The Grand Tour was a customary trip of Europe undertaken mainly the young European elite in the 17th and 18th centuries. It was seen as the culmination of their formal education, a rite of passage into adulthood. This journey often lasted for several months to years, allowing these young aristocrats to absorb the Renaissance culture of Europe, appreciate art, architecture, and cultivate taste, language skills, and social connections. The typical itinerary began in England, leading to Paris, then through various parts of France, to the Swiss Alps, and down to Italy - with Florence and Rome being the pivotal points. Venice was often the last stop, from where travelers could depart for home with trunks filled with art, curios, and memories.
