Race Across The World | Here is how to embark on your own epic European Adventure for under £500
This whirlwind 8-day journey from London to Southern Italy spans four countries, eight days, and all for under £500.
Dreaming of adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories - all without blowing the budget? Look no further. This whirlwind 8-day journey from London to Southern Italy spans four countries, eight days, and all for under £500.
Taking you from the historic streets of London to the vibrant culture of Palermo, experience diverse cultures, scenic train rides, and affordable accommodations that don't compromise on comfort.
Race Across The World Itinerary Overview
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London, UK
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Paris, France
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Dijon, France
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Chur, Switzerland
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Venice, Italy
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Naples, Italy
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Palermo, Italy
Day 1: London → Paris
Start your adventure in style! Departing London early via Eurostar (2h 16m) to arrive mid-morning/early afternoon in Paris. Book in advance for tickets from £39. You'll then spend the afternoon strolling along the Seine and enjoying a 'picnic' dinner to help preserve those all too precious pennies.
Want cheap accommodation without compromising on comfort? Look no further than Generator Paris. Forget horror stories of traditional 'hostels' (read: dirty bathrooms, rowdy guests and a terrible nights sleep),Generator offers affordable luxury with its design-led locations. From £56 per night for a bed in their comfortable and clean dorm rooms for four, you don't have to compromise on comfort. To help you save even more, book directly through the Generator website to save an extra 10%.
Top tip: Head to its rooftop bar to enjoy a drink and soak in one of the best views in Paris.
Day 2: Paris → Dijon
Wake up early, refreshed and well-rested. Head to the hotel's Cafe Fabien for a reasonable coffee and croissant to fuel up for another big day of travel. You will then take a mid-morning SNCF train to Dijon, famously known for its mustard. With tickets starting from £11 (€13), the 1hr 35 train journey is scenic and an experience in itself. After a long day of exploring the charming old town, for just £31 (€36) per night stay at Premiere Classe Dijon Nord in a private double room.
For an added extra cultural experience, you can visit the famous La Moutarderie Edmond Fallot - the mustard factory known for its classic dijon mustard for just €12 (£10).
Day 3: Dijon → Chur
Take an early train (4 hours 45 minutes) through scenic Switzerland to the next checkpoint Chur, a beautiful alpine village in eastern Switzerland. Book tickets in advance from £76 (€89).
Once you've arrived in Chur, wander through Chur's pretty Old Town and soak in the alpine atmosphere and the peace and quiet. Stay at the clean VIVA Hostel for £35 (€41) per night in a dorm.
Whilst Switzerland isn't known for its cheap food, pull together a feast of local delicacies from the supermarket to help cut costs and eat it in Fontanapark, a beautiful park in the heart of Chur (weather permitting).
Day 4: Chur → Venice
Another early start and another big day of travel. Wake up early to take a FlixBus to Venice (8 hours 25 minutes) with an hour and a half stop off in Milan. Tickets start from £30 (€35) when booked in advance. Arrive and wander Venice's canals early afternoon. Grab pizza or cicchetti (cheap Venetian tapas) for dinner. After a long day of travel, head to Generator Venice, an affordable yet stylish hostel right on the waterfront of Giudecca Island, for some well-deserved rest - with a bed in a shared dorm starting at £54 (€63) per night. Originally a warehouse, the Venice boutique hostel blends history and character with contemporary design features – there's luxurious mosaic floors, a glass chandelier and an imposing stone fireplace that gives off Venetian vibes.
Day 5: Venice → Naples
Wake up and enjoy the beautiful views of Giudecca Island from the hotel. Then take an early morning stroll around Piazza San Marco and St Mark's Basilica before it gets crowded and walk by the Doge's Palace (outside only, unless you want to splurge). Head to Osteria Al Portego for a cheap lunch - a hidden gem loved by locals.
After lunch explore Dorsoduro, another peaceful, artistic district. Walk to Punta della Dogana for panoramic views of the lagoon and San Marco, the perfect spot to enjoy beautiful sunset views.
After dinner, at 22:00 head to Venezia San Lucia to board the overnight train to Naples. The 11h 48m journey will drop you off in Naples centre the next morning at 10am.
In real Race Across the World style, opt for a seat, starting at £45 (€53) for a seat - although couchettes and sleepers are available at higher prices.
Day 6/7: Naples
Arrive in Naples early morning, hungry and in desperate need of a coffee, head to Gran Caffè Gambrinus to grab a pastry like a sfogliatella or babà and a strong espresso. Then explore Naples' Historic Centre (UNESCO World Heritage Site), wander down Spaccanapoli, the narrow street that slices the old town. Visit Naples Cathedral (Duomo di San Gennaro) and peek into small artisan workshops along the way. For lunch head to Pizzeria Da Michele or Sorbillo to eat authentic Neapolitan pizza at one of the city's legendary spots.
Expect queues but pizza here is fast and worth the wait (Margherita or Marinara ~ £4–6)!
Stay at Hostel of the Sun, situated in Porto and is a brief stroll from Molo Beverello, in a shared dorm for £32 (€37) per night.
Enjoy another full day in Naples taking in the local culture, delicious italian cuisine and rich history before heading to Port of Naples (Molo Immacolatella Vecchia) to catch an overnight ferry to Palmero, departing at 20:00. This is a scenic and comfortable journey across the Tyrrhenian Sea, allowing you to rest overnight and arrive refreshed in Palermo. Deck passage tickets start from £38 (€45).
Day 8: Palermo - the finish line!
Arrive at Palermo at 7:30 in the morning. Grab a cappuccino and cornetto (Italian croissant) at a neighbourhood café - skip touristy spots to keep costs low. Then head to Palermo Cathedral (free entry) and take in the beautiful architecture. Explore the historic streets and take in the rich history - stroll along Via Vittorio Emanuele, one of Palermo's oldest streets and pass by the Quattro Canti, a spectacular Baroque square often called the "heart" of Palermo. For lunch visit Mercato di Ballarò, Palermo's most authentic and lively street market and enjoy cheap street food staples like: arancina (€2), pane con panelle (chickpea fritters in bread) - €2 and Sfincione (Sicilian-style pizza) €2–€3. And if you're tired after your travelling, head towards the waterfront and relax in Villa Giulia.
Treat yourself to a private room at Astoria Palace Hotel for just £49 (€58) per night and have some well deserved R&R.
Total trip cost: £485
*prices accurate for 24th June 2025 - 1st July 2025
