Our tour of Gay Italy with Andrew Lear was a highlight of our month-long trip to that country. We learned quite a lot, not only about homoerotic themes and art by gay artists in ancient and relatively modern times, but also about interpreting and understanding what we were looking at, which helped tremendously as we visited museums and archaeological sites during the rest of our trip. Dr. Lear was attentive to our needs both prior to and during our tour, ensuring it was accessible and a positive experience. Lodging and food – oh, the food! – was first class and then some. We definitely will consider taking another Wilde tour in the future.

Professor Andrew Lear is an amazing, indefatigable, and cheerful guide to the art and culture of Italy throughout the millennia, and is just in every way a lot of fun to be with. His enthusiasm is contagious, and he led our intrepid group of 13 gay souls (assisted by wonderful local guides) through numerous adventures in antiquity (Pantheon, Forum, Colosseum, Hadrian’s Villa, Villa d’Este, Paestum, & Pompeii), as well as through gorgeous collections of ancient, Renaissance, & Baroque art (Galleria Borghese, the Archeological Museum in Naples, Academia, Bargello, & Uffizi in Florence). While our focus was on Gay Italia (i.e., Hadrian/Antinoös, Michelangelo, Caravaggio), Professor Lear’s knowledge is by no means narrowly constrained (I remember a number of us singing Ruth’s song from Pirates of Penzance while riding in a museum elevator!). Bring comfortable, well worn-in walking shoes — “it’s only a 10 minute walk” became a mantra with our group — but there’s no better way to discover these cities (though comfortable transportation is provided for longer trips). My highest recommendation!

The Gay Italy trip was a dream come true. It was a lifelong goal. Every new city, every museum, every experience, every meal was so well planned and just perfect. The added bonus was how friendly the entire group was and how well we bonded. This introvert was especially impressed. Andrew, I sing the praises of your expertise and Oscar Wilde Tours. Looking forward to your future tours