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What Was the Grand Tour and Where Did People Go?

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Freelance Travel and Music Writer

Nowadays, it’s so easy to pack a bag and hop on a flight or interrail across Europe’s railway at your own leisure. But what if it was known as a right of passage, made no easier by the fact that there was no such modern luxury? Welcome to the Grand Tour – and we’re not talking about Jeremy Clarkson’s TV series …

What was the grand tour all about.

The Grand Tour was a trip of Europe, typically undertaken by young men, which begun in the 17th century and went through to the mid-19th. Women over the age of 21 would occasionally partake, providing they were accompanied by a chaperone from their family. The Grand Tour was seen as an educational trip across Europe, usually starting in Dover, and would see young, wealthy travellers search for arts and culture. Though travelling was not as easy back then, mostly thanks to no rail routes like today, those on The Grand Tour would often have a healthy supply of funds in order to enjoy themselves freely.

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What did travellers get up to?

Of course, in the 17th century, there was no such thing as the internet, making discovering things while sat on the other side of the world near impossible. Cultural integration was not yet fully-fledged and nothing like we experience today, so the only way to understand different ways of life was to experience them yourself. Hence why so many people set off for the Grand Tour – the ultimate trip across Europe!

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Typical routes taken on the Grand Tour

Travellers (occompanied by a tutor) would often start around the South East region and head in to France, where a coach would often be rented should the party be wealthy enough. Occasionally, the coaches would need to be disassembled in order to cross difficult terrain such as the Alps.

Once passing through Calais and Paris, a typical journey would include a stop-off in Switzerland before crossing the Alps in to Northern Italy. Here’s where the wealth really comes in to play – as luggage and methods of transport would need to be dismantled and carried manually – as really rich travellers would often employ servants to carry everything for them.

Of course, Italy is a highly cultural country and famous for its art and historic buildings, so travellers would spend longer here. Turin, Florence, Rome, Pompeii and Venice would be amongst the cities visited, generally enticing those in to extended stays.

On the return leg, travellers would visit Germany and occasionally Austria, including study time at universities such as Munich, before heading to Holland and Flanders, ahead of crossing the Channel back to Dover.

William Beckford’s Grand Tour route across Europe

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The grand tour: every special, ranked.

The Grand Tour has delivered many excellent specials, so we've ranked them to find out which one is best.

After Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May moved on from Top Gear , everyone wondered what their next adventure would take them. Happily,  The Grand Tour was soon announced by Amazon and was very similar to Top Gear in many ways. The main difference was the size of the budget given to the trio to spend per episode.

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Thanks to this large amount of money, Clarkson, Hammond, and May were able to produce more exciting and bigger scale episodes than they had ever done before. This resulted in special episodes becoming more and more frequent. Indeed, the fourth season of The Grand Tour will consist only of specials. To celebrate this, we've ranked all of the specials so far.

Operation Desert Stumble (Season 1, Episode 2)

In Season 1, viewers were still trying to adjust to the show's format. The first episode put their fears at ease (mostly) but the second episode had the unenviable task of introducing the traditional 'challenges' in a new light. Although it's not technically a special, "Operation Desert Stumble" was the show's first attempt at showing Clarkson, Hammond, and May outside of the tent being totally stupid.

Unfortunately, while a bit entertaining, the episode fell a bit flat. The series was trying too hard to be something different and resulted in the entire challenge feeling forced. The trio had to rescue hostages and take them to the embassy while fighting off insurgents. There was a distinct lack of vehicles present and even the banter felt wooden.

Sea To Unsalty Sea (Season 3, Episode 11)

The Grand Tour special episodes are known for their creativity, and also their hilarity, as they often involve the presenters using old cars or general vehicles and placing them well outside of their comfort zone. However, in this special, Clarkson, Hammond and May broke away from that formula and bought 3 grand touring cars for a drive from Georgia to Azerbaijan.

Since there were no real perilous obstacles for the trio to face, the whole episode felt a bit tame compared to their other adventures. There were still a couple of highlights, such as May breaking Stalin's cupboard and the 'real world race' but other than that, the episode just felt a bit dull. However, the stars of the show were, of course, the cars, which looked absolutely amazing.

International Buffoon's Vacation (Season 3, Episode 8)

This special was miles better than the previous entry but unfortunately, this space still had to be filled. Basically, Clarkson, Hammond, and May were told to go on holiday in the United States in RVs. Not willing to share, they each branched off and bought their own and modified them to their liking. May made his RV into a pub, Clarkson transformed his RV into a toilet/speedboat hybrid and Hammond bought a van and made it worse.

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It's always fun to watch the presenters create obstacles for themselves, and there were a lot of things that went wrong in this special, which was a very good thing. However, the one constant thread that ruined an otherwise great Grand Tour special was the weird thing with Jeremy and the show's ex-racing driver, the American. It just felt incredibly forced and detracted from the episode's sense of fun.

Feed The World (Season 2, Episode 11)

Season 2 of The Grand Tour suffered a lot of incidents behind the scenes. Firstly, there was Hammond's near-fatal car crash, which he miraculously survived almost unscathed. Then Clarkson fell ill for a while and so as a result, Season 2 had a shortened episode count (although 11 episodes are still fairly impressive).

One of the drawbacks of this season, however, was that it only featured one special. To be fair, Season 1 had one special as well, but it took up two episodes. "Feed The World" was a sort of mini special but despite that, it was surprisingly good. Tasked with transporting fish, the boys still regained their childish sense of humor and the special was all the better for it.

Colombia Special (Season 3, Episodes 2 & 3)

This was the first special of Season 3 and it really set the stage for what was to come. It was a traditional special in every sense of the word as Clarkson, Hammond, and May were given the simple task of becoming wildlife photographers. The trio was in top form as they made constant jokes about Colombia's certain trading export, as well as being totally useless at actually taking photographs.

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There were loads of great moments in these couple of episodes, such as Clarkson's encounter with a group of people who really liked donkeys and the trio's attempts at photographing the animals. There were also some highly dangerous obstacles, such as rackety old bridges and the king of all hailstorms. The only drawback of this special was that it started out fairly slow and didn't truly pick up the pace until the second act.

The Grand Tour Presents: Seamen (Season 4, Episode 1)

The most recent special on this list, "Seamen" was a welcome return to The Grand Tour , after the show had been off-air for almost a year. Currently, in its fourth season, the series decided to try something new with this special and so it ditched the car element in favor of boats. This idea was risky but they managed to pull it off. It helped as well that the specials had been less about the vehicles in recent years.

Clarkson, Hammond, and May were given the challenge of journeying across Cambodia and Vietnam by boat. Cue lots of swearing, jokes and basic faffing about. It was incredibly entertaining to watch, as the lads clearly had no control over their boats. Even Clarkson, who was the only one who remained enthusiastic about the challenge struggled to keep his boat under control. It made for a truly great episode.

The Beach (Buggy) Boys (Season 1, Episodes 7 & 8)

Season 1 of The Grand Tour was a fairly shaky start to the show. The main issue was that it was a car show fronted by Clarkson, Hammond, and May, yet it somehow had to be different from Top Gear . In this season, the show overdid it with the differences. There were some entertaining bits but a lot of the messing around felt forced.

The best episodes of the season by far were the two episodes dedicated to the Namibia special. This was the lads doing what they do best, and in this case, their best was racing beach buggies across a desert. Their banter was in top form, the scenery was amazing and there were some genuinely heart-stopping moments. This was exactly what you want from a Grand Tour special.

Survival Of The Fattest (Season 3, Episode 13)

This was an amazing episode. It had all the usual features that make a special, spectacular, but it had a unique twist that no one saw coming. Often, the presenters go ahead and buy a vehicle and modify it for their upcoming adventure, but here, they actually built their own car from scratch.

Once they had actually built their car, Clarkson, Hammond, and May still kept the laughs coming. From christening their car 'John', and watching it hop up hills, to Clarkson and May refusing to let Hammond drive due to his reckless history, this special literally could do no wrong. The fact that all three had to travel in the same car meant that there was a camaraderie present that we hadn't seen before either.

NEXT: SPN: 10 Things Fans Don't Know About Dean's Car

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  • The Best Grand Tour Episodes

The Best Episodes of The Grand Tour

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With 23 episodes from The Grand Tour Series 1 & 2 available to stream on Amazon Prime, now is a great time to rank all of the episodes available so far to see which is best. The list below is a direct result of hundreds of votes placed through our site by you, fans of The Grand Tour!

There were a few surprise results here, so without further ado let’s get into it!

1. S02, E09 – ‘Breaking, badly’

grand tour trips

Richard Hammond and James May attempt to set a new British water speed record for amphibious cars. A staggering 85 percent of all people who try to break records on water are killed but this doesn’t put off Clarkson, Hammond and May as they set about building their own road legal machine from an unholy union of car, boat and jet engine and then use it to spear across the choppy waters of a vast lake during something called “Coniston Speed Week”. Rated 9.9/10.

2. S02, E10 – ‘Oh, Canada’

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Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May reluctantly agree to test three SUVs in the rugged landscapes of Canada. Clarkson in the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, Hammond in the Porsche Macan Turbo Performance Pack and May in the Range Rover Velar. The boys will test their cars’ sporting side at a race track and their utilitarian side with some enormous dogs, before ending in an epic race across the snowy mountains. Rated 9.8/10.

3. S02, E02 – ‘The Falls Guys’

grand tour trips

Jeremy Clarkson drives the all-new, 647 horsepower Ford GT from New York city to Niagara Falls, a trip that is made more challenging by the car’s uncompromising, racing-car-for-the-road design and by James May who, using only public transportation, is trying to beat Jeremy to the finish line. Rated 9.4/10.

4. S02, E03 – ‘Bah humbug-atti’

grand tour trips

Jeremy Clarkson asks if Europe’s glamour set still need their jets and helicopters to fulfil a busy day of breakfasting in St Tropez, skiing in the Alps and dining in Turin or if they’d be better off with a car. And it’s not just any car because he’s testing the new, 1,479 horsepower Bugatti Chiron with an epic cross-Europe dash. Rated 9.4/10.

5. S01, E13 – Past v Future

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Clarkson compares his Volkswagen Golf GTI to May’s BMW i3 with a drag race at an airstrip and a road trip from London to Dartmoor to attend a Roger Daltrey and Wilko Johnson concert. Clarkson and Hammond make May hang out with “winchers” who drive their 4x4s deep into mud. Rated 9.4/10.

6. S01, E06 – Happy Finnish Christmas

grand tour trips

Hammond welcomes the new right-hand-drive Ford Mustang GT and gives it a tour of London and Stonehenge before Clarkson arrives and proceeds to argue that Mustang has no place in Britain and that the Ford Focus RS is a better option. Meanwhile, May talks about the historic 24 Hours of Le Mans rivalry between Ford and Ferrari, which gave birth to the Ford GT40 and the Ferrari P3. Rated 9.3/10.

7. S02, E07 – ‘It’s a gas, gas, gas’

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Richard Hammond and James May work out that the average motorist loses 36 days of their lives filling up with fuel. The pair vow to do something about it using their skill and ingenuity to invent a system for filling up on the move. Rated 9.2/10.

