Great Continental Railway Journeys

Last episode
54:52
Great Continental Railway Journeys

Michael Portillo is transported 150 years back in time to the tiny Alpine village home of Switzerland's most famous child, Heidi. In Davos, he follows in the footsteps of 19th century convalescents at a former sanatorium, now the Hotel Schatzalp, and takes part in an icy cutting...

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Season 8
56:12
Michael Portillo explores Aarhus's bold architecture, Viking history in Jelling, and fairy tales in Odense. He crosses epic Danish bridges, sails a Viking ship in Roskilde, discovers 'hygge' in Copenhagen, visits iconic furniture makers, and performs Shakespeare at Kronborg Castle.
55:48
Michael journeys along Norway's Bergen Line through glaciers and tunnels to Oslo, exploring wartime heroism at Telemark and medieval heritage in Heddal. In Larvik, he discovers Larvikite stone before ferrying to Denmark, visiting Skagen's artists and touring the Lurpak butter factory.
55:37
Michael rides the dramatic Sarajevo-Mostar line, reflects on Bosnia's past, and meets young musicians rebuilding Mostar's future. Crossing Croatia's new Peljesac Bridge, he reaches Dubrovnik's historic walls. In Norway, he begins a new journey from Bergen through fjords and famous railways.
55:43
Michael Portillo visits Zadar for Maraschino liqueur, explores early electric lighting in Sibenik, and dons a Dalmatian suit in Trogir. In Sarajevo, he retraces Archduke Franz Ferdinand's final journey, reflects on war, explores Ottoman heritage, and meets locals full of hope for the future.
55:57
Michael Portillo duels gladiators in Pula's ancient arena, explores olive farms and Tito's summer retreat, hunts truffles in Buzet, uncovers Rijeka's strange post-WWI coup, and ends on Pag Island making its famous salty cheese-all aboard a Balkan rail adventure.
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