Tailor-made Vacation · Greece
Italy, Greece & Turkey: Luxury Gay-Friendly Cruise
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Every trip built from scratch around your dates, pace and preferences.
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At a glance
This itinerary moves through Italy, Greece, and Turkey, combining Rome and Athens with a seven-night LGBTQ+ friendly cruise of the Greek islands aboard Virgin Voyages, closing with a stop in Bodrum along the way.
The trip begins in Rome, where ancient ruins and Renaissance-era architecture sit within a short walk of the city's best shopping and nightlife. Time here is loosely structured on purpose: wandering the older lanes, watching the city from a trattoria table, and taking in the Roman Forum at sunset before the evening properly begins.
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From Rome, the trip continues to Athens for three nights at the King George Hotel, in the city center. Days include a guided visit to the Acropolis with an expert historian, along with a golf buggy tour that covers more of the city center than most guests manage on foot in the same time.
The cruise leg begins aboard Virgin Voyages' Resilient Lady, sailing through the Aegean. The first stop is Santorini, where the caldera's cliffside villages and blue-domed churches remain some of the most photographed views in Greece for good reason. Time is spent wandering the cobbled streets above the caldera, with wine tastings that look out over the same view, and an optional excursion further into the island's vineyards for those who want more of it.
Next is Bodrum, on Turkey's Aegean coast, anchored by the Castle of St. Peter, a well-preserved 15th-century fortress built by the Knights Hospitaller and now home to the town's underwater archaeology museum. The bazaar nearby is one of the better places on this route for handmade carpets and ceramics, worth a slower browse than a typical port stop allows.
The cruise closes in Mykonos, known as much for its LGBTQ+ scene and beach clubs as for the more low-key corners tucked into its older streets. Boutique hotels and seafood tavernas sit not far from the island's more famous nightlife, and it's worth setting aside time for both sides of it rather than just one.
This itinerary is based on a popular route operated by Virgin Voyages. Ships, routes, and durations vary, and our travel experts will build a version tailored to your dates and preferences.
Day by day
This is a sample plan, not a fixed departure. Days can be added, removed or reordered, and almost every client changes something. Prices are an entry-level guide; your quote will be exact.
Day 1-3 Rome
Your adventure begins in the eternal city of Rome, an unforgettable destination, especially for history lovers. Here, explore iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, each telling a story of ancient grandeur.
Stay at the exquisitely designed Leon’s Place, where elegance and exceptional service are in abundance. This design-focused accommodation features some amazing rooms and suites, for every level of luxury.
Enhance your experience with bespoke private tours, and perhaps a day trip to the sovereign enclave of Vatican City, a tiny country that is steeped in history and art.
Day 4-6 Amalfi Coast
Next, immerse yourself in the mesmerizing beauty of the Amalfi Coast. Your retreat sits in the lesser-known area of Ravello, an exclusive and luxurious destination on this stunning section of Italian coastline.
You’ll stay at the Palazzo Avino, an elegant waterside haven that was once a 12th-century villa and is now the epitome of style and tranquility.
From here, gaze out at the Mediterranean Sea, sipping Aperol Spritz, and embark on a private sunset yacht cruise, toasting with a glass of Italian prosecco as the sky turns golden.
Day 6-9 Athens
You’ll enjoy your stay in Athens at the King George, a hotel that exudes classical elegance, nestled in the heart of the city. Its luxurious decor features grand crystal chandeliers, Roman columns, and polished marble floors, setting the stage for your historical exploration of Athens.
Discover Athens’ ancient marvels with a knowledgeable guide, who can offer LGBTQ+ friendly insights if desired. Tour landmarks like the Acropolis, the majestic Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Theatre of Herodes Atticus, and the Temple of Hephaestus, immersing yourself in the city’s rich past.
For a different perspective, opt for a comfortable golf buggy tour, a perfect way to acquaint yourself with Athens, combining ease and comprehensive city exploration.
Evenings in Athens are for indulging in local cuisine at traditional Greek tavernas. Enjoy dishes like kleftikos and Greek salads, all while absorbing the illuminated beauty of the Parthenon.
Day 9-16 Virgin Voyage - Embarkation Day
Experience a captivating Aegean voyage from Athens to the islands of Santorini, Rhodes, Bodrum, and Mykonos with Virgin Voyages. This seven-night cruise sets off from Athens and takes you on a fantastic tour before returning you to Athens where you’ll catch your return flight home.
You’ll stay in a Sea View room, with the option to upgrade to a Sea Terrace room or a RockStar Suite if they take your fancy. You can also choose a slightly different cruise itinerary if you wish – just speak to our luxury travel experts.
