Globe Trekker

Traveller Justine Shapiro's journey through the Holy Land begins in Tel Aviv where she joins the Israeli population celebrating the start of Shabbat. Traditionally Friday night is spent with the family, but Justine finds there's a thriving clubbing scene in Israel's capital. The first leg of her journey takes her north of Tel Aviv to the holy city of Safed where she learns about Jewish mysticism and spend time working with other travellers on a kibbutz near the Golan Heights.

Traveller Ian Wright

Traveller Justine Shapiro

Traveller Justine Shapiro

Traveller Ian Wright

Traveller Justine Shapiro

Traveller Ian Wright

Traveller Ian Wright

Traveller Ian Wright

Traveller Ian Wright

Traveller Ian Wright

Traveller Justine Shapiro

Enjoying water sports in Corsica; Ajaccio, the birthplace of Napoleon; the Italian island of Sardinia; the Festival of Santa Rosalia.

Traveller Ian Wright begins his journey in the Middle East in Jordan. In the Wadi Rum desert he joins guests at a Bedouin wedding. Before travelling south to the ruins of Petra he rides a camel and has a swim in the Dead Sea. After Jordan, Ian travels on to Lebanon. In Beirut he rides with a motorbike brigade, then heads south into the occupied zone where he talks to the UN peacekeeping forces. Ian's next destination is Baalbeck in the fertile Bekaa valley, one of the most spectacular Roman temples in the world. It was a major place of worship sacred to the god Jupiter. Ian begins his visit to Syria in Damascus, where he observes the 'jumping sufis' experiencing religious ecstasy in a mosque, and relaxes in a Turkish bath. In Aleppo, Ian goes shopping in a large outside market called a Souk, then goes to see some clay beehive style houses nearby. He is introduced to the world of the 'whirling dervishes', one of Islam's important mystical orders, inspired in the 13th Century by the poet Mevlana Rumi. The final leg of his journey takes Ian south east to the ancient Roman desert town Palmyra. He ends his trip in the peace and quiet of a desert monastery.

Traveller Ian Wright Ian begins his exploration of Ethiopia in the northern highlands of Axum. He visits the oldest church in Ethiopia, which is supposedly the resting place of the Ark of the Covenant, and also attends a native wedding. An 8-hour bus journey takes Ian south to Lalibela in time to attend the most important festival on the Ethiopian calendar, Timkat. After the celebrations Ian visits the 11 churches hewn out of rock, which the locals believe were built by angels. He also finds out how aid donated by the West has helped Ethiopia since the famine of 1984. Ian's journey takes him to Bahar Dar, where he visits the spectacular Blue Nile Falls and samples some of the local cuisine with a couple of fellow British travellers. From Bahar Dar, Ian travels to the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. After drinking coffee with the locals, he goes bargain-hunting in Mercato, the biggest outdoor market in the whole of Africa and is pampered in a local hydrotherapy centre. The town of Harar is Ian's next stop, where he takes part in the popular pass-time of chewing a plant known as chat. He visits the Hyena Man, who is famous for feeding hyenas with his bare hands - surely one of the world's most bizarre tourist attractions. Flying via Addis Ababa once again, Ian travels south to Shashemane, passing through Lake Langano, one of several giant lakes in the heart of Ethiopia's great Rift Valley. A local Rastafarian community invites him to attend a coffee ceremony. The final leg of the journey takes Ian to the very south of Ethiopia, to the town of Arba Minch and the Mago National Park. He has his fortune told from a goat's intestine by the Hamar tribe, takes part in the bizarre macho ritual of cow jumping and is challenged to a stick fight by a member of one of Africa's fiercest tribes, the Mursi.

Traveller Ian Wright Ian skydives onto a Havana beach, where he begins his journey through Cuba & Haiti. He explores the bustling street markets in Havana and discovers the back-streets Waterfall in Camaguey which throb to the sound of the Rumba. From Havana Ian travels west to the tobacco province of Pinar del Rio where he lends a hand to the guajieros, visits a cigar factory and stays in the somewhat unusual holiday resort built by Fidel Castro's lover. Ian visits the site of the American invasion in the Bay of Pigs before arriving in Santa Clara, home of the Che Guevara University, where the famous revolutionary's memory is still very much alive. Camaguey is the wild west of Cuba. Ian tries his hand at rodeo and visits a paladar. Just outside Holguin he visits a marine park where he swims with the dolphins - an awesome experience. Santiago de Cuba is the music capital of the country. Ian visits El Cobre, takes a trip to Dinosaur Land, a bizarre theme park built by criminals on community service, and climbs the Gran Piedra. Ian continues his journey to Port au Prince - the capital of Haiti, which is the oldest black republic in the world. He stays in Haiti's most famous hotel, The Oloffson, immortalised in the Graham Greene novel The Comedian. After a quick visit to Jacmel to witness a cockfight, Ian gets involved in a peasant festival where he joins the Rara bands. In Souvenance, the most sacred site in Haiti, Ian is invited to a voodoo ceremony. Ian ends his journey in Cap Haitien in the north, where he pays a visit to a spectacular citadel.

