Grand Tour
Providence’s rising seniors are provided the privilege of the Grand Tour in order to experience and encounter first-hand some of the most important cities, art, architecture and history of their western and Christian heritage.
From the end of the fifteenth century to the beginning of the twentieth, it was expected that all members of highborn families; aspiring artists, poets and historians; prospective members of the diplomatic corps; and young bon vivants would undertake an extended pilgrimage to the great cities of the western world. It was considered an essential part of a well-rounded education. Indeed, in many elite circles, it was believed to be the capstone of a true classical curriculum. Many of the most eminent people in history set out on what became known as the Grand Tour just before they entered public life. Traveling to the great centers of culture, history, and influence they sought to take in as much of the art music, literature, architectural sights, historical monuments, social revelries, and culinary delights as they possibly could. Taking anywhere from just a few weeks to several months, the Grand Tour was intended to help the next generation of leaders learn the languages, customs, and morals of far-flung lands and societies. They desired to broaden their horizons, test the practicality of their book learning, and to deepen their social and academic awareness. It was to enable them to eventually do all they were called to do and be all they were called to be.
– Dr. George Grant, from his travel primer Just Visiting
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Grand Tour is a classical education capstone trip for Providence Classical Christian School students who have completed their eleventh grade year.
The Grand Tour provides a cumulative experience, bringing together the academic learning, social navigation, and worldview formation characteristics of a Providence education. Throughout their 12 day journey, students are introduced to myriad museums, historical sites, cultures, and cities that highlight key elements of their studies at Providence.
The Route
The tour begins in Athens, Greece with a focus on ancient sites and structures including the Parthenon, Mars Hill, and the hub of ancient culture, the Agora.
The tour continues with ancient Rome and a first-hand look at the influence of ancient cultures on the development of the modern world. Then in Rome, Italy, students encounter such architectural greats as the Pantheon, the Colosseum, and the depths of the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus. Students also are intermittently introduced to traditional Roman dishes such as Spaghetti alla Carbonara and Roman-style artichokes. It is truly a feast for the senses!
Students spend a day in Pompeii and Sorrento, quite literally walking into history as they experience the incredible stories that make up this legendary coastal area. Traversing the Tuscan countryside by train, students then arrive in Florence. From a climb to the top of Brunelleschi’s Dome to viewing the masterworks of Michelangelo Buonarroti and Leonardo da Vinci in the Academia and Uffizi Galleries, students are surrounded by the art and architecture that have filled the pages of their every history book!
Rounding out the tour is London, England where students experience the juxtaposition of Medieval, Renaissance, and modern history with visits to Westminster Abbey, The National Gallery, The British Museum, and the Winston Churchill Museum.
Integration
Grand Tour ties together ancient, medieval, and modern history, spanning from Sumer to World War II. On Grand Tour, students’ classroom learning is brought to life. Their knowledge of Latin is applied frequently in Rome and Pompeii; a variety of theater experiences gives students a deeper appreciation for the Shakespearean and musical theater they perform at school; from Homer to Dickens, location and context help students better understand books from their secondary English classes; and visits to Mars Hill, St. Peter’s Basilica, and Westminster Abbey help students to more fully appreciate the history of the church and the conditions that shaped the Reformed tradition.
Engagement
While on Grand Tour, students engage their experience through a variety of means. Throughout the trip, they take turns presenting on various locations visited, offering unique insight and research to the tour experience. These presentations facilitate engagement among students applying their rhetoric skills to this unique experience.
Navigating their daily schedule in each city builds awareness of cultures and enlarges students’ appreciation of the world. Through small group discussions, students are encouraged to verbally articulate their experiences and connect with their peers over shared adventures and discoveries.
In each of the four major cities visited, students create journal entries and sketches, taking pause to consider their surroundings and make historical and personal connections to each location. Its a beautiful opportunity for students to apply the art and creative writing skills gleaned throughout their Providence education.
And of course, throughout these incredible travels, students build friendships and make life-long memories. Their shared experience grows them closer to one another, facilitating conversation and discussion, challenging them to journey with intention and a sense of wonder.