The Grand Hotel had its good and not so good points. Some of the rooms had views and balconies and some were not what I would expect as a JY customer.  Reception staff were very helpful and when my adaptor didn't fit they loaned me one - you need three vertical pins. Wifi reception better if you register. 

Coffee Shop/Bar just along the road from the Hotel very helpful and friendly.

San Marino was a whole new experience and I loved it.  Went to Rimini on the local bus 9Euros return. Had a ride on the cable car, went to local market. Interesting history. Spectacular views and sunsets. Included trips good. 

Be prepared for lots of uphill/downhill walking - take comfy shoes, go and enjoy.

Cheers,

Bob

Cindy

Hi Everybody,  just back from a great trip to SM.  Excallant group of people, fantastic Tour Manager- Sandra - was always available and very approachable, she felt like a friend known for ages. Evening meals were not included on 4 nights and she organised, for those who wanted to join in, a visit to a local restaurant together.  

The Grand Hotel had its good and not so good points. Some of the rooms had views and balconies and some were not what I would expect as a JY customer.  Reception staff were very helpful and when my adaptor didn't fit they loaned me one - you need three vertical pins. Wifi reception better if you register. 

Coffee Shop/Bar just along the road from the Hotel very helpful and friendly.

San Marino was a whole new experience and I loved it.  Went to Rimini on the local bus 9Euros return. Had a ride on the cable car, went to local market. Interesting history. Spectacular views and sunsets. Included trips good. 

Be prepared for lots of uphill/downhill walking - take comfy shoes, go and enjoy.

Thanks for the review as I am going in September it does help but please can you describe this three vertical pin charger

Thanks for taking the time to write a review of your trip. It sounds like a great place to visit.

Kind Regards

Kezzer

Hi Everybody,  just back from a great trip to SM.  Excallant group of people, fantastic Tour Manager- Sandra - was always available and very approachable, she felt like a friend known for ages. Evening meals were not included on 4 nights and she organised, for those who wanted to join in, a visit to a local restaurant together.  

The Grand Hotel had its good and not so good points. Some of the rooms had views and balconies and some were not what I would expect as a JY customer.  Reception staff were very helpful and when my adaptor didn't fit they loaned me one - you need three vertical pins. Wifi reception better if you register. 

Coffee Shop/Bar just along the road from the Hotel very helpful and friendly.

San Marino was a whole new experience and I loved it.  Went to Rimini on the local bus 9Euros return. Had a ride on the cable car, went to local market. Interesting history. Spectacular views and sunsets. Included trips good. 

Be prepared for lots of uphill/downhill walking - take comfy shoes, go and enjoy.

Thanks for the review as I am going in September it does help but please can you describe this three vertical pin charger

Sure ......  some adapters have the normal three pins in a kind of triangle. Some have 2 round pins. In San Marino you need an adapter with 3 round pins in a line going upwards.  Please don't worry about it the receptionist at the Hotel are very helpful and will lend you one free of charge.  Enjoy your trip.

Thanks for posting this review; I've booked the April dep - glad to have stumbled across this! From various blog posts/ videos, it looks like a good place to get a workout due to the hills!

If anyone has been on this tour, please can you advise:

1) How long is the transfer from Bologna airport to hotel? The brochure suggests 2 hours, and a video I saw said it's a winding/ bumpy ride that may require some travel tablets ;-)

2) Is it relatively easy to get by with mostly English and a little Italian? I like to pick up a phrasebook and learn a few basic phrases before I visit another country anyway.

Thanks in advance for any tips!

Most of the transfer is on a motorway then from Rimini it's a normal road to San Marino. This is up a hill so the last few km will be on a windy road.

Google suggests 1:34 travel time but we always add a bit more time in case of heavy traffic.

Since San Marino has two official languages, Italian and Sammarinese, I would advise that you bring a phrasebook with you.

Kindest Regards,

Amy