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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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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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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Explore 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 […]
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The 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 […]
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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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