Santorini
As part of the Virgin Voyages cruise, your first stop will be the breathtaking island of Santorini.
This Greek isle, famous for its stunning sunsets and white-washed buildings, offers a romantic and serene setting.
Explore the winding streets, enjoy the local cuisine, and take in the spectacular views of the Aegean Sea from the iconic cliffs.
Rhodes
The cruise then takes you to gorgeous Rhodes, an island rich in history and natural beauty.
Known for its medieval Old Town, Rhodes invites you to take a step back in time. Wander through ancient streets, visit the Palace of the Grand Master, and enjoy the island’s unique blend of Greek and medieval architecture.
There are also some wonderful golden-sand beaches on Rhodes where you can soak up the sunshine and enjoy some sea swimming.
Bodrum
Your next destination is Bodrum in Turkey, a vibrant port city with a lively cultural scene.
Here, you can explore the ancient Bodrum Castle, stroll along the buzzing marina, and experience the unique blend of Turkish and Greek influences that permeate the city’s architecture, cuisine, and atmosphere.
Mykonos
Conclude your cruise on the lively island of Mykonos.
Known for its stunning beaches and dynamic nightlife, Mykonos also offers charming streets, traditional tavernas, and an inviting, inclusive atmosphere that makes it ideal for LGBTQ+ travelers.
Here, you can relax on the sandy shores or explore the iconic windmills overlooking the island, before heading out for a night out on the town.
After your Virgin Voyages cruise, you can choose to stay for one further night in Athens or head home.
Our Experts
Greece is one of our clients' most popular destinations. The combination of history in Athens and beach life in the islands is a brilliant combination.
Island hopping in Greece is one of my favorite travel experiences. The cobbled streets of Mykonos and the bright blue domes of Santorini are picture perfect.
Stellar service. Stellar products. Stellar people and it gets so much better when you pick up the phone and call.
Anthony S.
Super client centred service. From first contact I have had warm, efficient, friendly and flexible service.
John
I’m confident in giving Out Of Office a 5-star review! They are one of the leaders in this space without a doubt.
Tiberiu
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Frequently asked questions
What does Out Of Office do?
Out Of Office is a luxury LGBTQ+ travel company specializing in tailor-made vacations and extraordinary journeys around the world. We create bespoke luxury vacations, LGBTQ+ honeymoons, safaris, cruises, beach escapes, private tours and group trips, with every itinerary designed around you. Our travel specialists combine global expertise, first-hand destination knowledge and trusted local partners to create seamless, highly personalized experiences.
Is Out Of Office a gay travel agency?
Out Of Office is an LGBTQ+ owned and run luxury travel specialist, with particular expertise in gay and LGBTQ+ travel. We understand the additional considerations that can come with traveling as an LGBTQ+ person or couple, from local laws and customs to finding genuinely welcoming hotels and experiences.
We welcome every traveler, including friends, families and allies. Many of our clients are not members of the LGBTQ+ community, but choose Out Of Office for our luxury travel expertise, personalized service and discretion.
Do you create tailor-made LGBTQ+ vacations?
Yes. Every tailor-made trip with Out Of Office is designed from scratch around your interests, travel style, budget and the way you want to experience a destination. We can arrange luxury hotels, private transfers, flights, guides, excursions, cruises and special experiences as part of one personalized itinerary. The journeys shown on our website are there to inspire you rather than restrict you; only clearly identified group departures operate as fixed itineraries.
How do you choose LGBTQ+ friendly hotels and destinations?
We combine first-hand destination knowledge with trusted local expertise to recommend luxury hotels, resorts and experiences where LGBTQ+ travelers can feel informed and welcome. We also consider the laws, customs and attitudes of each destination, because LGBTQ+ rights and experiences differ around the world. Our team regularly visit many of the properties we work with and where a destination requires greater awareness, we give you clear and considered advice so that you can make an informed decision about where and how you travel.
We plant trees for every booking
For every booking made with Out Of Office we commit to planting trees in your name to help reduce the impact of travel on future generations. You'll even get a link to see where your trees are planted in the world via our partner Ecologi.
We donate to Rainbow Railroad with every booking
Rainbow Railroad helps LGBTQ+ people escape state-sponsored violence and persecution. A donation goes with every trip we sell, funded by us and never added to your price.
Start Planning Your Trip
Tell us where you would love to go, when you are thinking of traveling and what kind of trip you have in mind. One of our LGBTQ+ travel specialists will create a tailor-made itinerary designed around your destination, style and preferences.
One named specialist, first inquiry to homecoming. No call center, and nothing is charged until you decide to book.