<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> Deat Listmates, I gratefully received over 20 responses to my plea for advise on how to tour in Italy with no Italian language skills. I am sorry this summary has been delayed by my being out of town for an extended period. Some recurring themes: * Use the Italian restaurant card found in "Against the Grain" by Jax Lowell, or some version like it. * Refer to the Italian Celiac Society web site at www.nettuno.it/fiera/aic for information. The e-mail address is [log in to unmask] * Gf foods are available at all pharmacies (farmacia) and are said to be expensive. * Eat lots of risotto, polenta and antipasti! * The words, "No glutano" will get me far. * Have my tour guide translate for me. * Italians are warm, helpful, accommodating people who will make it easy for me. * Definitely go and enjoy it! Other helpful suggestions I received: * Vegetable soup, green salad, fruit, broiled meat, cheese (except gorgonzola), grilled fish, and gelati ice cream are safe bets. Avoid sauces and most meats, as breading and dusting with flour is the norm. * Carry a water bottle filled at hotels to avoid the $3 charge in restaurants. * Have an insulated bag to carry survival food and to collect leftovers along the way. * Contact hotels and restaurants used for my tour in advance for assistance. * Take GF pasta, have it cooked in restaurants with specifications on how to avoid contamination, and ask for recommendations for using the pasta. For brevity's sake I will stop here. I greatly appreciate all the responses I received and will be following up with the kind offers extended to me for more help. I'm looking forward to my trip very much! Jeanne in Ohio (USA)