Travel documentaries

All aboard! Join a star-studded cast of travel guides as they take you to some of the most remote and fascinating corners of the globe. BBC Select is the home for travel shows that explore amazing places around the world and introduce you to the people, places, culture and history that makes them so special.

Joanna Lumley in the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon

Bhutan, the beautiful land-locked nation in the Eastern Himalayas, has always been steeped in mystery.

In this revealing BBC travel documentary, Absolutely Fabulous star Joanna Lumley retraces the steps her grandparents took in the country 60 years before. Through her eyes, a world that challenges accepted ideas of wealth and happiness is explored.

But what family secrets will Joanna uncover?

The Silk Road

Stream The Silk Road on BBC Select

Covering 5,000 miles, passing through 13 countries and crossing some of the most dramatic landscapes on the planet, this is the fascinating story of the lucrative trade route which changed the course of civilization forever.

In this extraordinary documentary series, Dr Sam Willis explores how the fortunes, ideas and history of the West were shaped and exchanged by travelers from the East.

Greeks of the Sea

Greeks of the sea

Greece is the world’s greatest maritime nation. From humble fisherman and expert boat builders to daring sponge divers and billionaire shipowners, this engaging travel documentary discovers a culture rich in history, myth and religion. Immerse yourself in stories and succulent seafood as adventurer Nikos Andronicos shows us why the Greeks believe they ‘have salt running through their veins’.

Joanna Lumely's Spice Trail Adventure

Joanna Lumely's Spice Trail Adventure

Joanna Lumley sets off on her most epic voyage yet, a journey through the world’s greatest spice continents. Embarking on a 10,000-mile trek through Indonesia, Zanzibar, India and Madagascar, Joanna explores the centuries-old spice trade, discovering the rich tapestry of flavors and cultures which have shaped our world.

Without Limits: Australia

Without Limits

Those men and women who have faced injuries during military service know that it takes courage and endurance to survive. In this remarkable documentary, all of those qualities will be tested. With the support of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, wounded British and Australian veterans embark on a dramatic 1000-mile journey across Western Australia. Their aim is to reach the Invictus Games in Sydney.