Synopsis
For hundred's of years Britain's well-to-do considered the Italian 'Grand Tour' - the trip through Ancient and Renaissance Italy - an essential part of a rounded education. Brian first did the 'Grand Tour' exactly 50 years ago - so for him this is also a journey into his own past. A beautiful, complicated, funny journey.
Episodes
Season 11E1Episode 1The art critic embarks on his journey across the Alps into Italy and visits Turin.45m2E2Episode 2The art critic visits Cremona, Parma and Bologna.45m3E3Episode 3The art critic visits Florence.45m4E4Episode 4The art critic visits Siena and Orvieto.45m5E5Episode 5The art critic visits Rome.45m6E6Episode 6The art critic visits Naples and Mount Vesuvius.45m7E7Episode 7Ancient Greek ruins still stand silent watch in Paestum, but banditti no longer lie in ambush in the surrounding countryside. Next, Sewell reminisces among the narrow streets of Todi before traveling to Urbino, which preserves the early Renaissance style like no place else.45m8E8Episode 8After exposing the colorful history of Rimini's Tempio Malatestiano and pausing briefly for an antique-car rally, Sewell learns all about olive oil's degrees of virginity and admires Palazzo del Te, unapologeticallly dedicated to pleasures of the flesh.45m9E9Episode 9After examining Palladio's basilica and Olympic Theatre in Vicenza, Sewell tours the Villa Valmarana and its Tiepolo frescoes. In Possagno, Antonio Canova's studio opens its wonders, and the university in Padua affords the opportunity to discuss 18th-century treatments for venereal disease.45m10
Episode 10Venice45m
Episode 10Venice45mCast
