Lovely trip with access to several sights I would never have seen, and at least one I did not know existed. The meals included were excellent and often enough at luncheon to obviate the need for a later meal. Andrew is a treasury of information, personal stories, and is a reliable river of patience when the inevitable travel glitches occur. He is an incomparable raconteur. Nearly seamless small group travel experience.

I travel frequently but this was my first guided group tour. The tour was right up my alley because of its focus on gay art history and culture. It also explores places I have never been to and probably won't on my own. I have predictable apprehensions. One difficult participant can possibly ruin the experience for the entire group. I am naturally independent and would this scheduled excursion be a right fit for me? What if the tour is just another repackaged ordinary tour disguised to be more of an intellectual exploration? The road less travelled which the tour emphasizes may well be so because they are of little interest to begin with. Just within the first day and all my concerns were put to rest. The group is small enough to make personal connections effortlessly and just large enough to offer a smorgasbord of life experiences to share. Andrew was patient and I am in awe at his ability to gather the troop together effortlessly although it is obvious that a lot of complicated planning went behind putting it together. New friendships developed quickly. Everyone fell into their own groove rather smoothly helping each other navigate the adventure so no one is ever left alone or behind. The sightseeings are amazing but ultimately it was the camaraderie that is most special and memorable. As one of few in the group who literally lives in the opposite side of the world in South East Asia, I felt naturally welcomed and relaxed. Most of all, I felt I belong and had a great time. To all out there who may be apprehensive about joining this group because of perceived differences of race, culture, geography and interests....throw all that aside. Being gay, being human, being curious, being through different life experiences....these are the natural glue that make us more alike than different. And certainly this tour manages to harness this advantage that no others I know has. If you are sitting on the fence wondering if you should join, just go. You will not regret being a part of this quilt that makes the tapestry of life just a little more beautiful and meaningful.

This was a fabulous trip. Andrew Lear does a wonderful job, with a great selection of places and activities and so many insights into LGBTIQ history and culture. Accommodation was good, some amazing food and a lovely group of travelling companions. Venice was an absolute dream.

Terrific! Andrew is a wonderful guide, and his knowledge of gay history is unmatched. This tour was especially interesting because it took us to places where Andrew grew up. The only downside was that the hotel in Milan was perfectly adequate but not quite up to the standards of the hotels in Verona and Venice. OW couldn't get into their preferred hotel there because it was Fashion Week, but that offered other advantages. It was a great way to discover several Italian cities and towns I had never been to, and to meet some lovely people. Small group travel is the way to go!

This CMBYN northern Italy tour was my 3rd Oscar Wilde tour. That says something right there. First class all the way, from hotels, to food, to transportation, can't ask for better. I was pleased that the premise of the tour was fulfilled as much as it could be. Fun to see the filming locations for the movie. But there was plenty else to "wow" us each day. I was gratified to obtain a ticket (through Andrew's guidance) to attend a performance at La Scala (Milan) of "La Traviata." And in Verona I got to attend a "popera" "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" at the Roman Arena. (Andrew facilitated those tickets.) Also outstanding were the architectual masterpieces of Andreas Palladio in Vicenza. And my first time in Venice proved to be quite eye-opening including a tour of St. Mark's Basilica, and the Doge's Palace. Excellent guides in each experience including our viewing of da Vinci's "The Last Supper." I could go on, but I won't.