Traveller Neil Gibson Pakistan was formed by the division of India half a century ago, and founded in the name of Islam. Few Western people venture here but as traveller Neil Gibson discovers it offers some of Asia's most mind-blowing landscapes, a kaleidoscope of cultures and a deeply generous people. His journey begins in Karachi, a bustling port town. He comes across a film crew making a movie on the life of Jinnah, and takes the opportunity to find out more about the founder of Pakistan. Leprosy is still a massive problem amongst the poor in Karachi and Neil visits one of the hospitals that treats lepers. Neil then takes a horse and cart to the Saddar Bazaar, Karachi's main shopping area, and gets himself kitted out in a shalwar kamiz, Pakistan's native dress. From Karachi, it's a 17 hour train ride north to the sufi city of Multan, inhabited by the ancient Indus valley civilisation. The 4000 year old city is home to the mystical side of Islam and Neil arrives in time for the Urs festival, where every year the holy men come to chill out and trance out. Neil has his fortune told by a bird, has his turban stuffed with onions and rides a camel to the spectacular Derawar Fort in the midst of the Cholistan desert. Neil's next stop is Lahore, once the centre of the Mogul empire and considered to be Pakistan's cultural and artistic capital. Here Neil visits the last bastion of British colonialism, Aitchinson College where Imran Khan was once a pupil, and visits the incredible Badshahi mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. Neil learns about the strict lifestyle required by the Koran and takes part in some Kushti wrestling. A bus journey 440 kilometres north-west takes Neil to the frontier town of Peshawar. Due to it's proximity to Afghanistan, the town is full of smuggled goods and as Neil discovers, it is possible to buy almost anything in the markets. Neil then visits the legendary Khyber Pass and looks out at the real-life 'Gateway to India'. Neil takes a short flight to the north-western extremity of Pakistan and the exotic valley of Chitral. This is where the game of Polo originated and Neil is invited to take part in a game. He stays with the Kalash people, believed to have descended from Alexander the Great. From here Neil journeys north to Gilgit for the incredible Ashura festival, a Shiite festival which commemorates the death of Iman Hussein, grandson of the prophet Mohammed who was murdered in the desert. During this festival, the Shiites whip themselves with knives to show their grief, until they are completely exhausted. From Gilgit Neil heads up to the Hunza valley to the start point of a three day trek, crossing two incredible glaciers and ending his journey looking out at the stunning views from Rush Peak.

Traveller Ian Wright Covering three quarters of the continent of Australia, the Outback is one of the most sparse and rugged landscapes in the world. Ian Wright begins his journey in Darwin, where many travellers meet before trekking through the Outback. From Darwin Ian passes through Kakadu National Park where he feeds the crocodiles and encounters a black headed python. From there he journeys to Katherine in time for the Barunga Aboriginal Festival of sports and culture. Cloncurry used to be the biggest copper producer in the British Empire, but these days the town is rather quieter. Ian is invited to participate in a Kangaroo hunt, which he does somewhat reluctantly. He also tries his hand at Bush Poetry with a little help from the locals. The next leg of Ian's journey takes him to Alice Springs where he looks at some Aboriginal Art and experiences working life on a cattle station covering a modest 300,000 acres of land. After all that hard work, Ian finds the most luxurious way to travel, floating in a hot air balloon over Alice Springs. About three hundred miles South West of Alice is Australia's most famous natural landmark - Ayers Rock. It's now known as Uluru, and Ian meets some of the few Aborigine people who still live around here. The area was home to the Anangu aborigines for thousands of years but now that it has become a major tourist attraction only a few communities remain. Ian heads north west along the 600 mile Tanami track which links Alice Springs and Hall Creek in Western Australia. Whilst travelling through the desert Ian eats a bush grub dug up on the roadside and also dines on kangaroo tail. Another four hundred miles west of Halls Creek, Ian visits the coastal town of Broome. At night he sees light reflecting on the mud flats, known locally as the staircase to the moon. He also visits an area around Cape Leveque, home to aborigines known as the Bardi people, where he is shown how to catch crabs. The final leg of his journey takes Ian to the town of Kununurra where he gets work as a bar man at a Bachelors and Spinsters Ball - a raucous event. He ends his journey in the Bungle Bungles, spectacular ancient hills in the Kimberley Ranges which few tourists visit.

Traveller Justine Shapiro Justine Shapiro's journey through south west United States begins in Gallup on the New Mexico border, where she visits a Native American intertribal ceremonial. The event lasts for six days and whilst there, Justine attends an Indian Rodeo, checks out Native American cuisine and watches some amazing tribal dances. From Gallup, Justine takes a spectacular train journey north east to Santa Fe, where she acquires a motorbike and cruises along to Taos. She stops in Taos to investigate the Earthships - homes constructed entirely with recycled materials. Justine heads south from Taos to Roswell, the site of a reported UFO crash in 1947. Justine investigates the incident, which has become shrouded in secrecy, and hears some convincing evidence about the case. Justine continues her journey by bike, stopping next at the small town of Deming, where she takes part in the Great American Duck Race. She then heads north west to Tucson, in the state of Arizona. Here she meets some cowboys and takes a horse ride through the desert. She also trades in the motorbike for a car and finds a fellow traveller to share costs on the way North to Sedona. When they reach the New Age capital of Sedona, Justine has a physic reading, and is told that her new car will break down in six to eight months time. The next day the car gets towed to the nearest garage, and Justine gets a lift to Peach Springs at the West rim of the Grand Canyon. She goes on a white water rafting trip, then takes to the skies in a helicopter to view this awesome natural beauty. After picking up her car again, it's an eighteen hour drive north-west via the bright lights of Vegas, to the Black Rock Desert. Here, Justine ends her journey at the Burning Man festival. All that is weird and wonderful can be found here, as Justine discovers, when she visits the smut shack, is offered frozen bugs, and joins the Pagan revellers for the burning of a forty foot neon man.

