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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Stalin’s Favourite Wine
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. […]
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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 […]
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Why 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 […]
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The Importance of Mount Ararat
Explaining Mount Ararat, at the heart of Armenian culture. On the final day of the Caucasian Challenge, as teams make the drive from Tatev Monastery to the rally’s final destination Yerevan, participants are treated to one of the most spectacular views of the trip. To the West appears a spectacular two-peaked mountain, Ararat. […]
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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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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 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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