“So You Can Finally Relax”: Alessia on Guiding Gluten-Free Travelers Through Rome

Rome is a city that asks to be experienced slowly: through long walks, lingering meals, and moments of wonder that seem to appear around every corner. But for gluten-free travelers, that sense of ease does not always come naturally. That’s where Alessia comes in. In this interview, Alessia shares what a typical day in Rome looks like, how her connection to celiac disease shaped the way she hosts and guides, and why creating a space where travelers can truly relax around food matters so deeply to her.

 

Tell us a little about yourself and where you’re based. What does a normal day in your life in Rome look like?

"I’m Alessia, and I’m based in Rome, a city I still fall in love with every single day. A normal day usually starts with a coffee at my local bar, followed by walking through the city to scout new gluten-free spots, meet vendors, or guide a tour. No two days are ever the same, but they almost always involve a lot of walking, good food, conversations with travelers, and rediscovering Rome through fresh eyes."

Your connection to the gluten-free world is personal and professional. Can you share how celiac disease entered your life and how that shaped the work you do today?

"My connection to the gluten-free world is deeply personal. My husband and my best friend are both celiac, and my best friend was diagnosed almost twenty years ago, when we were very young. I’ve known her since she was ten, and over the years we grew up traveling together, eating together, and navigating everyday life side by side. Choosing where to eat was always a shared responsibility, and being mindful about food became second nature to me.

At home, I cook completely gluten-free for my husband, so gluten-free living isn’t something I switch on and off. It’s part of my daily life. These experiences taught me early on how important safety, trust, and clear communication around food really are. They shaped the way I travel, the way I host, and ultimately inspired me to create experiences where people with celiac disease can feel relaxed, included, and truly taken care of."

How would you describe the gluten-free dining landscape in Rome right now?

"Rome is actually one of the best cities in the world for gluten-free dining. Awareness is high, regulations are strong, and there’s an incredible variety of gluten-free restaurants and bakeries. You can enjoy traditional Roman dishes without compromise, and often without feeling like you’re missing out at all."

What inspired you to create a gluten-free food tour in Rome?

"I’m not celiac myself, but I’ve seen firsthand how challenging travel can be for someone who is. When I traveled with my best friend, finding safe places to eat and avoiding cross-contact was often stressful and time-consuming, and it sometimes took away from the joy of the experience. Those moments stayed with me.

I wanted to create the option I knew was missing in Rome. Not just a list of safe restaurants, but a guided food and cultural experience where gluten-free travelers from abroad could relax, feel confident, ask questions, and simply enjoy the city. The goal was to remove the stress around food so guests could focus on having fun, connecting, and truly experiencing Rome."

What do you love most about guiding gluten-free travelers through Rome specifically?

"I love watching the relief and excitement on people’s faces when they realise they can finally enjoy Italian food safely. Rome has such a deep food culture, and being able to share it in a way that feels inclusive and empowering is incredibly rewarding."

Your favorite gluten-free Roman dish?

"That’s a difficult one, because there are so many Roman dishes I love. But if I really had to choose, gluten-free carbonara, when done right, is pure Rome."

A neighborhood in Rome you never get tired of exploring or sharing with guests?

"That’s a difficult question. This is Rome, and every neighborhood has its own kind of magic. Trastevere is definitely one of them, with its strong character and energy, but Monti is just as special to me. They’re different, yet both feel incredibly Roman in their own way."

Window seat or aisle seat?

"I’ve always loved the window seat, but lately I’ve been choosing the aisle. As much as I enjoy looking outside, I prefer the freedom of not having to ask the person next to me to stand up."

Carry-on only or checked bag?

"Carry-on only, whenever possible. Less stress."

If you could design your own dream food-focused trip anywhere in Europe, where would you go next?

"I’d love to create a gluten-free journey across different European cities, each representing a unique food culture. The idea would be to connect destinations through their culinary traditions, showing how diverse and accessible gluten-free food can be across Europe. It would be about discovering local flavors, understanding food culture, and traveling safely while experiencing the richness of each place."

From your perspective as a guide and host, what does safe and joyful travel mean to you?

"Safe and joyful travel means being fully present. It’s about removing fear so people can focus on connection, discovery, and pleasure, especially around food. When travellers feel safe, they open up to the experience, and that’s when travel becomes truly transformative."

 

Reading Alessia’s answers, one thing becomes clear: her approach is not just about gluten-free food, it’s about trust. It’s about creating the conditions where travelers can be fully present, curious, and open to the magic of Rome without the background hum of worry. That philosophy is exactly what she brings to her gluten-free food tours in Rome: thoughtfully chosen stops, cultural context, and an atmosphere where questions are welcome and enjoyment comes first. For travelers looking to experience Roman food culture with confidence, care, and genuine connection, Alessia’s tour offers something special: the freedom to simply enjoy being here.