Traveller Nikki Grosse Nikki Grosse's trek in Central Africa takes her through the dramatic and remote landscapes of Uganda and Eastern Congo (formerly Zaire). Nikki's route begins in South West Uganda in the 'Switzerland of Africa', where she travels on the back of a truck to Bwindi National Park, also known as the "Impenetrable Forest". Bwindi is one of the last remaining habitats of mountain gorillas in the world, and the current gorilla population is estimated at 320. With the help of guides and slashers who cut at the dense undergrowth with machetes, Nikki tracks a gorilla family for hours through difficult terrain and is finally rewarded when she finds herself only metres from a Silverback. Nikki travels north through the wildlife haven Queen Elizabeth National Park, en route to the small town of Kasese. Kasese is situated at the base of the Rwenzori Mountains and is the last place where trekkers can buy provisions before setting off into the mountains. Nikki buys a pair of wellies for the infamous Bigo Bog and organises a team of Ugandan guides and porters to accompany her on the trek. The Rwenzori Mountains are also known as The Mountains of the Moon because of the glaciers at the summit which can be glimpsed through a veil of cloud. They are a true African wilderness and Nikki treks through impossible undergrowth, along slippery paths, through knee deep bogs and thick mud, under towering giant heather forests and over snow covered peaks and glaciers, ending her journey a few hundred metres of Margherita Peak, the third highest in Africa. For the final part of Nikki's journey she crosses the border into the Congo and travels to Beni, where she is diagnosed with Malaria. After a course of medical treatment and a few unplanned rest days, she heads off into the Ituri forest in Eastern Congo. She travels in a truck along some of the worst roads in Africa; the recent rains have turned it into mud-filled potholes. Leaving the vehicle and setting off on foot Nikki eventually reaches a Mbuti Pygmy community. The pygmies are the indigenous people of the Ituri forest, which provides them with nearly everything they need. Here Nikki helps the children collect caterpillars and crabs for the evening meal, has ticks removed from her hair and on her final night is invited to listen to their traditional music.

Traveller Justine Shapiro Justine explores the world's eighth largest country, Argentina. Her journey begins in Iguazu where she visits the incredible Iguazu Falls, which are almost a mile wide. From Iguazu Justine travels west to Jujuy, the most traditional region of Argentina and the first part of the country to be colonised by the Spanish. She buys a bracelet made from goat's toenails and drinks mate with the locals. Her journey then takes her to Salta to catch the train known as The Train to the Clouds, one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the whole of South America. The journey takes three days and rises to 15000 feet in places. Back in Salta, after a late night with an English bar owner and his singing customers, she travels south to Catamarca. Justine spends a day with the Gauchos, the Argentinian cowboys and feeds bread to the alligators. She also attends a religious festival in honour of the Virgin of the Valley. From Catamarca, Justine heads to Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires, with it's 20 lane roads and European atmosphere. She visits Eva Peron's grave, learns to Tango and parties the night away in the city which is arguably one of the most exciting in the world. For a welcome break from the hectic lifestyle of the capital, Justine travels to south Argentina's lake district and El Bolson. Here she samples the simple life and visits a fellow American who left the rat race behind to build his own house here, living on just $2000 a year. From El Bolson Justine hitches east to Trelew where she visits the largest penguin colony in the South Atlantic. In Gaiman she visits a theme park made entirely of garbage. The final leg of her journey takes Justine to the southern most extremes of Argentina, to El Calafate. She visits the mystic caves, beautiful scenery and the Parque Nacional Los Glaciales, a spectacular sight, where glaciers meet green grass.

Traveller Justine Shapiro Justine Shapiro's journey begins in the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town on the West Coast of South Africa. She visits Robben Island, where President Nelson Mandela was held prisoner for 18 of his 27 years in prison. She speaks to an ex-political prisoner who lived in the cell opposite to Mandela for 7 years. The townships in Cape Town are the scene of much history and political strife. Justine explores a Cape Town township and visits a Sanoma - a South African faith healer. From Cape Town Justine heads east on board the Trans Karoo Express, through the lush wine regions north of Cape Town, then into the arid landscape known as the Great Karoo. She stays with an Africaan family in Laingsaburg and rides an ostrich in Oudtshoorn. After going deep sea fishing in Coffee Bay on the Wild Coast, Justine arrives in South Africa's third largest city, Durban. One a white enclave, Durban's streets now reflect a wide variety of cultures. It has always been home to the largest Indian and Pakistani community in South Africa, and the Kavadi festival in February where devotees celebrate the Hindu God Muruga by allowing their bodies to be pierced all over. Later, Justine hangs out with the young Durban surfers and meets the National Surfing Champion Shane Thorn, before having a go at surfing herself. The next destination is the Zulu homeland north of Durban, where she attends a Zulu ritual and talks with a young Zulu about the history of this warrior tribe. Justine journeys on into the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. A country in itself, it has its own language, culture and currency. The people of Lesotho are known as Basotho and Justine attends a puberty initiation ceremonies for the young teenage boys of the tribe. From Lesotho Justine travels north-west through Lesotho, and back down to the South African border, reaching Ficksburg and Rustlers Valley. Here she stays with a hippie community and experiences a 'sound journey'. Kruger National Park has the greatest variety of animals of any game park in Africa and Justine gets to see the big five: elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino. Finally Justine ends her journey in the township of Soweto, Johannesburg. She lived in South Africa as a child and returns to visit her nanny, Linda, who she has not seen since the age of 10. Justine has a tearful reunion with Linda, who is surprised and delighted to see her after so long.

