We are contemplating taking a tour of Italy with either Insight or Globus next year. We eat a plant based diet with no, or very little dairy and no meat or fish. Does anyone know how much these groups help with this situation re their included meals? I imagine breakfast wouldn't be a problem. If we are stuck, we will eat a little dairy, my husband will eat fish, I won't as I simply don't like it. Any experiences? Otherwise we will have to skip the tour and trravel on our own, as I know we can eat ok on our own.

Thats a tough one Mindy, I diffenently would choose a higher end tour, as they are more willing to help. Contact the tour company you are looking at, but also get a list of the hotels used and email them directly to specify your needs. I traveled with lady on a CIE to Ireland tour, who was a vegetarian and she was able to work it out. The more expensive tours usually offer 3 choices of starter, 3 of entree and 3 deserts. One of these choices is usually vegetarian.

I have traveled with Globus several times and there has been many vegetarians on our tours and as long as the hotel is made aware it should not be a problem.At every incuded dinner there was a vegetarian choice. I don't know about the vegan thing though as I have a nephew who is a vegan and his diet is much more restricted then the vegetarians. I suggest you contact the tour company for more info on that.

You might want to consider a rivercruise as I know the chef will prepare vegan meals on the riverships. We have cruised with Avalon (Globus) and it is a great way to travel.

I would skip the included dinners and eat out on my own. It would cost at least $330 or $400 extra on a ten day tour but at least you would be able to order what you want.

thanks for your replies. I did email Insight, and they reassured me that it wouldn't be a problem and to ensure that the TD knew when we started the tour. that is also a good idea to skip the included dinners if they didn't work out - because I think it is likely a whole lot stressful to see Italy on a tour, and not have to contend with traffic, lineups, etc!

Both Globus and Insight offer a "Best of Italy" tour and they are excellant. We did the Globus tour in October 2005.