8. S02, E01 – ‘Past, Present, or Future’

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Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May compare a V12-powered Lamborghini Aventador S, a hybrid Honda NSX and an all-electric Croatian supercar called the Rimac Concept One in a battle of past, present and future, set against the dramatic and car-unfriendly backdrop of Switzerland. Rated 9.2/10.

9. S02, E06 – ‘Jaaaaaaaags’

grand tour trips

Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May set out to prove that old Jaguars are not only stylish and roguish but also strong and reliable with a road trip across Colorado. Along the way, they set laps around a punishing dirt track and test 0-100-0 performance at America’s highest commercial airport before embarking on one of the most perilous challenges they’ve ever attempted.  Rated 8.9/10.

10. S02, E08 – ‘Blasts from the Past’

grand tour trips

Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond visit some evocative old motorsport locations in Europe using a pair of re-born 1950s sports cars, painstakingly rebuilt by their manufacturers to the original designs. With Clarkson in the Aston Martin DB4 GT lightweight and Hammond in the Jaguar XKSS, the pair start their adventure on the street circuit in Pau, France before their fun is interrupted by the arrival of James May in a modern Honda Civic Type R which he insists is better in every way. Rated 8.9/10.

11. S01, E12 – [Censored] to [Censored]

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The presenters travel to Wank, Germany, where May in a Bentley Bentayga, Clarkson in a Range Rover, and Hammond in a Jaguar F-Pace plan a road trip on the Romantic Road via Kissing, Bavaria, then Petting, Bavaria, to Fucking, Austria. After passing Landsberg Prison and staying overnight in Fucking, Clarkson and Hammond suggest to May that they should skip Wedding (Berlin) and head for the Nürburgring instead. Rated 8.9/10.

12. S01, E03 – Opera, Art and Donuts

grand tour trips

The presenters go “Grand Touring” in Italy with May in the Rolls-Royce Dawn, Clarkson in the Aston Martin DB11 and Hammond in the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat. Clarkson and May’s tour starts at the Palio di Siena horse race, before viewing The Birth of Venus painting at Uffizi Gallery in Florence. Clarkson and Hammond race each other the Mugello Circuit. Rated 8.9/10.

13. S02, E05 – ‘Up, down and round the farm’

grand tour trips

Jeremy Clarkson decides to make one of those Ken Block-style car skidding videos that are very popular on the internet using an old Subaru and a suitable swathe of English farmland. His endeavours are swiftly dismantled by Richard Hammond and James May who are on hand in the studio tent to reveal some of the embarrassing behind-the-scenes footage. Rated 8.8/10.

14. S01, E05 – Morroccan Roll

grand tour trips

To settle an argument over the best sports car, the presenters go to Marrakech, Morocco to compare the Mazda MX-5, the Zenos E10S and the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider. During the road trip Clarkson suddenly pulls over due to a leg cramp while driving the 4C. Later, he challenges Hammond and May to weigh their cars to prove that the 4C is lighter, using an improvised scale and animal carcasses as counterweight. Rated 8.8/10.

15. S01, E07&08 – The Beach (Buggy) Boys

grand tour trips

The presenters are set a challenge by their producer, Andy Wilman, who wishes to show that beach buggies are poor vehicles. Their challenge is to drive one thousand miles (1,600 km) along Namibia’s Skeleton Coast in three beach buggies, each built to their personal specifications but all derived from the Volkswagen Beetle. Rated 8.7/10.

16. S01, E01 – The Holy Trinity

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In this very first episode of The Grand Tour , Clarkson, Hammond and May testing three hybrid hypercars; the McLaren P1, Porsche 918 and Ferrari LaFerrari at the Algarve International Circuit in Portugal. Rated 8.5/10.

17. S01, E09 – Berks To The Future

grand tour trips

The tent is within the courtyard of Ludwigsburg Palace, where Clarkson praises Germany as the “cradle of the automobile.” May reviews the new Honda NSX. Clarkson fuses the body of a 1978 MGB Roadster with the chassis of a Land Rover Discovery to make a “proper” sport utility vehicle, but when the MG body falls off, he replaces it with a 1980s Mercedes-Benz SL. Rated 8.5/10.

18. S01, E02 – Operation Desert Stumble

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Producer Andy Wilman sends the presenters to the King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Centre (KASOTC) outside Amman, Jordan for a SAS-style military training exercise. Rated 8.3/10.

19. S01, E10 – Dumb Fight at the O.K. Coral

grand tour trips

The presenters then travel to Barbados to solve the problem of dying corals by dumping five car body shells into the ocean, but they lose two cars and a fishing boat on their first attempt before they are forced out of the premises by authorities. They manage to drop two cars into the reef site, and May is assigned to anchor them down while Clarkson and Hammond go jet skiing. Rated 8.0/10.

20. S01, E11 – Italian Lessons

grand tour trips

To prove that a second-hand Maserati priced under £8,000 are a better buy than a Ford Focus, the presenters travel to Circuit de Croix-en-Ternois in France for a series of tests with Clarkson’s Biturbo S Coupé, Hammond’s 430 Saloon, and May’s Zagato Spyder. Because May injured his right arm prior to the challenge, he bought an automatic variant. The presenters then embark on a road trip through Northern France. Rated 8.0/10.

21. S01, E04 – Enviro-mental

grand tour trips

The presenters travel to South Wales and set out to make the most environmentally friendly car bodies using the platform of a Land Rover Discovery. They take an 11 mile road trip to a dirt track, where they race against three normal cars. The idea of environmentally friendly car bodies is abandoned after Clarkson’s meat car is infested with maggots, Hammond’s garden car catches fire, and May’s mud and hay car falls apart. Rated 7.8/10.

22. S02, E04 – ‘Unscripted’

grand tour trips

Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May attempt to show what would happen if  The Grand Tour  made a completely unscripted film with no pre-arranged locations, no set-up stunts, and no planned incidents. All they agree is that the starting point will be in Croatia, where Jeremy arrives in an Audi TT RS, while Richard turns up with a not-at-all-comparable Ariel Nomad. What follows is a demonstration of why some kind of script is generally a good thing. Rated 6.3/10.

23. S02 Mini-Special – ‘Feed the World’

grand tour trips

In this mini-special, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May take it upon themselves to try and end world hunger with an incredible journey across Mozambique. The three notice that people in the coastal regions of this country are well-fed on the bountiful supplies of fish from the ocean, while those in the interior exist on the brink of hunger. Their solution is to find a way to transport that fish inland but, predictably, they cannot agree on the best method to do this. Rated 5.7/10.

Were you surprised where some of your favourite episodes ended up? Let us know in the comments below!

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Top gear: series 25 episode 2 preview, related posts, ‘funeral for a ford’ – the grand tour series 3 episode 14 preview, ‘survival of the fattest’ – the grand tour series 3 episode 13 preview, ‘legends and luggage’ – the grand tour series 3 episode 12 preview, james may is our man in…japan, ‘sea to unsalty sea’ – the grand tour series 3 episode 11 preview, ‘the youth vote’ – the grand tour series 3 episode 10 preview.

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Eres un figura… Gracias, Un saludo

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Mozambique last !? This was for me the best and funniest of all the episodes!

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I thought enviro-mental was one of the highlights in season one,although what James built was stupid and just not funny.They should re-do that episode except this time they all follow Richard Hammond’s concept idea.

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Really disappointed with the mini special, was looking forward to it all series, think next time they should do a normal 2hr special cos that 1 was rubbish an just felt rushed :/

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Yeah so was I to be honest. I wonder if carting around such a large crew puts a limit on how far they can go or what they’re able to do.

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feels like all they do is talking while driving. usually we would’ve see them detour, buying souvenirs, ‘upgrading’ their vehicles, enjoying the view, etcetera etcetera

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Painting of St Mark's Square in Venice

What was the Grand Tour?

Find out about the travel phenomenon that became popular amongst the young nobility of England

Art, antiquity and architecture: the Grand Tour provided an opportunity to discover the cultural wonders of Europe and beyond.  

Popular throughout the 18th century, this extended journey was seen as a rite of passage for mainly young, aristocratic English men. 

As well as marvelling at artistic masterpieces, Grand Tourists brought back souvenirs to commemorate and display their journeys at home. 

One exceptional example forms the subject of a new exhibition at the National Maritime Museum. Canaletto’s Venice Revisited brings together 24 of Canaletto’s Venetian views, commissioned in 1731 by Lord John Russell following his visit to Venice. 

Find out more about this travel phenomenon – and uncover its rich cultural legacy. 

Canaletto's Venice Revisited

Painting of St Mark's Square in Venice

The origins of the Grand Tour

The development of the Grand Tour dates back to the 16th century. 

One of the earliest Grand Tourists was the architect Inigo Jones , who embarked on a tour of Italy in 1613-14 with his patron Thomas Howard, 14th Earl of Arundel. 

Jones visited cities such as Parma, Venice and Rome. However, it was Naples that proved the high point of his travels.  

Jones was particularly fascinated by the San Paolo Maggiore, describing the church as “one of the best things that I have ever seen.” 

Jones’s time in Italy shaped his architectural style. In 1616, Jones was commissioned to design the Queen’s House in Greenwich for Queen Anne of Denmark , the wife of King James I. Completed in around 1636, the house was the first classical building in England. 

grand tour trips

The expression ‘Grand Tour’ itself comes from 17th century travel writer and Roman Catholic priest Richard Lassels, who used it in his guidebook The Voyage of Italy, published in 1670. 

By the 18th century, the Grand Tour had reached its zenith. Despite Anglo-French wars in 1689-97 and 1702-13, this was a time of relative stability in Europe, which made travelling across the continent easier. 

grand tour trips

The Grand Tour route

For young English aristocrats, embarking on the Grand Tour was seen as an important rite of passage. 

Accompanied by a tutor, a Grand Tourist’s route typically involved taking a ship across the English Channel before travelling in a carriage through France, stopping at Paris and other major cities. 

Italy was also a popular destination thanks to the art and architecture of places such as Venice, Florence, Rome, Milan and Naples. More adventurous travellers ventured to Sicily or even sailed across to Greece. The average Grand Tour lasted for at least a year. 

As Katherine Gazzard, Curator of Art at Royal Museums Greenwich explains, this extended journey marked the culmination of a Grand Tourist’s education.  

“The Grand Tourists would have received an education that was grounded in the Classics,” she says. “During their travels to the continent, they would have seen classical ruins and read Latin and Greek texts. The Grand Tour was also an opportunity to take in more recent culture, such as Renaissance paintings, and see contemporary artists at work.” 

A painting showing the Grand Canal during a festival. The canal is filled with gondolas and other craft, while the banks are lined with people

As well as educational opportunities, the Grand Tour was linked with independence. Places such as Venice were popular with pleasure seekers, boasting gambling houses and occasions for drinking and partying.  

“On the Grand Tour, there’s a sense that travellers are gaining some of their independence and having a lesson in the ways of the world,” Gazzard explains. “For visitors to Venice, there were opportunities to behave beyond the social norms, with the masquerade and the carnival.” 

