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.
Episode 1
Nov 15, 2005
The art critic embarks on his journey across the Alps into Italy and visits Turin.
Episode 2
Nov 22, 2005
The art critic visits Cremona, Parma and Bologna.
Episode 3
Nov 29, 2005
The art critic visits Florence.
Episode 4
Dec 6, 2005
The art critic visits Siena and Orvieto.
Episode 5
Dec 13, 2005
The art critic visits Rome.
Episode 6
Mar 21, 2006
The art critic visits Naples and Mount Vesuvius.
Episode 7
Mar 28, 2006
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.
Episode 8
Apr 4, 2006
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.
Episode 9
Apr 11, 2006
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.
Episode 10
Apr 18, 2006
Venice
