On Day of the Caucasian Challenge 2016 we followed the footsteps of Stalin, visiting his hometown of Gori. As the Caucasian Challenge headed towards its halfway point, the teams’ task on Day 6 was to make their way to Georgia’s beautiful capital Tbilisi. It’s a relaxed day, with no need for an early start, […]
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Caucasian Challenge 2016 Day 5: The Zagar Pass
We continue our review of the Caucasian Challenge 2016 with Day 5, crossing the Zagar Pass. The driving on day 5 is always one of the highlights of the Caucasian Challenge. It can be challenging, especially after the party in Mestia on Day 4, but it’s so worth it: the scenery […]
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Caucasian Challenge 2016 Day 4: The Drive to Mestia
Day 4 of the Caucasian Challenge saw teams drive to Mestia, perhaps the most picturesque town in Georgia. One of the highlights of any Caucasian Challenge, or indeed any trip to Georgia, is visiting the scenic mountain region of Svaneti. At its heart is […]
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The Puzzling Cave City of Vardzia
The Cave City of Vardzia is a vivid reminder of Georgia’s fascinating history. But what was it for? Cave cities are always an astonishing sight, a fascinating glimpse into an ancient way of life, and the cave cities of the Caucasus are no exception. Georgia actually has three prominent cave sites and while […]
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Georgia’s Meteora: the Katskhi Pillar
Georgia is full of surprises: you can find better wine than France, higher mountains than Switzerland and, it turns out, older monasteries than those found on the rock pillars of Greece. The Katskhi pillar, Georgia’s Meteora is found not far from Chiatura, but seems a world away from the town’s mining history […]
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Do You Dare Take a Ride on Chiatura’s Ancient Cable Cars?
Chiatura’s ancient cable cars are one of the most interesting sites in the Caucusus. If you like cable cars, you’ll love the Caucasus. Treat yourself to a trip on modern tramways which take you up to Narikala Fortress in Tbilisi, rise up from Batumi’s harbour, and cross the magnificent valleys leading you to Tatev monastery […]
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Drive the Georgian Military Highway
The Georgian Military Highway is the fastest route from Tbilisi to Russia, but there are plenty reasons to drive it even if you don’t want to leave Georgia! The Georgian Military Highway is the fastest route from Tbilisi to Russia, but it’s no ordinary motorway. It can be a challenging drive (thanks to […]
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The Mysterious Mountain Church of Stepantsminda
Stepantsminda’s mysterious mountain church is an essential sight on any visit to Georgia. Georgia has more than its share of remote villages, impressive mountains, and beautiful churches, but when all three are combined in one place it’s still something special: Stepantsminda is just that. Found in the North of Georgia, on […]
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In Praise of Georgian Food: Khinkali
If you want to eat Georgian food, khinkali are an excellent place to start. These tasty dumplings are popular throughout the country. Be sure to try them if you visit, just make sure you eat them correctly! While there are many delicious dishes to try in Georgia and the Southern Caucasus, when it comes to Georgian […]
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Sighnaghi: Georgia’s City of Love
Sighnaghi, in the eastern province of Kakheti, has a reputation as Georgia’s city of love (and wine…) Sighnaghi, only 100km’s drive east of the capital Tbilisi, is known as Georgia’s city of love, and for good reason. Locals often compare the hilltop town to Verona, city of Romeo and Juliet, and it has everything you might need to […]
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