Art and the Grand Tour 

Bound up with the idea of independence was the need to collect souvenirs, which the Grand Tourists could display in their homes.  

“The ownership of property was tied to status, so creating a material legacy was really important for the Grand Tourists in order to solidify their social standing amongst their peers,” says Gazzard. “They were looking to spend money and buy mementos to prove they went on the trip.” 

The works of artists such as those of the 18th century view painter Giovanni Antonio Canal (known as Canaletto ) were especially popular with Grand Tourists. Prized for their detail, Canaletto’s artworks captured the landmarks and scenes of everyday Venetian life, from festive scenes to bustling traffic on the Grand Canal . 

A regatta on the Grand Canal in Venice

In 1731, Lord John Russell, the future 4th Duke of Bedford, commissioned Canaletto to create 24 Venetian views following his visit to the city. 

Lord John Russell is known to have paid at least £188 for the set – over five times the annual earnings of a skilled tradesperson at the time.  

“Canaletto’s work was portable and collectible,” says Gazzard. “He adopted a smaller size for his canvases so they could be rolled up and shipped easily.” 

These detailed works, now part of the world famous collection at Woburn Abbey, form the centrepiece of Canaletto’s Venice Revisited at the National Maritime Museum . 

Who was Canaletto?

The legacy of the Grand Tour 

The start of the French Revolution in 1789 marked the end of the Grand Tour. However, its legacy is still keenly felt. 

The desire to explore and learn about different places and cultures through travel continues to endure. The legacy of the Grand Tour can also be seen in the artworks and objects that adorn the walls of stately homes and museums, and the many cultural influences that travellers brought back to Britain. 

A painting showing the Grand Canal during a festival. The canal is filled with gondolas and other craft, while the banks are lined with people

Canaletto's Venice Revisited

Woburn Abbey logo in white

Main image:  The Piazza San Marco looking towards the Basilica San Marco and the Campanile by Canaletto . From the Woburn Abbey Collection . Canaletto painting in body copy:  Regatta on Grand Canal  by Canaletto  From the Woburn Abbey Collection

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The Educated Traveller

History of the grand tour .

In the early years of the 18th and 19th centuries it was fashionable, for wealthy British families, to send their son and heir on a tour of Europe. A trip that was designed to introduce the young ‘ milord ‘ to the art, history and culture of Italy. The British educational system was based on Latin and Greek literature and philosophy. An educated person was taught the classics from a very early age. Whilst the original Grand Tourists were mostly male, there were a few enlightened families who sent their daughters to ‘the continent’ too. Aristocratic families regarded this journey to Europe as an opportunity to complete their education. The journey was known as the ‘Grand Tour’. The young gentlemen and a few ladies were often accompanied by a ‘learned guide’ a person who could act as a tutor and chaperone. These guides, usually highly educated, were known in Italian as ‘ cicerone’  and it was their job to explain the history, art and literature of Italy to their young charges.

A ‘Grand Tour’ generally included visits to Rome, Naples, Venice and Florence. On the journey south Geneva or Montreux in Switzerland were popular stopping off points too. Think Daisy Miller in Henry James novella of the same name. Wealthy families traversed Europe, often for months on end, absorbing every possible palace, party and picnic in the process. For many it was a very long and decadent party for others it was a necessary departure from their homeland until the dust of a divorce, bankruptcy or other social scandal had settled.

Grand Tour - historic map showing a possible route from England through France across the Alps and down into Italy (marked in red).

THE JOURNEY – Young gentlemen would make the journey south from The British Isles, either by ship or overland by horse and carriage. There are numerous reports of these young travellers being made chronically ill by travel sickness, rough seas and ‘foreign food’. In the 1730s and 1740s roads were rough and full of potholes, carriages could expect to cover a maximum of 15-20 miles per day. Highwaymen and groups of brigands often preyed on travellers, hoping to steal money and jewels. In the days of the ‘Grand Tour’ travel wasn’t for the faint-hearted .   Crossing the Alps was a particular challenge. Depending on the age and level of fitness of travellers, it may have been necessary to hire a sedan chair to be carried, literally, by strong local men over various Alpine passes. In fact the ‘chairmen of Mont Cenis’ close to Val d’Isere were known throughout the Alps for their strength and dexterity. These ‘chair carriers’ worked in pairs and groups of four, six or even eight men – they physically carried the ‘Grand Tourists’ over the Alps.

GT - Sir William Watkins crosses the Alps in a sedan chair

TRAVELLING – Having endured a crossing of the Alps the young ‘milordi’ would head to Milan or Turin where the local British consulate would offer a warm welcome. However,  the really attractive destinations were further away, particularly Venice, Florence, Rome and Naples. These cities were renowned for their entertainment, lavish parties and sense of fun. There’s a fantastic cartoon, by David Allen (above) showing a young aristocrat arriving in Piazza di Spagna, Rome. His carriage is instantly surrounded by local touts, street performers, actors and actresses, all anxious to separate young ‘Algernon’ from his trunk full of cash! It’s interesting to remember that the Italians have been welcoming tourists to their lands for centuries. They’ve learned a thing or two about helping newly arrived foreigners!

VENICE – In Venice the British Consul Joseph Smith was an art collector and supporter of local artists. Smith lived in a small palace on the Grand Canal, filled with paintings, art, books and coins. He was patron of Canaletto, probably the most famous and popular Venetian painter of his day. Canaletto painted ‘vedute’ scenes of Venice. Every Grand Tourist wanted to leave with a Canaletto painting as a souvenir of the Grand Tour. Smith’s art collection was so impressive that a young King George III purchased the entire collection in 1762, when he was himself on the Grand Tour. So Joseph Smith’s art collection became the basis of the British ‘Royal Collection’ of art much of which can still be seen at Buckingham Palace or in the National Gallery, London today. Whilst in Venice the young Grand Tourists would attend concerts, visit churches and wherever possible attend a ball or two. Venice at Carnival time was a particular fascination – an opportunity to put on a mask and be whoever you wanted to be!

London - canaletto - WC - Bacino San Marco

A typical Grand Tour of Europe could last up to two years and would always include several months staying in each city visited.

This impossibly romantic image of Lord Byron (poet) arriving on the Venetian island of San Lazzaro to be welcomed by the Armenian community there (Painting 1890s)

Florence was popular for its renaissance art, magnificent country villas and gardens, whilst Rome was essential for proper, classical, ancient ruins. Venice was the party city, especially at the time of Carnival. Naples was regarded as the home of archaeology, excavations at Pompeii and Herculaneum began in the 1730s and Vesuvius was quite active at this time. Plumes of volcanic gases and occasional lava flows would illuminate the mountain after dark. The Grand Tourists would position themselves on the lower slopes of the volcano to watch the nightly spectacle.

IN ROME – many of the Grand Tourists funded excavation work in and around the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. Many of the Grand Tourists wanted to acquire a Roman statue or sculpture to take home as a souvenir. There were numerous stonemasons working in and around the basement of the Colosseum, creating modern and ‘antique’ marble sculptures. Even in the 18th century demand exceeded supply in the ‘genuine Roman sculpture market’. Many Grand Tourists left for home with an ‘original’ antique Roman statue, which years later, under expert examination turned out to be a fake! The artist Panini painted several imaginary compositions of young Grand Tourists surrounded by paintings of Roman buildings and ruins. Each of the ‘ruins’ in the paintings was based on an actual Roman building. For example, in the painting below The Pantheon is clearly visible just to the right of the two standing gentlemen. Above the Pantheon is the Colosseum. On the left of the painting above the two seated gentlemen the Roman arches of Constantine and Septimius Severus can be seen.

GT - Giovanni_Paolo_Panini_–_Ancient_Rome

Roma Antica – by Giovanni Paolo Pannini c. 1754 – Stuttgart Art Museum

The Grand Tour inspired many travellers to take a greater interest in Roman history and art. The study of archaeology was born at this time with extensive excavations taking place in Pompeii, Herculaneum and in the area of the Roman Forum in Rome. The British School at Rome was established to learn more about the Roman ruins and to fund excavations. The School still exists today. Below is another painting by Pannini showing the wonders of Modern Rome (1750s) – featuring details of Baroque fountains, palaces and elegant piazzas. These exceptionally detailed paintings effectively catalogue the ‘ancient marbles’ discovered in Italy by the middle years of the 18th century.

GT - Giovanni_Paolo_Panini_–_Modern_Rome

NAPLES – for fun and excitement on the Grand Tour was very popular. Lord Hamilton, British Ambassador in Naples was a wonderful host and put on spectacular parties and musical evenings. His second wife Emma Hamilton would dress in Roman and Greek style clothing and perform a series of ‘Attitudes’ where guests had to guess her identity. It was here at the Hamilton residence that Emma attracted the attention of Lord Nelson, British naval hero of the day, and they became lovers.

Meanwhile Vesuvius , the volcano that dominates the Bay of Naples was having an active phase in the 1760s and 1770s, most days steam could be seen rising from the crater and frequently, especially after nightfall, streams of glowing lava could be observed. Lord Hamilton wrote several articles on Vesuvius and the lava flows that he witnessed. Many visiting painters were inspired to paint Vesuvius and the surrounding area. The science of vulcanology was in its infancy. The spectacle that Vesuvius offered visitors most nights must have seemed quite extraordinary to the early Grand Tourists – typically away from home in strange and different lands for the first time.

Joseph_Wright_of_Derby_-_Vesuvius_from_Portici 1774-6

From Naples it was relatively easy to arrange transport on a British ship back to England. So Naples was a popular end point for the 18th century Grand Tour. The young aristocrats would board a ship bound for England and assuming no rough seas they’d be home within a few weeks. Typically they’d have extensive luggage including marble statues and friezes from Rome, paintings and glassware from Venice, even lava samples and pumice stone from Naples . All these souvenirs would be displayed with great pride in the family home. The impact on British country houses of the Grand Tour can still be seen today. Almost every stately home in Britain has several paintings by Canaletto, commissioned during the Grand Tour. Many stately homes have a sculpture gallery, often specially built to accommodate the Roman statues and marble work brought back from the Grand Tour.

In a sense the Grand Tour was the start of modern tourism, it was a journey taken to learn and experience new and different styles of art, architecture and culture. A journey designed to understand and learn about Europe. The Grand Tour was a couple of years enjoying the best that Europe (especially Italy) had to offer. Parties, ladies, fine food and wine – and family members at a distance – a letter from mama or papa would take weeks to arrive. The young aristocrats had freedom, fun, sun and souvenirs. What finer way to complete a young gentleman’s education. Head home with a sack full of souvenirs and a full and varied experience of life – this was escapism at its best!

A rather cruel cartoon of a young aristocrat, being accompanied on his Grand Tour by Dr James Hay - a respected antiquarian. Such learned gents were employed to escort unruly young men around Europe. They tried to teach them history, art and manners - with varying degrees of success.....

