Dive in Sicily

Details

Dive into Sicily and discover the island through its most fascinating contrasts: Baroque cities, ancient Greek heritage, volcanic landscapes and crystal-clear seas — all within a welcoming and gay-friendly atmosphere.

Begin in Eastern Sicily, where art and history meet at every corner. Explore Siracusa, birthplace of Archimedes and one of the great centers of the ancient Greek world, then stroll through the honey-colored streets of Noto, a masterpiece of Sicilian Baroque architecture. Continue to Catania, lively and full of character, shaped by the power of Mount Etna and rebuilt in stunning baroque style.

The journey also embraces Sicily’s iconic coastlines and authentic villages, including the breathtaking scenery of Scopello, where dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters and slow Mediterranean rhythms create the perfect setting to unwind.

Sicily’s queer history adds another unique layer to this experience. In Taormina, you’ll discover the story of Wilhelm von Gloeden, the German photographer who settled here in the late 19th century and became famous for his bold and sensual portraits of young male models. His presence contributed to making Taormina a discreet yet celebrated destination for cultured, wealthy travelers — including many gay men — during the era of the Grand Tour.

The tour ends in Palermo, where cultures, religions and identities have intertwined for centuries. Its markets, architecture and vibrant energy reveal a Sicily that is complex, inclusive and unforgettable.

A journey designed for travelers who want to experience Sicily beyond the classics — with beauty, depth and hidden stories.

Dive into Sicily and discover the island through its most fascinating contrasts: Baroque cities, ancient Greek heritage, volcanic landscapes and crystal-clear seas — all within a welcoming and gay-friendly atmosphere.

Begin in Eastern Sicily, where art and history meet at every corner. Explore Siracusa, birthplace of Archimedes and one of the great centers of the ancient Greek world, then stroll through the honey-colored streets of Noto, a masterpiece of Sicilian Baroque architecture. Continue to Catania, lively and full of character, shaped by the power of Mount Etna and rebuilt in stunning baroque style.

The journey also embraces Sicily’s iconic coastlines and authentic villages, including the breathtaking scenery of Scopello, where dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters and slow Mediterranean rhythms create the perfect setting to unwind.

Sicily’s queer history adds another unique layer to this experience. In Taormina, you’ll discover the story of Wilhelm von Gloeden, the German photographer who settled here in the late 19th century and became famous for his bold and sensual portraits of young male models. His presence contributed to making Taormina a discreet yet celebrated destination for cultured, wealthy travelers — including many gay men — during the era of the Grand Tour.

The tour ends in Palermo, where cultures, religions and identities have intertwined for centuries. Its markets, architecture and vibrant energy reveal a Sicily that is complex, inclusive and unforgettable.

A journey designed for travelers who want to experience Sicily beyond the classics — with beauty, depth and hidden stories.

Read more

Itinerary

Arrival in Catania and check-in at your hotel.

The rest of the day is at leisure — a perfect first taste of Sicily’s vibrant energy, baroque atmosphere and local life.

In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner, an excellent opportunity to relax and start discovering Sicilian flavors.

Overnight in Catania.

After breakfast, meet your local gay/gay-friendly guide in the hotel lobby and begin a walking tour dedicated to the LGBTQ+ history of Catania, one of the most open and vibrant cities in Sicily.

The itinerary includes some of the city’s most iconic landmarks: the Duomo and the Elephant Fountain in the historic center, the impressive Ursino Castle, the monumental Benedictine Monastery, and Alessi’s Staircase, a place deeply connected to the city’s hidden stories and queer past.

At midday, enjoy a delicious street food lunch, the perfect way to taste authentic local flavors.

In the afternoon, the tour continues, unveiling more places and episodes that shaped Catania’s social history and identity.

Overnight in Catania.

After breakfast, meet your driver and head to Taormina, one of Sicily’s most iconic towns, where history, beauty and queer heritage have long intertwined.

Upon arrival, meet your guide for a short introduction to the city. Enjoy the outdoor view of the ancient Greek Theatreand some of Taormina’s most charming corners. For centuries, Taormina has attracted writers, artists and cultural icons — from Oscar Wilde to the legendary actress Eleonora Duse, often associated with Gabriele D’Annunzio.

The tour then continues to Casa Cuseni, a refined historic residence connected to the artistic soul of Taormina, where you will visit the atelier linked to Wilhelm von Gloeden.

Von Gloeden was a German photographer who settled in Taormina and became internationally known for his provocative and poetic imagery, including carefully staged portraits of young Sicilian male models, inspired by classical antiquity. His presence marked nearly half a century of Taormina’s cultural history, shaping the town’s reputation as an unconventional and discreet destination for cultured travelers.

After the visit, enjoy a short transfer to Giardini Naxos, where you will board a boat for a relaxing cruise along the coast. The experience includes an aperitif on board and a stop near the iconic Isola Bella, one of the most beautiful bays in Sicily.

Return to Catania. Evening at leisure.

Overnight in Catania.

After breakfast, meet your driver and head south to Noto, the jewel of Sicilian Baroque and one of the most elegant historic towns on the island.

Upon arrival, meet your guide and enjoy a walking tour through the golden streets of Noto, where architecture becomes pure theatre. Admire the spectacular Cathedral, the harmonious squares and façades carved in local stone, and discover why Noto is considered one of the finest Baroque masterpieces in Italy. Along the way, enjoy a sweet break with typical Sicilian delicacies such as cannoli and cassata.

