The highly anticipated sixth season of the popular travel competition series Race Across the World has officially unveiled its filming locations for the 2026 edition, promising what producers are calling the most extreme race in the show's history.
An Epic Transcontinental Challenge
This new series features five diverse teams embarking on a monumental 7,400-mile journey that spans two continents, following significant portions of the historic Silk Road trade route. The race represents a substantial increase in both distance and difficulty compared to previous seasons.
Starting Point: Sicilian Departure
The competition commences in the picturesque city of Palermo, located on the Italian island of Sicily. It is here that contestants must surrender their modern conveniences, including bank cards and mobile phones, embracing a stripped-back approach to travel that defines the show's challenging format.
Final Destination: Mongolian Wilderness
The grueling race concludes in the remote and sparsely populated village of Hatgal, situated in northern Mongolia. This isolated location provides a dramatic finish line for teams who have traversed multiple countries and endured extreme environmental conditions.
Diverse Teams and Testing Conditions
The competing teams consist of various personal relationships, including best friends, siblings, a father-daughter duo, cousins, and in-laws. Each pair must navigate the extensive route while operating within strict budgetary constraints and limited resources, adding significant pressure to their journey.
Route Through Eight Countries
The transcontinental path takes participants through eight distinct nations, each presenting unique challenges. The filming locations include:
- Italy: Starting in Sicily
- Greece: Crossing through historic regions
- Turkey: Bridging Europe and Asia
- Georgia: Navigating mountainous terrain
- Kazakhstan: Experiencing vast steppes
- Uzbekistan: Exploring ancient cities
- Kyrgyzstan: Traversing alpine landscapes
- Mongolia: Concluding in remote wilderness
Contestants will face harsh climatic conditions and extreme temperature variations throughout their journey, from Mediterranean heat to Central Asian cold, testing their resilience and adaptability.
Production and Broadcast Details
The 2026 series continues the show's format of documenting teams' progress across challenging terrains while capturing the cultural diversity of the regions they traverse. Filming along the Silk Road provides both historical context and visual spectacle, with production crews capturing the journey across multiple international locations.
This season's expanded route and increased difficulty level aim to push contestants to their limits while offering viewers unprecedented access to remote regions rarely featured in mainstream television. The combination of personal dynamics, travel challenges, and spectacular scenery promises to make this installment particularly compelling for audiences.