  • ‘Milordi’ is a term referring to aristocratic men, literally meaning ‘my lords’. In the days of the Grand Tour the term ‘milordi’ was an ironic and satirical way of referring to young, aristocratic men, travelling in Europe with (generally speaking) more money than sense.
  • Cicerone or bear-leader  was a popular term for a man who escorted young men of rank or wealth on their travels on the  Grand Tour . The role of cicerone or bear-leader blended elements of  tutor, chaperone and companion. These tutor-companions were often hired to keep the young ‘milordi’ out of trouble and to ensure that they didn’t do anything to embarrass their families. The name Cicerone originally comes from ‘Cicero’ referring to the famous Roman orator, politician, thinker and writer., who lived from 106-43 BC.

Many of London’s museums have exceptional collections of Italian and Greek paintings and sculptures as a result of the Grand Tour. The National Gallery has an amazing collection: https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/learn-about-art/paintings-in-depth/the-grand-tour

  • I’ve written about Herculaneum at the time of the eruption of Vesuvius in 79AD.
  • I’ve also written other articles about Naples and Herculaneum:
  • Herculaneum – a very bright future…..
  • Naples, A Crazy Prince and fantastic pizza…
  • To learn more about unique travel opportunities and tailor-made journeys check out our sister web site:  Grand Tourist  for ideas and examples of exceptional travel experiences.
  • The picture at the top of this article (reproduced below) is by German 19th century painter Carl Spitzweg. It is a wonderful, and humorous portrayal of earnest English tourists soaking in the atmosphere at a ruined temple site (it could be Paestum, south of Naples). Although I think it might be Agrigento, Sicily. The artist has captured the mood of the ‘Grand Tourists’, just look carefully at the characters!

Artist - Carl Spitzweg - English Tourists in the 'Campagna' c. 1835

Herculaneum, Roman seaside town, buried by eruption of Vesuvius 79 AD (left). Map (right) shows areas excavated by 1908

  • NOTE: Journeys in Europe are designed by our sister company www.grand-tourist.com drop us a line to discuss your perfect grand tour.
  • Written: 23-11-17
  • Updated: 15-11-20 / 10-01-2022 / 10-12-2023

#grandtour #grandtourist #educatedtraveller #archaeology

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30 thoughts on “ history of the grand tour  ”.

So THIS is where the name for your tour company originated! I feel like a GRAND TOURIST when I’m traveling with you, Janet–learning as I travel just like the folks from centuries ago! Thanks for this terrific background article!

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I was going to say the same as Mary Lou Peters, and congratulate you on your four bears (Darn that predictive text – I had actually dictated “congratulate you on your forebears”!) – A truly riveting and informative article – superb reading – thank you so much for that!

Thank you John – appreciated!

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Excellent, enjoyably breezy summary of a very important 18th century phenomenon, really enjoyed it, thank you.

Hi Arran – thank you so much for this kind comment. I’m delighted you enjoyed my summary!

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Hello Miss Onion – thanks for finding my blog. Please can you put the source as educated-traveller.com Thank you. Also the book about the Grand Tour is by Brian Dolan (Katie Hickman just wrote a review) If you want a little more background on the Grand Tour just ask – I run a travel business called Grand Tourist as well as writing my blog! Have a good day.

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Thanks for linking to my ‘History of the Grand Tour’. Curiously I too was an undergraduate at Oxford, although not one of the drunken ones. Were you a Rhodes or a Fulbright Scholar? The authors who wrote for the original Grand Tourists were people like John Murray and Baedeker. In fact you couldn’t call yourself a serious ‘tourist’ without a small red volume of either writer tucked under your arm!

Absolutely amazing piece. Thank you for providing such interesting information!

Thank you Natalia x

Thank you for including my article in your list. I am fascinated by the Grand Tour – possibly Adam Smith’s decision to leave his post and become a private tutor, meandering around Europe, was not such an unusual one. Certainly the Italian cities of Venice, Florence, Rome and Naples were filled with eager ‘tourists’ anxious to learn and often to finance restoration of ancient buildings. It must have been a very interesting time.

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Grand Tour of Ireland

A long stretch of cliffside topped with green grass along a blue ocean at sunset

This is the Ireland you’ve always imagined: pub-lined streets, lush emerald countryside, historic castles and cathedrals, and more lakes and lochs than you can count. So whether you’re Irish to your core or only on March 17, there’s plenty of good craic to go around.

Picture yourself

Sipping a freshly-brewed pint at the Guinness Brewhouse

Kissing the Blarney Stone to score the gift of gab

Connecting with nature throughout the Ring of Kerry

Pub crawling along Quay Street in Galway

Searching for puffins high atop the Cliffs of Moher

What you'll get

Round-trip flights & airport transfers (or book 'em yourself)

7 nights in handpicked accommodations

7 breakfasts and 2 dinners

Expert Tour Director

24/7 support from our travel gurus

Insider city tours with local guide

Guinness Storehouse tour and free pint

Guided tour of St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Stop at the world-famous Cliffs of Moher

Map for the Grand Tour of Ireland tour

Find your seat, pick a movie, and then try to get a wee bit of shuteye. The majesty and raw beauty of Ireland awaits.

Welcome to Dublin, the capital of Ireland! Once you arrive and drop your bags off at the accommodation, take a stroll to St. Stephen’s Green, Grafton Street, and Temple bar, where pub culture, literary history, and all-around charm await.

In the evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner of local cuisine and drinks with fellow travelers at an authentic local spot. Afterwards, you’re free to take the party elsewhere!

Today's highlights:

  • Land at the airport and meet a waiting EF representative.
  • Transfer to your hotel to check in and check out your room.
  • Get familiar with the area around your hotel with an introductory walk with your Tour Director.

Today, see the best Dublin has to offer with a local guide on a tour of the city. Afterwards, enjoy a free afternoon in this bayside Irish capital.

  • Enter St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the 800-year-old church named after the famous saint.
  • Visit the Guinness Storehouse for a crash course in the history of Ireland’s signature beer. Then, let it all soak in high above Dublin with pints at Gravity Bar.
  • Pass by Trinity College, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities, home to the storied library that inspired Hogwarts’ own.
  • Sample Dublin’s natural beauty and urban escape at Phoenix Park—the largest park in Europe.

Free time suggestions

Book of Kells: Stick around Trinity College after your tour for a chance to see the Book of Kells—a pristine 1,200-year old illustrated collection of biblical stories—up-close. Jameson Distillery: Sick of stout? Switch things up in favor of the strong stuff with a guided tour and whiskey tasting at the Jameson Distillery Bow St.

Continue by bus to Kilkenny a small city full of Irish charm, medieval architecture, and the most iconic ale in the country. Get ready to eat, drink, drink again, and be very merry.

  • Watch the emerald hills roll along as you head from city to countryside.
  • Arrive in Kilkenny and check in to your accommodation.
  • Walk "The Medieval Mile,” featuring 14th-century castles, inns, and towers.
  • Raise a glass of Smithwick’s, Ireland’s best red ale that has been brewed since 1710.

Kilkenny Design Centre: Buy yourself something nice at the Kilkenny Design Centre. Here you can find handcrafted, artisanal gifts from all over the country. It’s like Etsy, but you can touch stuff before you buy. Bridie's General Store: From the outside, Bridie’s General Store looks like an old-fashioned store to buy groceries or souvenirs. And it is. But continue to the back and find a full service pub (indoor and outdoor seating). Talk about a winning combination. Kilkenny Castle: We promised you medieval architecture, and Kilkenny Castle delivered. Originally built in 1195, the castle has had a full makeover, and is open to the public for guided tours of its stunning interior and gardens.

Shamrock shake things up as you leave Kilkenny behind for the quintessential Irish countryside of County Kerry’s rolling hills, tranquil lakes, and plenty of sheep. On the way, stop at the famed Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone.

  • Board your private bus from Kilkenny to County Kerry, taking in the pristine Irish countryside along the way.
  • Stretch your legs—and your lips—at Blarney Castle. Legend has it that those who smooch the namesake stone are bestowed with that iconic Irish charm: the gift of gab.
  • Continue on to County Kerry and enjoy some free time to hit the pubs in the evening.

County Kerry Pubs: County Kerry is known for its raucous pub scene. Locals and visitors alike drink and sing with the bar band well into the wee hours of morning. Irish Cuisine: The Irish know comfort food. Try the shepherd’s pie, corned beef & cabbage, or Guinness beef stew.

Clear your camera roll and prepare to become Instagram famous as you traverse the must-see Ring of Kerry, stopping at each amazing panoramic vista, castle, or ocean view.

  • Encounter magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Lakes of Killarney, Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, and more.
  • Pick your jaw off the floor after a day of unreal views, and head back to County Kerry for some nighttime free time.

Irish Whiskey Experience: The Irish Whiskey Experience in Killarney is the perfect masterclass for aficionados and new-comers alike. Buy a ticket and sign up for a class of your choice—from taste-testings to cheese plate pairings. Killarney National Park: Need more outdoors time? Take visit to the wondrous expanse of Killarney National Park. Where else can you find mountains, castles, woodlands, and waterfalls all in one place?

You’re off to Galway, a city famous for live music, street performers, and art shows. On the way, stop at the Cliffs of Moher for breathtaking views of the coastline.

  • Gawk at the Cliffs of Moher—limestone walls of rock that dominate the coast for five miles and rise to staggering heights of 700 feet
  • Arrive in beautiful Galway and take it all in on a walk along the banks of the River Corrib, gaze at the picture perfect Galway Bay, then get stoked for a night out in a new town.

Quay Street: Quay Street is a pub-crawler’s heaven. Pick a starting point, have a pint, and see where it takes you. Buskers: Busking, or street performing, is basically Galway’s favorite pastime. Catch the best fiddle player you’ve ever seen on one corner, and a blazing banjoist on the next.

Raise your glass, here’s to one more rowdy day in the British Isles! We know you’ll make it count. Before heading out for the day, take a moment to reflect on all the Guinness, rolling meadows, hearty food, and  craic  you’ve had. Ready? Go make some memories!

Eyre Square: The end of the rainbow in Galway leads to Eyre Square—a bustling center of shops, cafes, and art, though no known pot of gold sightings—yet. Irish Coffee: Vodka Red Bull’s Irish cousin packs a caffeinated punch of coffee, whiskey, and Bailey’s. Please enjoy responsibly.

Farewell Dinner Share some last laughs and revisit the best moments of the trip at this included farewell dinner with the group.

Take a ferry ride to the Aran Islands, where old traditions and iconic Irish countryside are hanging on strong. Don't miss Dún Aengus, a 2,000-year-old fort with walls that go right to the edge of a cliff high above the sea. Why wait? Save money by booking this optional excursion before your trip departs.

Slán libh, a cháirde! Translation: Goodbye, friends. Before you head to the airport, make sure to take one more group photo and grab that final drink. But this isn’t goodbye because you can always get the gang back together for another trip soon. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, we have a couple ways to keep your vacation going.

EXTEND YOUR TRIP 2 WAYS

1. Double the fun A lot of our trips line up back to back! Give us a call—we can help you add another and save big while you're at it.

2. Go ahead or stay behind Extending your trip is easy! During checkout, you'll have the option to fly to (or from) the gateway of your choice for an additional fee. We'll adjust your flights accordingly, but you'll be responsible to take care of your transportation, hotels, and other logistics outside of tour.

Note: Depending on your desired gateways, additional fees may apply.