Traveller Shilpa Mehta Shilpa visits some of the Philippines' 7000 islands. She begins her journey in the town of Baguio on the island of Luzon, where she visits the giant statue of Marcos and finds out what life was like in the Philippines during his rule. She also visits a faith healer renowned for his ability to perform surgery without the use of tools or incisions. From here, Shilpa takes the bus and journeys south to Sagada through the beautiful Filipino countryside, where she visits the famous Hanging Coffins and the amazing rice terraces, often considered to be the eighth Wonder of the World. Next stop San Fernando, where every year on Good Friday incredible real-life crucifixions take place as a form of penance. Shilpa travels south to Manila to witness one of the Philippines' most popular sports, cockfighting. She meets a karaoke singing taxi driver and goes to one of the busy ballroom dancing nightclubs, as well as seeing evidence of the darker side of Manila - child prostitution. A local outrigger boat takes Shilpa to the island of Boracay and its stunning beaches. She explores the old part of Boracay on horseback and goes diving around the corals off its exotic shores. Shilpa's next stop is the island of Negros, the sugarland of the Philippines, and the town of Bacolod. She travels on the vintage steam engines still used on this plantation, the largest in the world, and visits the beautiful but controversial Saint Joseph's Chapel. From Negros Shilpa travels to Davao on the island of Mindanao, where she samples local delicacies such as roast pig, the Durian fruit that 'tastes like heaven and smells like hell' and a popular aphrodisiac - a duck embryo. She also visits the Sea Gypsies and the amazing Tiboli people that live on Lake Sebu, as well as attending a horsefight. Next, Shilpa travels west to the island of Palawan and the city of Puerta Princesa, where she visits the open prison. North from here in El Nido, cavers risk their lives collecting swallow saliva, a key ingredient in the local delicacy, bird's nest soup. Finally, Shilpa visits the last discovered tribe of the Philippines, the Tau't Batu who live in the caves in the jungle near El Nido.

Traveller Neil Gibson Peru is one of the most geographically and culturally diverse countries on earth. It stretches from the Amazon, across the Andes to the Pacific Coast. Neil Gibson's journey begins in Lima, one of the fastest growing capital cities in Latin America. Here he meets Father Eugene Kirke, an Irishman who runs a mission in Villa El Salvador, which was on of the first shanty towns to spring up on the outskirts of Lima. He also samples food found in local markets. From Lima, Neil travels North for nine hours by coach to the Andean city of Huaraz, the center for trekking and mountaineering in Peru. After acclimatizing to the altitude, Neil takes a day trip to a glacier at 16 000 ft above sea level. From Huaraz, Neil travels by bus for twelve hours to the coastal town of Trujillo and visits the beach at Huanchaco, where surfers flock during the summer. Here he takes a trip in a traditional reed boat, and visits a Shaman. The next part of his journey takes Neil into the Amazon, via Peru's largest jungle city Iquitos, where he explores the rainforest wildlife. From Iquitos, he flies back to Lima before heading South through Peru's coastal desert towards Ica. In the desert Neil is taken to an ancient burial site that has been destroyed and looted. The next leg of Neil's journey takes him south to Nazca, where he takes a flights over the mysterious Nazca lines - shapes of animal forms up to 200 meters long, drawn over an area of 350 Sq. miles. From here he journeys on to Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, and crosses from the town of Puno to the island of Taquile. Here he celebrates the potato harvest with the self-sufficient islanders. Neil's final destination is Cuzco, the Inca capital. His visit coincides with the sun festival of Inti Raymi, celebrated at the time of the summer solstice at the Inca stronghold overlooking the town. He also treks the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, walking for 2 days along the sacred path before reaching the awe-inspiring Inca ruins, where he ends his journey.

Traveller Shilpa Mehta Sixty million visitors come to Spain each year but most head for the tourist resorts in the south. Shilpa Mehta's journey takes her through the less travelled north of the country. Shilpa Mehta at the Running of the Bulls in PamplonaStarting in Barcelona, Shilpa explores the city's rich architecture and discovers Flamenco dancing in the street. Just outside Barcelona is the small town of Terrassa, where Shilpa watches a Catalan traditional event of building human castles. From Terrassa Shilpa heads for Pamplona in the province of Navarra, where the annual Bull Run known as 'El Encierro' is taking place. Running alongside the bulls whilst they are herded through the streets is seen as a test of machismo, but participants risk serious injury and even death. Shilpa hitches a lift north to San Sebastian, where she samples the tapas dish unique to the Basque region, known as pintxos. She then continues her journey to Asturias, where she explores the Somiedo National Reserve by mountain bike. The next leg of Shilpa's journey takes her to the heart of the country, Madrid. Just outside the city, she visits a school for young bullfighters, and picks up some of the skills required for the job. From Madrid, Shilpa's road trip takes her northwest through the cities of Segova, Avila, Salamanca and finally Zamora. On this journey she glimpses a spectacular aqueduct, visits a farm that raises bulls for the ring, and finally witnesses a bull fight with a famous female matador. In the north west of the country Shilpa joins the Pilgrim Trail, staying in refugios along this famous religious route. The trail ends in Santiago, and Shilpa arrives in the picturesque city just in time to celebrate the anniversary of the death of Spain's patron saint, St James. After attending a service in Santiago cathedral, Shilpa watches a spectacular fire work display, symbolising the turning of the Moslems out of Spain and victory for the Catholic faith. In contrast to the lively festival in Santiago, Shilpa ends her journey further west on the Atlantic coast. This is a vast expanse of virtually unpopulated country, stretching to the edge of Europe. This destination is known as Cabo Finisterre, which means ëthe end of the world'. A fitting place to end an incredible journey through one of Europe's most enticing countries.

