Inside Tom Read Wilson’s Grand Tour as Celebs Go Dating star continues his magnificent journey

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Following in the footsteps of famous travelers like Byron, Wilde, and Casanova, Tom Read Wilson continues a long tradition. The ‘Grand Tour’ was essentially a rite of passage for wealthy young Europeans from the 1600s to the 1800s – a period of travel designed to broaden their minds and refine their social skills in Europe’s major cities.

Read Wilson, known for his appearances on ‘Celebs Go Dating’ and ‘I’m a Celebrity,’ follows in the footsteps of famous explorers in his new travel show, and even experiences some of the same challenges they faced.

PARIS Kissing lessons from a countess

Learning proper manners was a key part of the traditional Grand Tour, but I was terrible at it, so I hired a real countess to give me lessons. She was a descendant of someone who served Marie Antoinette and lived in a beautiful, fragrant apartment in Paris – it smelled like tuberose and felt like a dream. She taught me how to greet her with a proper kiss on the hand, and then how to eat mille-feuille pastry. I was clumsy and awkward – I felt like a total beginner! She kept correcting my elbows, and even more surprisingly, she insisted I enjoy the delicious pastry silently, without exclaiming how good it was.

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LAKE ANNECY Alps the easy way

Back in the 1700s, getting across the Alps was a real challenge – you either sailed around them, or went over them on foot. Naturally, the well-to-do preferred the easiest option, and that meant being carried in a chair. I, of course, did the same! I hired four incredibly strong men, and honestly, I couldn’t help but admire their physiques – those arms were amazing! They were really pushing themselves, even though I’d purposely skipped breakfast to keep my weight down, and I kept urging them to just set me down, telling them not to overdo it. But they were determined to carry me all the way, and wouldn’t listen!

VENICE Costumes and courtesans

Staying in Venice, I found myself in a hotel with a fascinating history – it used to house those wealthy travelers from centuries ago, the ‘Grand Tourists.’ And get this – it was right next to where all the famous courtesans lived! Apparently, these women weren’t just about appearances; they were highly educated in the arts, able to discuss opera and paintings with anyone. People even joked that a night with them was a learning experience! I have to admit, I was a little disappointed I didn’t have time to explore that side of Venice – it’s hard to not be curious when you’re surrounded by so much romance and history.

I was lucky enough to visit this incredible costume shop – they make outfits for the Venice Carnival, but also for the opera! The fabrics were unbelievable – damask, brocade, silks in every color you can imagine. What really blew me away was the skill of the tailors. They could just glance at you and instantly know your exact measurements, it was almost scary how accurate they were – even down to how I like my tea!

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ROME High-pressure serenading

A highlight of my trip was definitely in Rome. Back in the 1700s, it was common for people to serenade their loved ones from balconies, and the tradition amazingly continues today. I joined a group of these charming serenaders, and within an hour we were singing Italian songs together at the Belvedere. I was incredibly nervous, though, because I hadn’t sung in ages! I kept worrying I’d mess up and ruin the romantic atmosphere, possibly even getting yelled at by a jealous partner. I was truly scared it wouldn’t go well.

FLORENCE Re-creating Eddie Redmayne’s bust

Seeing Botticelli’s Birth of Venus at the Uffizi Gallery was incredible. I hadn’t fully understood the painting’s beauty from reproductions—especially the golden highlights in Venus’s hair, the dreamy atmosphere surrounding it, and the foamy waves. Those waves cleverly depict the myth of Venus’s (or Aphrodite’s) birth: that she arose from the sea foam created when Uranus was castrated.

I met a sculptor from a Florence-based family with a 200-year history of creating sculptures. He was working on a commission for Eddie Redmayne, and I’m a huge fan, so I attempted to recreate his work. It didn’t go well at all! I didn’t manage to bring my version of Eddie home with me; thankfully, the clay was recycled because it was definitely not a masterpiece.

Tom Read Wilson’s Magnificent Journey continues Fridays at 8pm on 5.

Authors

Ed GrenbyAssociate Editor, TopMob

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2026-01-06 19:06