LGBTQ+ Tour of Sicily

Details

Sicily, the island  just under the “Italian boot” . The biggest island in the Mediterranean Sea, it is well known for its history (Magna Greece) and for the stunning unique beauty of its landscapes. Separated by the Messina Strait from the Continent, Sicily  still conserves antique traditions  and traditional customs, which represent the ‘uncommon’ for many visitors. Its territories spread from Catania to the Volcano Etna, to the crystalline waters of Ortygia or Noto, where a famous gay beach hosts tourists from all over the world: ‘Marianelli Beach‘, just close to a natural park.

Sicily  is  a cradle of LGBTQ+ experiences, as it is considered the most gay-friendly  island of the Italy.

Catania is also the place where tolerance allowed youngsters to meet and love near an iconic tree … and sadly where the Second World War imposed a hard exile for many gay men. Here some interesting insights on the subject.

Eight days in Sicily, in Catania, with excursions to the Volcano Etna on 4×4 Jeep as a full day excursion and a sea tour to Taormina the pearl of the Mediterranean, a “buen retiro” for many gay artists during the 19thand 20th century… from here a stunning view on the Messina Strait: if you are lucky, you can easily see Reggio Calabria on the other side of it.

You will also enjoy a one-day excursion to Syracuse and to the Island of Ortygia: the most famous Greek theatre in the world, still in use and the breath-taking nature of Ortygia Island framed into green-and-blue shades of the oldest quarter of Syracuse. Then the small town of Noto, the capital of the astonishing Sicilian baroque architecture.

You will enjoy the sunbathing and the swimming on two boat excursions (Catania and Taormine), cool down with almond granitas and natural drinks, share your activities with friends and finish your trip with a typical Sicilian dinner pairing with Etna-wine tastings.

Sicily, the island  just under the “Italian boot” . The biggest island in the Mediterranean Sea, it is well known for its history (Magna Greece) and for the stunning unique beauty of its landscapes. Separated by the Messina Strait from the Continent, Sicily  still conserves antique traditions  and traditional customs, which represent the ‘uncommon’ for many visitors. Its territories spread from Catania to the Volcano Etna, to the crystalline waters of Ortygia or Noto, where a famous gay beach hosts tourists from all over the world: ‘Marianelli Beach‘, just close to a natural park.

Sicily  is  a cradle of LGBTQ+ experiences, as it is considered the most gay-friendly  island of the Italy.

Catania is also the place where tolerance allowed youngsters to meet and love near an iconic tree … and sadly where the Second World War imposed a hard exile for many gay men. Here some interesting insights on the subject.

Eight days in Sicily, in Catania, with excursions to the Volcano Etna on 4×4 Jeep as a full day excursion and a sea tour to Taormina the pearl of the Mediterranean, a “buen retiro” for many gay artists during the 19thand 20th century… from here a stunning view on the Messina Strait: if you are lucky, you can easily see Reggio Calabria on the other side of it.

You will also enjoy a one-day excursion to Syracuse and to the Island of Ortygia: the most famous Greek theatre in the world, still in use and the breath-taking nature of Ortygia Island framed into green-and-blue shades of the oldest quarter of Syracuse. Then the small town of Noto, the capital of the astonishing Sicilian baroque architecture.

You will enjoy the sunbathing and the swimming on two boat excursions (Catania and Taormine), cool down with almond granitas and natural drinks, share your activities with friends and finish your trip with a typical Sicilian dinner pairing with Etna-wine tastings.

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Itinerary

Arrival in Catania.

Catania has an international airport: you can easily fly from Milan or Rome airports. Shuttles and taxis are available to take you to your hotel in town, close to the centre, which is a great example of Baroque architecture. The Fountain of the Elephant is its icon, as well as the castle and the marvelous cathedral.

Check in.

h. 6.30/7.00 PM Meet&greet with your local guide, who will brief you with all infos about your stay.

Rest of the day off.

Take your time to cool down and relax.

Catania has a rocky coastline. Nevertheless, sunbathing is possible, thanks to platforms on the rocks which make it simple to reach the sea. Do not forget your snorkeling equipment if you like diving!

10.00 AM – The escorted tour of the town with your tour leader and guide starts: during three hours, you will discover how the LGBTQ+ community thrived, but also how it was harassed during centuries: the “Arvulu Russu“(the big tree, in dialect) is the place where the gay community used to meet and gather. Here love stories began and finished and it is where the gay community tried to protect itself against Fascism. Also Castle Ursino and the Cathedral have so much to tell!

