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?
What’s the cheapest country on the route?
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.
