Here’s what to do in Istanbul. The Caucasian Challenge kicks off in Istanbul on August 15th. Whether you are arriving having just completed the Great Balkan Ride or you are fresh for your first adventure of the summer, we recommend you arrive early. Not only so you have time to check your vehicles are in top shape, […]
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Explore the Balkans and the Caucasus this Summer!
Combining the Great Balkan Ride and the Caucasian Challenge is this summer’s ultimate adventure. Our new adventure, the Great Balkan Ride, is sure to be a lot of fun: it features historic Sarajevo, undiscovered Albania, and ends on the beach in Greece. The Caucasian Challenge, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, is also […]
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The Crazy Alphabets of the Caucasus
The crazy alphabets of the Caucasus seem to always say the same thing: that you are very far from home. On the Caucasian Challenge, we travel a very long way, and at no time is this more noticeable than when attempting to read signs! Both Georgia and Armenia speak unique languages, which each […]
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The Story of ArArAt Brandy
ArArAt brandy is just one of many the tasty drinks you’ll try on the Caucasian Challenge. After a long day driving on the Caucasian Challenge, whether participants have been racing along Turkey’s Black Sea Coast; driving through Georgia’s stunning mountain regions; or searching for ruins in remote Armenia, we like to celebrate in […]
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Mestia: Georgia’s Mountain Paradise
Visiting unique places like Mestia is what the Caucasian Challenge is all about. It exemplifies all that is great about Georgia: a stunning location below mountain peaks, mystery in the form of the unique Svan towers, and incredible hospitality. After the picturesque drive from Kutaisi, a warm welcome always awaits us. Here’s everything you […]
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The Highest Village in Europe: Ushguli, Georgia
Introducing the highest village in Europe: Ushguli, in Georgia’s Svaneti region. Mountainous Svaneti in Northern Georgia is home to some of the most picturesque villages in the entire Caucasus region, and nowhere moreso than Ushguli. On the Caucasian Challenge, we spend the night in Mestia, the largest settlement in Upper Svaneti, before driving […]
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Turkey’s Black Sea Cities
Turkey’s Black Sea Cities: Sinop, Trabzon, and Rize. The Caucasian Challenge minimal assistance rally sets off from Istanbul, and we spend another night in Turkey before we reach Georgia. We’re massive fans of Turkey’s Black Sea Coast, and its glorious scenery: white beaches, green forests, and rolling hills. We always spend a night camping, and partying, […]
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The Moments that Made the Caucasian Challenge Special
We recount some of the moments that made the Caucasian Challenge 2016 special. There are fewer than five months till the this year’s Caucasian Challenge, and we’re getting excited by looking at back at the Caucasian Challenge 2016. We’ve recounted our highlights of each leg of the journey, from leaving Istanbul to the finishing party in […]
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Guest Post: Tony’s Caucasian Challenge Story
A guest post from Tony Thorndike, Caucasian Challenge participant (and winner)! Tony Thorndike is a veteran of Travel Scientists rallies, a lifetime traveler who thinks nothing of driving from the UK to Bishkek, and back! He and his son-in-law Rob won the Caucasian Challenge in 2016, earning a reputation as a charming pair who loved to […]
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Caucasian Challenge Day 11: Party in Yerevan
The Caucasian Challenge 2016 had a great final day, as teams visited Tatev Monastery en route to the party in Yerevan. After ten incredible days of driving, socialising, experiencing the weird and the wonderful, the Caucasian Challenge was almost over. On Day 11 the team’s task was to make it to the finish […]
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