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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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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What to do in Istanbul Before the Caucasian Challenge
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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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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The Caucasian Challenge 2016: Driving the Black Sea to Batumi
We look back at the first three days of the Caucasian Challenge 2016. There are now only six months till the Caucasian Challenge begins. That means half a year has passed since the Caucasian Challenge 2016, which means it’s time to look back at all the adventures we had. This week we’ll […]
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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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For the Gourmet- Adventurers: Dishes not to miss in Istanbul
One of the most exciting parts of each journey is the culinary one. New dishes, unusual herbs and spices, unknown flavors – indulging in the cuisine of another country surely already has added one or two kilo to your hips. Joining the Caucasian Challenge you’ll have the chance to eat your way through Istanbul’s restaurants […]
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(More or Less) Useful Turkish Phrases
When you are traveling, learning a few bits and phrases of the language is a sign of respect and wherever you go you will be welcomed by the locals. There is not too much time left till the Caucasian Challenge kicks off in Istanbul, but it’s just enough to brush up your Turkish, which you […]
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