I was in Italy 2 years ago, and they are very sensitive to milk (and
wheat/gluten). I found English speakers and the tour director
translated that I need x- free food. For nicer restaurants, the young
wait- people usually speak english. In buffets, instead of a cheese
tortellini soup, I've seen salad offered. There were always milk and
wheat-free options available.

Funny story- I was with a tourgoup, and on a milk- free diet because
of nursing. Since I didn't have the baby with me, I took a much
needed reprieve from the milk- free diet (of the last 3 years with 2
kids) for the most of the trip. But the last 2 days I wanted to clear
the milk out of my system, so requested that I have a special milk-
free meals at the main hotel we were staying at. They changed the
menu to serve the whole group the same milk- free items so I wouldn't
feel odd. (we all ate the same meals throughout). Well, on the plane
trip home I had to keep from chuckling when the bathrooms kept
running out of toilet paper. Milk is normally constipating, so when a
group of 30 people get unconstipated, watch out!
.