Taking the Grand Tour of Your Life—learning from history!
Introduction: Learning from history, taking the Grand Tour
The Legacy of the Grand Tour: New Essays on Travel, Literature, and Culture
A few years ago, I talked about success lessons from architects, which I extracted from the History of Architecture course. I have been quite impressed with the notion of the Grand Tour and would like to explore it further. I have been wondering how to reinvent the concept in ways that make sense for today’s audiences. In what ways can we use a Grand Tour to further our careers? And grow our businesses?
What is the Grand Tour?
Richard Lassels, a Roman Catholic priest, introduced the concept of the Grand Tour, a cultural pilgrimage. The priest did so in his book, The Voyage of Italy (The Voyage of Italy, or a Compleat Journey Through Italy (Volume 1)
and The Voyage Of Italy, Or A Compleat Journey through Italy (Volume 2)
). They were published posthumously in 1670. The Grand Tour flourished from about 1660 until the 1840s.
Key Objectives of The Grand Tour
One of the key objectives of the Grand Tour of Europe was to round out the liberal arts education of young affluent men, who had studied Greek and Latin literature. Englishmen, Germans, Scandinavians, and also Americans were introduced primarily to the art and culture of France and Italy, as well as exposed to the roots of Western civilization. Some young women went on the Grand Tour as well.
The Grand Tourists
Although many of the Grand Tourists traveled for months, some spent multiple years traveling on the Tour. They were interested in seeing Venice, Florence, Rome, Naples, Paris and Nimes, which were major cultural centers at the time.
Less frequently, Grand Tourists who were more adventurous, also traveled to the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Greece, and Turkey. Going on The Grand Tour was especially important for aspiring architects. Because they got commissions from those they met on the Tour. That was one of the key ways they became successful.
The Grand Tour Route
At the starting point of the Grand Tour, tourists traveled from Dover, crossed the English Channel to Calais, France. From Paris, Tourists would proceed across the Alps or take a boat on the Mediterranean Sea to Italy. The first Italian city they came to was Turin. And many passed through the city and headed to Rome or Venice. They traveled across Europe to view the ruins of the Roman Empire, along with Renaissance and Baroque architecture. They wanted to see Greco-Roman statues, famous ruins, fountains, and churches.
Grand Tourists often traveled with letters of reference and introduction. This allowed them to view paintings and sculptures from private collections. And they were frequently accompanied by a tutor or a knowledgeable guide. During The Grand Tour, the tourists drew and made notes of all that they observed. Additionally, they collected cultural artifacts and souvenirs – art, books, pictures, sculpture, and other items of culture – which they took home with them. The Grand Tour symbolized wealth and freedom.
Taking the Grand Tour Today
One of the objectives of the Grand Tour was to round out the education of affluent, young men. And the experience allowed them to move to a higher level. Although some women went on the Grand Tour, it was primarily young men who got this opportunity.
Looking at where you are in your career today,
- What are the steps that you have to take to move to the next level? In your career or business?
- Which books do you have to read?
- What courses do you have to take?
- Whose works do you have to study?
- Who do you have to approach for informational interviews?
- What would your professional Grand Tour look like?
Taking the Grand Tour today will look very different, but all these actions are components of your Grand Tour.
Final Thoughts: Learning from history, taking the Grand Tour
Additionally, wouldn’t it be amazing to go on a Grand Tour of Europe similar to the one that the affluent went on centuries ago? Traveling is a way to grow and to understand the world around you. You get to learn about cultures and practices very different from your own.
The Grand Tour enabled the young elite to network. This secured them commissions later. How can you use the modern day version of networking to secure more projects?
The Grand Tour would be a contracted one. More than likely fitting into two weeks, unless you are able to take a sabbatical or extended vacation. But during a pandemic, traveling in person is not an option.
Books About the Grand Tour
The Legacy of the Grand Tour
The Grand TourItaly and the Grand TourThe Evolution of the Grand TourCities and the Grand Tour
If someone clicks on a link and buys something from Amazon, the company will pay me a small commission. First Published October 2013.