Traveller Ian Wright Ian Wright starts his adventure in Budapest, the capital of Hungary where he finds that tourism has boomed since the fall of communism in 1989. He samples the traditional Hungarian sausage, luxuriates at the thermal baths and steps into the past when he visits a communist theme park. From Budapest Ian hitches a lift to Eger, stopping off on the way at a refuge for zoo animals where he gets friendly with one of the bears. Once in Eger, Ian checks out the city's baroque architecture, and goes grape picking with a local family who encourage him to drink plenty of the fruits of his labour! Travelling by bus, Ian continues his journey to Hortobagy National Park situated on the Great Plain or Puszta, which covers one third of the country. The Puszta is home to whipcracking Hungarian cowboys, renowned for their horsemanship, and Ian gets to see a display of their impressive skills. Ian crosses the Hungarian border into Romania by train, and his first stop is Transylvania's medieval town, Sighisoara. This picturesque town was the birthplace of the ruler who became known as Dracula, and Ian investigates the history of his famous tale. He also samples Romania's most popular dish Tripe soup, before embarking on the next leg of his journey into the Carpathian mountain range. After making merry with the locals in a small mountain village, Ian climbs the Fagaras peaks, and discovers some breath taking views. Then taking to the road, Ian travels through a landscape of orchard covered hills to the small town of Bistrita, where Romania's Gypsy community gather for a festival. At the festival, Ian observes the fiercely held traditions of gypsy culture, and joins in with the drinking and the dancing. From Bistrita, Ian travels East to the Romanian capital Bucharest. Here he tours the many reminders of the Ceauscescu era, including a visit to the Grand Palace and the leader's final resting place. Ian finishes his journey discovering evidence that the country is no longer locked behind the Iron Curtain, and life is changing for the better. Conditions for some of the street kids in Romanian orphanages has improved greatly and in one particular refuge Ian plays basketball with children who have benefited from the support provided.

Ian Wright treks to a travel haven, exploring backpacker life and floating markets in Bangkok through to village life and outstanding festivals.

England's capital, London, is one of the worlds great cities. Divided into north and south by the River Thames, it has the old city to the east and famed nightlife to the west.

New Zealand is a beautiful land of contrasts. The North Island is flat, green and densely populated, while the South Island is rugged, mountainous and snowy. The Maori originally called it Etirea, the land of the long white cloud. Globe Trekker traveler Ian Wright starts his journey in Auckland, where the city skyscrapers are home to the most extreme sports in the world. He then heads up the coast to Matauri Bay and the Bay of the Islands. On the South Island he visits Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown, before climbing the amazing Fox Glacier. Along the way... Wreck dive the Rainbow Warrior. Attend a Pofari ceremony in a Maori community. Go punting in Christchurch. Sample a piece of Kiwi madness and do a bit of Zorbing.

Justine Shapiro explores the heart of South East Asia: modern Malaysia, with its ancient forests and vibrant mix of cultures, and the beaches of Southern Thailand just across the border.

Neil GibsonThe Baltic States of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia and as well Finland are this time the target of Neil Gibson.

Justine Shapiro explores San Francisco. Included: Chinatown; the Italian Quarter's literary scene; Alcatraz; Castro's gay community; a Day of the Dead celebration; surfing at Pacifica Beach.

Traveler Megan McCormick visits Egypt. She goes to Gizeh to admire the millennial Pyramids and the Sphinx, she goes on a 5-days journey through the desert and she finally discovers the secrets of the temple of Abu Simbel

The Kremlin; Red Square; Lenin's Tomb; Izmaylovsky Market; Star City, home of the Russian space program; the Winter Palace; the State Hermitage Museum; Peter and Paul Fortress.

Megan McCormick is now visiting several islands from Greece: Hydra, Patmos, Mykonos, Delos, Santorini, Crete and Gavdos. She sees a traditional festival, visits interesting archaeological places, learns about Greek History, discovers beautiful beaches and enjoys the night life.

Megan McCormick is our guide to discover Scotland. She visits cities such as Glasgow, Stirling or Edinburgh. She doesn't waste the chance to wear Scottish traditional clothes or take their food. She gets to take part in the Highlands Games, visits Loch Ness and even spends a night in a haunted castle.

From Shanghai, and all along the Yangtze River, Megan McCormick discovers the traditions, culture and beauty of the central area of Earth's most populated country: China.

