborahC
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(Member) (Topic Starter)
Hello there, took the leap and booked the above holiday today. Anyone else booked on the same one? I'm looking forward to meeting other solo travellers - I hope we all have a great
nixon
  • (Member)
(Member)
Deborah

You have picked a lovely holiday I did this tour a few years ago, have a look in the review section I am sure there will be a current one there...

Any questions just ask

Cindy

janib
  • (Member)
(Member)
Hello Deborah,

I have done the Flavours of Tuscany which follows some of the Highlights. Had a brilliant time if not a few pounds heavier coming home ๐Ÿ˜‰  Have a great time. Do have a review somewhere, went in Oct 2015.

Jan

debsydoodah
(Member)
Hi Deborah

I have just confirmed my booking this afternoon for this holiday; flying from Gatwick. Where are you flying from? I'm really looking forward to it; should be busy but grand fun.

DeborahC
  • (Member) (Topic Starter)
(Member) (Topic Starter)
'debsydoodah' wrote:

Hi Deborah

I have just confirmed my booking this afternoon for this holiday; flying from Gatwick.  Where are you flying from?  I'm really looking forward to it; should be busy but grand fun.

Hi Deb,  Hey that's great I'm flying from Gatwick too :)

Did you receive any email acknowledgement of your booking/deposit?  I haven't received anything and I've chased them for a receipt, but nothing so far.  I'm really looking forward to it as well.  Are you doing the optional days out to Isle of Elba and Lucca?  I look forward to meeting you.

DeborahC
  • (Member) (Topic Starter)
(Member) (Topic Starter)
'nixon' wrote:

Deborah

You have picked a lovely holiday I did this tour a few years ago, have a look in the review section I am sure there will be a current one there...

Any questions just ask

Cindy

Thanks Cindy, I have lots of questions about the hotel but I don't know where to post them.

DeborahC
  • (Member) (Topic Starter)
(Member) (Topic Starter)
'janib' wrote:

Hello Deborah,

I have done the Flavours of Tuscany which follows some of the Highlights. Had a brilliant time if not a few pounds heavier coming home ๐Ÿ˜‰  Have a great time. Do have a review somewhere, went in Oct 2015.

Jan

Thanks Jan, here's hoping.  It's the first time I've been on a single traveller holiday - I hope it's a good experience.

nixon
  • (Member)
(Member)
'LlDeborahC' wrote:

'nixon' wrote:

Deborah

You have picked a lovely holiday I did this tour a few years ago, have a look in the review section I am sure there will be a current one there...

Any questions just ask

Cindy

Thanks Cindy, I have lots of questions about the hotel but I don't know where to post them.

Just post them on here and we will answer...OK

Cindy

DeborahC
  • (Member) (Topic Starter)
(Member) (Topic Starter)
Thank you in advance for your help folks. We're staying at the Il Settabello Hotel - Marina di Cecina is this where you've all stayed previously? I hope you'll be able to answer some queries regarding this hotel, if you have.

I understand there are no hot drink making facilities in the room - a bit of a disaster if, like me, you can't function without that first cup of tea before you surface. How did you all get around this? Did you take your own travel kettles?

Do I need to take an iron and hairdryer or will the hotel be able to provide me with an ironing board and iron and a hairdryer?

Are there any additional costs at the hotel - i.e., tea, coffee, water, use of iron, hairdryers etc?

I'm sure I'll probably want to stray beyond the hotel for dinner at least once, any recommendations? Any places that need to be avoided?

What other facilities does the resort have to offer - I think I saw bicycle hire on one of the reviews I read (which would be fun).

What's your thoughts on the additional excursions to Isle of Elba and Lucca - are they worth the additional money?

DeborahC
  • (Member) (Topic Starter)
(Member) (Topic Starter)
Oh me again - sorry I'm probably going to drive you mad with questions. Just read on another thread that it's best to book the Uffizi Gallery in Florence between 1 and 1.30pm - is that the case for this trip as well? I understand it gets very busy.
nixon
  • (Member)
(Member)
'DeborahC' wrote:

Thank you in advance for your help folks.  We're staying at the Il Settabello Hotel - Marina di Cecina is this where you've all stayed previously?  I hope you'll be able to answer some queries regarding this hotel, if you have.  

I understand there are no hot drink making facilities in the room - a bit of a disaster if, like me, you can't function without that first cup of tea before you surface.  How did you all get around this?  Did you take your own travel kettles?

Do I need to take an iron and hairdryer or will the hotel be able to provide me with an ironing board and iron and a hairdryer?

Are there any additional costs at the hotel - i.e., tea, coffee, water, use of iron, hairdryers etc?

