We just enjoyed the Venice Florence, Rome tour and the guide did a great job getting vegan food for us on the tour provided dinners. As for the meals on our own, we learned that there are great vegan restaurants in each city but they almost always needed reservations so we recommend using google and happy cow to research ahead of time and that you make reservations.
Posted by
SoCal
149 posts
Hi Amy: Thanks for posting! I’m a vegan and headed to Italy My Way in June, so no meals will be provided. Do you have any favorites spots to share from your trip? Happy travels....
Posted by
1 posts
Thank you for the information. Were they aware of your food preference prior to leaving for Italy or was this a daily request for vegan options? - Jpaul
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
13905 posts
JPaul, I've been on 11 Rick Steves tour (although not this particular one). I list vegan as a preference on my paperwork for Rick Steves Europe and in general have never had a problem.
On the first afternoon/evening you'll meet up with your group so I always talk with the guide right after this meet up to make sure they are aware I am vegan. I also always ask them to let me know if there is a particular group meal that can't accommodate a vegan meal as I am happy to forage on my own if I know ahead of time. On this particular tour, Venice/Florence/Rome there should be no problem with meals in the cities. The only one that could possibly be an issue is lunch on Day 7 when you stop at a winery. I usually have some snacks (nuts, dried fruit, Clif-type bar) in case I can't be accommodated.
I found Italy pretty easy for a vegan! In my experience "fresh" pasta usually has egg in it. If it doesn't say "fresh/fresca" it is from dried pasta and I was told it usually does not. If a little egg here and there doesn't bother you, you'll have no issues. Very easy to get things without cheese and almost ALL the gelaterias have non-dairy sorbetto which is generally fantastic!