anneshan

My husband and I are going to Florence and more of Tuscany this October for 9 days. First thing I only eat fish but I’m allergic to pork. what’s the best way to let the restaurants know. We are in our 60’s and are healthy.Walking tours or different type of venues. Are planning to see Florence’s sights. Cooking classes. So excited. Thanks for your help

J62

I notified the moderators to have this moved to the Europe board, not air travel...

Can you clarify... (no judgement, just clarifying..)
you eat fish
you don't eat any other meats (chicken, turkey, beef, veal, lamb, pork, etc) -
you are allergic to pork - does that mean anything and everything made from a hog? bacon, ham, prosciutto, etc...? soup stocks or sauces with pork in the base?

Did I get that right?

If I got the allergy part right, you should be wary that many dishes may have visible or invisible pork product - ham/prosciutto in a soup stock, or bits in a pasta dish, or a ragu.....

So now to your question.... In my experience restaurants all over Italy (and Europe in general) are very adept at adjusting for specific dietary preferences or need..

I would have a card printed out stating (in italian) what you are allergic to, including not just pork chops, but anything with ham, prosciutto, bacon, etc if that's the case. Bring a deck of cards you can hand out each place....

Having travelled with others who have dietary needs I've found restaurant kitchens willing and able to create something you can eat and will enjoy, even if it means going off menu.

Moderator1

Moved to the Europe Forum and tagged for italy

uktravelover

The comments by J62 on the pork allergy are absolutely right. Most restaurants will be able to accommodate you. If you do eat some meat, I would avoid anything with a meat sauce or mince as a mix of beef/veal and pork are commonplace in Tuscan cooking. If you are planning to book a cookery course, check with them before doing so. Also remind them a day or so before you go. I’m allergic to seafood and on one cookery course, the main dish special was salted cod with prawns and squid. I cooked something else that evening.

With regards to your walking tours and different venues, can you say a bit more about your likes and preferences?

anneshan

I am allergic to all pork will definitely be getting cards thank you. We like museums and will be doing the major ones. We like food or walking tours. If there is some where you can watch glass blowing or something on that idea. Would love a cooking class.

uktravelover

The weather can be mixed in October so remember to take an umbrella and/ or lightweight raincoat. On the other hand it can be warm.
My favourite walks/sightseeing in Florence are:
1. Walk through Santo Spirito to the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens
2. Take one of the footpaths up to Piazzale Michelangelo
3. Catch a bus to Fiesole - visit the museum, see the views and enjoy a lovely lunch
4. Take a bus to Fort Belvedere

with regards to cookery courses you can do a 3 nights/4 days cookery course with accommodation in Tuscany with Flavours. They combine cookery sessions with sightseeing and you could then see part of Tuscany too.

bellinghamsters

We haven't been back to Florence since 2016, but I loved the small groups with Walks by Italy which was recommended by another Fordorite here. We got into the Academy early and saw David without the crowds which was magical. I had seen him before, but nothing like that time. I also liked the walk with the history of Florence. Although I had been to Florence 2 previous times, this walk helped me focus on so much of the Medici family that I understand and noticed so much more about the city.

bilboburgler

I think the anti-pasta, prima, seconda mechanism in Italian restaurants will help a lot with your allergy

Italian restaurants are very good at working with allergies and vegetarian dishes are always clean of meat if that helps

If you are thinking of hiring a car, read up on ZTLs

anneshan

So have cards ordered for allergy. We arriving October 9th in the am. Planning on seeing the Duomo, the Baptistery, the Campanille,the Medici chapel and the palace. Our apartment is across from Port Vecchio so we’re walk around. The 10th is all stuff over this side of Arno River. The 11th we have tours set up for the Uffizi and Accademia. Planning on window shopping and still looking for a good steak florentine for my husband. The 12th we are doing a day trip to Cinque Terra. The 13th doing a food tour and planning on seeing Bargello Musuem and are looking at a river cruise. The 14th we are renting a car and doing Tuscany for 5 days on that out wa stopping at the American Cemetery. We plan on doing a few churches in Florence. Any suggestions for Tuscany we have a place booked in San Gimignano. Any recommendations are wonderful. Thanks. So exciting to be ng