I'm sure I'll probably want to stray beyond the hotel for dinner at least once, any recommendations?  Any places that need to be avoided?

What other facilities does the resort have to offer - I think I saw bicycle hire on one of the reviews I read (which would be fun).

What's your thoughts on the additional excursions to Isle of Elba and Lucca - are they worth the additional money?

Yes this is the hotel that is used and has been for many years, you eat across the road at the restaurant, when I went you made the choice for the next days meal the day before. DOme of the meal are buffet style, breakfast as far as I remember is help your self, I don't know if a hot breakfast was served. As I tend to go for continental style.

You are correct there are no hot drink facilities in the room, I personally do not bother taking my own kettle when away, the lady in the room next to mine had hot drink to her room every morning at a set time I am sure she would of been charged for this. 

There was a hairdryer in a drawer, which was fine for my short hair, but if you have a mane of flowing locks you might need to take your own.

I do take a travel iron (how sad am I) which I used with a towel in the floor. So I cannot answer if the hotel provide either of these.

Our group was a very social group and I did not venture for meals out at night I had what was on offer and made use of drinking and socialising on the veranda, which was lovely.

Yes you can hire a bike and out the back to the left was were people went they had fun. Some people went for a swim in the sea I did not. There is a sun terrace at the top of the building where I spent a couple of hours in the sun. As I did not go over to Elba. I did do Lucca it was worth it and I enjoyed it. No one in our group managed to get into the art museum, no one was told to pre book when I went.

I don't know if they still do but the bar and tea/coffe drinks and snack were put on a tab and you settled up on leaving day. It worked well for me.

There is a lovely town very close by for stocking up on drinks and nibbles for the coach journeys etc. Or just sitting and watching the world go by.

Have fun

Cindy

janib
  • (Member)
(Member)
Hello Deborah,

You can take your own kettle, only one plug in my room so take double adapter, no fridge in room. The bar downstairs provided all the drinks for a price. As we went in October, all the hotels nearby, shops and restaurants were shutting for the Winter. Very little was open. About 1/2 mile to the right of the front door, was a great little cafe and a wonderful little supermarket where most people bought their water and drinks. They did sell bottles of water on the coach. I did not go on this trip so Elba was not an option.

Lucca was included with a cookery demonstration- a beautiful town which my sister and I loved. Puccini is huge here as this is his birthplace. Some American girls were heard to wonder who he was :huh:

The Baptistry in Pisa is worth going to as every half hour, they shut the doors and a man sings- the harmony is fantastic. I took the obligatory hand on the Leaning Tower ๐Ÿ˜‰ They do suggest in Pisa that you wear your backback on your front as there are many pickpockets. My downfall as I went flying on a kerb  :(

Jan

DeborahC
  • (Member) (Topic Starter)
(Member) (Topic Starter)
Thank you Cindy and Jan for your really helpful advice. I am a little surprised that tea, coffee and water will be charged for, but then, maybe that's the norm and I'm just not aware of it. I'm sure I've seen posts saying that fridges are in the rooms now - a recent update maybe? A double adapter will certainly be on my list of holiday purchases. Thanks for the information regarding the optional excursions, they certainly sound interesting. Buffet meals sound perfect, looking forward to those.
debsydoodah
(Member)
'DeborahC' wrote:

'debsydoodah' wrote:

Hi Deborah

I have just confirmed my booking this afternoon for this holiday; flying from Gatwick.  Where are you flying from?  I'm really looking forward to it; should be busy but grand fun.

Hi Deb,  Hey that's great I'm flying from Gatwick too :)

Did you receive any email acknowledgement of your booking/deposit?  I haven't received anything and I've chased them for a receipt, but nothing so far.  I'm really looking forward to it as well.  Are you doing the optional days out to Isle of Elba and Lucca?  I look forward to meeting you.

Hi again Deborah

Sorry, I'm still finding my way around this forum hence two messages this morning!  I opted to have all my documentation sent by post as I finish work at the beginning of March and don't have a printer at home so thought that would be the best option.  I have received paperwork the last couple of days and have to pay the balance by 9th February; is that the same for you?  Really looking forward to meeting new people as well as seeing Tuscany of course.  Like you I like a cuppa first thing in the morning, herbal tea though, so will miss that if there's no kettle in the rooms.  Never mind I'm sure everything else will make up for it.  I am doing Elba and Lucca as well, are you?

Ladyfish
(Member)
'DeborahC' wrote:

Oh me again - sorry I'm probably going to drive you mad with questions.  Just read on another thread that it's best to book the Uffizi Gallery in Florence between 1 and 1.30pm - is that the case for this trip as well?  I understand it gets very busy.

