15 Episodes · Premiered May 18, 2026 · Ended May 26, 2026
This latest European series charts a route from the Mediterranean to the plains of Central Europe. Beginning in Sardinia and Corsica, Michael explores island histories and mountain railways before heading north through Belgium, from Brussels and Flanders to Wallonia and the Ardennes. The journey ends in Hungary, from the Austrian border to Budapest and across the Great Plain, uncovering defining moments in European history alongside enduring cultural traditions.
Michael Portillo embarks on a stunning railway adventure through the western Mediterranean islands of Sardinia and Corsica, beginning in Sardinia's capital, Cagliari.
Michael Portillo's railway tour of Sardinia heads inland towards the island's dramatic mountain landscapes, which he discovers were frequented by DH Lawrence.
Michael Portillo continues his Sardinian railway adventure, arriving into Mamoiada to investigate the town's extraordinary pagan traditions.
Michael Portillo's railway journey through the islands of Sardinia and Corsica sees him leave Sardinia and arrive into Corsica, the most mountainous island in the Mediterranean.
Michael boards one of Europe's most dramatic railways, which winds through Corsica's breathtaking mountainous landscapes.
Michael boards the Eurostar at London's St Pancras International, bound for the Belgian capital, Brussels.
Michael Portillo's Belgian rail journey continues in the Dutch-speaking region of Flanders. He discovers Antwerp's historic diamond industry and visits a Van Eyck masterpiece in Ghent.
Continuing his Belgian tour, Michael Portillo heads to the beach resort of Knokke-Heist and the world's longest coastal tram, which enjoys splendid views across the North Sea.
Michael Portillo's Belgian journey takes him back to Brussels to examine a dark chapter in the country's past: the brutal seizure of the Congo under King Leopold II.
On the final leg of his Belgian journey, Michael Portillo travels to Namur, capital of Wallonia, to discover a citadel dating back to the 10th century.
Michael Portillo begins his Hungarian adventure in the far north west of the country in the town of Sopron.
Exploring Hungary's capital city of Budapest by tram, Michael Portillo travels to the extraordinary open-air museum of Memento Park in the suburbs.
Continuing his travels in Budapest, Michael Portillo begins in the small town of Huvösvölgy, where he encounters a surprising railway run almost entirely by children.
At Budapest's historic Nyugati station, Michael Portillo explores its sumptuous royal waiting room, built specially for the Austro-Hungarian emperor Franz Joseph I and his empress, Elizabeth.
On the last leg of his journey, Michael Portillo arrives in the historic city of Eger. At its famous castle, he discovers how Ottoman invaders were defeated by an outnumbered Hungarian force.
