Oscar Wilde Tours: Gay Greece - From Achilles to Alexander the Great and Beyond

Greece hardly needs an introduction: whitewashed island villages overlooking brilliant blue seas, ancient temples standing above rugged landscapes, and some of the most important archaeological sites in the world. But for LGBTQ+ travellers, there is another fascinating reason to visit: Greece is one of the great centres of LGBTQ+ history.

This is the tour that explores the beauty and culture of Greece while uncovering the stories of same-sex love that were woven into the mythology, politics, art and philosophy of the ancient world. You’ll visit some of the country’s greatest historic sites and spend time on its beautiful islands while discovering a side of Greek history that conventional tours often leave out.

Highlights include the loves of the gods and heroes of Greek mythology, Achilles and his relationship with Patroclus, the celebrated same-sex couple associated with the birth of Athenian democracy, and the Sacred Band of Thebes, an elite military force famously composed of pairs of male lovers.

You’ll also delve into the lives of Alexander the Great and Emperor Hadrian, explore the significance of male nudity in ancient athletics and art, and discover how same-sex love occupied a strikingly prominent place in the society that gave the world democracy, philosophy, theatre and some of Western civilisation’s most enduring ideas.

Alongside the history, there is plenty of time to enjoy Greece itself, including two days each on stunning Santorini and Greece's gayest island, Mykonos.

There is also an optional four-day extension to Istanbul, exploring its extraordinary churches, mosques and palaces, colourful culinary traditions and historic hammams. As always with Oscar Wilde Tours, you’ll also uncover the LGBTQ+ stories running through the city’s long and fascinating past.

• Tour Dates: 26 September - 5 October 2027
• Optional Istanbul Extension: 5 October to 9 October 2027

Guided by the renowned Professor Andrew Lear, the tour combines expert-led history, art and archaeology with excellent hotels, carefully chosen dining and the chance to travel alongside a group of like-minded LGBTQ+ travellers.