Don’t think twice, book this trip now!

Like a dream

I don’t think I can put into words how amazing this trip is. I went completely solo and can honestly say I made friends as soon as I landed. Fabrice was an amazing tour director and had us laughing through Irleand. If you are on the fence about this trip just click that book button. I promise you won’t regret it!

Inclusive, Diverse, Orderly - YES!

This was my first EF tour and I was not disappointed at all in the slightest! My tour guide Fab was on the money and took care to make sure everything flowed well. I felt like I was able to truly enjoy my travel with a safety net just in case anything went wrong. I’m already booking my next trip!

Fantastic tour

Overall, one of the best trips I'll ever experience. Amazing cities and towns, people are super friendly and hospitable, our tour director was very knowledgable and down-to-earth, and met some the most amazing people. The memories from this trip will remain forever.

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Grand Canyon Tours & Trips

Explore the terracotta wonders of America with a Grand Canyon vacation package. Weave through impressive gorges in Lake Powell, step back in time to the Wild West on a road trip through Monument Valley, and finally let your hair down in the Entertainment Capital of the World, Las Vegas!

86 Grand Canyon tour packages with 225 reviews

Grand Canyon and Sedona Tour Tour

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Grand Canyon and Sedona Tour

Sedona, Monument Valley & Antelope Canyon – 3 days Tour

Sedona, Monument Valley & Antelope Canyon – 3 days

It was an amazing experience. The leading team (Lorenzo and Pat) were very knowledgeable and made the tour fun. A plus, considering the time we spend on the bus. The driver (Tom) was top notch as well. The sites were out of this world. Definitely something to see.

Grand Canyon and More 3 day tour Tour

  • Sightseeing

Grand Canyon and More 3 day tour

The tour and guide were great. I would have liked more time in the Grand Canyon as that experience seemed rushed and I didn’t get to hike as much as I would have liked. However, all the stops and people leading us in the Navajo Nation, Antelope Canyon, etc were wonderful. I would definitely recommend that everyone take part in the Antelope Canyon tour unless you have difficulties maneuvering a ladder. That was a remarkable experience! Being a solo traveler, I did find it a bit awkward that I was touring with a family of four. They were wonderful and kind, but since I had some flexibility of when to travel, I had emailed and asked if there was as a tour that was recommended for solo travelers. Although the response was somewhat vague, I took it to mean a variety of travelers included multiple parties. Five in the tour - as a family of four and me- seemed a bit unusual. I left with an overall good experience and I’m glad a booked. (Hotels were good and offered a hot breakfast.)
  • 5% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Western Deserts – 3 days Tour

  • Active Adventure
  • Cultural Photography

Western Deserts – 3 days

We had a terrific guide in Lorenzo. He clearly enjoyed his job and was very organised. He made sure to cater to all ages and explained if some of the walks in the national parks were steep or had many stairs and offered alternative routes or other parts of the park to see. Would definitely recommend this trip. We also had a great driver, Tom, who safely got us from A to B.

National Parks Winter Tour Tour

National Parks Winter Tour

The tour was fantastic, with great places to visit, a comfortable VAN, and excellent hotels. The tour guide was very professional and went the extra mile to ensure a pleasant experience. Highly skilled at maximizing our time and consistently devising ways to make our tour more enjoyable. Thanks Joel

Incredible Canyons of the West Experience 3D/2N (from Las Vegas) Tour

Incredible Canyons of the West Experience 3D/2N (from Las Vegas)

Great tour. Saw 4 national parks in 3 days. Glad we chose the 3 day. Our guide was the greatest and had everything planned perfectly.
  • 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Discover American Canyonlands National Geographic Journeys Tour

  • Mountain Hikes

Discover American Canyonlands National Geographic Journeys

Matthew (CEO) was great. As issues/challenges arose (which they inevitably do) Matthew addressed them, and provided options/alternatives, which he presented to the group and the group came to a consensus. A suggestion for Management/Tour Operator, The "meeting" with a Native American who was to talk about his/her Native American culture, should be given "guardrails" and stay within their "Lane". There are those who do not share the presenter's same political viewpoint as the presenter and the presenter should respect that his/her audience may have differing political viewpoint(s) and stay away from brining politics into their presentation. Again Matthew (CEO) was a great ambassador for the Tour Operator and we would definitely take another tour/trip with Matthew!

Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and the Grand Canyon, Ending in LAX Tour

Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and the Grand Canyon, Ending in LAX

Special Las Vegas with Grand Canyon Tour

Special Las Vegas with Grand Canyon

Canyon Country Adventure Tour

Canyon Country Adventure

Best tour ever. Everyone had a fantastic trip. 2 nights in most hotels really added to the vacation experience.

Canyon Country Showcase (7 Days, Las Vegas Airport And Post Trip Hotel Transfer) Tour

Canyon Country Showcase (7 Days, Las Vegas Airport And Post Trip Hotel Transfer)

USA – 5 Days Grand Canyon Rim to Rim Backpacking Adventure Tour

USA – 5 Days Grand Canyon Rim to Rim Backpacking Adventure

Summer Rim to Rim Tour

Summer Rim to Rim

Western USA Family Holiday Tour

Western USA Family Holiday

Golden West Adventure - Los Angeles Airport Tour

Golden West Adventure - Los Angeles Airport

Reviews of grand canyon tours.

Tour guide a great humanist able to reach out to all, domestic and foreign, to first form individual friendships that then led collectively to group bonding to experience nature's wonders. All members of our group became friends sharing the influence of our guide who understands human nature the way God would have it.
It was an absolutely stellar tour with great value for money, and I would take another with Bindlestiff, no doubt. Our guide, Charlie, was the buddy you wanted to bring you along, sharing many insights and tales. Meeting the Navajo and enjoying the spectacular landscapes and parks have become memories for life.
Loved the tour guide and bus driver

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Europe Tours & Packages

Our Europe tours offer panoramic views of Paris, France

Whether you want to take your time and explore one country in depth or compare and contrast a couple, you're sure the find the perfect Europe tour from our selection of over 250 tours and river cruises from award-winning travel brands.

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Europe tours by region.

If you’re looking for royal castles, romantic ruins, historic buildings, and cosmopolitan cities, you can find it all on a European tour! Whether you’re visiting chic Paris in Western Europe, enjoying the architecture of Prague in Eastern Europe, or sightseeing through the British Isles of the United Kingdom, there’s lots to explore traveling in Europe. Check out the following recommendations for a taste of what each region offers.

Great Britain & Ireland

A tour of Great Britain , the isle comprising England , Scotland, and Wales, could take you to medieval castles, charming villages, wild moors, ancient ruins, and bustling cities. Head north to explore highlands and lochs, find ancient ruins and warm up with a nip of scotch whisky because a Scotland tour has it all! While in the United Kingdom , be sure to visit Belfast , Londonderry, and the legendary Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim, Northern Island.

Who can resist the charm of Ireland ? A tour through Ireland offers travelers wild coastlines, jagged cliffs, regal castles, famous dance moves, and lively music in local pubs. The capital of Dublin is well-known for its draw to travelers with iconic sites like The Guinness Storehouse at St. James's Gate, the famously red Temple Bar, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Trinity College , and the Book of Kells. 

Northern Europe

Take a tour of Iceland to chase the most spectacular show on Earth—the Northern Lights and see the breathtaking night sky filled with the aurora borealis and its vast spectrum of color. Discover Viking heritage and breathtaking Scandinavian scenery on a Sweden vacation. Visit Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid gazing wistfully across the harbor in Copenhagen, Denmark ’s capital. In Finland ’s capital, Helsinki, see the modern marble façades of Finlandia Hall, the Senate and the colorful stalls in Market Square. Norway 's incredible glacier countryside beckons travelers with deep blue waters surrounded by majestic snow-capped peaks and lush green landscapes.

Southern Europe

It’s said that if you only visit one European city in your life, make it Rome, Italy . With iconic sites like the Colosseum , Roman Forum, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain , and the Pantheon, plus Vatican City right next door, it’s the perfect first stop on a tour of Italy . Then travel to Florence for the art and Venice for the romance. Make sure you eat as much pasta and pizza as possible while you travel Italy and also try the famous Italian wines .

Venture across the Ionian sea to Greece , famous for its history, cerulean blue sea, sun-drenched Aegean islands , fresh Mediterranean diet, and warm, hospitable people.

Western Europe

Gourmet cuisine, wine, elegant architecture, world-class museums, high fashion, and stunning scenery are all the ingredients for a perfect French vacation! A trip to the Netherlands is like stepping back in time with its picturesque canals, charming windmills, spectacular tulip fields, clogs, and bicycles.

From paella to Peñíscola, tapas to Toledo, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Iberian Peninsula on a Spanish vacation. Begin your Spain tour in Madrid—Europe’s highest capital—and see Plaza Mayor, Gran Vía, Puerta Del Sol, and the Cibeles Fountain. Take a trip to Portugal and discover its tradition as one of the great European naval powers, the music of the Fado guitar, and Port wine from vineyards along the Douro River Valley.

Further east, you can breathe in crisp mountain air from the rooftop of Europe on a tour of Switzerland . From the Matterhorn to Stanserhorn, the magnificent Swiss Alps cover 60 percent of the country. And a tour of Germany could take you from the fairytales of the Brothers Grimm in the Black Forest to Saxony and the cultural treasures of Dresden to the ancient city of Cologne on the Rhine .

Eastern Europe

Get off the beaten path with a trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina on the Balkan peninsula. Croatia beckons visitors to its cerulean Adriatic waters, medieval cities, and beautiful national parks.

A unique fusion of the East and West, Turkey’s cultural roots stem from almost every major Eurasian empire. 

Looking for even more inspiration? Check out our Expert Travel Advice on Trip Planning and Art & Culture to learn more about Europe travel.

