Vegetarians on Rick's Tours?

I'm a vegetarian and have been on two RS tours and going on a 3rd this spring.

At the intro meeting the guide asked how many non-meat eaters were in the group - 7 of us in the last one.
He then made sure we had veg. option at all the communal meals. This was in Turkey so we got to know and
not necessarily love eggplant stew!

Not eating meat or meat products was a non-issue both on both tours and I don't anticipate any problems on
the next one. When you're 'on your own' in restos I'd check for lard and tallow in baking esp. pastries.

I have been on 5 RS tours and being a flexible vegetarian (ok to egg, cheese, dairy & fish) have never had a problem. In Sicily I did, however, get a little tired of omelettes as they really didn't understand people who don't eat meat.

I've never been on a RS tour, but I live and work and eat at restaurants in England from time to time.

In the last 10 years I'd be hard pressed to think of one restaurant I've been in in England which didn't offer a vegetarian option.

England is full to the plimsoll line with vegetarians, of all stripes from very strict vegan onwards.

If you make your needs known I am sure you will not only be taken care of but welcomed.

Peggy,

I'm not a vegetarian but tend to favour mostly poultry or fish (but NOT all seafood). I've taken seven RS tours and have always found the Guides to be VERY responsive to the dietary preferences of tour members. They'll ensure that restaurants provide alternate foods at group meals where necessary. I'll probably be chatting with some of the England tour guides on 18 January in Seattle, so I'll try to remember to ask.

One tip though - if you decide to take that tour, you might want to avoid the Black Pudding at breakfast. You'll have to settle for a somewhat "modified" full English Breakfast with only the eggs, beans, mushrooms and tomato (which I'm sure will still provide an excellent meal). I always enjoy the decadent full English fry-up (including the fried bread if available), but always tell them to "hold" the Black Pudding.

IMHO, you'll have a great time on that tour. If you want a more definitive answer to your question, the best source would be the RS tour office.

Happy travels!

I don't think you'll have a problem in the UK. I know too many UK colleagues who are vegetarians. I took the Berlin, Prague and Vienna tour, AKA as the pork and potatoes tour, and even on that tour, the guide made sure that there were vegetarian options. I didn't eat them so I can't vouch for the tastiness, but they all felt well fed. :)

Pam

I would talk to your tour guide on the first night/get together. I have been on a RS tour and have food allergies and restrictions and I did not have any issues with finding something to eat. Most likely you will not be the only people on the tour with food/dietary needs.

Also I would recomend going to trip advisor and look up forums for vegetrarians or alternative dinning in the UK.

Plan on having a lot of fun!!

I would say it really depends on the guide and how much they are willing to work with their chosen restauranteurs to accommodate you. My trip was to Turkey and I do eat fish (but no meat) - however, there were definitely times when I felt like I got the short end of the stick. But all in all, it was still a great experience (but if I was by myself, which I was on another trip, I would have picked out better options for myself...but again, the needs of the entire group come first)

Given all the needs and preferences as to foods for up to 28 folks in a tour group...I surely wouldn't want to be a guide.

True Bruce! I am a vegan and did a RS Heart of Italy last May. I expected I would need to sort of forage for myself on the tour meals, but there was a vegan option for every group meal. There were 3 vegans on the tour as well as people who did not eat various other things. Trina, our tour guide, was exceptional!

During the intro meeting the guide did ask people to talk with her privately regarding food needs. I did so afterward and she already had the information from the RS registration paperwork.

This fall in UK I did 2 Road Scholar tours and had equally as good luck with being offered vegan dishes during a tour of London and a different tour of Wales. On only one day there was a sack lunch offered that did not have a vegan option. I picked up an extra roll at the breakfast buffet and had brought some packets of Justin's Almond Butter along with me for emergencies. Interestingly the rest of the group always looked to see what I was offered and at the end of the trip several commented that it looked like I got the best food of the group.

Thank you so much to all of you that took the time to reply. I knew we wouldn't starve in England, but your comments have really set our minds at ease that our dietary needs won't be a big deal on the tour. We certainly want to follow the "No Grumps, No Whiners" rule!
Best,
Peggy

Before you leave Rick's office will send you a form to complete which includes dietary needs so your guide will be know about your preferences - just have a quick word at the beginning of the tour to remind him/her.