What is mean by Grand Tour this question arrive when we study the Tourism. In this article we discuss different definition of Grand tour and How Grand tour derived.
The Grand tour is popularly understood to describe a circuit of western Europe undertaken by a wealthy social elite for culture, education and pleasure.
The Grand tour was the 17th and 18th century custom of a traditional trip of Europe undertaken by upper class young European man of sufficient means and rank. When they had come age (about age 21 year old this tour as an opportunity to educate themselves perfect their language skills, gain new cultural experience and in the process also elevate their social status.
With passage of time grand tour was no longer a tour for cultural experience and education rather this tour became a status symbol, a symbol of of wealth. This tour gave them the chance to produce. ‘Thing not available at home retour from the grand tour.
The grand tourists would have special cabinets to display item such as book, arts, picture and room that were purchased during their tour.
This would give the grand tourist an elevated starting their society.
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Different Definition of Grand Tour
1) The Grand Tour can be defined in terms of class which would determine the places visited and the mode of travel. For example, he nobility would follow the court to resorts in the hills, near lakes or along coast.
The aristocracy and the high officials would follow suit as well as renowned centres of learning
2) The Grand Tour can be defined by destinations on the itinerary, but such a definition would limit the classes involved in extensive travel.
3) The Oxford dictionary defined the Grand tour as a tou of the principal cities and places of interest in Europe, formerly said to be essential part of the education of young men of “Good birth” and “fortune”.
This definition besides being Euro-centric has class limitations and has been the primary one depending on the social status, cultural environment and trends in transport and accommodation.
The grand tour itinerary was closely linked to the availability of tourism resources, both relating to trends in fashion as well as facilitation. The timing was also related to seasonal variations as well as events and activities of the concerned individuals.
Similar trends affected the length of stay at different destinations.
The Grand tour made tourism a family affairs and soon women travellers began to travel.
In most modern studies have a Conventional image of the tour without recognising that it was the first extensive movement of tourists for which we have primary sources like letters, journals and diaries of tourists.
These social and cultural environment and each country can develop its own perspective on the nature of the grand tour.