BBC Two announces new factual-entertainment series, Race Across the World

BBC Two announces new titles at Edinburgh TV Festival

Race Across the World is an ambitious new factual-entertainment series that pits travellers against each other in a challenging race to reach the Far East without taking a single flight. Adventurers will hit the open-road, with no modern trappings such as mobile phones, and travel through astonishing scenery and cross continents using whatever mode of transport they can. From trains to pickup trucks and ferries to tuk-tuks, it will be an illuminating look at the world and a competitive race to reach the finish line in the fastest time.

Race Across The World, a new six-part series for BBC Two, will pit pairs of travellers against each other in a race to reach the Far East without taking a single flight, with no smartphone in sight. Each contestant will only have the cash equivalent of an air fare to their destination to pay for their overland travel. If they run out, they'll need to earn more.

Setting out on the adventure of a lifetime, the couples will hit the open road using whatever mode of transport they can - from trains to pickup trucks, from ferries to tuk-tuks - crossing continents and experiencing travel the way we once used to.

And the race is on to reach the finish line in the fastest time, making best use of their money – and strategy - to win a cash prize. This flightless race will allow the teams time to savour some of the world's most beautiful and astonishing scenery, which the modern-day traveller seldom gets to see.

Each couple has their own personal motivation for taking part in this once-in-a-lifetime experience, immersing themselves in different cultures, forming bonds and friendships across cultural divides and relying on the kindness of strangers in order to stand the best chance of winning the competition.

Race Across The World is produced by Studio Lambert. Stephen Lambert, Tim Harcourt and Mark Saben are the executive producers; and Stephen Day is the series editor for Studio Lambert. It was commissioned by Patrick Holland, Controller of BBC Two and David Brindley, Head of Commissioning, Popular Factual and Factual Entertainment. The BBC Commissioning Editor is Michael Jochnowitz.