A Grand Affair

World travel with unlimited time

By sea, rail, land or air, Europe lends itself perfectly to the age-old idea of a grand tour.

Words: TERRI DUNBAR-CURRAN

In days gone by, some 400 years ago, the grand tour was quite a tradition. The 17th and 18th centuries saw wealthy young men and women on the cusp of entering elite society, enhancing their education and life experience by spending months or even years touring some of the greatest European cities, garnering cultural enlightenment along the way.

Huge advancements in transportation over the centuries that have rolled by since then have changed everything. As rail was modernised and eventually passenger planes came in to land, travellers longing for adventure no longer had to rely on ships and face the often treacherous roads between cities and across snow-capped peaks. Travel became far more accessible and journeys that would once take weeks, could now take no more than a day. Perfect, if you have a tight schedule.

Yet, travel, when unbound by time constraints, still presents a myriad of possibilities. Especially if you’re the kind of traveller who considers the journey an important part of the overall experience, and not just a way to get from A to B at speed. In recent years there has been a marked return to slower travel, something that often goes hand-in-hand with luxury, as well as deeper, more meaningful experiences. Taking the time to really get to know the places you’re visiting allows you the space to connect with different communities and slow down to a pace that matches the rhythm of daily life.

Today, the grand tour is undergoing a make-over. The idea of visiting new places and broadening one’s own experience at a gentle pace remains, now coupled with an awareness that the impact we leave behind is just as important as the experiences we take away.

What better place to dip your toes into this rewarding way of travelling than in the place it all began: Europe.

A European adventure

The options are seemingly endless in Europe, especially when you’re unfettered by time constraints. Imagine a private driving tour of Paris, and a behind-the-scenes look at the Palace of Versailles with access to the private apartments of King Louis XIV and Madame de Pompadour. Or touring the ancient monuments of Athens and relaxing in Santorini as the sunset drops into the sparkling Aegean Sea.

How about scaling the heights of Renaissance art and culture in Florence, strolling the spectacular Piazza del Duomo in Siena, perusing hidden galleries, museums and palazzos in Venice, and learning the art of pizza making with a chef in Rome? Consider taking time to explore Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, with an evening boat cruise, or take a private tour of the hilltop walled village of Smartno.

Having extra time also means you’re more able to truly embrace some of the local customs. If you find yourself in Italy, you might leisurely fall into step with the locals and their passeggiata tradition –a short stroll after a pleasant meal. Or in Spain, welcome the opportunity for a siesta, an afternoon nap, or even just a break from the busyness of the day.

Spain: For architecture, pilgrimage trails and beautiful beaches

A highlight of an extended journey through Spain is exploring the architectural evolution from Southern Andalucia with its Moorish influence, to the Roman influences around Merida, the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, and western Christian architecture along the Camino de Santiago. And of course, there’s Antoni Gaudi’s unmistakable stamp on Barcelona. His amazing buildings and sculptures are dotted throughout the city.

The walking and hiking trails of the Camino de Santiago itself are also well worth treading on a longer European trip. Established at the beginning of the 9th century after the discovery of the relics of St James the Great, the Way of St James became a major pilgrimage route of mediaeval Christianity. The winding paths along the rugged northern coast reward walkers with fantastic ocean views. Hear stories about life in Spain in the mediaeval period as you walk from the town of Melide, passing beneath chestnut and oak trees and into fragrant eucalyptus forests. This part of the contemplative Way takes you past Boente and Castañeda to Arzúa, a town known for its cheese.

Slow the pace even further with a spell on the coast exploring the beautiful beaches of Malaga and the Costa del Sol, Catalonia and the Costa Brava, or Marbella. A longer trip is the perfect chance to combine a journey through Spain with some time in Portugal. It’s another opportunity to take in exquisite architecture in Porto, Lisbon and Sintra. Or explore the lovely beaches in the south. It’s even possible to have the same driver across both countries.

Turkey: For dramatic landscapes, history and culture

One of the most prominent destinations on an 18th-century grand tour, Turkey is still a firm favourite on the list. As you journey across the country, the changing landscapes, from coastal cliffs and other-worldly cave systems to terraced pools and snow-dusted peaks, make for a most memorable experience.

