Stalin had good taste in wine, it seems. Georgia claims to have invented wine, and artifacts do show evidence of wine production for at least 8,000 years. As we travel through the country on the Caucasian Challenge, though, you may notice that when marketing wine Georgians often rely on somewhat more recent history. […]
Continue ReadingTag: Georgia
The Amazing History of Georgia… On Film
Watch Salt for Svanetia, and learn a little more about this amazing country. Each year on the Caucasian Challenge minimal assistance rally, one of the most beautiful locations we visit is Ushguli, the highest village in Georgia. In the mountains of the picturesque Svaneti region, and cut-off from the rest of civilization for many months […]
Continue ReadingWhy We Love Churchkhela
Is there a more delicious Georgian treat than churchkhela? When first time visitors to Georgia travel with us on the Caucasian Challenge, we are often asked about brightly coloured “sausages”, seen on roadsides all over the country. They are churchkhela, one of Georgia’s many hidden culinary gems. And they taste even better than […]
Continue ReadingThe Essential Places to Go in Georgia
Introducing the essential places to go in Georgia. The Caucasian Challenge will reach Georgia on the 17th of August, and we’re already excited. There’s so much to explore, from the seaside sun of Batumi to the bustling energy of Tbilisi. Our list of essential places to go in Georgia includes the most famous […]
Continue ReadingExplore 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 […]
Continue ReadingThe 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 […]
Continue ReadingThe 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 […]
Continue ReadingMestia: 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 […]
Continue ReadingThe 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 […]
Continue ReadingTurkey’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, […]
Continue Reading