Jane McDonald: Pole to Pole
You may have heard of a world cruise, but I bet you don't envisage a voyage from the South Pole to the North Pole.
Well, that's pretty much what Jane McDonald has done and it's airing every Friday on Channel 5 at 9pm through January and February!
Jane has been on a collection of sailings with Scenic and Emerald Cruises, starting in Antarctica and making her way up South America, through the Mediterranean and up to the Arctic.
Sailing aboard Scenic Eclipse and Emerald Sakara, Jane showcases ultra-luxury travel at its best in some of the most stunning destinations on Earth. Here's an overview of each episode (you can catch up online!)
EPISODE 1: ANTARCTICA
Jane McDonald begins her epic adventure in the least explored place on earth – The Antarctic Peninsula. Jane gets up close with the awe-inspiring wildlife, witnesses geological phenomena first-hand and pushes herself well out of her comfort zone; kayaking the treacherous waters around the frozen continent.
EPISODE 2: SOUTH GEORGIA ISLANDS & FALKLANDS
Jane McDonald’s not-for-the-fainthearted voyage continues to the British Overseas territories of The South Georgia Islands and the Falklands. She follows in the footsteps of famous explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, learns about our brutal whaling history and celebrates conservation victories while meeting people who’ve chosen to settle in some of the remotest outposts on earth.
EPISODE 3: URUGUAY & BRAZIL
En route to South America, Jane’s invited to the bridge to meet the yacht’s captain of her epic adventure, then on arrival in Uruguay, savours authentic dishes, goes wine-tasting in a hilltop vineyard and tours the dramatic coastline by boat, witnessing families of dolphins up close.
EPISODE 4: BRAZIL
Jane’s Brazilian leg of her journey continues, with a thrilling jeep tour of Ilha Bela, a guided kayak journey through the Paraty Mangroves a trolley bus ride around the glamorous Buzios Peninsula, made famous by Brigitte Bardot, and a cable car ride to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain, for unparalleled views of Rio de Janeiro.
EPISODE 5: THE MED
Jane’s epic adventures continue in the Med as she travels through the famous Corinth canal to reach Italy, explores the historic streets of Gallipoli, follows in the footsteps of Hollywood legends in Sicily, savour the holiday favourite - the Sorrento liqueur, limoncello and soaks up the jetset glamour of Capri with a VIP boat tour.
EPISODE 6: THE ARCTIC
Jane reaches her final destination, deep in the Arctic Circle, exploring the most northerly inhabited archipelago in the world, Svalbard, a remote and rugged wilderness where Jane kayaks in icy fjords, encounters Polar Bears and Atlantic Walruses in their natural habitat and visits the longest glacier in the Northern hemisphere.
Catch Jane McDonald in 'Pole to Pole' on Channel 5 every Friday through January and February 2026 at 9pm!