Ian Wright presents an independent travel guide to Venezuela, including paragliding from the Andes and sampling a traditional drink made from fruit, milk and bulls' eyes

Presenter: Megan McCormick Megan’s journey starts by air, in the Roman town of Aosta, an ideal location for observing the spectacular and historic valley of Val Da Oasta. In Ivrea she experiences the strangest and most ancient carnival celebrations in Italy. A three day battle using oranges for ammunition to commemorate the 12th century revolt against the tyrannical Count Rinari, who had his wicked way with all new brides, until a feisty miller’s daughter named Violetta beheaded him. Up to 100,000 contestants bombard the nobility represented in the carts paraded in the square. Teams are selected from the neighbourhoods in which they live, so rivalry is fierce! On to Alba to discover the secrets of one of the world’s rarest gourmet delicacies, truffles, the fungal equivalent of gold. Setting off with a pack off trained dogs, she joins the hunt. Next stop is cosmopolitan capital Milan, she takes in the Duomo, which is the world’s largest statue adorned Gothic cathedral, and see the magnificent view of the alps. The cathedral contains one of Italy’s most prized holy relics, the Santo Quioto, a nail from the crucifix of Christ which is shown to the public just one day each year. Milan is one of the fashion capitals of the world and it seems like people here are impossibly stylish, in Quatrolatero Duoro - the Golden Square even the police uniform is made by Armani. Failing to get a ticket for the world famous opera house La Scala, Megan visits the burial ground of opera comopser Giuseppi Verdi where you can actually hear his music still filtering down. It’s a short train journey to the magnificent Medieval towns of Parma, Modena, Mantua and Verona. She samples the local Parma ham and Parmesan cheese, a staple part of the local diet for 700 years and learns how to make Parmesan traditional in copper vats. In Modenello, home to the Ferrari dynasty she visits a Ferrari museum. In the lakeside city of Monteva she visits the Gonzagas palace of its most famed historic family and she experiences some of Italy’s greatest art works. From Monteva it’s a half hour train journey to Verona, the city of love nested on the banks of the curling Audeje river. She visits the balcony of Shakespeare’s Juliet and meets the woman who responds to the fictious Juliet’s many letters with advice on love for women. From Verona, Megan takes the train up to the Tyrolean mountain of Bolanzo, and catches a bus to the swanky ski resort of Portina del Fetso, where she feels out of place without the regulation fur coat! She visits the Dolomites, some of the most spectacular mountains in the world whose 60 million year old corals reate their worn view and razor sharp peaks. It’s a three hour train journey to Megan’s final destination, Venice the city of lust,which is the only city with rivers for roads in which a township has sprung from its muddy islands. She party’s at its strange historic carnival which dates back to 1094 and is moulded for a traditional carnival mask To conclude her journey’s in Northern Italy, she visits St Marks Square and the Basilica church which housed the body of St Mark 1200 years ago.

The lively markets of Tunis; hunting with desert greyhounds; cave dwelling in Matmata; the souks of Tripoli; Roman ruins at Leptis Magna.

Estelle Bingham explores Goolwa's boat festival; food and wine festival in Adelaide; making wine in the Barossa Valley; opal mining; Karjini Gorges.

Situated on the West Coast, California is the most populous state in America. From the gold rushes of the 1800's to the Hollywood of today, California has long been the land of dreams. Traveler Justine Shapiro begins her journey in Palm Springs, a sparkling oasis in the middle of the desert. From there she travels to sprawling Los Angeles and tours the Hollywood Hills. Heading north she continues to beautiful Big Sur before heading inland to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. She ends her journey in Humboldt County - home of the Giant Redwoods.

Port cities where slave ships originated their routes on the west coast of Africa; plantations in Brazil, the Caribbean and the U.S.

Megan McCormick visits Hong Kong and travels from there to the remote Orchid Island.

London with Jonathan Atherton & Megan McCormick

Tokyo is a fascinating city of extremities, blending the old traditions with visions of the future and an extraordinary pace of life. A shock of skyscrapers and neon, it's a gleaming example of Japan's post World War II success. Traveler Ian Wright begins his stay by experiencing the spiritual side of Tokyo at the peace loving Senso-ji temple. After a gentle introduction he throws himself into the pace of the city and discovers some incredible technology and fashion! He then heads to Mount Fuji for a crowded climb to the summit, before ending his trip experiencing the infamous Tokyo nightlife. Along the Way... · Enjoy a volcanic spa at the base of Mount Fuji · Eat a sushi breakfast in the Tsukiji Fish Market · Explore the hi-tech world of Odaiba's technology centers · Marvel at the colorful floats of the Aomori Nebuta festival · Learn about the Bushido philosophy of the Samurai warriors

China, with 1.3 billion people and a land mass larger the U.S., no one would question its incredible diversity. Join Justine Shapiro, Zay Harding and Megan McCormick to travel throughout China, from Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzen, to Hong Kong, You do not want to miss seeing the Great Wall and the Three Gorges Dam.

Traveller Justine Shapiro explores what is arguably the world's most stunning city, Venice. Situated in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea off mainland Italy, this city built on water is a maze of over 100 tiny islands linked together by a network of bridges. The way to explore Venice is either by boat or on foot - there are no cars in the city. Justine hops aboard a public waterbus, or vaporetto, that takes her along the Grand Canal to her evening's accommodation, an elegant palazzo with amazing views over the city. Justine begins her sight-seeing at the epicentre of Venice, St. Mark's Square. Napoleon described it as the 'the finest drawing room in Europe' but Justine finds it full of tourists and pigeons today. She marvels at the basilica, and its ornate mosaics that tell of how daring Venetians stole St. Mark's body from the Orient and brought it to the city for prestige and honour. As Justine leaves the main sights behind and explores Venice's backstreets she finds that it's all too easy to become lost in the labyrinthine alleyways, although she also discovers this is a perfect way to stumble upon hidden treasures. No visit to Venice would be complete without a ride in a gondola; Justine gets a romantic ride and a cheeky insider's view on the city from pin-up gondolier Gianbattista. Justine takes a ten-minute boat ride from Venice across the lagoon to the island of The Lido for some glamour. It is the setting for the annual Venice Film Festival and she lines up with other tourists along the red carpet hoping for a glimpse and a chat with some of Hollywood's hottest stars. Next stop is Burano, a complete contrast to The Lido. This sleepy fishing village is famous for its brightly coloured houses and lace-making. Justine tries her hand at the intricate needlework with the help of an octogenarian islander. Back in Venice, Justine mingles with young Venetians at a popular bar and tries the local seafood tapas before taking an unusual night tour with the romantic city's most infamous lover and libertine, Casanova. The following day, Justine heads to Doge's Palace. This palace, resplendent in gold and sumptuous oil paintings, was the political heart of the Republic of Venice. It was home to the city's elected leader, the Doge, and its Bridge of Sighs leads to the city's incarcerated. Venice's unique status of being built on water also means that it faces a precarious future, as the city is regularly prone to flooding. Justine takes a boat ride with a local scientist who explains how heavy water traffic and industry are threatening the equilibrium of the lagoon, and what counter-steps are being taken. Back on a boat on the Grand Canal, Justine completes her Venetian adventure - by taking part in one of the city's most colourful and joyful festivals - the annual Rowing Regatta. A flotilla of historic boats is followed by fast and furious racing to determine the city's speediest gondoliers.