Hi Deborah.   I haven't done the Highlights of Tuscany but when my daughter and I went to Florence we did book the tickets ahead.  The line to purchase tickets was huge but that was at the start of October.  It is simple to pick them up.  There is a separate short and quick line and take the receipt with you.

I will be watching for your updates as I am doing this trip September 21/17  as my first Just You trip but coming from Canada.

Diane

DeborahC
  • (Member) (Topic Starter)
(Member) (Topic Starter)
'debsydoodah' wrote:

'DeborahC' wrote:

'debsydoodah' wrote:

Hi Deborah

I have just confirmed my booking this afternoon for this holiday; flying from Gatwick.  Where are you flying from?  I'm really looking forward to it; should be busy but grand fun.

Hi Deb,  Hey that's great I'm flying from Gatwick too :)

Did you receive any email acknowledgement of your booking/deposit?  I haven't received anything and I've chased them for a receipt, but nothing so far.  I'm really looking forward to it as well.  Are you doing the optional days out to Isle of Elba and Lucca?  I look forward to meeting you.

Hi again Deborah

Sorry, I'm still finding my way around this forum hence two messages this morning!  I opted to have all my documentation sent by post as I finish work at the beginning of March and don't have a printer at home so thought that would be the best option.  I have received paperwork the last couple of days and have to pay the balance by 9th February; is that the same for you?  Really looking forward to meeting new people as well as seeing Tuscany of course.  Like you I like a cuppa first thing in the morning, herbal tea though, so will miss that if there's no kettle in the rooms.  Never mind I'm sure everything else will make up for it.  I am doing Elba and Lucca as well, are you?

Hi there Deb, (my friend's know me as a 'Dee' by the way so that'll make it easier for us both).  Yes, I have to pay my balance by 9th Feb too. Just You had my email address wrong which was why I hadn't received anything, but that's all sorted now. Sounds nice, finishing work in March ๐Ÿ™‚ Yes, I think I will book the trips when i pay my balance. I've just ordered a travel kettle ๐Ÿ˜‰

DeborahC
  • (Member) (Topic Starter)
(Member) (Topic Starter)
'Ladyfish' wrote:

'DeborahC' wrote:

Oh me again - sorry I'm probably going to drive you mad with questions.  Just read on another thread that it's best to book the Uffizi Gallery in Florence between 1 and 1.30pm - is that the case for this trip as well?  I understand it gets very busy.

Hi Deborah.   I haven't done the Highlights of Tuscany but when my daughter and I went to Florence we did book the tickets ahead.  The line to purchase tickets was huge but that was at the start of October.  It is simple to pick them up.  There is a separate short and quick line and take the receipt with you.

I will be watching for your updates as I am doing this trip September 21/17  as my first Just You trip but coming from Canada.

Diane

Hi Diane, I'll post back here after the trip to give you an update on my experience.  I really hope it'll be a pleasant one as it's the first time I've travelled with Just You.  I haven't been able to find out any other info about booking the gallery tickets - I might contact the gallery direct once I know what time we'll be arriving in Florence etc.  Just hope they speak English, haha (having said that I'm thinking of taking an on-line holiday Italian course before I go)!

Ladyfish
(Member)
'DeborahC' wrote:

'Ladyfish' wrote:

'DeborahC' wrote:

Oh me again - sorry I'm probably going to drive you mad with questions.  Just read on another thread that it's best to book the Uffizi Gallery in Florence between 1 and 1.30pm - is that the case for this trip as well?  I understand it gets very busy.

Hi Deborah.   I haven't done the Highlights of Tuscany but when my daughter and I went to Florence we did book the tickets ahead.  The line to purchase tickets was huge but that was at the start of October.  It is simple to pick them up.  There is a separate short and quick line and take the receipt with you.

I will be watching for your updates as I am doing this trip September 21/17  as my first Just You trip but coming from Canada.

Diane

Hi Diane, I'll post back here after the trip to give you an update on my experience.  I really hope it'll be a pleasant one as it's the first time I've travelled with Just You.  I haven't been able to find out any other info about booking the gallery tickets - I might contact the gallery direct once I know what time we'll be arriving in Florence etc.  Just hope they speak English, haha (having said that I'm thinking of taking an on-line holiday Italian course before I go)!

LOL... No probs for english.  This is the website I used :http://www.uffizi.com/online-ticket-booking-uffizi-gallery.asp  

You pick the time to pick up the tickets and then you are good to go.  We spent a few hours there and then awesome gelato around the corner ๐Ÿ˜‰   Have a blast!

debsydoodah
(Member)
'DeborahC' wrote:

'debsydoodah' wrote:

'DeborahC' wrote:

'debsydoodah' wrote:

Hi Deborah

I have just confirmed my booking this afternoon for this holiday; flying from Gatwick.  Where are you flying from?  I'm really looking forward to it; should be busy but grand fun.

