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
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44395
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74015
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39164
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30139
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115185
Discover Sicily in the heart of the Mediterranean on this 10-day Premium journey that...
Tailor-Made trips
Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
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64634
Travel to Italy on a journey from the canals of Venice to the cobblestone streets of...
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42160
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58330
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94445
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65245
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54670
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38210
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44380
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49320
Take a trip to southern Italy and explore the best of Sicily including Catania, Mount...
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40945
Take an active adventure to experience the gorgeous Cinque Terre area in Italy in the...
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49940
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86355
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92205
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50125
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38998
Set sail across the clear blue waters of Sardinia and Corsica, exploring the Maddalena...
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36913
Discover Central Europe from Germany to Italy, covering Berlin, Krakow, Prague, Cesky...
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25435
Explore the Amalfi Coast on board a real yacht on this idyllic small group adventure in...
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25805
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4 Days
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19515
Sail Italy’s Amalfi Coast from the colourful village of Procida, through ancient worlds...
7 Days
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44644
Sail Italy’s Amalfi Coast, exploring the Bay of Naples, Capri, Amalfi and Procida...
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54260
Discover the secrets of Calabria 9-day adventure visiting Civita, Pollino National Park...
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48085
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32715
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97518
See the majesty and beauty of Italy’s Renaissance gems on an eight-day Premium tour...
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188890
Spend 15 days exploring Italy on this Premium Trip that visits icons like Rome, Venice,...
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163390
Discover the wonders of Slovenia and Croatia on a 16-day Premium adventure down the...
22 Days
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78765
Experience the best of eastern Europe on a journey from Berlin to Rome, stopping in...
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143520
Travel to Pompeii, Amalfi, the Aeolian Islands, Taormina and Mt Etna on a tour from...
17 Days
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91665
Kick off this Roman holiday in Rome, the heart of Italy. Live history as you explore...
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53580
Visit Venice, Cinque Terre, Pisa and Rome on an exciting family holiday through...
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152095
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98640
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100495
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57285
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38115
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29 Days
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123205
Tour through some of Europe’s most famous cities, including Barcelona, Prague, Budapest...
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214690
Spend 17 days exploring all of Italy from Palermo to Mount Etna, to Rome and Venice...
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309380
Spend 24 days exploring Italy in depth from Sicily to Puglia and on to Tuscany - you'll...
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187405
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264350
Explore the beautiful cities, mountains and waterfalls of Italy, Slovenia and Croatia...
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Set out from Hungary on a European adventure and discover the cultures and cuisines of...
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