grand tour

noun

an extended tour of Europe, formerly regarded as a necessary part of the education of young British gentlemen.
an extended tour of any region or country.
a comprehensive guided tour or inspection, as of a building, exhibit, or military installation.

Origin of grand tour

First recorded in 1660–70

Words nearby grand tour

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British Dictionary definitions for grand tour

grand tour

noun

(formerly) an extended tour through the major cities of Europe, esp one undertaken by a rich or aristocratic Englishman to complete his education
informal an extended sightseeing trip, tour of inspection, etc

Idioms and Phrases with grand tour

grand tour

A comprehensive tour, survey, or inspection. For example, They took me on a grand tour of their new house, or The new chairman will want to make a grand tour of all the branches. Starting in the late 1600s this term was used for a tour of the major European cities, considered essential to a well-bred man's education. In the mid-1800s it was extended to more general use.