To Italy lovers, Rome is the most romantic city in Europe — sorry Paris! Amid passionate residents, spectacular natural beauty, great food, and flowing wine, Italy inspires love for all couples. Chicago's Lesley Pritkin and Rosanne Cofoid, owners of two "Italy-only" travel companies, marvel that despite Italy's long-standing popularity among LGBTQ travelers, no travel brand has captured the market. And, they are ready to seize the opportunity to emerge as leaders in that space. 

In 2015 alone, The Romance Tourism sector in Italy generated over 400 million euro. No wonder with all of the intimate hideaways, picturesque medieval towns, and remote islands that are popular destinations for all travelers. But there is a gap when it comes to LGBTQ Weddings and targeted travel adventures. Lesley and Rosanne are filling this hole with unique venues for same-sex wedding celebrations and honeymoons that cater to all tastes and budgets — from tiny secluded gems in fairy-tale towns, to sprawling olive and lemon groves in rural areas, to southern Italy's "Sassi" of Matera, prehistoric dwellings that are perfect for dramatically beautiful and luxurious "cave weddings".