Travel advice for Rome, Florence and Venice

[ThePonygirl1]

My husband and I will be going to Italy for the first time in October. I am a very sensitive Celiac with other food intolerances as well due to many years of Lyme disease. Neither of us speak Italian. It is our 30th anniversary, so we are flying first class and staying in nice hotels. We mostly travel by RV due to food issues, so we are looking for any input into how to eat well without getting sick!

 

TIA,

Cindy

[cyclinglady]

Italy is a gluten free haven!   Print off or take a photo of gluten free travel cards (google it).  They can be found in most languages.  It tells the server how to handle your food.  We were able to find 100% dedicated gluten free restaurants (for example one was by the Vatican).  Restaurants come and go, so do some online research before you go.  Check with Italian celiac groups.  

You might even get lucky like us.   We were in Livorno (port close to Florence) and we saw a gluten free fish and chips stand run by celiacs.  They also had a full-service gluten-free restaurant.  

Gluten free is clearly marked in markets.  Even their pharmacies carry some gluten free foods.  

You will have a blast and not get sick!  

[ThePonygirl1]

Thanks for your suggestions, cyclinglady. I had forgotten about the cards, I will order some. Gluten free fish and chips? I hope we find something like that!

[cyclinglady]

As always, bring some food with you.  Do not count on the airlines to provide food for you.  Pack some plastic utensils to get you started and be prepared to eat from the market (think picnics).  It is a great back up plan.  

 

[brendygirl]

Be sure to get the (wrapped and cooked separately) GLUTEN FREE CHEESEBURGER AT MCDONALDS on a gluten-free Schar bun! Amazing! 

GROM is a 100% gluten-free GELATO CHAIN- even gluten-free waffle cones! 

My favorite restaurant in Florence was La Luna! Must get the aroncina appetizer and the calzone with ricotta and Nutella! They claim every single menu item can be made gluten-free. My hubby gets gluten-free in Italy just so we can share food and I didn’t like the tiramisu there tho. 

My favorite Florence 100% gluten-free bakery was STARBENE! You must get the apple strudel!!!They also sell a ton of Schar products.

 

my favorite restaurant in Rome was near Piazza Del Popolo. It was called Il Porto di Ripetta. The spaghetti with red sauce and bacon on top and the gluten-free choc soufflé dessert.

 

”Senze glutine” is how you ask for gluten-free.

[Scott Adams]

It could be worth the trip...just for that! ?