Hi Deb,  Hey that's great I'm flying from Gatwick too :)

Did you receive any email acknowledgement of your booking/deposit?  I haven't received anything and I've chased them for a receipt, but nothing so far.  I'm really looking forward to it as well.  Are you doing the optional days out to Isle of Elba and Lucca?  I look forward to meeting you.

Hi again Deborah

Sorry, I'm still finding my way around this forum hence two messages this morning!  I opted to have all my documentation sent by post as I finish work at the beginning of March and don't have a printer at home so thought that would be the best option.  I have received paperwork the last couple of days and have to pay the balance by 9th February; is that the same for you?  Really looking forward to meeting new people as well as seeing Tuscany of course.  Like you I like a cuppa first thing in the morning, herbal tea though, so will miss that if there's no kettle in the rooms.  Never mind I'm sure everything else will make up for it.  I am doing Elba and Lucca as well, are you?

Hi there Deb, (my friend's know me as a 'Dee' by the way so that'll make it easier for us both).  Yes, I have to pay my balance by 9th Feb too. Just You had my email address wrong which was why I hadn't received anything, but that's all sorted now. Sounds nice, finishing work in March ๐Ÿ™‚ Yes, I think I will book the trips when i pay my balance. I've just ordered a travel kettle ;)

Good idea with the travel kettle Dee; think I'll look into that as well.  I bought myself a travel hairdryer last year so slowly building up my set of travelling companions  ๐Ÿ™‚  I tried to pay my balance yesterday online but they weren't able to accept online payments.  I'll have another go today but if not will have to call them; just want to get it all sorted now.  Well, time to get ready for work ~ only another 14 working days in this job and then three or four months off to enjoy myself before I start something else.  I'm currently a Medical Secretary working in a Forensic team; what do you do?

Bosuncat
(Member)
Hi both.  I did this holiday in 2013.  I certainly hope that you had better weather than we did!  About the hotel.  It is basic, but spotlessly clean.  The owners and staff are wonderful, and can't do enough for you, but very few of them speak much English, with the exception of the lovely gentleman who works nights, ( he likes to practice his English!).  The rooms vary in size, but I found mine quite adequate, and yes there was a decent hairdryer.  The bathroom was nearly as big as my room, with a great walk in shower.  The only thing I would say is that it can be a bit noisy at the front of the hotel.  Drinks measures in the bar are very generous.  ๐Ÿ™‚   I can't remember there being a fridge in the room, but I think one of the party had a hot drink delivered to her room in the morning.  I paid for everything on a tab and settled up at the end of the holiday. 

The food I found to be more than adequate.  You choose your main course for the evening at breakfast, and then have to make sure you are sitting on the same table at night time.  I have to be honest and say that I didn't like that, but it's just a personal thing.  On the last night we had a gala dinner with disco. 

The resort itself is okay, and I felt safe walking about.  There is a nice walk in the pinewoods if you turn left outside the hotel.  There is a ATM, also turning left outside the hotel.  To the best of my knowledge they do not change money in the hotel.  It was right at the end of the season when I went and I found not a lot open in the town, but it made for a pleasant stroll.  It certainly wasn't beach weather when I went, but it is a little pebbly, so beach shoes might be an idea.

As far as excursions go, I can recommend the Elba trip.  The coach takes you directly onto a large ferry, and goes with you, and then there is a drive around some of the island, with stop offs at various places.  To be honest it was nice to have a day off walking!

There are some very early starts for some of the excursions, Siena being an example.  Usually when you get to wherever you are going, there is a walk into the centre and then a guided walking tour before you have any free time.  You are provided with a map and a meeting point and then you do your own thing.  Lots of walking so take sensible shoes.  Pisa was the easiest because all the sights were in the same area.  As far as Florence was concerned, the walking tour (as I remember), was longer, but we did see all the main sights.  It was very, very busy there, and if you want to see anything on the inside you have to join a line for a ticket, and then another line to get in.  Please do not take this as read, but our TM told us that it really needs a full day to get round the Uffizi to appreciate it properly.  I do not want to put you off! 

It is a deservedly popular trip, and I hope that JY keep it on for many more years.  You do get to see an awful lot, but not sadly in any depth.  JY did do Florence as a city break briefly and I would have done it, but was fully booked up for other places in the brief time it was in the brochure.

Again, do not take this as read, but we had Jonathan as our TM, and if so he will meet you at Pisa.  He has a huge amount of knowledge about the area and is very friendly.