FOOD & ALLERGIES* INFO
​
NOTE: All meals are designed for you to eat with the group, eating the same food as the group meal, at the same establishment where the group is eating.
​
NOTE: Vegan and gluten-free diets are VERY difficult to maintain on this trip as there are very limited vegan or gluten-free menu options and most of the meals are "family style". (Family Style definition: the trip leader orders a variety of foods for the group to share around the table at the meal.)
NOTE: If ClassicalTrips.org will be covering the cost of your special meals as part of the trip budget, a written medical diagnosis from a Medical Doctor must be submitted in writing from the MD to the ClassicalTrips.org office six weeks in advance AND your specific food "requirements" must be discussed with and approved in advance by a ClassicalTrips.org TripLeader six weeks prior to trip departure.
If your food requirements are severe enough, an overseas trip provider other than ClassicalTrips.org will be recommended.
NOTE: If you have food allergies or medical conditions that may require an Epi-pen or special medicines, you are REQUIRED to bring an Epi-pen and/or those special medicines with you on the trip, plus any other medications that are needed for your allergic reactions. (Bring duplicate amounts: 1 set in personal bag, 1 set in carry-on luggage) (Bring Benadryl and keep on your person at all times.)
Epi-pens and some medicines are not readily available in the locations we travel.
​
*Food preference or taste does not qualify as a "food allergy". As a side note, European food regulations are stricter than American regulations and it has been rare for a trip participant to have problems with our trip diet.
​
NOTE: Fresh, pure, clean, cool water is provided at all meals. Sometimes bubbly and sparkling, sometimes "au naturale", water is always our drink of choice at meals. Soft drinks or pop are rarely included in your meal options.
​
Food
We will do our best to accommodate group tastes, but most often food preparation is out of our control. If you have stringent dietary needs, you will need to bring $ for your own food supply, as it is not feasible for the group to cater to one person's specific needs when traveling and eating as a group. On a typical day, the group will eat from restaurants, food stalls, street vendors, and fresh food from the local market, either at a restaurant or in our apartment kitchen. You get to embrace the culture and live like a local.
​
Most meals are served "family style". (Family Style means: the trip leader orders a variety of foods for the group to share around the table at the meal.) Either the trip leader will order for the group (to make sure you get to try some of the fantastic foods you've never experienced before), or each table will combine their $ allotment for that specific meal to order shared dishes for your table. As determined by the trip leader, there will 2-3 meals in which you will be given cash to eat at the establishment of your choosing.
​
FOOD PHILOSOPHY: You are not expected to like everything, but you are asked to try everything.
You may discover a new favorite!
​
NOTE: We rarely take you to an American chain restaurant overseas (though travel schedules may require it on occasion so I apologize in advance!) You may find one and eat at it on your own time and expense, but our thought is that you don't travel to the other side of the world to eat American food!
​
Water Bottle Note: DO bring a water bottle, DON'T bring an expensive one. They are easily lost, forgotten, etc. and we do not backtrack our journey to find a missing bottle.
