LGBTQIA+ travellers are those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (a more inclusive LGBT initialism), plus queer or questioning, intersex or asexual individuals, as well as those who identify beyond these commonly used sexuality and gender expressions. Specific situations and issues may present themselves to travellers who identify with one or more of these terms when visiting Italy.
Italy is largely accepting and welcoming of those who identify on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. Travellers visiting high-touristed areas such as Milan, Venice, Florence and Rome should have no problem in expressing themselves and enjoying a hassle-free holiday.
While accepting, Italy still has a long way to go to legally recognise LGBT residents in law. Same-sex relationships are legal and largely accepted, and civil unions have been in law since 2016. Same-sex marriage is currently not legal. Anti-discrimination laws are present in employment contexts, but in many other situations, no formal laws have been passed to protect sexual orientation or gender identity.
LGBT couples should have no issues expressing themselves in a respectful way when in public. In more rural and regional areas, overt displays of affection can attract negative attention, as smaller towns tend to be more conservative and less accepting. Homosexuality is much more accepted in the north than the south; however, tourist hotspots, such as Capri and Taormina in Sicily, are well-known as LGBT-friendly.
Queer culture in Milan
Milan, as a bustling city of arts, culture and fashion, has a vibrant queer scene. It has a Milan Pride event, attracting over 100,000 participants, and hosts a LGBTQ+ Film Festival. The neighbourhood of Porta Venezia is recognised as the heart of Milan’s queer culture, with Lecco Street and San Martini Street having many options for gay-friendly bars and clubs, including Leccomilano. Gate Party is a monthly gay-friendly event hosted in Milan.
Queer culture in Rome
Rome has a more low-key gay scene, with Via San Giovanni a popular hangout for LGBT-identifying travellers. Coming Out Bar and My Bar are both popular choices, and have great views of the nearby Colosseum. Rome also plays host to its own Pride festival annually in the same region of town.
Visit AcriGay.it for more information on what to expect in Italy, plus up-to-date news and events in Italy’s LGBTQIA+ scene.
Solo travel and room sharing
If you are travelling solo on an Intrepid group tour, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at the time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. A single supplement is available on some tours for travellers who do not wish to share a room. Â
For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex or ILGAÂ before you travel.
Our tours in Italy
8 Days
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3100
Travel to Italy on a tour from Rome to Amalfi and explore the best of the region....
14 Days
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4179
Immerse yourself in classic culture, history and incredible sights on this Best of...
10 Days
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4613
Travel to Italy and savour the many flavours of this gastronomic haven on a journey...
8 Days
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1819
See the best of Italy – Venice, La Spezia, Cinque Terre, Florence and Rome – in eight...
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4661
See the majesty and beauty of Italy’s Renaissance gems on an eight-day Premium tour...
Tailor-Made trips
Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
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3285
Mountains, forests and beaches – soak up the spectacular scenery of Italy’s Amalfi...
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2958
See Italy in the cooler months, hitting Rome, Florence, Pisa and Bologna before...
8 Days
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4630
Spend eight unforgettable days hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc, setting off on a circuit...
8 Days
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3434
Explore the traditional delights of Italian cuisine while travelling through the...
8 Days
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5395
Discover the culture, history and beauty of Italy’s Puglia region on an 8-day Premium...
8 Days
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3290
Explore the Dolomites on an 8-day small group hiking tour which explores multiple lakes...
8 Days
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2648
Encounter the picturesque hills and olive groves of Tuscany on this cycling adventure...
10 Days
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3495
Take a tour through Italy’s less-visited southern region, absorbing the beauty of...
9 Days
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3747
Explore the beautiful cities, mountains and waterfalls of Slovenia and Croatia on a...
8 Days
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3000
Walk into a world that's a play of colourful houses and blue sea as you amble between...
4 Days
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983
Set sail along Italy’s Amalfi Coast in four days with Intrepid, cruising to the scenic...
4 Days
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1246
Sail Italy’s Amalfi Coast from the colourful village of Procida, through ancient worlds...
10 Days
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2181
Travel from Split to Venice in 10 days, stopping at Zadar, Plitvice Lakes National Park...
7 Days
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2441
Sail Italy’s Amalfi Coast, exploring the Bay of Naples, Capri, Amalfi and Procida...
15 Days
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5965
Visit Spain, France and Italy on this European adventure. Discover gothic architecture...
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3795
Discover the secrets of Calabria 10-day adventure visiting Civita, Pollino National...
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3255
Discover Central Europe on this 15-day journey from Germany to Italy. Start in Berlin,...
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2861
Explore charming Central Europe from Germany to Italy on a 15-day trip through Berlin,...
8 Days
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2995
Visit Italy and tour through the countryside of Umbria. Travel to Italy's sacred sites...
16 Days
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9050
Discover the wonders of Slovenia and Croatia on a 16-day Premium adventure down the...
8 Days
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3090
From the ruins of Rome, to the ancient city of Pompeii and the seaside delights of...
8 Days
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3598
Visit Venice, Cinque Terre, Pisa and Rome on an exciting 8-day family holiday through...
24 Days
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9685
Travel to Pompeii, Amalfi, the Aeolian Islands, Taormina and Mt Etna on a tour from...
17 Days
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6720
Kick off this Roman holiday in Rome, the heart of Italy. Live history as you explore...
8 Days
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2659
Pamper the appetite and treat the senses on this exquisite journey through Italy’s Lake...
36 Days
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11380
Visit Spain, France, Germany, the Czech Republic and Italy plus a host of secrets in...
29 Days
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8765
Spain, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary,...
10 Days
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5930
Discover Sicily in the heart of the Mediterranean on this 10-day Premium journey that...
16 Days
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10425
Explore the beautiful cities, mountains and waterfalls of Italy, Slovenia and Croatia...
23 Days
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14615
Explore the beautiful cities, mountains and waterfalls of Italy, Slovenia and Croatia...
22 Days
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5173
Discover Central Europe’s most romantic cities on a 22-day trip travelling through...
19 Days
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3723
Experience Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Montenegro, Serbia,...
26 Days
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5985
Set out from Hungary and discover the cultures and cuisines of Serbia, Montenegro,...
17 Days
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4100
Enjoy a European tasting platter on this 17-day trip including Split, Ljubljana,...
17 Days
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12335
Spend 17 days exploring all of Italy from Palermo to Mount Etna, to Rome and Venice...
24 Days
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18260
Spend 24 days exploring Italy in depth from Sicily to Puglia and on to Tuscany - you'll...
17 Days
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11565
Explore the best of Sicily and southern Italy - including Palermo, Mount Etna, Pompeii...
15 Days
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11058
Spend 15 days exploring Italy on this Premium Trip that visits icons like Rome, Venice,...
8 Days
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3040
Take a trip to southern Italy and explore the best of Sicily including Catania, Mount...
17 Days
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6605
Discover the secrets of Calabria and the highlights of Sicily on this 15-day adventure...
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6550
From the canals of Venice to the ruins of Rome, and beyond wandering the ancient city...
