3 family members booked for Sep to go on the RS tour and friends were on the waiting list. They actually got informed they could sign up and join us, so of course we were excited. However, the Mrs. Is celiac and was concerned about the dinners. She called the office and was told that they didn’t know and she may have to purchase her own meals at group dinners. Has anyone found this as the only option? My understanding is that the group leader and RS are very good with meeting specific dietary issues. While I understand, that you are responsible for what you put in your mouth, I was hoping that the office would have a more positive approach to her needs. Anyhow, they have canceled.
Posted by
1824 posts
They are great about offering a vegetarian option and on one tour there was a dairy allergy. Celiac is a whole other level of food management.
Posted by
WestCentral MN
456 posts
I have Celiac Disease. The main reason why I have not yet taken a RS tour is because the company won't even tell me that the guide will even try to accommodate my dietary requirements. I received such a disappointing response when I contacted the RS office, that I won't ever book a RS tour. Yes, I know an employee who answers the phone can't guarantee anything. They work in Seattle, and the tours are in Europe and they have no control over what a guide in Europe does. On a tour, I would never expect an entire meal such as the other guests are served. Just make an effort to get me a salad or some vegetables or something. Trust me I know how hard it is to eat away from home with CD! Just at least try.
I think that this should be an item that gets discussed when Rick has his tour guides come to Seattle once a year. Some guides probably already make an effort, but when the company won't say that they do or will, they are losing business. As a company, agree that your guides will try to accommodate food intolerances--especially when they are NOT a lifestyle choice.
Therefore, I choose to tour with a different company that has ALWAYS accommodated my intolerance.
Posted by
Edmonton, Alberta
805 posts
I just finished a tour. They will accommodate as much as possible. I did have to pay attention though; a gf soup Was garnished with croutons. I noticed and asked the server who said yes they were croutons. They brought a different starter and a gf bun. The questionnaire for the tour asks for dietary restrictions and I stated celiac.
On another occasion the guide did discuss the meal choices with the person who made the meal when I asked so it was clear that 2 of the 3 dishes were GF.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
6635 posts
My observation is that the guides will do their best to accommodate food allergies. On my Basque tour, one of the tour members had celiac and the guide was very good about getting him gluten-free options.
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
4042 posts
My experience is the same as Laura's, the guide does the best they can to accommodate food allergies of any kind. The RS tour FAQs say this:
Can I get special meals for my dietary restrictions? When it comes to
group meals, we encourage you to eat with a spirit of adventure. Our
tours are designed with this culture in mind, and dietary
considerations are not built into these plans. However, if you have
food allergies, a medically restricted diet, or a dietary preference,
please alert your guide at the start of your tour, so they can assist
you with group meals when possible. (There will be a short meeting
about this on the first day of your tour.) Please note: Once you make
your meal request, it is locked in for the duration of your tour. Tour
members with dietary restrictions usually manage fine with a little
flexibility and willingness to supplement meals if needed at their own
expense.
Gluten free is definitely possible in Turkey, it would be more difficult to be vegan as the offerings are often meat forward. But just like here in the US it is a difficult challenge to eat out not knowing how a restaurant kitchen manages food prep. I have a friend with serious celiac and she rarely eats out just because of bad experiences with cross contamination.