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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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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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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The Best Book on the History of the Caucasus
Learn about the Caucasus before you visit. The Caucasian Challenge can be a whirlwind, as incredible roads, breathtaking scenery, and welcoming hospitality all compete for your attention. We only visit the South Caucasus, but even this small region is home to many languages, diverse cultures, and rich histories. So, it can be a good idea […]
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Are The Caucasus in Europe?
We love them, but we still don’t know for sure whether the Caucasus are in Europe or Asia. The Caucasian Challenge departs from Istanbul (in Europe, not in the Caucasus), before heading west across Northern Turkey (not in Europe, not in the Caucasus), reaching Georgia (maybe in Europe, definitely in the Caucasus) and Armenia […]
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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 2016 Day 9: The Weirdest Village in the Caucasus?
On Day 9 of the Caucasian Challenge 2016, we traveled to maybe the weirdest village in the Caucasus. After one night at glorious Sevan Lake, on Day 9 it time to leave Armenia… sort of. Our destination was the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, the subject of a conflict between Azerbaijan and […]
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Caucasian Challenge 2016 Day 8: Driving to Armenia
After a rest in Tbilisi, Day 8 of the Caucasian Challenge 2016 meant driving to Armenia. The Caucasian Challenge took a break of Day 7, with the teams free to navigate the wonderful city of Tbilisi. There was a lot to do: cable cars taking visitors to the historic Narikala fortress, sulphur baths amid […]
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Caucasian Challenge 2016 Day 6: Footsteps of Stalin
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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Tsitsernakaberd: The Armenian Genocide Complex
The Armenian Genocide Complex is found on Yerevan’s Tsitsernakaberd hill. At Tsitsernakaberd you can find both a monument to, and much information about, the most traumatic time in Armenian history. The site is an essential place to visit on any visit to Yerevan, although it can obviously be an upsetting experience. On Armenian […]
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