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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.
2005
The art critic embarks on his journey across the Alps into Italy and visits Turin.
The art critic visits Cremona, Parma and Bologna.
The art critic visits Florence.
The art critic visits Siena and Orvieto.
The art critic visits Rome.
The art critic visits Naples and Mount Vesuvius.
Ancient 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.
After 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.
After 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.
Venice
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Brian Sewell
Himself - Presenter