Frequently Asked Questions About Europe Tours

  • When is the best time to tour Europe? While you can visit Europe all year round, most travelers prefer to visit Europe during the warmer months of June to September. More often than not, you’ll find that the sky is bright and blue, the beaches are wonderful, and the weather is perfect. Still, traveling to Europe in the Spring, Winter, and Fall has several benefits. Sites are less crowded, the weather is milder, and there are seasonal events happening like Tulip Festivals in Spring or Christmas Markets during the holidays. Want to learn more? Read all about choosing the best time for you to travel to Europe .
  • What are the best places to visit in Europe? This answer depends on what you're specifically looking for in a vacation. If you're looking to dive into the culture via the food scene, then Italy, Spain, and France are amazing places to tour. Try countries like Croatia, Greece, and Portugal if you want warmer weather and sandy beaches. For more historical sightseeing, visit Prague in the Czech Republic or Bosnia and Herzegovina in Eastern Europe. If you're a nature lover, you can't go wrong with a trip to Switzerland, Iceland, or Germany. There are so many unique places to enjoy when you travel Europe that it's hard to choose just one reason to go! Check out our picks for the top 20 cities to visit in Europe .
  • What is the best way to tour Europe for the first time? A guided vacation is the best way to tour Europe for the first time. When you travel on a guided vacation, everything is organized for you: the best hotels, the finest meals, must-see sights, the best experiences, and comfortable transportation from one place to the next. Plus, each tour is accompanied by a Travel Director, an expert with a finger on the pulse of the destinations. That means no unpleasant surprises, language barriers, or stress. Simply worry-free travel.
  • How many months in advance should I plan a trip to Europe? We recommend you start to plan your trip to Europe between 3 -10 months before you want to travel. Though, airlines don’t publish fares much further out than 10-11 months. You should look to book your vacation once you can lock in your flights. Luckily, we take care of all of that for you. If travelers know they want to go for a special anniversary or event, they’ll book years in advance so they know they’re set and can let us handle it from there.  It’s important to make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after you’re planning to return to the states. Planning earlier allows you plenty of time to renew your passport if needed. Travel rules are changing daily If you're not sure, ask your Travel Specialist or find out more with our simple destination guide .
  • How much does an average tour of Europe cost? No matter what you plan to see or where you’d like to go, you can choose Grand European Travel to plan and book your tour of Europe. When you travel with Grand European Travel, the average tour costs approximately $3,500. Though, we offer great value vacations that start as low as $1,125.
  • Decide WHERE you want to go Do you want to see one or more countries? Do you want to spend lots of time in one place, or move around? Are you looking for a relaxing trip to unwind or an in-depth trip that dives deep into a culture? Depending on what you’re looking for in a vacation, the places you’ll choose to go will vary. If you have a general idea of the region or area you want to visit, it’s easier to start narrowing down what you want to do while there.
  • Decide WHAT you want to see Are you looking to see just the iconic sites of a couple of places to get a taste of Europe and the countries you might like? Are you looking to explore in depth a region you’ve already visited and want to see again? Are there sites you simply cannot miss so you’ll need to make sure you get there while on your trip? Or, is there a special place, maybe nostalgic in ways, that you’d like to visit in Europe? Jot down a few of the highlights you’d like to hit along the way. This will help guide you to exactly when you’d like to travel.
  • Decide WHEN you want to go Again, depending on what you want to do, the time of year you’d like to go is important to figure out. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway in Venice, you might not want to visit during the high-water months. If you’re trying to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, you shouldn't go in June. Want to save some money by traveling in the Off-Season, or simply need to see the Italian Lakes in Fall? If you know where you want to go and what’s important you want to do while there, then you’ll be able to figure out the general months you’re looking to travel. 
  • Decide HOW MUCH you want to spend on your trip If you’re planning a trip of a lifetime, you’re probably going to want to splurge a bit. If you’re looking for an overview of European countries and know you’ll be going back to ones you like, you might not need to spend as much as you think. If you want an all-inclusive, luxury experience it will more than likely cost more than a tour with more optionals to add on as you go.

Why Should You Visit Europe?

There are unlimited reasons to travel to Europe. It is bursting with history, culture, and surreal landscapes, as well as a multitude of cuisines, regional wines, customs, and hospitality unique to every country on the continent. Needless to say, if you’re seeking adventure, a relaxing trip, or even just a break from the regular, you should travel to Europe.

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Formula One & MotoGP™ Packages. Tailor-made Motorsport Travel.

Grand Prix Grand Tours offers fully inclusive F1 ® & MotoGP™ Packages, plus the greatest European driving holidays. Drive stunning roads, stay at beautiful hotels, and watch the greatest drivers & riders do battle.

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Grand Prix Grand Tours are proud to be able to offer the best Driving Holidays, Grand Prix Packages, and MotoGP™ Packages. As a Grand Prix Grand Tourist you will get visit all the F1 Grands Prix & Moto GP™, drive the Stelvio Pass and the Andermatt Loop, and dine in Cannes overlooking the harbour. Our scenic car tours visit the most exciting Grands Prix, drive the most exhilarating mountain passes, and stay at stunning hotels in exotic locations. We even offer helicopter transfers, VIP yacht packages, exclusive official hospitality, and many more. A Grand Prix Grand Tour is the best way to satisfy your passion for speed, sophistication, and exhilaration.

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The Grand Circle is the ultimate US Southwest road trip

Sep 14, 2020 • 6 min read

White Pocket at Vermilion Cliffs National Monument in Arizona.

White Pocket at Vermilion Cliffs National Monument in Arizona © Getty Images

Driving the Grand Circle can take up to three weeks, but a spectacular eight-to-10 day portion centers around the Grand Canyon and features bold colors, fascinating geological shapes and textures and living history of our indigenous culture at every turn. Amidst views, hikes and grandeur, it includes stops in town for local art, cuisine and culture and where to sleep at night. Here’s how to hit the road for the best of the Southwest. 

The Grand Circle consists of five Southwestern states – Arizona , New Mexico , Colorado , Utah and Nevada – and has America’s largest concentration of national parks and monuments. It’s perfect for a majestic road trip of scenic byways, sheer cliffs, and purple, orange and indigo mesas. 

White etchings mark a dark brown stone at Parowan, in Arizona

Parowan & Cedar City, Utah

Parowan is home to the first pioneer settlement in Utah, heritage museums, as well as famous landmarks such as the geometric petroglyphs at Parowan Gap. These ancient symbols were carved into cliff faces along the same path that local people have used for centuries. 

Take a 23 minute drive “downtown” to Cedar City, Utah, and relax after hiking with a wine tasting at IG Winery & Tasting Room , featuring world-class signature blends. Be sure to try one of the famous cinnamon rolls in Parowan Cafe , which are made fresh every morning and can sell out by lunch.  

Kanab, Utah  

Both Parowan and Kanab, Utah, are ideal basecamps for the Grand Circle’s natural wonders. 

One of them, Peekaboo Slot Canyon is a 10-minute drive from Kanab and needs an arranged tour. It is less crowded than the more well-known slot canyon at Upper Antelope (your next stop), but requires some rock scrambling, including about a 12ft hike to enter. The narrow, swirled arches are carved out of sandstone created by centuries of water rushing and are every shade of orange, depending on the sunlight.

Head to “downtown” Kanab for dinner at Rocking V , an eclectic art gallery/cafe for creative dishes. Sleep at Red Canyon cabin, which is set in a quiet area on the edge of town, but close enough to walk to the visitor center. 

If you can afford it, splurge on a flightseeing trip in the morning to get to your next destination for an incredible air tour of Lake Powell and Horseshoe Bend and endless views of erosion-sculpted deep gorges weaving in and out of the shimmering blue lake.  

Upper Antelope Canyon, Arizona.Ann Nelson.jpg

Upper Antelope Canyon: Page, AZ 

Page is located directly on Lake Powell. Just four miles out of town is the most photographed slot canyon in the world, Upper Antelope Canyon ( currently closed ). Reservations are required here with a licensed guide , and tours are limited. The soft polished red sandstone has swirls of red, white, tan and pink and the walls glow as the dust particles drift in the shafts of sunlight. It’s highly Instagrammable and simply stunning.  

Grab dinner at Lake Powell Resort and Marina’s waterfront spot, Driftwood for views, high-end burgers, and sustainable seafood. Book a lakefront room for lodging, a small Native American inspired room loaded with upscale amenities and chairs on the patio to enjoy the lake’s breathtaking sunset views. 

View From Grand Canyon Rim.Ann Nelson.JPG

Grand Canyon, AZ

At last, your centerpiece. The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long and over a mile deep from the river to the rim in some spots – the largest canyon in the world. If you like, you can bicycle around the edge, or simply hike the many trails. 

Highlights on the Southern Rim include Desert View Point and Watchtower, Moran, Lipan and Grandview Point. As you gaze at the scenery, make sure to take a look around at the viewpoint buildings too, such as the 70ft tall Desert View Watchtower ( currently closed ), designed by architect Mary Colter . Arrive before 11am for cooler temperatures, less traffic and fewer lines.

Drive downtown to Grand Canyon Village and dine at the internationally recognized 117-year-old El Tovar located in the historic hotel. Many a president and celebrity has dined here. Sleep at Yavapai Lodge in the national park, which lets you walk or bus about a mile to the South Rim. 

Tourists explore the red orange Wukoki Pueblo Ruins of Wupatki National Monument.

Flagstaff, AZ

Drive 30 miles on historic Route 66 to get to the Wupatki National Monument , an old Indian cliff dwelling between the Painted Desert and Ponderosa highlands, outcropped on red rock across miles of prairie. 

Only a mile out of town is where dwarf planet Pluto was discovered, the 125-year-old Lowell Observatory ( open only to private groups ). This is the world’s first International Dark Sky City. Gaze at the sea of stars, moon and planets for night or day tours.

Just off Route 66,  grab dinner at Tourist Home All Day Cafe , a renovated 1926 house, for an upscale Hash Bowl and drive less than a mile to sleep at Hotel Monte Vista another 20’s era landmark replete with live music, all day happy hour, two swanky lounges, lots of ghost stories and a room as charming as the historic lobby.  

Sedona, Arizona.Ann Nelson.jpg

Sedona is a well-known crystal and art lover’s New Age healing paradise, but it’s also an outdoor haven surrounded by 1.8 million acres of national forest. Amidst red-rock buttes, steep canyon walls and pine forests are numerous trailheads in the city to access Sedona’s stunning red rocks.

Drive seven miles south of uptown Sedona and start at Bell Rock for its bell-shaped striped earth-toned mesas. There is a vortex, said to be a zone of spiritual healing energy, near the breathtaking Chapel of the Holy Cross built by owner and rancher Marguerite Brunswig Staude which sits high atop the red rocks.

Sleep at Sky Ranch Lodge for the best views of the city and walk to Mesa Grill for southwestern inspired cuisine and stellar skyline views. Don’t leave without crystals and jewelry from the outdoor mall, Tlaquepaque.   

Artwork In Jerome, Arizona.Ann Nelson.jpg

Driving into this small town you will see some of the most spectacular views in Arizona. Then, downtown is art gallery hopping, or a juicy ghost tour as Jerome was once the “wickedest town in the West” with brothels, opium dens and saloon gun fights replete with potential paranormal phenomenon.

Founded in 1876 and once a copper mining boom town of 15,000 it turned into virtual ghost town (population: 50 people) after the mines closed in 1953. Artists moved in and now the winding switchback streets are now filled with painters, writers, musicians and historians.

Eat at the Haunted Hamburger , for local draft beers, cocktails and supposedly hammer-yielding ghosts. Stay at the perhaps spirit-filled former hospital Jerome Grand Hotel with gorgeous views, gilded artwork, burgundy walls, fine dining and captivating views. Get up in the morning for your last stop. 

Hiker at Watson Lake Prescott Arizona USA

Prescott, AZ

This mile-high city lies in the middle of pinon pine-covered Prescott National Forest, and has more than 15 distinctive hiking and biking trails where you can stretch your legs. Definitely hike Thumb Butte which is only a three and a half mile drive from downtown, but can get crowded. Parts are steep, but there are panoramic views of the city and neighboring mountains.

For a waterfront oasis, you can fish and boat at Watson Lake , which is only a four miles from downtown. Head back downtown for art, performances and dining – we recommend Murphy’s Prescott for elegant but moderately priced seafood. Sleep at the historic Grand Highland Hotel as it sits on Whiskey Row, which is just as famous as the town. 

