The Grand Tour
noun

- a journey around the main cities of Europe that young men from rich families used to make as part of their education

- a cultural tour of Europe formerly undertaken, especially in the 18th century, by a young man of the upper classes as a part of his education

- an occasion when someone shows you around a house or other building

Collins Dictionary, Oxford Languages, Cambridge Dictionary

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PHRASE ORIGIN

The term "The Grand Tour" was first coined around the mid-17th century (1660s-1670s) to describe the educational journey that young aristocratic men, particularly from Britain, would undertake across continental Europe. The term became standardized by the early 18th century.

The Grand Tour was considered an essential part of a gentleman's education, typically lasting several months to years. The standard route usually included:
- France (especially Paris)
- Switzerland 
- Italy (Rome, Florence, Venice, Naples)
- Sometimes extending to Germany, Austria, or the Netherlands

The practice was seen as a way to:
- Complete one's education in classical culture and the arts
- Learn languages and diplomatic skills
- Acquire cultural sophistication
- Make important social connections
- Return with valuable artifacts to decorate the family home

The term has since evolved to describe any extensive, culturally significant journey.

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ROME THEN HOME

England's most magnificent country houses from Chiswick to Chatsworth, are heady reflections of the Grand Tour tradition, when young, upper-class men headed to Europe to complete their cultural education. These weren't just casual holidays. Wealthy 18th-century parents sent their sons off to Italy for months, armed with letters of credit and a vague mission to become "cultured."

These continental tours — from the mid-17th to mid-19th century — involved a months-long trip primarily around Italy, soaking up the ideals of antiquity and the beauty of the Renaissance,… and not just looking. They were buying.

Young aristocrats filled their shopping baskets with the archaeological wonders, fine objects, and paintings which now decorate the rooms of the UK's stately homes.

Such was the demand, a roaring trade in fakes was developed to service the need. Italian craftsmen became experts at aging sculptures and creating "ancient" artifacts. Some of the most prized pieces in England's stately homes are actually 18th-century reproductions, passed off as classical treasures. Fortunately, most of these clever fakes have been spotted and removed over the years.

So next time you admire that perfect marble bust, just smile: at least this one’s passed the authenticity test — for now!

Helga & Paul Smith

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SYNONYMS

Journey through countries and cities:
- all-round trip, Bildungsreise, continental tour, cultural/educational/guided expedition (journey, tour), European circuit, globe-trotting adventure, peregrinatio academica, pilgrimage, round of capitals, taste of europe, THE GRAND TOUR, town-to-town trek, world tour

Journey round a house or building:
- home walkthrough, house inspection (tour, walkthrough), look around the house, property viewing, show you the house, THE GRAND TOUR, tour of the house, walk around the house

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SMUGGLE OWAD into an English conversation today, say something like:

“I never realized that 18th-century boys doing THE GRAND TOUR were also sometimes buying fake artifacts.”