01.00PM – Enjoy some street food before going back to hotel!

Rest of the day off.

h. 8.00 AM: departure for Volcano Etna* – Etna 4×4 Excursions.

Ready for a completely different kind of off-road Jeep tour adventure? Discover one of the most active volcanoes in the world with our Etna Jeep Tour. We will pick you up at your accommodation with one of our off-road vehicles (including the popular Land Rover 110) and heading in the direction of the volcano.

We are passing idyllic Sicilian villages and some of Sicily’s most famous wine-growing regions and whilst gaining altitude, you will learn a lot about the country, the population and their culture. You will certainly remember the impressive play of colours of the black lava and the extraordinary vegetation on Mount Etna. As we pass by the lava flows of recent years, we will see centuries-old forests and we will stop at some of the most beautiful places on Mount Etna. During an easy but impressive hike of approx. 45 min. on the craters in the surrounding, you will see the unique landscape with the old and new lava.

Of course, a competent English-speaking guide will accompany you during this guided trip on Mount Etna and you will learn a lot about the history of the volcano with its myths and the current situation there. You will continue the adventurous jeep tour on an off-road track through the pine forests and you will get further insight into the unique and diverse flora and fauna which inhabits the lava rocks.

Like the speleologists, you will be equipped with helmets and flashlights to explore one of the famous lava caves on foot with your guide. These caves were created by a lava flow and they still have special properties. Centuries ago, residents close to Mount Etna used these caves for the ice production.

As the last stop of the half-day tour we will drive to the hardened lava flows, which destroyed the local ski lift during the last big eruption.

A typical Sicilian lunch awaits you in a mountain chalet on Mount Etna. With traditional antipasti, pasta of the season and a delicious dessert, accompanied by water, Sicilian wine and a good coffee you will get to know the local cuisine.

Well-rested, the adventure continues to the famous Alcantara-River. Along the way, we drive through the famous Sicilian mountain village “Castiglione di Sicilia”. There you will get to see one of Sicily’s most famous wine-growing regions and you will enjoy an impressive view along the wine route.

Arriving at our destination we will take a short 15 minute hike past olive trees, flowers and exotic plants that only grow in this place. Outside the usual tourist crowds, you can experience the Sicilian untouched nature up close. After our short hike we reach the “Gurne dell’Alcantara”, which was formed thousands of years ago in the north of the volcano by a lava flow. A magical place awaits you there with a small lake surrounded by basalt rocks and small waterfalls of the Alcantara. The “Laghetto di Venere” (Pond of Venus) invites you to refresh your feet in the clear and cold water after a long day.

6.30PM – End of tour and back to hotel

 

IMPORTANT:

  • The tour is easy and suitable for everyone.
  • Meal: Sicilian specialities will be served:
  • Trekking shoes can be rented on request for EUR 5.00/pair
  • Wind jacket can be purchased on request for EUR 20.00/piece

* Trekking shoes and clothes are mandatory. 

Chill down and relax!

Sunbath, visit the town, go shopping, stroll around, try a typical sweet like the “cassata” (pastry roll with ricotta cheese and candied fruits) or sit outside drinking a smooth almond milk!

3.00PM – boat cruise along the Catania Coast – Departure from Port of Catania (Club Nautico)

Take to the waves off coastal Sicily by yacht on this sailing experience in Catania. With refreshments and a delicious aperitive on board included, cruise through the clear waters and admire uninterrupted views over Catania’s volcanic shoreline. Swim in the sea or sunbathe on deck, master the basics of sailing from the crew, and enjoy the waves of beautiful Sicily. You sail along the Etna Gulf, admiring the sulfur chimneys, bathing near the Caves of Ulysses.

Bring your swimsuit, cap and towel. Do not forget your sun cream. In case you cannot swim, please advise the skipper before departure.

h. 6.00 PM – End of boat cruise and back to hotel.

Today is dedicated to a full-day in Taormine, the “Pearl of the Mediterranean”.

h. 09.00 AM – pick up at your hotel by van to Taormine.

After arrival (around 10.00 AM), you have the time for a good almond ‘granita’ (smashed ice with almond syrup) before you start you visit to town. You are invited at the local ‘Van Gloeden’ art collection’ at ‘Casa Cuseni’ as part of your itinerary.

