Is it Safe to Travel in the Caucasus?

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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Borjomi: The Source of Soviet Water

A little Georgian town produced the most famous water in the Soviet Union.     The Caucasian Challenge is all about adventure: expect stunning scenery, bumpy roads, and crazy nights. However, if you’re fueled by beer and strong spirits, eventually you’ll need to have some water. And when you do, it’ll undoubtedly be a bottle of […]

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Lake Sevan: “Bigger Than the Pacific Ocean”

Lake Sevan is known as the Jewel of Armenia.     When the Caucasian Challenge reaches Armenia, we head straight for Lake Sevan. The Caucasus’ largest lake, it is dotted with ancient churches, and set against a backdrop of snow-touched mountains. We often camp on its shore, mesmerised by its tranquil blue water. Here is […]

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What to Expect in Kapan, Armenia

Kapan is the penultimate stop on the Caucasian Challenge.     Kapan, in South-Eastern Armenia, offers teams on the Caucasian Challenge to stay in a typical Armenian town. This means you should expect a mix of socialist architecture, medieval sites, and fantastic nature.We arrive in Kapan, the center of Syunik Province, after a day of adventures, […]

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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 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 […]

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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 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 […]

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Mestia: 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 […]

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The 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 […]

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