History Extra podcast
The Grand Tour: everything you wanted to know
Jul 27, 2024
Lizzie Rogers, a historian with a flair for cultural travel, teams up with Ellie Cawthorne, an expert guide, to take you back to the 18th-century Grand Tour. They explore must-see destinations, reveal how travelers navigated challenges like language barriers and uncomfortable mules, and share the scandalous tales of high society. Discover the fascinating duality of hedonistic pursuits and cultured experiences, as well as the impact of these journeys on both individuals and colonialism!
43:15
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Quick takeaways
- The Grand Tour served as an essential educational journey for young British men, emphasizing firsthand cultural experiences across Europe.
- Initially exclusive to the wealthy, the Grand Tour eventually became more accessible, allowing broader participation, including women and lower socioeconomic groups.
Deep dives
Understanding the Grand Tour
The Grand Tour was a significant cultural phenomenon of the 18th century, primarily involving young British men traveling to continental Europe, particularly France, Switzerland, and Italy, to enhance their education. Accompanied by tutors or guides known as ciceroni, these journeys aimed to immerse travelers in the classical heritage and artistic achievements of the regions they explored. The Grand Tour became particularly popular as Britain expanded its empire and the fascination with Roman antiquity grew. It mirrored modern-day gap years, reflecting a transition between adolescence and adulthood, and emphasized firsthand experiences over theoretical knowledge.
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