A grand journey takes you from the cityscapes of the cultural capital, Istanbul, and exploring the shimmering blue waters of the Bosphorus Sea and the surrounding palaces and mansions, to the lunar landscapes and rock formations of Cappadocia. Take to the air in a hot air balloon or lace up and go hiking. Izmir, with its invigorating sea breeze, offers the chance to explore the archaeological sites of Ephesus and Pergamum, ushering you into the ancient past. And don’t miss the world-class vineyards in Urla and the region’s sleepy seaside villages. Pamukkale in the west is known for the mineral-rich thermal waters which flow down white terraces – breathtakingly beautiful.

Include time in Sultanahmet, the oldest neighbourhood in Istanbul and discover the Hagia Sophia, which was completed in the 6th century, and the iconic Blue Mosque with its six minarets. Get a taste for Turkish life in the captivating labyrinth of stalls that is Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. It’s a treasure trove of sensory delights that you can spend ages exploring. Discover everything from bright textiles and intricate woven pieces, to aromatic spices and exquisite jewellery.

Set beside the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea, you’ll find the charming town of Alacati. Vibrant cerise and magenta bougainvillaea adorn whitewashed buildings along historic streets. The narrow cobblestone alleyways packed with quaint cafes and interesting boutiques invite you to explore at a stroll. It’s along this same coastline that you’ll discover the formidable fortress of Bodrum Castle. Behind its weathered stone walls is the Museum of Underwater Archaeology and a trove of maritime artefacts and cultural treasures.

Iceland: For otherworldly landscapes and northern lights

Let your grand tour take you further north and spend your time exploring the stunning and varied landscapes of Iceland. From glacial lakes and icebergs to rugged volcanic plains, red-hot lava fields and steaming geothermal geysers, the otherworldly scenery here gives you a glimpse into how landscapes change through the ages. Taking your time means you’ll get to fully appreciate the beauty of this fascinating country where fire and ice coexist, as well as delve into the culture.

And of course, having a little more time on your hands lends itself to the increased possibility of spotting the celestial ballet that is the northern lights in winter. To reduce the amount of not-always-fruitful hunting required, choose a hotel which is known for sightings and you’ll be able to spend your time relaxing until you get the call that the phenomenon is visible, with a specific location.

Croatia: For coastal towns and island living

With its hidden coves and stunningly clear waters, Croatia lends itself to coastal exploration. Take time to enjoy sun-soaked Split, enchanting Zadar and fairytale-like Rovinj before hopping onto a boat and discovering some of the thousands of islands off the Adriatic coast. Immerse yourself in unhurried island living. The shoulder months of May and September are particularly rewarding times to visit if you’re looking to truly slow down and make the most of this beautiful part of the world.

Deeply connected to the land and traditions, Croatia embraces the philosophy of ‘pomalo’, taking things slowly when it comes to food, and life in general. Locally sourced, seasonal ingredients are given pride of place on menus and meals are enjoyed slowly, with a focus on community. Get comfortable at the table and savour the opportunity to connect with the culture and flavours that make this country so unique.

Start planning

Taking a grand tour with Jacada means embracing opportunities for deeper connections with the people and places you visit.

Food and wine

• Enjoy a private tapas cooking class with a chef in Seville, Spain.

• Visit the Kostem Olive Oil Museum and have an olive oil tasting in Izmir, Turkey.

• Spend a day visiting local farms and sampling fresh produce in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Iceland.

• Go truffle hunting and enjoy a wild-table picnic dinner in the forest outside Split, Croatia.

Art

• Tour the streets of Madrid in Spain, admiring the city’s everchanging graffiti scene.

• Watch the mystical ritual of the Mevlevi Order in Turkey, whose whirling dance has been declared a UNESCO Heritage of Humanity.

• Visit the majestic Meštrovic Gallery and its manicured gardens in Split, Croatia.

History

• Learn about Madrid’s history on an all-encompassing tour of the city.

• Visit the Izmir Archaeology Museum in Turkey and browse its exhibitions of artefacts.

• Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Viking heritage on a tour of Reykjavik, Iceland.

Nature

• Embark on a 40-kilometre bike excursion along Spain’s Cantabrian Coast.

• Admire the remarkable rock formations, fairy chimneys and lunar-like landscapes of Cappadocia, Turkey. (above)

• Set off on a unique hiking exploration of Krupa River Canyon in Zadar, Croatia.