Travel documentaries

Travel shows on BBC Select inspire exploration, adventure, and cultural immersion and transport you to captivating destinations around the world. Our selection of travel documentaries feature tour guides such as Joanna Lumley, Alexander Armstrong and Bettany Hughes and offer glimpses into incredible landscapes and lesser known gems across the globe. Embark on journeys across Europe, Asia and more with our collection of travel series and films.

Joanna Lumley's Trans-Siberian Adventure

Stream Joanna Lumley - Trans-Siberian Adventure

British actor and activist Joanna Lumley takes one of the world’s most celebrated train journeys across Asia and Europe.

Jennifer & Joanna: Absolutely Champers

Watch Jennifer and Joanna Absolutely Champers on BBC Select

Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders are two of Britain’s best-loved comedy icons. In classic sit-com Absolutely Fabulous, their alter egos loved nothing more than cracking open a bottle of bubbly. Now, Joanna and Jennifer are reuniting as BBC Select joins them for a road trip to France’s Champagne region. But will Eddie and Patsy finally discover how the bubbles get into their ‘Bolly’, sweetie?

The Persians: A History of Iran

How is the modern Islamic nation of Iran influenced by its ancient Persian heritage?

Samira Ahmed starts her epic trek through Persia’s rich history at a 3,000-year-old temple in this Persian Empire three-part documentary series.

Persia, the world’s first empire, has a complex past. In this fascinating series, journalist Samira Ahmed visits historical and cultural sites across Iran that few westerners have ever seen.

Focusing on the rich artistic legacy of the region, she looks at literature, painting and ancient structures to relay a tale of power and ultimate destruction.

How much did this history influence modern Iran?

Archaeology: A Secret History

If you don’t think history is a dangerous business, think again. Richard Miles battles heat, ticks and leeches in search of secrets.

People aren’t just interested in the present, we’re intrigued by the past too. Throughout time, humankind has been fascinated by history and the Kings, Queens and ancient civilisations that have come before.

In this three-part archaeology documentary series, Richard Miles takes a journey through history to chart how humans have searched for the truth about the adventures of their antecedents. Travelling from sweltering jungles in Mexico to peat bogs in Scandinavia, he digs deep into ancient secrets to unearth some spectacular surprises.

Joanna Lumley's Japan

British national treasure Joanna Lumley travels to the fascinating and ancient country of Japan.

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