Van Gloeden was a photographer and art collector who lived in Sicily in the early 20th century. He used to invite local young men to his villa and take photos of their naked bodies. His art collection is conserved at Casa Cuseni.

Free lunch

h. 2.30PM – Boat cruise along the coast of Taormine and the Blue Grotto – Departure from Pontile Portum Giardini-Naxos.

Taormina’s bay and the coast of Giardini Naxos offer scenery of incomparable beauty characterized by a succession of small beaches and picturesque caves: the Blue Grotto and the Cave of Lovers. Through this boat excursion in Taormina, we will offer you moments of relaxing among the wonders of this coastline stretch, undoubtedly the most beautiful of the eastern Sicily.

Once inside the Marine Park of Isola Bella Taormina we will stop for a dip in the turquoise waters of this beautiful bay, once back in the boat you will be welcomed with a refreshing drink accompanied by some tasty sliced fruit. The tour will continue into the Bay of Mazzarò and the Bay of the Mermaids.

Sunbathing and snorkeling equipment are mandatory.

h. 04.00PM – End of boat cruise and transfer to Catania

Rest of the day off.

Today is dedicated to Syracuse, the main town of ancient Magna Greece.

h. 9.00 AM –  pick up  at your  hotel  and set off to Syracuse

From the Greek culture of the performing arts in open theatre to the evocative baroque town of Noto, pairing with the beautiful island of Ortigia.

Experience history in the town of Syracuse personally. You will visit the Neapolis archaeological Park : the Greek Theatre, the “Latomia del Paradiso”, the Ear of Dionysius”, the Cave of Cordari and Hieron Altar, the island of Ortigia. After lunch (not included in the excursion fare) the tour will continue towards Noto: a real museum under the open sky where you can admire the charming Sicilian baroque buildings.

Free lunch.

Before going back to Catania, dive the blue water of Marianelli Beach, the well known gay oasis where you can have some time for swimming and cooling down

Do not forget your swimsuit and towel!

h. 06.00 PM: transfer back to Catania

Evening off

This is your last day in Catania. Go back to the places you liked, go shopping, discover hidden gems of Catania on your own.

h 20,00 – Dinner in a typical restaurant of Sicilian cuisine.

Check out and end of services.

Piazza Duomo, Catania
Taormina
Etna Volcano

What's Included

Accommodation
Boat tours
Escorted Tours
Meet&greet aperitive
Professional gay-friendly guide
Typical Sicilian dinner

What's Excluded

Everything not clearly mentioned on what's Included
Meals
Personal extras
Tips
City tax (to be paid on the spot)

Additional Information

  • The tour takes place with min. 7 people + tour leader.
  • Accommodation in double/twin standard room in four-star hotel, breakfast included. Double for single use supplement: € 700.00
  • Accommodation upgrade available on request.
  • Extension days on request all over Italy;
  • Transfers to/from all destinations/Italian airports available on request by writing to booking@quiiky.com.
  • Reservations made by May 31, 2023 apply for a 10% discount. Promo Code: GROUP10

