22 Days | Exclusive Escorted Tour
Departs Tuesday 15th September 2026
The Bridge Between Europe and Asia
It’s my privilege to invite you to join me on The Compass Society’s inaugural journey to the ancient and storied lands of Georgia and Armenia. As part of the fabled Silk Road, these two countries form a living kaleidoscope of east and west — where age-old monasteries cling to mountain ridges, polyphonic songs echo through cobbled streets, and warm hospitality greets you at every turn.
Across 22 unforgettable days, we’ll traverse landscapes that have witnessed the rise and fall of countless empires and cultures. This is a region where modern life intertwines seamlessly with tradition, and where every experience — from a village feast to a masterclass in Georgian dumpling-making — tells a story.
As with every Compass Society journey, each element has been meticulously planned to provide you with a truthful and authentic journey. You’ll travel in the company of a small group of like-minded travellers and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a fully escorted, premium experience.
With an emphasis on comfortable and low-impact exploration, we’ll be afforded a comprehensive insight into two of the world’s last undiscovered gems.
I hope you’ll join me in what promises to be a breathtaking adventure.
A Journey for Food & Wine Lovers
Georgia and Armenia are considered among the great birthplaces of global food and wine culture. Georgia is widely regarded as the cradle of winemaking, with archaeological evidence of wine production dating back more than 8,000 years — using clay vessels buried in the earth, a method still practiced today.
Across both countries, food is not simply sustenance, but a deeply rooted expression of history, identity, and hospitality, shaped by centuries of Silk Road trade, monastic traditions, and family knowledge passed lovingly from generation to generation.
Throughout this journey, guests are immersed in the flavours of the Caucasus through hands-on culinary experiences, intimate winery visits, and home-hosted meals that reveal the soul of the region. From learning to prepare khinkali dumplings and lavash bread, to tasting biodynamic wines, rare cheeses, artisan teas, and amphora-aged beers, each experience has been carefully chosen to celebrate authenticity and provenance. This is slow, meaningful travel for curious palates — where every meal tells a story, every toast is heartfelt, and food and wine become a gateway to understanding the culture itself.
In Georgia and Armenia, every meal is a story, every glass a tradition -- join our journey through the Caucasus where food and wine connect past and present.
Tour Highlights include:
- Explore the vibrant capital of Tbilisi, with visits to Narikhala Fortress, Sioni Cathedral, Anchiskhati Basilica, sulphur baths, Rustaveli Avenue and more
- Hands-on culinary experiences: learn to cook Georgian dumplings (khinkali), bake traditional breads, make cheeses including rare Tenili, and take part in Armenian lavash and gata masterclasses
- Private wine tastings at biodynamic and family-run wineries, with immersive visits to artisan producers including regenerative farms, tea plantations, cheese makers, and a clay amphora brewery
- Discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Mtskheta, Jvari Monastery, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, Upper Svaneti, Haghpat Monastery and the cave monastery of Geghard
- Take a spectacular drive along the Georgian Military Highway, visiting Ananuri Fortress and the high mountain town of Kazbegi with views of Mt. Kazbek
- Visit the remote mountain villages of Ushguli and Svaneti, home to ancient defensive towers and breathtaking Caucasus landscapes
- Visit Dadiani Palace in Zugdidi, home to one of Napoleon Bonaparte’s three bronze death masks
- Enjoy unique cultural encounters: a felt-making workshop, enamel jewellery masterclass, tolma cooking at the Megerian Carpet Factory, and meaningful time with minority Molokan families in Armenia
- Experience Megrelian and Svan feasts with polyphonic folk performances, and authentic home-hosted meals that bring you into the heart of local life
- Explore Armenia’s treasures: Lake Sevan and Sevanavank Monastery, Garni Temple, Holy Echmiadzin, Zvartnots ruins, and Yerevan with its vibrant old town, museums, carpets, and crafts
- Discover remarkable sites off the beaten path, including the monumental Enguri Dam, multicultural Rabati Castle, Vardzia cave complex, Poka Monastery, and the picturesque Martvili Canyon
- Return international flights and much more
Why Travel With The Compass Society
Being part of a small, escorted group means you leave home with an experienced personal escort — and someone who understands travel inside and out.
With over 40 years of first-hand experience, Cathi Burnett-Cosgrove ensures that every detail is cared for and every moment meaningful. You’ll meet your fellow travellers before departure, share unforgettable experiences throughout the journey, and return home with new friends and memories that last a lifetime.
Cathi’s thoughtful approach to travel design goes beyond ticking boxes — it’s about depth, connection, and authenticity. From the intricate details of itinerary planning to the personal warmth that shapes each day, this journey captures the very essence of The Compass Society: travel that enriches both the heart and the mind. You can also read what others say about their experience with Cathi on previous Compass Society journeys.
What to Do Now
Ready to explore the heart of the Caucasus?
- Click the button below to download our full tour itinerary, or
- Contact Cathi Burnett-Cosgrove for bookings and enquiries.