The Indian Ocean Islands, off the east coast of Africa, are a paradise on earth. With superb resorts, sun-kissed beaches, and sparkling turquoise seas - countless Africans, Indians, Europeans, and even pirates, have all settled in this timeless, tropical location. From horse racing to hedgehog hunting and swimming with whale sharks, to the sheer indulgence of 6-star luxury hotels, traveller Ian Wright samples slow-paced island life at its best with a whole lot of action thrown in! Ian starts his trip in the Republic of Mauritius and the capital city Port-Louis, where he samples some delicious local fare at a street market and learns all about the Dodo in the place where these now extinct, flightless birds once made their home. Then it’s off to the Champ de Mars, the second oldest racecourse in the world, for 'a flutter' on the horses. Next stop is the Flacq region, where Ian stops off at the 6-star Touessrok Hotel to enjoy his racecourse winnings and indulge in a spot of pampering at one of the most luxurious hotels in the whole of the Indian Ocean. Never one to miss a trend, Ian discovers a lot of couples get married in Mauritius, and… just happens to bump into a couple who not only plan to hold their wedding ceremony 20 feet under the sea, but also invite Ian to be their best man! Leaving the underwater world behind, and the newly-weds to enjoy their honeymoon, Ian decides to get back to nature and go in for a spot of hedgehog hunting. He gets to tuck into his first tasty mouthful of a local delicacy called ‘tang’, otherwise known as hedgehog meat. He also makes the acquaintance of a 90-year old giant tortoise, not to mention a whole bunch of hungry crocodiles. And, as if that wasn’t adventurous enough, he heads to Reunion, the ‘Island of Adventure’ and takes to the hills to try his hand at canyoneering - an extreme adventure sport which involves abseiling, sliding, jumping, swimming and climbing down waterfalls and steep canyons. Then it’s time for a visit to one of the most active volcanoes on earth, Piton de la Fournaise. The next island Ian visits is Mahe in the Seychelles where big game fishing is big business. He sets off into the ocean with a group of locals in search of the perfect catch - they return to dry land, triumphant. After all the exuberance of the trip thus far, Ian makes off for for the tranquillity of idyllic La Digue, the most photographed beach in the world. What could be better than sitting on a beautiful beach, we ask ourselves? Owning one? Or maybe owning a whole tropical island, just like Yorkshire man, Brendon, who gives us a guided tour of the one he bought over 30 years ago for only US$14,000. A bargain. Last stop on the trip is another underwater adventure when Ian helps the local Marine Conservation Society seek out and tag whale sharks. Now under the watchful eye of a team of volunteers and marine biologists, these enormous animals are an endangered species. Ian spends a contented few hours splashing around with his new best friend, a seven metre long whale shark. Whatever you’re looking for, whether it's amazing marine life, spouting volcanoes, extreme adventure sports, luxurious relaxation, or picture postcard beaches - it’s all to be found in the Indian Ocean Islands. A real paradise on Earth.

The motivations of those who left China and the impact they've had on their new homes are explored.

Ian Wright island hops around the pristine coral atolls of the Turks and Caicos in the Caribbean. He begins his adventures on the most developed island, Providenciales, which is a real draw for tourists. After kicking back on iconic Grace Bay Beach, he enjoys a spectacular dive and then tries out the local food speciality - an aphrodisiac - conch! Heading east, Ian’s next stop is North Caicos, where he learns about the island's heritage at the Wade's Green Slave Plantation and in town meets some real island characters, who he teaches how to say Hooman Bean. He then takes a ferry to the neighbouring island of Middle Caicos, for a stunning trek along its wild and deserted north coast. On South Caicos, Ian helps out on an environmental study of the lemon shark before ending his journey on Grand Turk - renowned for its beautiful colonial architecture - in search of majestic humpback whales. MILFORD TRACK, NEW ZEALAND Zay Harding prepares to trek the Milford TrackWe then meet up with Zay Harding, who is hiking the Milford Track, the most famous and spectacular trekking route in New Zealand. To reach the remote trailhead on the southwestern tip of the South Island, Zay sails in a traditional wooden ketch across beautiful Lake Te Anau, where he starts the 3-day trek up and over the MacKinnon Pass en route to the Milford Sound. On day 1 of the trek, as Zay climbs up through the narrow Clinton River gorge, a continuous downpour of torrential rain creates hundreds of waterfalls which thunder down the towering cliffs of the gorge, causing a flood surge that forces Zay to wade up to his chest through fast-flowing waters in order to make it through to his overnight stop at the mountain lodge at the head of the gorge. On day 2 the weather transforms for Zay's climb up and over the mountains. Reaching the MacKinnon Pass in glorious sunshine, the summit of the trek at nearly 4,000 feet, Zay is rewarded with a magnificent 360 degree panorama of high mountain peaks surrounding him in every direction. On day 3, and after a long trek thousands of feet down the other side of the mountains, Zay reaches the ocean, and the end of his trek - the Milford Sound, a dramatic fjord enclosed by sheer peaks plunging thousands of feet straight down into the water, has been called the eighth wonder of the world, and is a fitting climax to one of the finest treks on earth.

