GAY ITALY: FROM CAESAR TO MICHELANGELO AND BEYOND
OCTOBER 9-19
Oscar Wilde Tours
The folks at Oscar Wilde Tours take you on a tour of Italy that explores the splendors all travelers must see while revealing the gay side that very few visitors see. From Rome to Naples to Sorrento to Florence with other stops along the way, enjoy ancient and modern Italy and uncover a vast storehouse of gay history memorialized in stone, painting and bas-relief right there before your unbelieving eyes. Tour leader and professor Andrew Lear is a fantastic guide: erudite and personable with a trove of history, gay and straight.
BHUTAN: INSIDE A HIMALAYAN MOUNTAIN KINGDOM
OCTOBER 10-19
Venture Out
Nestled into the Himalayan Mountains between Tibet and India, Bhutan is one of the most exotic — and most intriguing — destinations in the world today, a place that few outsiders have had the privilege of visiting. In this mystical and mountainous land of deities and demons, awaiting you are ethereal fortresses, red-robed monks, a thriving Buddhist culture, and gorgeous scenery. It takes effort but that’s why you go with an expert like VentureOut which employs local contacts who are members of the gay Bhutanese community.
GAY SAFARI: TANZANIA AND ZANZIBAR
NOVEMBER 18-27
HE Travel
What are you going to tell your parents? You and your honey are spending Thanksgiving in Tanzania! The gay Tanzania Safari Tour explores one of the most well-preserved wilderness areas on earth. Culture is the essence and spirit of this nation, which has quite an extensive array of contiguous game reserves and national parks. Animals truly rule in Tanzania, and the area is free of modern civilization.
ROMANTIC IRELAND
Departures on demand
Brendan Vacations
Brendan Vacations lead the original gay tour to Ireland in 2003. In celebration of the historic marriage equality referendum, Brendan now offers an all-new itinerary for LGBT travelers at several price points depending on budget. Ireland has always had a reputation for having a cheerful and inviting culture, stunning landscapes, ancient architectural marvels and those yummy copious breakfasts. But the overwhelming support they’ve demonstrated for their gay brothers and sisters puts a giant exclamation point after “You’re welcome.” Stay with Brendan in real-life medieval Ashford Castle, the crown jewel of Ireland’s most iconic hotels. Check the site or your travel professional for options.
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Photos: Courtesy Oscar Wilde Tours