Visiting Siena: culture, food and health

Dietary demands while traveling

Traveling is a pleasure that anyone loves to indulge in and, even without going too far, in Italy you can enjoy unique landscapes and discover villages and towns that can give you unforgettable views, starting from Siena, set among the gentle Tuscan hills, rich in history and bursting with authentic life in the friendly faces that populate the narrow streets and the large squares and greet newcomers with the typical, cheerful welcome. Unfortunately, for people with celiac disease or for those who have chosen a vegetarian or vegan diet, the pleasure of traveling is likely to be overcome by the poor preparation of some restaurants or hotels who do not have an offer suitable for this kind of customers that over the years have experienced a growing trend thanks to a greater attention to health.

Staying in gluten free and vegan friendly structures in Siena

Siena offers many structures that meet the needs of those who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet or for those who are forced to limit the choice of foods for health reasons. Among the hotels that have opted for a “green” choice are the hotels of the Siena Inns group. Among these, 300 meters from the northern entrance of the historic center of Siena, is the Hotel Italia, which, in the breakfast buffet, indicates for each food if it’s vegan or gluten-free. In addition, you can order milk and soy cappuccino, croissants and vegan butter, a basket from which to select different gluten-free bakery products, as well as various organic and fair-trade foods. The hotel also welcomes its guests with apples and provides a coffee corner where you can get free American coffee 24 hours a day. Here you can only have breakfast, but those who want a half board or full board service can have their meals at La Limonaia, the nearby restaurant of the Hotel Garden, also part of the Siena Inns groups, located on a beautiful terrace overlooking Siena’s historic center. Vegan and celiac dishes are also available here. Both the Hotel Italia and the Hotel Garden are part of the Italian Celiac Association..

A couple of tips before leaving

Although today online reservations through portals that aggregates hotels and B&B offers are very popular, but if you have specific dietary demands, it is always better to contact the hotel directly in order to get more detailed information about the offers. By booking on the hotel’s website you can also get better service, such as a room upgrade or a better economic treatment that you would not be able to access through intermediaries. One last tip, but not least important, is to always be advised by the hotel staff about the places to visit: paper guides are a very useful aid, but talking to locals could also make you discover less touristic routes that will make your stay in Siena a unique and unforgettable experience.