Globe Trekker Zay Harding ski tours the legendary Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt, traversing three Western European countries: France, Italy and Switzerland, and taking in Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn along the way. The trek begins with a training day on the world’s steepest and longest ski slope: La Vallée Blanche. After meeting up with his Irish mountain guide - Robbie Fenlon - Zay takes the highest cable car in Europe. Zay temps fate and frequent avalanches, masters the technique of off-piste skiing in powder-snow and learns how to negotiate his way out of a deep crevasse. Zay also visits a local cemetery where thousands of intrepid climbers have lost their lives in pursuit to concur the Alps.

Globe Trekker travellers Adela Ucar Innerarity and Justine Shapiro explore the city of light, love and culture and enjoy a wonderful week of museums, romance, haute cuisine and superb entertainment.

Adela Ucar Innerarity heads to the Greek island of Crete to learn more about the island's World War II history. Meanwhile, K.T. Comer travels throughout the nearby Mediterranean island of Cyprus. She visits the ruins of Kourion and pays a visit to the island's most revered Greek Orthodox monastery at Kykkos.

Megan, Ian, Neil, Justine, Eils, Bradley and Holly explore the great natural wonders found around the world.

Foxy Megan McCormick spends a week in Southern California, USA, exploring one of the world’s most exciting and glamorous cities: Los Angeles. Like thousands of wannabe stars who over the years have flocked to L.A.'s most famous suburb Hollywood in the hope of finding fame and fortune in the movies, Megan starts her trip by displaying her new bob and signing on at the Central Casting agency with other hopefuls trying to land a part in a movie as an extra. After taking a tour around Paramount Studios, she heads to Beverly Hills to learn the tricks of the trade used by the paparazzi who follow the every move of the stars who frequent the area.

Megan McCormick and Justine Shapiro travel to take a deeper look at the real Germany.

Megan McCormick is joined by Ian Wright, Adela Ucar Innerarity, Justine Shapiro and Estelle Bingham visit places across europe's key world war II locations.

Megan McCormick, Ian Wright, Justine Shapiro, Alex Riley, and Sami Sabiti explore the world's most spectacular volcanoes.

Justine Shapiro is at Ouidah in Benin, Megan McCormick travels to Elmina in Ghana, whilst Zoe Palmer visits Goree Island in Senegal, as well as the Cape Verde islands just off the African coast.

Zoe Palmer journies from Dakkar to Fogo.

Zoe Palmer visits the wonderful islands of St Lucia, Martinique and Montserrat.

Zay Harding travels through the countries that fomed former Yugoslavia: Kosovo, Serbia, Bosnia Herzegovina and Montenegro.

Holly Morris on the trails of cowboys and miners.

.Join Brianna Barnes, as she visits two of the least known counties of latin america.

Holly Morris follows Livingstone on his most famous journies.

Zoe Palmer and Matt Young explore the pacific.

Zoe Palmer and Matt Young explore the pacific.

Brianna Barnes and Jonathan Atherton explore the capital of the netherlands.

Megan McCormick visits Barcelona, the catalunian capital.

Zay Harding visits the historical, political and religious rich region and travels from Jerusalem to the west bank.

Adela Ucar explores the vivid spanish capital.

In the South Pacific, to the North of Australia, Zay Harding visits the so-called "island provinces" of Manus, New Ireland, and New Britain.

Between India and Myanmar, Holly Morris tours Bangladesh.

Judith Jones visits Queen's House; St. Magnus the Martyr and St. Paul's Cathedral in London; townhomes of Bath; Osterley House; Trafalgar Square; Buckingham Palace.

Zay Harding visits Patagonia on Hwy 40. He climbs Volcan Lanin, visits the Lake District in San Carlos de Bariloche, the former Hippie colony of El Bolton, Cueva de las Manos (cave of hands), Mount Fitzroy and Cabo Virgenes Lighthouse. We see beautiful scenery. He has to fill gas containers as some areas of the road have no services.

Several Lonely Planet hosts introduce different locations. 10/ Guyana - Kaieteur National Park and waterfall. 9/ Argentina - Lanin National Park and volcano. 8/ Venezuela - Los Llanos Wetlands, looking for Annaconda. 7/ Chile - Futaleufu. White water rafting. 6/ Paraguay - Mbaracayu Forest Nature Reserve. Hunting with Ache tribe. 5/ Bolivia - Uyuni. World's largest salt flats. 4/ Brazil - Trekking the Amazon rainforest. 3/ Bolivia - Yungas. Cycling the world's most dangerous road. 2/ Colombia - Sierra Nevada. Trekking to the lost city of the Tairona. 1/ Venezuela.