You might also like: 

Now's the time to plan a fall road trip to these national parks The Grand Canyon: how to get the most from a short trip National Parks: Top 10 US travel experiences

This article was first published January 2020 and updated September 2020

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Grand Canyon National Park   Travel Guide

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Courtesy of Piriya Photography | Getty Images

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Why Go To Grand Canyon National Park

"Grand" doesn't begin to do this canyon justice. Measuring approximately 277 river miles in length, up to 18 miles in width and a mile deep, this massive chasm in northern Arizona is truly a natural wonder. For 6 million years, the Grand Canyon has expanded with the help of the mighty Colorado River, and for centuries, people from all over the globe have traveled to gaze out over its red and orange grandeur. Managed by the National Park Service and officially designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Grand Canyon leaves its approximately 4 million visitors per year awestruck.

But if you're seeking a secluded escape to Mother Nature, you should be prepared: The Grand Canyon can be very crowded. The South Rim – home to the  Grand Canyon Village and the well-worn  Bright Angel Trail  – is particularly popular for sightseers and hikers. It is on this side that you'll find the most amenities. For a break from the crowds, head to the  North Rim . This is the place for backwoods camping and hardcore hiking. For an unforgettable view of the canyon, consider signing up for a helicopter tour .

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  • # 1 in Best Places to Visit in Arizona
  • # 1 in Best Day Trips from Phoenix
  • # 2 in Best Adventure Vacations in the U.S.

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Best of Grand Canyon National Park

Best hotels in grand canyon national park.

  • # 1 in Squire Resort At The Grand Canyon, BW Signature Collection
  • # 2 in The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon
  • in Bright Angel Lodge

Squire Resort At The Grand Canyon, BW Signature Collection

Best Things to Do in Grand Canyon National Park

  • # 1 in Grand Canyon Village
  • # 2 in South Rim
  • # 3 in Mather Point

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Popular Tours

Grand Canyon Helicopter 45-Minute Flight with Optional Hummer Tour

Grand Canyon Helicopter 45-Minute Flight with Optional Hummer Tour

(121 reviews)

from $ 379.00

45-minute Helicopter Flight Over the Grand Canyon from Tusayan, Arizona

45-minute Helicopter Flight Over the Grand Canyon from Tusayan, Arizona

(1696 reviews)

from $ 399.00

Helicopter Tour of the North Canyon with Optional Hummer Excursion

Helicopter Tour of the North Canyon with Optional Hummer Excursion

(124 reviews)

from $ 249.00

Grand Canyon National Park Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best times to visit the Grand Canyon are March through May and September through November, when daytime temperatures are cool and crowds are thin. If you decide to visit during the summer (the park's peak season), be prepared for hordes of tourists and very limited lodging availability. You can find deals on hotels during the winter, but much of the park (including the entire  North Rim ) closes after the first snowfall. The South Rim is open throughout the year.

Weather in Grand Canyon National Park

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Bring layers  Even if you're visiting in the midst of summer, you can bank on chilly winds once the sun goes down. Make sure to bring a jacket to keep warm.

Don't forget your permits If you are planning on setting up camp away from the designated campgrounds, you will need a backcountry permit. You can find information about necessary forms and fees on the NPS website .

Consider a daytrip to Antelope Canyon The majestic Antelope Canyon is located about 130 miles northeast of the Grand Canyon Village. Find must-know tips, as well as some of the best Antelope Canyon tours here .

Keep an eye on the time With the exception of land that is part of the Navajo Nation, Arizona (including the Grand Canyon) does not observe daylight saving time. 

How to Save Money in Grand Canyon National Park

BYOB  Bring your own bed. Hotel rooms inside the park can be pretty pricey. Instead, reserve a spot in one of the campgrounds for a fraction of the cost.

Arrive fashionably late  If you're set on a summer trip, you'll have better luck finding deals on a place to hang your hat if you visit at the end of August.

Forget the car You can save money on car rentals and gas and avoid parking headaches by relying on the Grand Canyon's free shuttle bus service . It's the easiest way to explore the South Rim. If you just want to visit for the day, consider signing up for an organized tour. Many of the best Arizona tours offer daytrips from cities like Flagstaff to the national park. With a tour, you can ditch the car and enjoy the guidance of an experienced local.

What to Eat

Unlike many other national parks, the Grand Canyon is home to several restaurants and grocery stores, meaning you won't necessarily have to stock up on supplies before you enter the park. There is an abundance of establishments at the South Rim (especially Grand Canyon Village ), and fewer resources on the North Rim .

Many of the Grand Canyon's restaurants are housed within the park's lodges, including the El Tovar Hotel and Bright Angel Lodge. Travelers often prefer a quick meal at one of the on-site cafeterias in the South Rim instead of an extended (and expensive) meal at one of the park's restaurants. Notably, some recent vacationers were disappointed with some of the restaurants in nearby Tusayan, Arizona.

The greatest safety concern in the Grand Canyon is the outdoors. It is not advisable to hike or camp alone in the park, even if you know the canyon very well. Even experienced hikers have become lost in the park because they were not well-acquainted with certain trails, which can prove to be dangerous. Be sure to bring an adequate amount of water for your trip and wear sunscreen. Also check the weather before hiking, since lightning during summertime thunderstorms can be deadly.

Encountering wildlife can present another danger. The park service advises travelers keep a distance of at least 100 feet (or about two bus lengths) away from the park's larger animals, such as elk, deer, bighorn sheep, California condors and mountain lions. As for smaller animals, such as squirrels, birds and reptiles, visitors should stay at least 50 feet (about one bus length) away.

The Grand Canyon is a relatively safe park in terms of crime. If you park your car within the canyon, be sure to lock your vehicle and safeguard any belongings just in case. For more information, see the National Park Service's website .  

Getting Around Grand Canyon National Park

The best way to get around the Grand Canyon is by shuttle bus. Operated by the National Park Service, these free shuttles will take you all around the South Rim. If you're visiting the  North Rim , a car will be the most convenient option, but make sure to check the park's website for updates on road conditions and closures.

Getting to the area can be trickier; of the numerous airports, many travelers choose to fly into  Phoenix 's Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) or Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in  Las Vegas . Tour buses (such as those featured in the best Arizona tours ) and car rentals are all available from both Phoenix and Las Vegas. To land closer to the canyon, consider flying into Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) in Flagstaff, Arizona , about 80 miles south of the South Rim. Amtrak trains, buses (such as those provided by Groome Transportation ) and car rentals are available here as well.

Rafting along the Colorado River is a great way to see the Grand Canyon from a new vantage point.

Explore More of Grand Canyon National Park

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Step inside the grand suites on the world's most famous train, which start at $26,000 a night and come with around-the-clock butler service

  • The Venice Simpon-Orient-Express is a luxury overnight train in Europe.
  • The train's grand suite, starting at $26,000 a night, is the top tier of accommodation.
  • Each grand suite has a private bathroom with a rainfall showerhead and extravagant decor.

Insider Today

Hundred-year-old carriages from the Orient Express fleet make up the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express , Belmond's revamp of the iconic luxury sleeper train. With 60 routes in 17 cities, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is perhaps the most luxurious train in Europe . Prices start at $9,000 a night.

The train's top-tier accommodation is a grand suite. With a starting rate of $26,000 a night, these rooms are filled with luxury details and amenities unique to any other cabin on board, from a private shower to around-the-clock butler service.

Business Insider recently took a tour of the rooms as a cabin steward explained the details of each suite.

Look inside the train's most extravagant accommodations to peek at the luxury journey of a lifetime.

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is the epitome of luxury train travel in Europe.

grand tour trips

Guests are welcomed on red carpets for an overnight journey with lavishly decorated vintage carriages, fine dining restaurants, and jaw-dropping views of passing scenery.

The train has six grand suite accommodations — each with a unique design.

grand tour trips

Grand suites are the third tier of accommodation — one step above a suite and two steps above a historic cabin .

Each grand suite is inspired by a city on the train's routes, including Venice, Vienna, Istanbul, Budapest, and Prague.

They all include a couch, a double bed that can be converted into two twins, a dining area, and a full en-suite bathroom.

All six have a full bathroom with a rainfall showerhead.

grand tour trips

Each bathroom has a glass-blown sink, heated marble flooring, and a rainfall showerhead.

Grand-suite guests also get complimentary bathrobes and slippers.

Next to each bathroom is a closet with additional storage space so guests can fully unpack and feel at home.

Each has a dining area, too.

grand tour trips

Grand-suite guests are greeted with caviar upon arrival and can dine in their rooms rather than in the restaurant cars if they prefer.

They also get 24-hour butler service and bottomless champagne for the entire journey, the cabin steward told BI.

The Venice grand suite fuses Italian Baroque and Renaissance design.

grand tour trips

Venetian furniture, vintage glass light fixtures, and a combination of silk and woven fabrics fill this suite with a historic Italian ambiance. Navy-blue velvets are reminiscent of the train's exterior.

The headboard combining arches and sharp edges may remind one of the Renaissance castles in Italy .

Emerald and golden details mark the Vienna suite.

grand tour trips

The suite has a classic feel with dark wood contrasting gold trimmings.

According to a Belmond fact sheet obtained by BI, the headboard backing is made of silk to evoke a sense of elegance. Its curved shape and the tassel detailing in the bed's skirt may remind travelers of the historic city's regal palaces .

The Istanbul suite feels like a Turkish palace.

grand tour trips

Shiny, hand-carved wood from the furniture to the walls is a work of art. For those who have been to the Turkish city of Istanbul , the embossed leather and fabric embroiderings may bring back memories of the city's opulent offerings at the famous and historic Grand Bazaar market .

Gothic and Ottoman architectural styles inspired the Budapest suite.

grand tour trips

The Budapest suite is decorated with ornate marquetry and furniture with embroidered silk patterns. The tall, curved headboard may remind travelers of Gothic cathedrals and mosques that date back to the Ottoman Empire .

The Paris suite is meant to evoke romantic vibes.

grand tour trips

Inspired by the city's architecture, the Paris suite nods to art deco elements, classical facades, and the city's high-fashion reputation with a geometric headboard and detailed wooden marquetry.

And finally, the Prague suite nods to the city's theatrical culture.

grand tour trips

Maroon and gold are the colors of the Prague suite to bring travelers a sense of the city's theater scene . Mosaic patterns inspired by cubism fill the walls, and cushions embroidered by hand add luxury details to the furniture.

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TheTravel

10 Best Grand Canyon Tours From Las Vegas That Are Worth Taking

T he Hollywood Wild West - Las Vegas is home to so much more than just clubs and casinos . And away from the desert lies a natural paradise with numerous touristy spots. While the West Rim of the Grand Canyon is at the least distance from Las Vegas, all the other spots are not that far away. Tourists love taking road trips from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon to experience adventure and zest.

A collection of tours from Las Vegas offer travelers a chance to explore the glory of the Grand Canyon along with the hidden gems of the sin city . This was once the land where ancestral tribes made their homes. However, erosion stripped everything off, and what remained was just layers of red rocks. Nonetheless, travelers enjoy splendid views from the rims of the Grand Canyon and other spots around the same.

