The Caucasus Mountains are an extensive mountain range which mark the intersection between Asia and Europe. Stretching 1200 km between the Black Sea and Caspian Sea, the mountain range encompasses parts of Russia, Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan. Once part of the historic Silk Road, the Caucasus Mountains offer a journey quite unlike anything else.
From visiting remote villages and eating with locals to exploring incredible ancient artefacts and beautiful landscapes, there are so many things to see and do in the heart of the Caucasus Mountains.
Located within the Dilijan National Park and commonly referred to as ‘Little Switzerland’, Dilijan is a beautiful spot to visit while exploring the mountains of Caucasus. While featuring plenty of beautiful ancient architecture, Diljan is a rapidly growing urban settlement that hasn’t lost any of its charm.
For culture lovers, Dilijan is the perfect place to visit, as iit is home to many Armenian composers and artists. Guests also have the opportunity to stroll along Sharambeyan Street, a historically preserved street in the city centre.
Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan and provides guests with a mixture of bustling city life and ancient history. While the city itself is a beautiful mixture of traditions from the East and West, it’s also home to the UNESCO-listed Old City. One of the highlights of any visit to Ashtegah of Baku, or ‘Fire Temple’.
The Fire Temple of Baku may seem like a castle, but it’s a religious temple dating back as far as the 17th century. Once, it was used as a place of sacrifice as it was built above a natural gas vent. The temple was used as a place of worship for Sikh, Hindu and Zoroastrian peoples, but has now been a museum since 1975.
Another of Azerbaijan’s fascinating attractions, situated not far from the Fire Temple, is The Burning Mountain. Locally known as Yanar Dagh, the Burning Mountain is a continuously burning natural gas fire on the Absheron Peninsula near Baku.
Yanar Dagh is an important historical site for the Zoroastrian religion, with fire believed to play a role in the link between humans and supernatural spheres. The fire here is never extinguished thanks to a steady seepage of gas from underneath the surface, and flames are known to reach 3 metres into the air.
Nestled in Armenia’s Goris Municipality, Karahunj is a small village steeped in history. Karahunj is known as Armenia’s Stonehenge due to the impressive rock formations in the area. It dates back to around 6,000 BC, and guests can enjoy a huge array of stone settings, burial sites and more. In the nearby town of Sisian, you can also find a small museum dedicated to showcasing some of the historical findings from the region.
The duduk is a double-reed woodwind instrument made from apricot wood, and it originates from Armenia. Typically, duduk performances feature two players. One who performs the melody and one who adds a steady drone. While traditionally Armenian, variations of the duduk can be found throughout the Caucasus Mountains, giving guests plenty of opportunities to take in a traditional performance.
For nature lovers, the Svaneti Region of Georgia is a must-see. Deep forests, stunning peaks and picturesque waterfalls combine to create a magical setting that also includes glaciers, the source of water for many nearby rivers. The twin peaks of the 4,700m Mt Ushba are another highlight of this region, and the mountains can be seen from various vantage points.
An ancient fortress wall surrounds the Old City in Baku, which includes some equally impressive architecture inside. The 15th Century Palace of the Shirvanshahs is widely regarded as one of Azerbaijan’s finest examples of architecture. There is also the 12th century Maiden Tower and 11th century Muhammad Mosque, both of which you can visit. For lovers of history and unique architecture, Baku’s Old City shouldn’t be missed.
Vardzia is a magnificent cave town dating back to the 12th century. Stretching for about half a kilometre along the Mtkvari River, the town features 19 tiers and used to be home to over 3000 cave homes. As impressive as the entire town is, one of the highlights is the church, which has been hewn out of rock.
While travelling to Vardzia, you can also check out the Khertvisi Fortress, one of Georgia’s oldest fortresses that dates back to the 10th century.
The Okatse Canyon is a must-see for anybody visiting the Caucasus Mountain range. Incorporating the breathtaking historical Dadiani Forest, the highlight of the Okatse Canyon must be the 780m hanging trail. This walkway makes visitors feel as if they’re walking in the sky, finishing with a panoramic view that must be seen to be believed.
Mtskheta – Georgia’s ancient capital
Once Georgia’s capital and still an important religious centre, Mtskheta is around 3,000 years old. There are two standout historical sights in Mtskheta, the Jvari Monastery, which dates back to the 6th century, and the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, where the Robe of Christ is buried. These are both UNESCO-listed World Heritage sites.
If you want to find out more about the beautiful Caucasus Mountains, get in touch with Crooked Compass today. You bring the adventurous spirit, and we’ll do the rest to give you an unforgettable experience of a lifetime.
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
Why travellers love our Signature Tours:
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Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
Why travellers love Founders Tours:
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Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
Why travellers love our Expedition Cruises:
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Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
Why travellers love Tours by Design:
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Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
Why travellers love our Partner Tours:
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