Ep 3. Madeira

In the third episode of season six of Travel Man: 48 Hours in..., host Richard Ayoade takes viewers on a 48-hour adventure to the picturesque island of Madeira. Located off the coast of Portugal, Madeira is known for its lush green landscapes, vibrant culture, and unique cuisine.

In typical Travel Man fashion, Richard packs his itinerary full of exciting activities and delicious food, all while trying to squeeze in as much as possible within the two-day time frame. He is joined on his travels by comedians Rob Beckett and Jo Brand, who bring their own perspectives and humor to the journey.

The episode kicks off with Richard, Rob, and Jo taking in the stunning views from a cable car ride up to Monte Palace Tropical Garden. This botanical garden is home to over 100,000 plant species from all over the world, and the trio is captivated by the colorful flowers and exotic trees.

Next, they indulge in some of the island's famous Madeira wine at the Wine Institute of Madeira. Here, they learn about the history and production methods behind this unique fortified wine. Of course, no wine tasting is complete without some snacks, so the group also samples traditional Madeiran snacks like Bolo do Caco and Espetada.

For lunch, Richard takes Rob and Jo to a local restaurant where they try the island's national dish, Espada com Banana - swordfish with bananas. Despite some initial trepidation, all three agree that the dish is surprisingly tasty.

After lunch, the group heads to one of Madeira's most popular tourist attractions - the Nuns Valley. This remote valley is accessible only by winding roads or footpaths, and is named for the nuns who took refuge here during a pirate invasion in the 16th century. The trio takes in the stunning views of the valley and learns more about its history from a local guide.

The day ends with a visit to the spectacular Funchal Market. Here, the travelers explore the vast array of fresh produce, fish, and spices, and Rob even tries his hand at fishmongering. They also sample a variety of traditional Madeiran treats like Pão de Ló - a sponge cake - and Poncha - a local cocktail made with rum, honey, and lemon.

Day two begins with a visit to the famous Blandy's Wine Lodge. Here, Richard, Rob, and Jo learn more about Madeira wine and sample some of the rarest and oldest vintages. They're even treated to a special tasting of a 1969 Madeira, which Rob describes as "liquefied history."

Next, they explore the stunning Levada Walks. These narrow irrigation channels wind through the island's mountains and offer some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the world. Richard, Rob, and Jo take a guided walk through the lush forests and stunning vistas.

For lunch, the group visits a local farmer's market where they select fresh ingredients to cook a meal with a local chef. They prepare a variety of dishes using traditional Madeiran ingredients like black scabbard fish and passionfruit.

Finally, the trip concludes with a visit to the historic Mercado dos Lavradores, a bustling farmers market in the heart of Funchal. Here, Richard, Rob, and Jo immerse themselves in the colorful culture of Madeira and sample a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and regional specialties.

Throughout the episode, Richard, Rob, and Jo showcase their wit, humor, and camaraderie as they explore the beauty and history of Madeira. Travel Man: 48 Hours in... season six episode three is a must-watch for anyone looking to experience the unique sights, sounds, and flavors of this stunning island paradise.