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 […]

Continue Reading

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 […]

Continue Reading

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 […]

Continue Reading

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 […]

Continue Reading

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 […]

Continue Reading

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 […]

Continue Reading

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, […]

Continue Reading

Georgian Wine Officially the Oldest in the World

Georgia has been making wine for 8,000 years.     Georgians, even their brutal dictators, love wine and any visitor will likely be regaled with stories about how Georgians, or their ancestors, invented wine. We on the Caucasian Challenge, despite loving the hospitality we receive there each year, always took those claims with a pinch of […]

Continue Reading

The Cascade: the Symbol of Yerevan

Why we love Yerevan’s Cascade.     It’s hard to describe exactly what it is, but the Cascade is certainly one of the most memorable sights Armenia’s capital, Yerevan, the final city of Caucasian Challenge minimal assistance adventure rally. For a place to socialise on hot summer nights, for views over the city and all […]

Continue Reading

Georgia Chosen for “Best in Travel” 2018

Inclusion in Lonely Planet’s “Best in Travel” list is highly sought after.     Every year Lonely Planet, the publishers of the world’s most popular travel guidebooks, release a new “Best in Travel” guide. Comprised of top 10 selections of the best countries, cities, regions, and “best value” destinations, budding travelers across the world take […]

Continue Reading