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European Vacation: the Birth of the Grand Tour

Early road maps and travel guides illustrate the period when travel became pleasure.

In the 17th century, rising middle classes in Europe began taking to the road for vacations in unprecedented numbers. The Grand Tour—a trip through France and Italy in search of art, culture, and the roots of Western civilization—lasted for centuries as a societal rite of passage.

Alongside the rise of these early holidaymakers were the maps and books to guide their travels. Ian Fowler, Geospatial Librarian and Map Curator, shares highlights from the Library’s Maps Division of the road maps, tourist guides, and other innovations that supported the Grand Tour circuit.

Learn about and see firsthand rarities such as:

  • The 17th-century road maps of England by John Ogilby that were the first of their kind
  • Guides to the antiquities of Rome for newcomers to Italy
  • A selection of popular travel books from the time such as Baedeker










When: Wed., Jul. 11, 2018 at 6:30 pm
Where: New York Public Library—Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
476 Fifth Ave.
917-275-6975
Price: Free
Buy tickets/get more info now
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Early road maps and travel guides illustrate the period when travel became pleasure.

In the 17th century, rising middle classes in Europe began taking to the road for vacations in unprecedented numbers. The Grand Tour—a trip through France and Italy in search of art, culture, and the roots of Western civilization—lasted for centuries as a societal rite of passage.

Alongside the rise of these early holidaymakers were the maps and books to guide their travels. Ian Fowler, Geospatial Librarian and Map Curator, shares highlights from the Library’s Maps Division of the road maps, tourist guides, and other innovations that supported the Grand Tour circuit.

Learn about and see firsthand rarities such as:

  • The 17th-century road maps of England by John Ogilby that were the first of their kind
  • Guides to the antiquities of Rome for newcomers to Italy
  • A selection of popular travel books from the time such as Baedeker
Buy tickets/get more info now