RELATED: 10 Strangest Things Ever Discovered At The Grand Canyon

Explore The West Rim With Hoover Dam And Skywalk

Grand Canyon is one of the natural seven wonders of the world for good reason. The majestic expanse attracts people from across the world, and the West Rim has a lot of spots for tourists to cover. The Skywalk offers travelers a chance to see the depths of the Canyon. This magnificent 10-foot wide, horseshoe-shaped glass bridge spans 70 feet out over the Grand Canyon's rim and provides a clear view down to the Canyon's floor, which is 4,000 feet away. Nothing compares to the rush of walking out onto glass at the height of thousands of feet, yet there's no need to worry because Skywalk is sturdy enough to support 70 fully loaded 747 passenger aircraft.

Along with that, travelers can visit the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River on the same day.

  • Tour: Grand Canyon West Rim Bus Tour & Hoover Dam Photo Stop with Optional Skywalk
  • Cost: From $99.00/person
  • Duration: 10 hours 30 minutes

Book this tour

Dive Into The National Park Along The South Rim

The Grand Canyon is the second-most visited national park in the US, only behind the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee, with an estimated 5.9 million visitors annually. When the park was first established in 1919, 44,173 people visited it annually. The Grand Canyon as we know it today was formed by erosion caused by the Colorado River and geological action. With its huge fossil records, a plethora of natural characteristics, and rich archaeologic past, it is one of the most researched landscapes in the whole world.

  • Tour: Grand Canyon National Park South Rim Bus Tour from Las Vegas
  • Cost: From $87.12/person
  • Duration: 15 to 16 hours

Go Kayaking In The Emerald Cave

If adventure and thrill are on the list for any traveler, they should definitely visit the Emerald Cave and go kayaking with a small group. The shiny marble-like tint of the Colorado River glimmers throughout the cave and creates an aura of tranquility and wonder. The cave is lit in green when the sun reflects off of brown rocks and the algae beneath the waters. It is truly amazing to think how a natural phenomenon creates something so picturesque.

  • Tour: Half-Day Emerald Cove Kayak Tour
  • Cost: From $115.00/person
  • Duration: 5 to 6 Hours

To get just the correct and photogenic shade of the river, try planning a visit between April to October.

RELATED: 10 Best Pools In Las Vegas

Walk Through The Antelope Canyon

Antelope is the most snapped slot canyon in the southwest of the United States because of its wave-like structure, which gives the canyon a distinctive appearance. Summer is the most popular season for exploring the canyon since the weather is milder and there is less possibility of rain. Visitors from all over the world come to see its magnificent red and orange sandstone cliffs, which were eroded over many years by wind and water. Because of the canyon's unusual geometry, the sunlight reflects off its walls in fascinating patterns, producing a constantly shifting light display.

  • Tour: Small-Group Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Tour from Las Vegas
  • Cost: From $249.99/person
  • Duration: 14 hours

The Navajo term for the Upper Antelope Canyon is Tsé bighánln, which translates to "the place where water runs through rocks."

Celebrate Art At Seven Magic Mountains

A celebration of art and color , it rises more than 30 feet above the Nevada Desert and is constructed of seven enormous towers built of enormous colorful neon stones. The Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone claims that the Seven Magic Mountains reflect the blending of the man-made and the natural, as well as the passing traffic on the highway and the nearby mountains and lakes. The unique juxtaposition of the brown landscape with the bright and vibrant boulders is very interesting for tourists to observe and marvel over.

  • Tour: Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, 7 Magic Mountains Small Group VIP Tour
  • Cost: From $199.99/person
  • Duration: 12 to 13 Hours

Even though the sun glimmers over the boulders to make photographs more lively in the afternoons, it is best to visit the site during the early mornings to avoid crowds.

Explore Bryce Canyon And Zion National Park

Bryce Canyon, which is celebrating an entire century of wonder, is most renowned for its hoodoos, which are artistically sculpted rock spires that erosion has left intact. The greatest places to see hoodoos are along our day hiking paths, which provide a close-up and personal view of these unusual rock formations. The Bryce Canyon Amphitheater region is where you'll find the majority of the gorgeous day hikes and trailheads. In contrast, the backcountry paths of Bryce Canyon provide woods and meadows, breathtaking vistas of far-off cliffs, and isolation, but fewer hoodoos. On the other hand, Zion's distinctive collection of flora and animals will amaze you as you take in the past's rich history and the present's exhilarating experiences.

  • Tour: Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park Day Tour with Lunch from Las Vegas
  • Cost: From $130.38/person
  • Duration: 13 hours

Awaken Adventure At Primm And Hidden Valleys

When visiting Las Vegas, there's little more satisfying than getting a bit dirty, and the best way to do it is on an adrenaline-pumping RZR trip through the Primm and Hidden Valleys. Drive your own boosted RZR 1000s that are less than a year old on this trip, which departs from Las Vegas. Exhilarating adventure and spirit drive the tourists to undertake a tour on mountain bikes through the rugged terrains while enjoying the surrounding scenic spots, making it one of the most adventurous activities in Vegas and Nevada.

  • Tour: Extreme RZR Tour of Hidden Valley and Primm from Las Vegas
  • Cost: From $195.00/person
  • Duration: 4 to 5 hours

RELATED: 10 Best Hotels In Las Vegas

Horseback Riding At Red Rock Canyon

Grand Canyon is one of the biggest adventure hubs in the world. Any tourist seeking extreme fun and zest in life surely plan a visit to this wonder. From biking and hiking to camping and educational field trips, travelers can find their favorite activity and have a day of fun at Red Rock Canyon. Many tourists also enjoy horseback riding through the desert. Visitors may experience Red Rock Canyon's highs and lows from their car, bicycle, or horseback, thanks to the gorgeous 13-mile drive, which has several gorgeous rest spots and trailheads along the route. The upkeep and tourist amenities for this renowned picturesque route are supported by admission fees.

  • Tour: Red Rock Canyon Sunset Horseback Ride and Barbeque
  • Cost: From $189.00/person
  • Duration: 5 hours

Kayak Tthrough The Black Canyon

The Colorado River is perfect for kayaking and taking in the breathtaking sights that pass one by. The steep depths of the Black Canyon surround travelers from all sides. If one is lucky enough, they may also get to spot the Peregrine Falcon, one of the fastest birds in the world. Being the world's oldest rock lends the Black Canyon its name; it is also believed that the shadows made in depth have contributed to the darkness of the canyon.

  • Tour: Half-Day Kayak Tour in the Black Canyon from Las Vegas
  • Cost: From $149.00/person
  • Duration: 3 hours

Venture Across The South Rim

The Grand Canyon's South Rim, which draws 5 million people a year, is the area that is easiest to access. There are tourist centers, historical structures, over twenty overlooks, and trailheads on the South Rim. First-time visitors to the region typically select it because of the plethora of tourist services and family-friendly activities in addition to its stunning scenery. The South Rim is accessible all year. The South Rim has four different seasons due to its elevation of 7,000 above sea level.

  • Tour: Grand Canyon South Rim Bus Tour with Optional Upgrades
  • Cost: From $121.00/person
  • ​​​​​​​Duration: 14 hours

10 Best Grand Canyon Tours From Las Vegas That Are Worth Taking

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Moscow Metro Tour

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Description

Moscow metro private tours.

  • 2-hour tour $87:  10 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • 3-hour tour $137:  20 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with Russian lunch in beautifully-decorated Metro Diner + hotel pick-up and drop off. 
  • Metro pass is included in the price of both tours.

Highlight of Metro Tour

  • Visit 10 must-see stations of Moscow metro on 2-hr tour and 20 Metro stations on 3-hr tour, including grand Komsomolskaya station with its distinctive Baroque décor, aristocratic Mayakovskaya station with Soviet mosaics, legendary Revolution Square station with 72 bronze sculptures and more!
  • Explore Museum of Moscow Metro and learn a ton of technical and historical facts;
  • Listen to the secrets about the Metro-2, a secret line supposedly used by the government and KGB;
  • Experience a selection of most striking features of Moscow Metro hidden from most tourists and even locals;
  • Discover the underground treasure of Russian Soviet past – from mosaics to bronzes, paintings, marble arches, stained glass and even paleontological elements;
  • Learn fun stories and myths about Coffee Ring, Zodiac signs of Moscow Metro and more;
  • Admire Soviet-era architecture of pre- and post- World War II perious;
  • Enjoy panoramic views of Sparrow Hills from Luzhniki Metro Bridge – MetroMost, the only station of Moscow Metro located over water and the highest station above ground level;
  • If lucky, catch a unique «Aquarelle Train» – a wheeled picture gallery, brightly painted with images of peony, chrysanthemums, daisies, sunflowers and each car unit is unique;
  • Become an expert at navigating the legendary Moscow Metro system;
  • Have fun time with a very friendly local;
  • + Atmospheric Metro lunch in Moscow’s the only Metro Diner (included in a 3-hr tour)

Hotel Pick-up

Metro stations:.

Komsomolskaya

Novoslobodskaya

Prospekt Mira

Belorusskaya

Mayakovskaya

Novokuznetskaya

Revolution Square

Sparrow Hills

+ for 3-hour tour

Victory Park

Slavic Boulevard

Vystavochnaya

Dostoevskaya

Elektrozavodskaya

Partizanskaya

Museum of Moscow Metro

  • Drop-off  at your hotel, Novodevichy Convent, Sparrow Hills or any place you wish
  • + Russian lunch  in Metro Diner with artistic metro-style interior for 3-hour tour

Fun facts from our Moscow Metro Tours:

From the very first days of its existence, the Moscow Metro was the object of civil defense, used as a bomb shelter, and designed as a defense for a possible attack on the Soviet Union.

At a depth of 50 to 120 meters lies the second, the coded system of Metro-2 of Moscow subway, which is equipped with everything you need, from food storage to the nuclear button.

According to some sources, the total length of Metro-2 reaches over 150 kilometers.

The Museum was opened on Sportivnaya metro station on November 6, 1967. It features the most interesting models of trains and stations.

Coffee Ring

The first scheme of Moscow Metro looked like a bunch of separate lines. Listen to a myth about Joseph Stalin and the main brown line of Moscow Metro.

Zodiac Metro

According to some astrologers, each of the 12 stops of the Moscow Ring Line corresponds to a particular sign of the zodiac and divides the city into astrological sector.

Astrologers believe that being in a particular zadiac sector of Moscow for a long time, you attract certain energy and events into your life.

Paleontological finds 

Red marble walls of some of the Metro stations hide in themselves petrified inhabitants of ancient seas. Try and find some!

  • Every day each car in  Moscow metro passes  more than 600 km, which is the distance from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
  • Moscow subway system is the  5th in the intensity  of use (after the subways of Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai).
  • The interval in the movement of trains in rush hour is  90 seconds .

What you get:

  • + A friend in Moscow.
  • + Private & customized Moscow tour.
  • + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
  • + An authentic experience of local life.
  • + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
  • + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
  • + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
  • + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
  • + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

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Restaurant Globus

Ratings and reviews, location and contact, restaurant globus, elektrostal - restaurant reviews & photos - tripadvisor.

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