Ciao, I’m Courtney!
I’m a historian, travel curator, and heritage professional. I was born in the USA, formally educated in England, and now live in Ireland - but you’ll usually find me in Italy.
I spent the majority of my adult life working in incredible places like the Tower of London and Kensington Palace, with enough wild stories to write a book. Now, I run Your Grand Tour, a travel company specialising in curated private itineraries.
I love nothing more than a great glass of wine and a gab, which is why I’m here sharing my stories with you. For me, travel is about uncovering the layers beneath the surface, and that means hours of independent research, cross-checking archives, and talking to locals who carry the real knowledge. Passing those stories on is my way of bringing you closer to the true heart of a place.
Why subscribe?
In a world of sponsored ads and viral fads, I’m here to bring you the timeless. By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re supporting original research and slow, thoughtful travel.
Whether it’s a third-generation artisan or a dish you’ll only find in one family-run trattoria, I use my research skills and truly psychotic love for a great story to find the most charming and authentic places and people across the countries I hold dear.
Free subscribers can enjoy:
At least one free post per month from one of my regular series (listed down below).
The Monthly Edit: A recap of my monthly highlights including travel quips, snapshots, favourite items & articles, news, and more!
Paid subscribers will get everything above, plus:
Articles on travel, history, and culture at least twice per month.
Automatic entry into The Grand Tour Giveaway, an annual draw for a travel treat or historical object I’ve picked up along my journeys - winner to be chosen at random from paid subscribers in January.
Access to my comment section, where you can ask questions and chat with me (and other subscribers).
Occasional offers for discounts on my private travel services.
Access to the full paid archive.
Coming Soon: A number of curated Google Maps for my favourite cities and locations.
Founding Members also receive one free private travel consultation per year, as a thank you for your support!
Here’s a run down of some of the regular content you can expect:
Grand Tour Guides: Curated guides to my favourite neighbourhoods across Ireland, Italy, and the UK.
Heritage Without The Hassle: Detailed guides to popular (and complicated) attractions like the Vatican Museums, the Doge’s Palace, and Kilmainham Gaol, with tips on how to book direct, extra tours worth paying for, and an easy-to-digest history of each site.
Living History: Immersive, research led itineraries designed to help you experience a place as it functioned in the past. These routes use real streets, real places, and historical context to drop you into a specific moment and let you live inside it for a day.
World’s Best Wine Bars: My name is Courtney and I’m a lush. Enjoy my running list of the best spots for a glass (or bottle) around the globe, from historic Venetian bàcari to Dublin’s fresh new natural wine bars.
History I Can’t Shut Up About: The juiciest, quirkiest, and most scandalous stories from the past, featuring characters you’ll be glad to meet.
Pasta Shapes (and what to do with them): A series exploring pasta in all its weird and wonderful forms, with sauce pairings, regional traditions, and history to inspire you in the kitchen.
This Is Not A Food Blog: Straight to the point recipes inspired by my travels, written by someone who knows you don’t need a novel-length coming-of-age story with your dinner.
I Said What I Said: Essays on travel, taste, and the small hills I am prepared to stand on.
And much, much more…
At the heart of it all, my Substack is about curiosity, connection, and slowing down enough to notice the details that make travel (and life!) meaningful. I’m glad you’ve found your way here, and I can’t wait to share these stories with you.