The Voice of Our Clients

Ian
Ian
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My husband and I booked the tour of the “Vatican in a gay light” for one morning during our trip to Rome. Our guide, Dario, was very knowledgeable of the historical significe of the art works as well as many of the anecdotes that provided context. We learned a great deal and truly enjoyed ourselves. This tour is too notch! Thank you.
Matt Berg
Matt Berg
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Excellent pre-cruise Quiiky tour in Venice. Great guide who had so much intimate knowledge of Venice. Besides being very handsome he is a local resident for more than 2 decades with so much intimate knowledge that you can’t get from a guidebook. This is my second time using Quiiky for tours and transfers; they’re my first choice in Italy!
Dan & Vince
Dan & Vince
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First I would like to thank you and your company and all involved for a wonderful trip. From beginning to end we continued to be amazed by all the wonder service we received from all of you. We had a fabulous time for our anniversary. All the guides were great and all better than we expected. It is hard to pick a best as they were all awesome, that being said, three stand out for being most personable and had a excellent sense of how to move us along our tours. Quiiky gets 5 out of 5 for all other ratings. Yes, we would positively reccommend for anyone considering travel to Italy. AND, Giovanna, you’re the best.
 John Bindlechner-Wigan
John Bindlechner-Wigan
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We adored our Quikky tour of the Vatican with our guide Claudio. We had been a little apprehensive about visiting the Vatican but this tour is the way to go! Claudio had an expert knowledge of the art collection and we enjoyed hearing the "other", more scandalous stories of the private lives of Michelangelo and the popes. We loved our visit to the museums, Sistine Chapel, grotto and St Peters - I recommend joining the queue and adding on the view from the dome of the basilica - well worth the stairs!
Denis Dallaire
Denis Dallaire
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The excursion to Capri was great! The headphone system worked really well and the guide Andrea was super nice and fun! He was a really good guide and would not hesitate to have him again. The food and drink offerings were very good. Thank you for a wonderful experience!
Oliver Broad
Oliver Broad
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Thanks for a great alternative tour of the Vatican. Having visited back in 1999 I wanted something a little different to do with my husband who had never visited before. It is great to see Quiiky offering tours with a twist and can most definitely recommend this one for your next visit to Rome.
Greg Brady
Greg Brady
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First had a wonderful pre-cruise Quikky tour in Venice. Our guide was super friendly, knowledgeable, and a great deal of fun. Then I went on a tour of the Vatican and our tour guide was incredible. He is an expert on the Vatican and on the pertinent gay history (which turns out to be much more than you might even think). He literally made the Vatican come alive and provided one of the more fascinating tours I have taken anywhere. And the two wonderful owners of Quiiky picked us up and took us on a vehicular tour of Rome. Others got back from Rome complaining of the crowds and the heat... we got back energized, happy, and filled with fascinating information after an afternoon filled with fun and personalized care. Don't make the mistake thinking you will get an equivalent tour from a straight guide/company -- if you are gay, Quiiky is the way to go.
Auston Matta
Auston Matta
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I highly recommend Quiiky Travel for any guided visit to Rome or Italy. I was both surprised and entertained by everything GAY I learned about the Vatican on my tour. They are passionate about providing an excellent travel experience and I have no doubt that you would enjoy one of their tours or travel products.
Denis Dallaire
Denis Dallaire
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What a wonderful experience to Messina and Taormina. Antonio was a great guide with good knowledge and history-telling. Really enjoyed the history of the museum Cusena. Again the food and drinks on the boat were very good. Thank you so much!
Santiago Stanley
Santiago Stanley
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Our excursion to Messina and Taormina today was excellent. Antonio was amazing. Our food experience was on point … starting with the granita and Brioche in Messina and the arancini and cannoli in Taormina!!! The boat trip around the bays was spectacular and the food again!!! Eggplant Parmesan and the sardine dish and olives… Again Antonio was patient , knowledgeable sweet and always on time!! Excellent experience!!!
Adam Martindale
Adam Martindale
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We had a fantastic tour of the Vatican with Paolo from Quiiky. Paolo was knowledgeable, personable, fun and really gave us a different insight into the history of art and the gay artists that are part of the Vatican’s history and more! Highly recommended!
Theron Clark Stuart
Theron Clark StuartGroup Traveller
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It was easy to schedule our tour. Everything was explained in great detail, so there was no confusion on the day of the excursion. The vans were spotless and comfortable. Our guide for the Colosseum was exceptional in every way. He was cute, knowledgeable, witty, flexible and engaging. We met so wonderful folks and shared a wonderful lunch with the guys from our group. Could not have been happier with Quiiky.
Curtis Korchinsky
Curtis KorchinskyGroup Traveller
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Fantastic company to work with. Very easy and simple…..and good value. Will definitely book with them again!
Ron Davis
Ron Davis
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BEST TOUR COMPANY YOU COULD WISH FOR! I have done two tours in Rome with this amazing company and both times it was 20-30 people Expert process, memorable tours, top notch experience. We arrived by cruise ship and they handled everything. Regardless of how you arrive you will receive a tour that is personal and you feel like you w learned secrets and things you would never ever have heard or known. I wholeheartedly recommend them.
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Departure:
Catania

LGBTQ+ Tour of Sicily

From € 6,200

Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Departure: Aug. 19-26, 2023
Destination: Sicily
Inspiration: Group Tours

Why Book with us

100% LGBTQ FRIENDLY

Gay owned company

ITALIAN SPECIALIST

Offices in Rome & Milan

24/7 SUPPORT

Customer care available 24/7

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