Kevin McCloud's Grand Tour

Watch Kevin McCloud's Grand Tour

  • 2009
  • 1 Season

Kevin McCloud's Grand Tour is a travelogue show that airs on Channel 4. The series follows Kevin McCloud, an architect and TV presenter, as he embarks on a journey through some of Europe's most fascinating locations to unravel the secrets behind their architectural wonders.

The show, which is presented in the form of six episodes, takes viewers on a journey through some of the most stunning locations in Europe, including Italy, France, Germany, Denmark, Norway, and Spain. Along the way, McCloud delves into the history of the places he visits, examines the designs of the buildings and structures, and explores the engineering feats that made their construction possible.

Throughout the show, McCloud does not just focus on the grandest and most visible structures, such as castles and cathedrals. Instead, he profiles modern landmarks like a high-tech laboratory that repurposes an old oil storage tank, an experimental eco-friendly housing project, and a luxurious holiday home built into a cliffside.

Viewers are treated to some of the most picturesque scenes in Europe, from the charming streets of Tuscan towns to the ruggedly stunning vistas of Norway's coastline. Alongside the show's stunning visuals, McCloud's narration guides us through the twists and turns of each episode, filling the show with the same level of charm and enthusiasm that has made him one of the UK's most beloved presenters.

Throughout the series, McCloud provides viewers with a compelling, insightful, and often humorous look at the history and design of the structures we see. Whether he's talking about the innovative use of sustainable building techniques or the genius that went behind designing one of Europe's oldest theaters, his commentary is always engaging and informative.

The show’s format is engaging and follows a set structure. McCloud begins each episode with a brief introduction of the journey he is about to embark upon. He then sets to explore each of the various locales where he meets the locals and the professionals working on the structures.. It is also worth noting that each episode focuses on a particular theme, for example, the first episode examines some of Italy's 'Grand Designs', and the second episode showcases new architectural projects in France.

Throughout the series, cinematography plays a crucial role in presenting the beauty and grandeur of the locations. Viewers are treated to sweeping aerial shots of each city and landmark, with a keen attention to detail in the inclusion of the local culture and street scenes. The mixing of classic and modern styles highlights the diversity of architectural vision that pervades in these beautiful locations.

In summary, Kevin McCloud's Grand Tour provides a delightful blend of beautiful landscape photography, exceptional cinematography, and illuminating a commentary that manages to make each of the episodes informative and engaging. It's a perfect treat to indulge in as it simultaneously educates and amazes with its descriptions of beautiful locations and the architectural monuments that have defined them. Kevin McCloud's Grand Tour is a must-watch for lovers of architecture, design, culture, history, and travel.

Kevin McCloud's Grand Tour
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Seasons
Greece
4. Greece
October 11, 2009
Kevin finishes his tour by traveling to Greece to look at the classical architecture there. He follows in the footsteps of James Stuart and Nicholas Revett.
Rome, Naples, and Pompeii
3. Rome, Naples, and Pompeii
October 4, 2009
Kevin takes a look at Robert Adam, who was a neoclassical architect of the 18th century. He begins his journey in Rome where he takes a look at the Forum, Hadrian's Villa and the Colosseum. Kevin then makes his way to Naples, where he makes his way to the top of Vesuvius.
Florence & Rome
2. Florence & Rome
September 27, 2009
Kevin takes a look at what inspired Christopher Wren to build St Paul's after the Great Fire of London. Next he travels to Florence to learn about the secrets of the Cathedral Di Santa Maria Del Fiore and then travels to Rome for Palm Sunday mass.
France & Northern Italy
1. France & Northern Italy
September 20, 2009
Kevin follows the journey that 17th century architect Inigo Jones took around Europe by visiting Paris, Genoa, Parma, Vicenza and Venice.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    September 20, 2009