Race Across The World 2026: Travel the Silk Road Adventure Yourself

If you’ve been watching the latest series of Race Across The World, you’ll know this year’s journey is something special.

Spanning thousands of miles from southern Europe to the wild landscapes of Mongolia, Series 6 takes contestants across one of the most historic and culturally rich routes on the planet—the Silk Road.

And it begs the question…

Why just watch it when you could actually do it?

At The Adventure People, we specialise in exactly this kind of travel: immersive, multi-country journeys that go far beyond the typical holiday. Inspired by the show, we’re seeing a surge in demand for trips that capture the same spirit—adventure, discovery, and real connection to the world.

In this blog, we’ll break down the route, highlight the standout destinations, and show you how you can experience your own Race Across The World journey—without the stress of racing the clock.

🗺️ The Route: From Italy to Mongolia

The 2026 series follows an epic overland journey through eight countries:

• Italy
• Greece
• Turkey
• Georgia
• Kazakhstan
• Uzbekistan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Mongolia

This isn’t just a route—it’s a journey through continents, cultures, and centuries of history. Much of it follows the ancient Silk Road, once the world’s most important trade network linking Europe and Asia.

What makes this route so compelling is its diversity. Within a single trip, you can experience Mediterranean coastlines, bustling cities, remote deserts, snow-capped mountains, and vast, untouched wilderness.

Italy & Greece: Where the Adventure Begins

The journey starts in southern Europe, where travel feels familiar—but still full of energy.

In Italy, particularly Sicily, you’ll find vibrant street life, historic architecture, and incredible food culture. It’s the perfect launchpad—easy to navigate but rich in character.

From there, Greece offers a blend of ancient history and laid-back island life. Whether it’s exploring Athens’ iconic landmarks or soaking up the atmosphere in smaller coastal towns, this part of the journey sets the tone beautifully.

👉 These destinations are ideal if you want to ease into an overland adventure without diving straight into the deep end.

Turkey & Georgia: Where Continents Collide

As you move east, things start to shift.

Turkey is where Europe meets Asia—both geographically and culturally. Istanbul alone is worth the journey, with its mosques, markets, and layered history. Head further inland and you’ll find surreal landscapes like Cappadocia, where hot air balloons drift over volcanic rock formations at sunrise.

Georgia, meanwhile, is one of travel’s best-kept secrets. Nestled between Europe and Asia, it offers dramatic mountain scenery, incredible food, and a deep-rooted wine culture that dates back thousands of years.

👉 This region is where the journey starts to feel truly adventurous—less predictable, more rewarding.

Kazakhstan & Uzbekistan: The Heart of the Silk Road

This is where Race Across The World really comes into its own.

Kazakhstan introduces you to vast степpe landscapes and long-distance train journeys that feel straight out of a different era. It’s remote, raw, and unlike anywhere most travellers have experienced.

Then comes Uzbekistan—arguably one of the highlights of the entire route.

Cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva are simply breathtaking. Think intricate mosaics, towering minarets, and centuries-old architecture that tells the story of the Silk Road’s golden age.

👉 If you’re looking for something beyond the usual travel hotspots, this is it.

Kyrgyzstan & Mongolia: The Final Frontier

The last stretch of the journey is where things become truly wild.

Kyrgyzstan offers rugged mountain landscapes, alpine lakes, and a strong nomadic culture. It’s a place where you can stay in traditional yurts, hike through untouched valleys, and experience a slower, more connected way of life.

And then there’s Mongolia.

Vast, remote, and incredibly beautiful, Mongolia feels like the edge of the world. Endless степpe, roaming wildlife, and a deep sense of freedom define this destination.

👉 This is not just travel—it’s a genuine adventure.

🚆 Why Overland Travel is Back in a Big Way

One of the reasons Race Across The World resonates so strongly is that it taps into something many travellers are craving right now:

Slower, more meaningful travel.

Instead of flying from one destination to another, overland journeys allow you to:

• See the transitions between countries and cultures
• Experience local transport and daily life
• Discover places you’d never normally visit
• Feel more connected to the journey itself

At The Adventure People, this style of travel sits at the heart of what we do.

🧭 How You Can Do Your Own Race Across The World Adventure

Let’s be honest—travelling like the contestants on the show isn’t always practical.

Late-night buses, tight budgets, and constant time pressure might make great TV, but they don’t always make for the best holiday.

That’s where we come in.

We take the spirit of the journey and turn it into something that actually works:

✔️ Seamless multi-country itineraries

✔️ Amazing accommodation options

✔️ Expert planning and local support

✔️ Flexible transport options (train, private transfers, guided experiences)

You still get the adventure—just without the chaos.