The Travel Show

Forty years after the death of the dictator Enver Hoxha, whose four-decade rule over Albania drove it into isolation and poverty, Qasa Alom explores how the country has changed for travelers and local people. He learns how a monument to the late dictator has been repurposed for a new generation, before meeting a once exiled chef putting a new twist on traditional Albanian cuisine.

Iceland has long been a top travel destination, but many tourists never leave the south of the country. Roma Wells heads to the far north of the island at the edge of the Arctic Circle. She searches for majestic marine life, photographs other worldly landscapes and, like so many other travelers, hopes to catch a glimpse of the mysterious and illusive Northern Lights.

The Travel Show marks 75 years of the van that became a symbol of freedom and independence when it was adopted by the hippie generation. The VW Transporter, which later became the Camper or Kombi, first went on sale in 1950. Rob Bell meets some of the people who have been inspired to take their life on the road, and travels to Scotland to take a spin in one of the world's earliest motorhomes.

On the 75th anniversary of the van that became the VW Camper, The Travel Show sets off on a journey to celebrate this instantly recognizable travel icon. Rob Bell and mechanic Steve Green attempt to drive Cecil, a battered but beloved vehicle that's become part of Steve's family in Cornwall, all the way back to its birthplace in central Germany. But will they make it?

Romania is now part of the EU’s Schengen Area, joining vast swathes of Europe that can travel across borders freely and without visas. It’s expected to give a big boost to the former communist country's tourism industry. Reece Parkinson sets out on a journey to explore Romania's complex history, stunning scenery and meets some Romanians with remarkable stories.

Thirty years after the Dayton Accords finally ended the war in Bosnia, Rajan Datar travels to the country to explore the legacy of the conflict as it tries to attract more tourists. He finds a nation on the faultline of culture and history, a mix of East and West. Can the unique resilient spirit of the region finally put all memories of bloodshed behind it and embrace the future?

Opera is attempting to the shake off it's 'elitist and exclusive' reputation in the UK and be more inclusive, bringing in a wider audience. Soprano Isabelle Peters provides exclusive behind-the-scenes access as she takes to the stage at the London Coliseum. While in Leeds, Opera North is attempting a very different type of performance at the city's Grand Theatre. Are these initiatives working?

Train enthusiast Francis Bourgeois travels to Malaysia to explore a railway network dating back 140 years. Jumping on board the iconic Jungle Railway, he experiences one of Southeast Asia's most spectacular train journeys. He travels to bustling Kuala Lumpur, and visits Penang Island for their spectacular Lunar New Year celebrations. En route he joins forces with some of Malaysia's train devotees.