Italy is a land of art, history, architecture, romance and Vespas. Italys exceptional scenery, rich history and deeply entrenched culture have made this enticing country a popular destination for both straight and gay travel, as well as a popular setting for books, movies and plays. Singles, couples, families and groups of friends flock to Italy throughout the year for the fashion, the food and some of the most famous art and architecture in the world. Whether your ideal gay travel experience includes meandering narrow, ancient roads in Rome or Venice, languid drives through the countryside searching for lesser known historical sites and visiting wineries, wiling away an afternoon in a museum in Florence or experiencing Milans enticing nightlife, Italy is an ideal destination for gay vacations.
Folks looking for gay travel experiences in Italy will find the largest selection of gay clubs and bars in Milan and Rome; however, Florence, Venice, Bologna, Geneva and Padua, as well as other cities and towns frequented by tourists, also have gay-friendly and gay-owned bars and businesses that provide a welcoming environment for visitors on an Italian gay vacation. Travelers will find gay-friendly and gay-owned hotels throughout the country, including Tuscanys gay-owned La Quircia Rosa and Villa le Masse, and gay-friendly Hotel Porta Rossa, which is only a short stroll from the Galleria dellAccademia, which houses Michelangelos David and is the one of the oldest hotels in Italy.
The lesbian and gay community has a presence in most of Italys more populous urban areas, which allows for many options for a gay vacation to Italy. Florence, Bologna, Rome and Milan all have a gay and lesbian presence, with Milan generally considered as the most accepting city in Italy for gay vacations. There are a number of gay pride events throughout Italy and large lesbian and gay film festivals that draw in visitors from around the world, including the Florence Queer Festival, Turin International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and Milans Festival del Cinema Gay Lesbico e della Cultura Queer.
In order to get the most out of gay vacations to Italy and to more fully experience and learn about the culture, history and art, you may want to consider participating in an organized tour. If you partake in well-organized group vacations or work with a gay travel agency to arrange tours for you and your travel partners, you are sure to find that knowledgeable tour guides.
You may also want to consider taking part in an organized vacation or professional tours during your time in Italy, which will allow you to benefit from a well-organized itinerary and an educated tour guide. This will ensure that you will have the best vacation possible and will have many memories to bring home with you.
Howie Holben, the author of this article about gay travel to Italy has traveled for many years. His organzation, Spirit Journeys, operates conscious gay tours all over the the world. Learn more about Spirit Journeys at www.spiritjourneys.com.