What Others Say
DISCOVER what others say about their experience with The Compass Society premium escorted journeys escorted by Cathi Burnett-Cosgrove…
“This year alone, I took three escorted tours with Cathi…”
As an experienced traveller who has visited 48 countries over my lifetime, I can say unreservedly that Cathi Burnett-Cosgrove is the best travel designer with whom I have ever booked and travelled.
She personally escorts her tours, so one has peace of mind, knowing that any contingency will be resolved without the angst of you, the traveller.
This year alone, I took three escorted tours with Cathi. Each one was unique. The first tour was in January/February entitled “In Pursuit of the Northern Lights”.
We travelled by plane, train, ship and coach to Oslo, Flåm in Norway and on the incredible Hurtigruten Line to the Arctic Circle to Kirkenes. Here we met the Sámi people (the Indigenous people of Sápmi, inhabiting the Arctic regions of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia) who are the herders of reindeer.
We saw black and white landscapes as it was the depth of winter. We were pulled by enthusiastic huskies, drove ski mobiles at night in minus 35 degrees and enjoyed an incredible night in a glass igloo where we could see the ice sliding down the windows.
The second tour was to Bruges, Paris, Normandy and Brittany. Here we cruised in a canal boat down the Seine, had dinner in a restaurant in the Eiffel Tower, went sailing in a yacht off the coast of Brittany, by road in an American jeep of WWII vintage to the Normandy Beaches and experienced the delights of the cuisine of France’s cheeses, chocolates, croissants, cakes and other gastronomic delights.
The third tour was to Mongolia, the land of Genghis Khan. We slept in Gers, rode on two-humped camels, climbed sand dunes in the Gobi Desert and experienced the Eagle Festival of the Kazakhs in the Altai Mountains in the far west.
These once-in-a-lifetime experiences are all arranged with the safety, comfort and sense of adventure of the travellers.
I cannot recommend Cathi Burnett-Cosgrove highly enough.
– Robyn N, December 2025
“An amazing adventure beyond all of our expectations. An absolute highlight of all of travels. Thank you Cathi for organising this unforgettable journey.”
– Gen & Robert xx (Mongolia tour, September 2025)
“Dear Cathi, Tour designer extraordinaire. A unique tour of sights, sounds and tastes which will be so treasured. Thank you for your special care of me.”
– Love, Robyn (Mongolia tour, September 2025)
“To Cathi, thank you so much for creating this memory of Mongolia and a great adventure. The people, the culture, and the country provided us with lasting memories.”
– Annie & David (Mongolia tour, September 2025)
“I have told quite a few people about our adventures and they all thought it was a great idea; discovering our own backyard and enjoying the company of good friends, all while staying safe.
I stay tuned for plans of your next adventure for us!”
– Genevieve Tanner (July 2020)
“Tasmania at its Finest Tour reminded this group of seasoned travellers what we value as Tasmanians… a unique opportunity to reconnect with the things we love – beauty, quality and connectedness. Organised by the best in the business, it was an outstanding experience.”
– Barbara Lypka (July 2020)
“The Planning. The Places. The People. Pure Perfection.”
– Glenn and Wendy Long (July 2020)
“P.S.: And the Pub!”
“So many thanks for a wonderfully crafted tour through Tasmania’s midlands and east coast regions. What a magnificent mix of history and scenery plus stunning food and wine stops. So many memorable experiences and you even managed the weather gods for our surprise helicopter ride over the NE vineyards, what a day that was. Cathi, you are such a fabulous facilitator, leaving us with amazing memories and fantastic friendships, thank you!”
– Rob Pryce-Jones (July 2020)
“I am unable to truly express my enjoyment and excitement about the planned itinerary for “Tasmania at its Finest” and so many surprises on our trip.
Given the expectation our local operators would be “hungry” for tourers, we were given so many special surprises to make this comparable on “our backyard” to OS tours we are currently unable to make.
Thank you so much, Cathi, for giving me the option to see things I would not otherwise see, such as the fabulous glass blowers, but several places we would not have been able to access without your dedicated enquiry and motivated planning and accessing. The accommodation was great and all the cuisine was exceptional! When can we travel WITH YOU again, please?”
– Rosemary Young (July 2020)
“To our dear friend Cathi, can’t thank you enough for all your blood, sweat & tears. Once again we are lucky enough to enjoy an amazing and unforgettable trip.”
– Lyn & Laurie
“Dear Cathi, another wonderful tour! Thankyou for your friendship and your superb organising skills.”
– Wendy & Glenn
“This week long tour certainly lived up to its name.
Our group was so fortunate to visit scenic sensations. Places we saw in a new light due to our assiduous, inventive leader, Cathi. We shared gastronomic delights, often in totally unique venues… gourmet heaven!
Each day brought super, superior surprises yet we always had our restful, contemplatory times.It was a wonderful experience. We were SO lucky.
Add to that we had the amazing Stacey our fabulous coach captain. We were safe & spoilt. Next trip… hopefully soon!!!”
– Gae Williams (July 2020)
“Tasmania at its Finest, was typical of a tour organised by Cathi – a thoughtful and well-planned itinerary which goes beyond the superficial, but still leaves room for spontaneity, like finding a good cup of coffee, having a drink with the locals at a country pub or checking out the Little Blue Lake!
As is always the case with Cathi’s tours, the emphasis was on enjoying local produce and the quality of the included meals was exceptional.
The tour included a number of unique offerings which could not otherwise be experienced.”
– Wendy Sawford (July 2020)
“Dearest Cathi, many, many thanks for another wonderful trip. It was really enjoyable and such good company.”
– Phil & Sue
“Cathi, another fabulous trip. Second time around an even better experience. Thank you.”
– Wendy
“So full of contrasts – am loving this next adventure/magical tour.”
– Rosie
“A grateful note of thanks and congratulations, once more!”
– Rose & Gordon
“Thankyou for another wonderful adventure, lots of fun and good people. Looking forward to more.”
– Wendy & John
“Many thanks for another wonderful trip. You have a unique ability to find the most interesting places to visit. Loved the trip & the company.”
– Helen & Doug