Watch Joanna Lumley's Silk Road Adventure

Joanna Lumley's Silk Road Adventure is a fascinating travelogue television series that aired on ITV in 2018. The show follows legendary actress Joanna Lumley as she embarks on an epic journey along the ancient Silk Road, an ancient network of trade routes that spanned over 7,000 miles across Asia.

Over the course of the eight-episode series, Lumley encounters a wide variety of cultures, traditions, and landscapes, from the bustling markets of Uzbekistan to the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. Along the way, she meets a diverse range of people, from nomadic herders to award-winning chefs, and gains a new appreciation for the many wonders of the world.

The series begins in Venice, where Lumley sets out on a quest to follow the Silk Road to its easternmost reach in China. Her first stop is the stunning city of Dubrovnik, which has served as a crossroads of cultures for centuries. From there, she explores the rugged terrain of Georgia, where she meets with the country's famed wine makers and learns about its rich history and traditions.

Next, Lumley travels to Azerbaijan, where she takes in the incredible architectural wonders of the capital city, Baku, and ventures out into the countryside to witness a traditional sheep shearing ceremony. In Uzbekistan, she visits the ancient cities of Samarkand and Bukhara, both of which were once major centers for the Silk Road trade.

Throughout her journey, Lumley is constantly amazed by the incredible feats of engineering and design that allowed the Silk Road to function for centuries. She marvels at the intricate tilework and mosaics of the Registan in Samarkand, gazes in wonder at the towering minarets of Bukhara, and explores the ancient ruins of Merv, once one of the largest cities in the world.

As Lumley moves further east, she encounters a variety of cultural and culinary delights. In Kazakhstan, she learns about the ancient art of eagle hunting and samples a traditional dish of horse meat. In Kyrgyzstan, she stays with a family of nomadic herders and takes part in a lively game of buzkashi, a traditional sport in which riders compete to grab a goat carcass.

The journey culminates in China, where Lumley visits the bustling city of Xi'an and marvels at the incredible Terracotta Army, one of the country's most treasured cultural artifacts. She also explores the breathtaking natural landscapes of the Himalayas and spends time with the Tibetan people, who have maintained their unique culture and way of life for centuries.

Throughout the series, Lumley proves to be a gracious and engaging host, eager to immerse herself in the cultures she encounters and learn from the people she meets. Her curiosity and enthusiasm are infectious, making for a truly captivating viewing experience.

Joanna Lumley's Silk Road Adventure is a fascinating and enlightening look at one of the world's most important historical trade routes, as well as the many vibrant cultures and traditions that have flourished along its path. Anyone with an interest in history, travel, or anthropology is sure to find this series a captivating and insightful watch.