It is very safe to travel in the Caucasus. On the edge of Europe and Asia, more famous as a destination for war reporters than tourists, people may worry whether travelling in the Caucasus is safe. We at the Travel Scientists travel to the region each year on the Caucasian Challenge, and we reckon it’s actually […]
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Start of the Journey: Turkish Delight
It’s not the Caucasus, but we love Turkey. On the Caucasian Challenge, we focus on, predictably, the Caucasus, particularly Georgia and Armenia. However, we spend the first two days of our adventure in Turkey, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. We start in Istanbul, one of the world’s greatest cities, spend […]
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Roads of the Caucasian Challenge
The Caucasian Challenge features roads of many kinds. The Caucasian Challenge is a driving event. Sure, we see astonishing nature, learn some history, and party with locals. However, anyone can fly to the Caucasus, but the true highlights of the trip are remote and scenic places that are only accessible by car. Driving in […]
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Driving in Georgia
We love driving in the Caucasus, but you should be prepared… The heart of the Caucasian Challenge is driving. True, we have great parties, make new friends, and learn about a fascinating region. However, the real adventure is found on the roads of the Caucasus, and it is driving that allows us to see places that other visitors […]
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Borjomi: The Source of Soviet Water
A little Georgian town produced the most famous water in the Soviet Union. The Caucasian Challenge is all about adventure: expect stunning scenery, bumpy roads, and crazy nights. However, if you’re fueled by beer and strong spirits, eventually you’ll need to have some water. And when you do, it’ll undoubtedly be a bottle of […]
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Lake Sevan: “Bigger Than the Pacific Ocean”
Lake Sevan is known as the Jewel of Armenia. When the Caucasian Challenge reaches Armenia, we head straight for Lake Sevan. The Caucasus’ largest lake, it is dotted with ancient churches, and set against a backdrop of snow-touched mountains. We often camp on its shore, mesmerised by its tranquil blue water. Here is […]
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What to Expect in Kapan, Armenia
Kapan is the penultimate stop on the Caucasian Challenge. Kapan, in South-Eastern Armenia, offers teams on the Caucasian Challenge to stay in a typical Armenian town. This means you should expect a mix of socialist architecture, medieval sites, and fantastic nature.We arrive in Kapan, the center of Syunik Province, after a day of adventures, […]
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What is there to Do in Kutaisi?
The city of the argonauts. The Caucasian Challenge minimal assistance adventure rally explores many incredible cities, including Istanbul, Tbilisi, and Yerevan. One of the most interesting places we visit is Kutaisi, a former capital of Georgia and one of the Caucasus’ most ancient sites. There’s lot to do, both in the city center and surrounding […]
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The Many Lives of Hagia Sophia
The Hagia Sophia has a history like no other building. The Caucasian Challenge begins in magnificent Istanbul, and before we head east to the Caucasus, there is time to explore this incredible city. There’s a lot to see and do, but nothing is quite as essential as a visit to Hagia Sophia, which for over […]
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Georgian Wine Officially the Oldest in the World
Georgia has been making wine for 8,000 years. Georgians, even their brutal dictators, love wine and any visitor will likely be regaled with stories about how Georgians, or their ancestors, invented wine. We on the Caucasian Challenge, despite loving the hospitality we receive there each year, always took those claims with a pinch of […]
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