At Much Better Adventures, we work hard to accommodate dietary requirements and allergies so your trip is safe, inclusive and enjoyable. That said, options can vary by country, location and accommodation, and in some places options may be limited or unavailable. The information below has been provided by your host so you’re fully informed about what will be possible on your trip, depending on your individual requirements. This information should be read carefully prior to your trip to ensure that you are adequately prepared for the situation ‘on the ground’.
Once you have booked on your trip, please fill out your passenger information form asap with any dietary requirements. Once you complete your passenger information, your dietary needs and any allergies are automatically shared with your host and, in turn, your guide. Please submit this as early as possible so they can plan accordingly and deliver the best experience. Please also remind your guide about your dietary requirements upon arrival, as mentioning these in person allows your guide to comprehend individual preferences and limitations as soon as you arrive.
BACKGROUND
Madeiran and Portuguese cuisine is rooted in simple, hearty cooking shaped by the Atlantic climate and centuries of rural traditions. Meals often centre around grilled meats, fresh fish and seafood, vegetables, soups and bread, with olive oil, garlic and herbs used generously. In Madeira, dishes such as vegetable soups, stews, grilled fish, salads and side dishes are common, and meals are typically straightforward and filling rather than heavily processed.
While Portugal is not traditionally as plant-based as some Mediterranean countries, vegetarian and lactose-free diets are increasingly well understood. Vegan and gluten-free options are available but can be more limited and at times repetitive, particularly in smaller or more traditional restaurants. Your guide will help communicate your requirements, but it’s important to be flexible and prepared, especially in more rural or remote areas of the island.
Having said all this, the accommodation base where you stay for the entire trip is well used to international travellers and therefore well versed in provision for special dietary requirements, so any meals there will generally not be an issue for those with dietary requirements.
SPECIAL DIETS
Vegetarian
-Vegetarian diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. While many traditional Portuguese dishes include meat or fish, vegetarian options are available and may include vegetable soups, salads, omelettes, rice and bean dishes, grilled vegetables, cheese, bread, and side dishes prepared with olive oil and herbs. Restaurants are generally happy to adapt dishes where possible however, please note that vegetarian diets are not common in rural Madeira, so meal options in certain locations can be basic, repetitive and lacking in protein. Packed lunches are carefully prepared under the guidance of your local host, so are always of good quality and variety.
Vegan
-Vegan diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. Options may include vegetable soups (without meat stock), salads, rice, grilled or sautéed vegetables, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and dishes prepared with olive oil, garlic and herbs. However, vegan-specific options are much more limited than vegetarian ones, particularly in traditional eateries, so flexibility is important and you should be aware that meal options can be basic, repetitive and lacking in protein. Packed lunches are carefully prepared under the guidance of your local host, so are always of good quality and variety. Please do consider bringing your favourite snacks or food supplements from home to ensure that you always have enough fuel for your adventure.
Kosher
-Fully certified Kosher kitchens and supervision are extremely rare in Madeira and therefore a Kosher diet cannot be accommodated on this trip. Vegetarian or vegan options are often the most reliable alternative if this is acceptable to you. Please read the related sections above.
Halal
-Certified Halal meat is generally not available in Madeira. Vegetarian or vegan options are often the most reliable alternative if this is acceptable to you. Please read the related sections above.
INTOLERANCES
Gluten Free (for Coeliac, please see Allergies section below)
-Gluten-free diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. However, options will be more limited than for those without dietary requirements. Portuguese cuisine frequently includes bread, pastries and flour-based products, and awareness of cross-contamination can vary. Meals will typically rely on naturally gluten-free foods such as grilled fish or meat, vegetables, rice, potatoes, salads and vegetables rather than specialist substitutes. Lunch boxes are however carefully prepared under the guidance of your local host, so are always of good quality and variety. Gluten-free specialist products are generally limited outside major supermarkets, so please do consider bringing your favourite snacks or food supplements from home to ensure that you always have enough fuel for your adventure.
Lactose Free
-Lactose-free diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. While dairy products such as cheese, butter and milk are commonly used, many traditional dishes are naturally lactose-free or can be prepared without dairy. These include grilled fish or meats, vegetable soups, rice dishes, vegetables, salads and vegetables prepared with olive oil rather than butter or cream. Lunch boxes are carefully prepared under the guidance of your local host, so are always of good quality and variety. Please do consider bringing your favourite snacks or food supplements from home to ensure that you always have enough fuel for your adventure.
ALLERGIES
Our host has confirmed that provision for certain mild and severe or life threatening food allergies on this trip may be unreliable. Please get in touch with our CX team prior to booking to discuss whether your requirements can be accommodated safely on this trip.
This will allow us to carefully consider the sensitivity and severity of your allergy, the available provision on the trip and the accessibility of medical care should a reaction occur. Your safety is always our top priority. Please note that when travelling overseas, local ingredients, food preparation methods and labelling standards may vary, particularly in remote areas. It is also worth noting that any allergies may result in more limited options and repetitive provision in some areas. Whilst your guide will help communicate dietary requirements where possible, customers remain responsible for managing their own allergies during the trip.
