Gluten-Free Travel
Made Easy
At Celiacs in Europe, we believe that everyone should be able to explore the beauty of Europe without worrying about their dietary restrictions. Our mission is to provide expert, country-specific guidance for gluten-free travelers, helping you enjoy a safe and stress-free vacation.
Gluten Free
·
Senza Glutine
·
sans gluten
.
glutenfrei
.
sin gluten
.
χωρίς γλουτένη
.
sem glúten
.
Gluten Free · Senza Glutine · sans gluten . glutenfrei . sin gluten . χωρίς γλουτένη . sem glúten .
About Us
Celiacs in Europe is your trusted guide for safe and delicious gluten-free travel across the continent. Expanding on the success of The Celiac in Italy, we've built a growing team of local experts—people who live with celiac disease, speak both English and the local language, and understand the ins and outs of navigating gluten-free life abroad.
Through our personalized, tiered consultation services, you can connect directly with a local celiac who will provide curated dining recommendations, cultural insight, help with reservations, and answers to your most pressing questions. Whether you're just starting to plan or need in-depth support, our Economy, Business, and First Class consultations are designed to meet you where you are in the journey.
From Italy to Spain, France, Portugal, Greece, and beyond, we’re here to make sure you feel confident, included, and excited every step of the way.
What We Offer
Personalized travel consultations for celiacs, by celiacs. Work with trusted local experts across Europe and choose from three levels of tailored support for your gluten-free adventure.
Economy
Just starting to plan? This 30-minute consultation gives you a clear, confident starting point for gluten-free travel in your destination. Perfect for answering your most pressing questions and getting oriented without the overwhelm.
Ready for a deeper dive? This 60-minute consultation offers personalized guidance, expert insights, and a detailed follow-up email to help you feel fully prepared for your gluten-free adventure.
Business
First Class
Want the VIP treatment? This premium consultation includes everything from tailored dining recommendations and insider tips to personalized pre-trip support…so you can travel gluten-free with total peace of mind.
Meet the Team
Catalin Varela
Head of European operations & Italy Expert
Recognized as the pioneer of celiac travel consulting, Catalin launched her business, The Celiac in Italy , in 2020 to fill a long-overlooked gap and has since helped hundreds of gluten-free travelers explore Italy with safety, confidence, and joy. With Celiacs in Europe, she leads a team of trusted local experts in six countries, ensuring gluten-free travelers receive the same high standard of care wherever their journey takes them.
Catalin was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2016 and has lived in Florence for nearly five years, giving her a deep understanding of both the gluten-free landscape and the realities of navigating another culture with dietary restrictions. She holds a degree in Medical Anthropology from Goddard College, where she wrote her thesis on how different countries approach gluten-free eating and how that impacts quality of life for celiacs. She is also a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, a Celiac Disease Foundation Certified Patient Advocate, and ServSafe Allergens certified through the National Restaurant Association.
Catalin works in close collaboration with the Italian Celiac Association of Tuscany to improve English-language resources for celiac travelers, and her expertise has been featured in interviews, articles, and media coverage across the globe.
She continues to personally handle all Italy consultations, combining expert guidance with real empathy and zero judgment. Whether you're planning your dream trip to Italy or navigating the details of dining out gluten-free, Catalin is here to help you travel well…and eat even better!
Matt Bzdel
uk expert
Matt, known online as Gluten Free Street Gang, is a trusted gluten-free travel expert based in London. After over twelve years of living with a gluten intolerance, he’s made it his mission to show that gluten-free travel in the UK can be just as delicious and memorable as any other trip. He’s become one of the UK’s top voices in the gluten-free space, celebrated for his honest, witty, and well-researched content.
Matt has been featured on podcasts, spoken at conferences, collaborated with leading travel brands like Celiac Cruise, and was recently named one of Feedspot’s Top 10 UK Gluten Free Bloggers.
Whether you’re visiting London or planning a wider UK adventure, Matt is your insider guide. He shares not only the best gluten-free restaurants, cafés, and bakeries, but also practical tips on allergen labelling, reading menus, and eating out with confidence. With his personal touch and deep local knowledge, Matt helps travelers feel safe, supported, and excited to eat their way through the UK, gluten-free.
Anne Simbozel
France expert
Anne has been living gluten-free since her celiac diagnosis four years ago and brings a thoughtful, culturally rich perspective to her role as the France Expert for Celiacs in Europe. As a former museum director and cultural guide, she has spent years uncovering the stories behind France’s most iconic sites—from the grand halls of Versailles to the quiet charm of countryside villages. Her experience in cultural tourism helps her approach gluten-free travel with both curiosity and care, connecting visitors to the most authentic, safe, and memorable experiences.
Anne is also a nature lover and daily walker who knows the best scenic spots to enjoy a baguette sans gluten or a safe slice of tarte. She’s spent countless hours researching and personally testing restaurants, shops, and bakeries across the country. With her deep local knowledge, dedication to accessibility, and passion for French food and culture, Anne helps travelers discover the best of gluten-free France!
Lucia Arkades
Greece expert
Lucia, a native Athenian and public health enthusiast, was diagnosed with celiac disease six years ago—an experience that gave her lifelong love of Greek cuisine a new meaning. Having lived and traveled extensively abroad, she brings a global perspective to the joys and challenges of gluten-free living, while remaining deeply connected to her roots.
Greek cuisine is still her favorite, and she’s passionate about helping others experience it safely and authentically. Lucia has uncovered gluten-free gems across Greece, from family-run tavernas on the islands to hidden spots in the Peloponnese and fully gluten-free restaurants and bakeries in Athens and Thessaloniki.
With Lucia as your guide, you’ll go beyond tourist menus and into the heart of Greek food culture. Whether you're navigating a bustling market, dining in a seaside taverna, or exploring ancient ruins between meals, her insight ensures every bite is both safe and satisfying.
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