Fell in love with the epic landscapes and vibrant cultures on Race Across the World Series 6? Good news — you can follow the same 12,000 km Silk Road-inspired route yourself, and do it on a real backpacker budget.
From the sunny Mediterranean vibes of Palermo and Kefalonia to the dramatic steppes of Central Asia and the frozen beauty of northern Mongolia, here’s your practical, low-cost guide to visiting the Series 6 destinations in 2026.
Route at a Glance
| Leg | Key Locations | Highlights | Approx. Shoestring Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Palermo, Sicily → Fiskardo, Kefalonia | Islands, ferries, beaches | 1–3 days |
| 2 | Kefalonia → Istanbul | Greece to Turkey crossing | 1–2 days |
| 3–4 | Istanbul → Halfeti, Türkiye | Bazaars, sunken city, Euphrates | 2–4 days |
| 4–5 | Halfeti → Tbilisi, Georgia | Caucasus mountains & wine | 1–2 days |
| 5–6 | Georgia → Kazakhstan → Uzbekistan | Steppes, deserts, Silk Road cities | 4–7 days |
| 7 | Uzbekistan → Kyrgyzstan | Mountains, lakes, yurts | 2–4 days |
| 8 | Kyrgyzstan → Hatgal, Mongolia | Remote wilderness & Lake Khövsgöl | 3–6 days |
Italy: Palermo & Sicily
Budget vibe: Affordable street food heaven with dramatic coastlines.
- Stay: Hostels or guesthouses in Palermo €25–45/night.
- Eat: Arancini €2–3, cannoli €2, market lunches under €10.
- Get around: Local buses or walk the historic centre. Ferries from mainland Italy are cheap if booked early.
- Tip: Visit in shoulder season (spring/autumn) for lower prices and fewer crowds.
Greece: Kefalonia (Fiskardo & beyond)
Budget vibe: Stunning Ionian island with turquoise waters.
- Stay: Guesthouses or rooms in Fiskardo €40–70/night (cheaper inland).
- Eat: Greek tavernas — souvlaki or gyros €8–12.
- Transport: Local buses (KTEL) or ferries. From Sicily, combine ferry + bus for the overland feel contestants experienced.
- Pro tip: Rent a scooter for €20–30/day to explore hidden beaches.
Türkiye: Istanbul to Halfeti
Budget vibe: Incredible value with world-class history and food.
- Stay: Hostels in Sultanahmet or Beyoğlu €15–35/night.
- Eat: Street food (simit, döner, lahmacun) €2–6 per meal.
- Transport: Istanbulkart for unlimited public transport (~€0.50/ride). Long-distance buses (Pamukkale, Metro Turizm) are excellent value. Dolmuş (shared minibuses) for Halfeti area.
- Must-dos on budget: Free mosques, Grand Bazaar haggling, Bosphorus ferry (€1–2).
Georgia: Tbilisi & the Caucasus
Budget vibe: One of Europe’s cheapest destinations with incredible food and wine.
- Stay: Guesthouses/hostels in Tbilisi €15–30/night.
- Eat: Khinkali dumplings & supra feasts for under €15.
- Transport: Marshrutka (shared vans) — super cheap and frequent.
- Visa: Visa-free for most nationalities (up to 1 year).
- Tip: Visit Kakheti wine region on a budget day trip.
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan & Kyrgyzstan: The Central Asian Heart
Budget vibe: Extremely affordable once you’re overland.
- Stay: Guesthouses & homestays €10–25/night. Yurt camps in Kyrgyzstan €15–30.
- Eat: Plov, lagman, street food €3–7.
- Transport: Shared taxis, trains & buses between countries.
- Visas (2026): Many nationalities enjoy visa-free entry (30–90 days) for Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan & Uzbekistan. Check e-visa if needed.
- Highlights: Samarkand & Bukhara (Uzbekistan), Issyk-Kul Lake (Kyrgyzstan), Almaty or steppe experiences (Kazakhstan).
Mongolia: Hatgal & Lake Khövsgöl (The Grand Finale)
Budget vibe: Remote but rewarding with ger stays.
- Stay: Tourist ger camps or local family gers near Hatgal €20–40/night (including meals).
- Eat: Local mutton dishes & buuz dumplings.
- Transport: Domestic flights to Murun + jeep transfer, or epic overland from Kyrgyzstan.
- Activities: Horse trekking, lake boat trips, hiking — budget operators offer good value.
- Visa: Visa-free for many countries until end of 2026.
- Tip: Prepare for extreme temperature swings and bring layers.
General Shoestring Tips for the Whole Silk Road Route
- Daily Budget Goal: €40–70 per person (possible with discipline — close to the show’s £26 limit).
- Transport: Prioritise ferries, overnight buses & shared taxis. Avoid internal flights where possible.
- Accommodation: Mix hostels, guesthouses & homestays.
- Food: Eat where locals eat — markets and street stalls.
- Packing: Layers for massive climate changes (+30°C to -20°C), power bank, reusable water bottle, basic first aid.
- Best Time: Spring (April–June) or autumn (Sept–Oct) to avoid extreme heat/cold.
Sample Itineraries to Recreate the Race
- 2 Weeks: Highlights version (Sicily–Georgia).
- 4–6 Weeks: Full Silk Road feel.
- 8–12 Weeks: Slow travel like the contestants.
FAQ
Can you do the entire route without flying?
Yes — using ferries, buses, trains and shared taxis, just like the show.
What’s the cheapest country on the route?
Georgia and Central Asia offer the best value.
Are visas?
Generally straightforward in 2026 with many visa-free options — always double-check official sources.
Is Mongolia worth the effort?
Absolutely. Lake Khövsgöl is one of the most beautiful places on the planet.