The journey continues to Siracusa, one of the most important cities of the ancient Mediterranean. After free time for lunch, visit the impressive Archaeological Park of Neapolis, home to the Greek Theatre and the legendary Ear of Dionysius, surrounded by dramatic limestone quarries.

In the afternoon, reach Ortigia Island, Siracusa’s historic heart, connected to the mainland by two bridges. Stroll through its timeless streets and discover the traces of ancient temples that still shape the city’s atmosphere, including the Temple of Apollo and the remains connected to the sacred area of Athena.

Return to Catania. The evening is at leisure.

Overnight in Catania.

Today is a free day in Catania.

You can relax, explore the city at your own pace, enjoy shopping, baroque architecture, local markets, or simply take time to unwind before the next part of the journey.

Overnight in Catania.

After breakfast, check out and meet your driver for the journey to Palermo, crossing the dramatic landscapes of central Sicily.

Along the way, stop in Agrigento to visit the extraordinary Valley of the Temples, one of the most impressive and best-preserved archaeological sites of the ancient Greek world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After the visit, enjoy free time for lunch before continuing to Palermo.

Arrival in Palermo and check-in at your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight in Palermo.

 

After breakfast, meet your guide and start a guided walking tour through Palermo, a crossroads of cultures shaped by centuries of Arab, Norman and Mediterranean influences.

The itinerary includes the exterior visit of the Norman Palace and the extraordinary Palatine Chapel, famous for its breathtaking Byzantine mosaics, among the finest in Europe. Along the way, your guide will also share untold stories and anecdotes related to Palermo’s LGBTQ+ history and the characters who have contributed to the city’s identity through the decades.

A highlight of the experience is the immersion into Palermo’s vibrant street life with a visit to the legendary open-air markets of Ballarò and Vucciria, where you will enjoy a lunch based on typical Sicilian street food specialties.

The rest of the afternoon is at leisure.

Overnight in Palermo.

Meet your driver and depart for Scopello, one of the most picturesque seaside corners in Western Sicily, where history and nature blend into dramatic coastal scenery.

With your guide, explore the village and its most iconic site: the historic tuna fishery (Tonnara di Scopello), a timeless place overlooking crystal waters. You will also admire the famous Faraglioni, the towering sea rocks that became an international film backdrop — including scenes from Ocean’s Twelve starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

If you wish, you can also enjoy time surrounded by nature in the nearby Zingaro Nature Reserve, one of Sicily’s most beautiful protected areas, known for its wild landscape and breathtaking coastline.

After lunch featuring local specialties, return to Palermo.

Overnight in Palermo.

Today is a free day in Palermo.

Take your time to explore the city at your own pace — from historic streets and architectural landmarks to lively markets, cafés and hidden corners. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy Palermo’s authentic atmosphere, local flavours and vibrant energy.

Overnight in Palermo.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel.

End of services.

Taormina
Catania
Palermo

What's Included

Accommodation
Car Rental
Escorted Tours
Professional gay-friendly guide
Ticketing
Wine tasting
Walking tour

What's Excluded

Everything not clearly mentioned on what's Included
Fuel, extra insurance and motorway fees
Meals
Personal extras
City tax (to be paid on the spot)

Additional Information

  • Accommodation in a 4-star hotel, in a standard double/twin room, breakfast included.
  • Please check whether your driving license is valid in Italy or if an International Driving Permit is required.
  • This itinerary is fully customizable and can be adapted to your travel style, interests and pace.

The Voice of Our Clients

Eric Hodgson
Eric Hodgson OUTbound Travel
Amazing experience, fantastic guides, great organization. Really unique tours led by incredible professionals. All around amazing experience!
Ian
Ian
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
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
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.
Tony & Joseph
Tony & Joseph
We appreciate Quiiky incredible attention to detail. We didn’t have to worry about a thing. The drivers Quiiky arranged were always early, communicated with us very effectively and even called the hotels to inform them we were en route. The guides were all incredibly knowledgeable, kind, fun, and eager to answer our questions. The hotels were beautiful, spacious, and had lots of great amenities. Staff at each hotel were also immensely helpful. We’re happy to be a reference for anyone. We are grateful for all Quiiky did to listen to our specific requests and create an agenda that was perfect for us.
 John Bindlechner-Wigan
John Bindlechner-Wigan
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
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!
Richard Hurlbut
Richard Hurlbut
Overall, we were thrilled with our tour with Quiiky. We were particularly pleased with our guides and drivers in Salerno, Rome, Florence and Venice. And given the crowds in some locations, the front-of-line privileges were particularly welcome. Money well spent!...... I would recommend any of the guides to anyone considering a similar tour. It was these private tours, and the guides’ depth of knowledge, that made all the difference.....Again, we had a wonderful time and would definitely use Quiiky again should we return to Italy.
Oliver Broad
Oliver Broad
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Fantastic company to work with. Very easy and simple…..and good value. Will definitely book with them again!
Ron Davis
Ron Davis
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.
Bob Kobosky
Bob Kobosky
Highly recommend Quiiky.com for tours/day trips in Italy. They did an AMAZING job on our tours in Palermo and Naples as well as arranging a wonderful beach day for us when we disembark in Civitavecchia before heading to the airport in the late afternoon.
Jackson
Jackson
Attentive to details
We were in Venice for a very short time and I was looking for a tour to maximize our experience. Giovanna, the sales manager, was amazing and found a tour to meet our desires and time frame. The guide met us at the train station and took us on a tour of the city. He was insightful and personable and we enjoyed our time together.
Departure:

Dive in Sicily

From € 2,950

Duration: 10 days / 9 nights
Destination: Sicily
Inspiration: Relax & Wellness

Why Book with us

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