Joanna Lumley's Spice Trail Adventure

Joanna Lumley sets off on one her most epic voyages yet. A journey through the world's greatest spice continents. In this episode Joanna is heading to a collection of remote Indonesian islands, so small that her first challenge is finding them on the map. The Banda Islands were one the only place on earth where nutmeg grew. Joanna meets a family who make their living from harvesting them, she uncovers the dark history of Banda's past and discovers that Banda's charms once attracted A listers, including Mick Jagger. In the capital of Indonesia, Jakarta Joanna finds out what the attraction is of the 200 million clove cigarettes that are smoked in Indonesia every day. She pops into a cool speakeasy bar to taste a cocktail that is all about the spice and ends up discovering a newfound love of Indonesia's national pop music. 

Joanna Lumley follows the legendary spice trail to discover the rich tapestry of flavours and cultures which have shaped our world. In this episode, Joanna returns to her birthplace, India, in search of a kitchen cupboard staple once known as ‘black gold'. Starting in the majestic ancient city of Hampi, she's invited to a dazzling Hindu festival by a local rock climber. Onwards to the lush backwaters of Kerala where she meets a great grandmother who teaches the oldest martial art in the world and spends the night in a magical houseboat inspired by the old spice traders.  

Joanna Lumley's spice journey continues on the African island of Madagascar. Travelling overland on the country's notorious pot-holed roads, she discovers the secrets of the world's second most expensive spice, vanilla. From the unique way it's grown to how it's dealt on the streets.

The last leg of Joanna Lumley's journey takes her by dhow to Zanzibar, the spice island of Africa where merchants from around the world have left their mark on the architecture, religion and music. Finally, she travels to Jordan where the spice trail continued on land.