HELLO!
My name is Courtney Fleming-Italia and I'm the Founder of Your Grand Tour. I was born in America, educated in England, and now reside in Ireland - but you'll often find me in Italy! I'm deeply passionate about heritage and traditions, and believe curated travel is one of the best ways of discovering and understanding the history and culture of your destination.
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Keep reading below to learn more about what makes me and the services I offer at Your Grand Tour unique.
EXPERTISE
Working with me gives you access to the knowledge and connections I've built and honed across decades of living in Europe. Unliked many travel agents, I only offer service in countries where I hold a deep understanding of the culture and an established network of unforgettable locations, distinguished guides, and hand-picked and vetted experiences.
Here's why I know and love the three historic destinations I work with:
United Kingdom: I moved to England for University, and loved it so much I found myself getting two further postgraduate degrees and spending 15+ years working in the heritage and tourism sectors for museums, organisations, and heritage charities such as the National Trust, Historic Royal Palaces, and the Heritage Alliance. I specialise in access to the country's most sought-after social events, from the Royal Enclosure at Ascot to rubbing shoulders with aristocracy at the polo. I have established long-lasting relationships with owners of private estates and leading curators, and love arranging exclusive visits and private viewings for my clients. While I based myself in London and the World Heritage City of Bath, I've explored the UK from top to tail and love planning all British adventures - from quaint coastal village retreats, to romantic stays in the idyllic countryside, to trekking around the Scottish Highlands!
Italy: I've always said my mind is British, but Italy has my heart (and my stomach!). My cat is named Cosimo after an icon of the Florentine Renaissance, and I'm happily married to my Italian husband who has given me, among many other beautiful things, the iconic surname Italia. So, when I say Italy is a part of my soul, I really do mean it! After travelling to Italy regularly for more than 20 years, I've built up an enviable portfolio of contacts. While I regularly work with clients visiting major cities such as Venice, Rome, and Florence, I particularly enjoy bringing my clients a bit further afield into lesser known Italian destinations - think tranquil remote islands or ancient hilltop villages surrounded by award-winning vineyards.
Ireland: I moved to Dublin in early 2024. As an American with Irish ancestry on both sides of my family (I'm fourth generation), I feel a profound sense of pride in 'returning' to a country which meant so much to those who came before me. I love connecting fellow Americans with their Irish roots, and making sure visitors to this legendary island have the chance to understand Ireland's complex history and rich cultural heritage. I'm involved in local history groups here in Dublin and I'm currently training for a White Badge, Ireland's top-level national qualification for tour guiding. In 2025, I'll be launching half-day tours in person here in Dublin to celebrate Irish heritage!
DETAIL
Attention to detail is the cornerstone of exceptional private travel planning. Unlike standard travel services, which often follow a one-size-fits-all approach, curated private travel is all about customisation and personal touches. My travel planning services are rooted in meticulous research and a commitment to creating exceptional experiences for every client. I dedicate countless hours to ensuring you receive the best rates, uncover the most exciting experiences, and benefit from insider knowledge that make your trip truly special. I'm a trained research historian, and highly skilled in finding obscure, interesting things. I don't believe in impossible requests. If there's something you're determined to do or see, I love unlocking "difficult" doors and providing once-in-a-lifetime moments.
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Every element of your trip is carefully considered and tailored to your specific preferences and interests. This means that from the moment you embark on your journey, every aspect feels uniquely yours. My focus on creating a seamless and stress-free experience involves anticipating your needs and preferences. This ensures your trip flows smoothly, so you can relax and fully immerse yourself in the experience. The level of personalisation and detail I provide allows me to craft moments that truly resonate with my clients, making sure your travel experience is nothing short of extraordinary.
AUTHENTICITY
Authenticity is at the heart of everything I do. My parents instilled in me a profound joy of learning from a young age, going out of their way to take me to museums, heritage sites, national parks, and professionals in their field to learn more about anything I found fascinating in the classroom. I've always kept that need to seek authentic experiences and local knowledge, and I'm happy it's so embedded in my research techniques, work ethic, and personal life.
I prioritise independent, locally-run establishments and service providers, helping to direct your money back into the local economy of the places you're visiting - rather than supporting chains. Spending time with locals allows you to connect with the soul of a destination, gaining insights and stories that typical tours tend to overlook, and creating meaningful adventure filled with genuine connections. I'm not an expert on every topic, but I know the people who are, and I make sure you have access to them. It is my hope that all of my clients come home understanding and appreciating the rich tapestry of the local cultures they've visited.