Paging Through Europe: The Grand European Tour - Introduction to the Grand European Tour

Sessions (Attend 1 or All):

Wednesday, January 20: Introduction to the Grand European Tour

Wednesday, February 10: France

Wednesday, March 3: Switzerland and Northern Italy

Wednesday, March 24: Rome and Southern Italy

Time: 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Cost per session: $20 *100% scholarship available

Travel & Reading Host: Ada Igoe, Travel Blogger and Lake Superior Magazine contributor

For centuries, part of being well-heeled meant traveling through Western Civilization on a trip known as The Grand European Tour as a young adult. These long, sometimes multi-year travels were meant to hone art appreciation and increase understanding of the ancient world.

This winter, we’ll embark on our own virtual Grand Tour. From the comfort of your armchair, we’ll discuss the historic context of the Grand European Tour, why it still resonates with us today (and to a certain extent, still exists) and use modern literature to “visit” some of the Tour’s most enduring destinations.

Encouraged Reading List:

January 20: The Portrait of a Young Lady by Henry James.

February 10: My Life in France by Julia Child

March 3: The Passion of Artemisia by Susan Vreeland

March 24: Angels and Demons by Dan Brown

Host: Ada Igoe - After a high school trip to London, England in 2003, Ada Igoe knew she wanted to spend the rest of her life in the travel industry. Now she helps people discover the Boundary Waters through her business, Tuscarora Lodge and Canoe Outfitters on the Gunflint Trail and travels throughout the US and abroad during her off-season. She holds a B.A. in English and Communication from the College of St. Scholastica and uses her love of literature to guide her travels. She blogs about her travel at: www.beyondyellowbrickblog.com