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
Greek food has been shaped by centuries of home cooking, Orthodox fasting traditions and a climate that favours olives, vegetables and legumes. Long stretches without meat or dairy have led to a brilliant variety of plant-based dishes, many of which are still everyday staples. Meals tend to be simple, seasonal and centred around olive oil, with pulses, grains and vegetables doing the heavy lifting. Meals are often eaten in the traditional Greek way, ordering a selection of dishes which are shared between the group. It’s a great destination for vegetarians, vegans and the lactose-free. If you're gluten-free or have more specific allergies, you'll still find options but just be ready to explain your needs clearly, especially in smaller or more remote tavernas (your guide will help you with this).
SPECIAL DIETS
Vegetarian
-Vegetarian diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. Greek cuisine offers a wide range of excellent vegetarian options such as Greek salad, fava (yellow split pea purée), dolmades (vine leaves stuffed with rice and herbs), spanakopita (spinach pie), gemista (stuffed peppers and tomatoes), gigantes (baked giant beans), grilled vegetables, and a variety of mezze.
Vegan
-Vegan diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. Vegan-friendly dishes may include lentil soup (fakes), gigantes beans, briam (roasted mixed vegetables), okra in tomato sauce, stuffed vine leaves, horta (boiled wild greens), salads, and many vegetable-based mezze prepared with olive oil and herbs.
Kosher
-Fully certified Kosher kitchens and supervision are rare and usually cannot be guaranteed unless expressly confirmed in advance by your host. Vegetarian or vegan options can often be the most reliable alternative if this is acceptable to you. Please read the related sections above.
Halal
-Certified Halal supply varies by location and is often not possible. Vegetarian or vegan options can often be 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. While many Greek dishes are naturally gluten-free (such as grilled meats, fish, salads, vegetables and legumes), bread and pastry are common at meals, and awareness of cross-contamination can vary. While your local hosts will do their best, it’s worth knowing that gluten-free specialist supplies are generally only available in Athens. In more remote areas, it's not possible to source specialist products, so meals will be based on naturally gluten-free dishes rather than substitutes. We recommend bringing some of your own snacks or supplements, especially when travelling in more rural regions.
Lactose Free
-Lactose-Free diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. While dairy (particularly feta and yogurt) features prominently in Greek cuisine, many traditional dishes are naturally lactose-free or can be prepared without dairy, including grilled meats or fish, vegetable stews, legumes, salads, rice dishes and mezze based on olive oil, lemon and herbs rather than cheese or yogurt. Nonetheless, we recommend bringing some of your own snacks or supplements, especially when travelling in more rural regions.
ALLERGIES
Your host has confirmed that they are able to accommodate mild allergies to the 14 allergens identified by the UK Food Standards Agency, where these are disclosed in advance. However, if you have a severe or life-threatening food allergy, 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.
