At a glance
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Our group trips are a great chance to travel with others. We also recommend adding in a few extra nights tailor-made to ensure you build the perfect itinerary.
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and it’s packed with culture and history. The tour focuses on Eastern Sicily. The fine beaches, baroque palaces and glorious Mount Etna are all major draws. The world-famous wines and food also help.
Beginning in Catania, you will visit the tallest volcano in Europe, enjoy boat rides around the island and indulge in the finest Italian cuisine. You’ll also see some of the great ruins of antiquity. The island of Sicily has been ruled by many empires – you’ll find layers of different cultural influences, including Arab, Byzantine and Norman.
More Information
The legal picture in Italy is more mixed than elsewhere in Western Europe. Civil unions have been legal since 2016 and provide most of the practical rights associated with marriage, including inheritance and hospital visitation, though Italy is one of the few Western European countries that hasn’t yet legalized full same-sex marriage. Anti-discrimination laws cover sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, education and services.
In practice, LGBTQ+ travelers will find the destinations on most luxury itineraries entirely comfortable. The cities, the lake regions, the coastlines and the major islands all welcome same-sex couples as standard. Italian luxury hospitality is unbothered, and the staff at the kind of hotels we book have been welcoming same-sex couples for decades.
Italy also has one of the most interesting LGBTQ+ cultural histories in the world. Michelangelo’s love poetry, Leonardo da Vinci’s biography, the writing of Pier Paolo Pasolini and the films of Luchino Visconti are part of how the country has thought about sexuality for centuries. The legal framework may lag behind the rest of Western Europe, but the cultural ease that comes from that history is real, and it’s what travelers notice on the ground.
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In detail
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Don't forget that most of our itineraries can be totally customized. Our expert team will be able to talk you through all the options.
Day 1: Welcome
Our adventure begins in Catania, a port city in the shadow of Mt. Etna. You will be welcomed by your hosts and briefed on the adventures to come. We’ll all enjoy a welcome dinner and then go for drinks as we explore Catania’s gay-friendly bar scene.
Day 2: Catania
On our first full day, we’ll take a guided tour of Catania and acquaint ourselves with this beautiful city. Starting at piazza Frederick, we’ll explore sights such as the Urniso Castle, the Roman Baths and the Fotana dell’Elefante, to name a few.
The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore Catania. We recommend indulging in the world-famous cuisine. La Pescheria, the local fish market, is well worth a visit.
Day 3: Mount Etna
Pack walking boots because today, we’re taking a hike! Mount Etna is Europe’s tallest active volcano. Reaching an altitude of over 2,000 meters above sea level, this moderate hike will give us astounding views of Sicily’s landscapes. From the Valle del Bove to the smoking craters of Mount Etna, the surrounding landscapes will be a highlight of this gay group trip.
After lunch, we will make our way back to the hotel. You will have free time again this afternoon, to explore or relax after our hike. Then, in the evening we will enjoy the finest pizza Sicily has to offer.
Day 4: Taormina
Today we’ll explore the jaw-dropping beauty of Taormina, arguably the prettiest city in Sicily. We’ll go for a walking tour, exploring the hidden gardens and famous Greek theatre of the city.
Lunch on your own. We’ll then take a glorious boat trip across Taormina bay. Cruising along the Mediterranean sea, we’ll see aquatic sights such as the Cave of Love, Sirens Bay, the Blue Grotto, Isola Bella and St Nicholas Bay. Bring your swimming costume so you can cool off in the sea.
Day 5: Syracuse
Today we leave Catania and make our way to Syracuse. Our walking tour will take us through the Archaeological park, we will learn of Syracuse’s history. From the remains of the Roman Amphitheatre to the legend of Dionysus, our guide will take us to the heart of Syracuse’s ancient past.
After our tour we will head to the beach, where you can shop, stroll or relax!
Day 6: Noto
After a hearty breakfast we head to Noto. This picturesque town is known for its classic architecture and hip bars and eateries. Located in the middle of a glorious valley, Noto is surrounded by wonderous landscapes home to Late Baroque architecture. Noto is now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Evening at leisure.
Day 7: Syracuse
Day at leisure. Soak up the history of this 2,700-year-old city, which was once one of the major powers in the Mediterranean region.
Whether it’s wine tasting or tours of the ancient Grecian artefacts, there’s plenty to see before our farewell meal.
Day 8: Farewell
After breakfast, our tour of Sicily draws to a close. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight.
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