About this season
For hundred's of years Britain's well-to-do considered the Italian 'Grand Tour' - the trip through Ancient and Renaissance Italy - an essential part of a rounded education. Brian first did the 'Grand Tour' exactly 50 years ago - so for him this is also a journey into his own past. A beautiful, complicated, funny journey.
Episodes (10)
1. Episode 1
Aired 15 November 2005 • 45 min
The art critic embarks on his journey across the Alps into Italy and visits Turin.
2. Episode 2
Aired 22 November 2005 • 45 min
The art critic visits Cremona, Parma and Bologna.
3. Episode 3
Aired 29 November 2005 • 45 min
The art critic visits Florence.
4. Episode 4
Aired 6 December 2005 • 45 min
The art critic visits Siena and Orvieto.
5. Episode 5
Aired 13 December 2005 • 45 min
The art critic visits Rome.
6. Episode 6
Aired 21 March 2006 • 45 min
The art critic visits Naples and Mount Vesuvius.
7. Episode 7
Aired 28 March 2006 • 45 min
Ancient Greek ruins still stand silent watch in Paestum, but banditti no longer lie in ambush in the surrounding countryside. Next, Sewell reminisces among the narrow streets of Todi before traveling to Urbino, which preserves the early Renaissance style like no place else.
8. Episode 8
Aired 4 April 2006 • 45 min
After exposing the colorful history of Rimini's Tempio Malatestiano and pausing briefly for an antique-car rally, Sewell learns all about olive oil's degrees of virginity and admires Palazzo del Te, unapologeticallly dedicated to pleasures of the flesh.
9. Episode 9
Aired 11 April 2006 • 45 min
After examining Palladio's basilica and Olympic Theatre in Vicenza, Sewell tours the Villa Valmarana and its Tiepolo frescoes. In Possagno, Antonio Canova's studio opens its wonders, and the university in Padua affords the opportunity to discuss 18th-century treatments for venereal disease.
10. Episode 10
Aired 18 April 2006 • 45 min
Venice