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Discover the world with Michael Portillo
Join the presenter on his Great Railway Journeys

Michael Portillo's Great Railway Journeys

Michael Portillo's explorations of railways around the world are full of inspiration. Armed with his Bradshaw's guide, his extensive knowledge and charismatic style, he delves into the history of railways. The documentaries offer glimpses into beautiful countries and the changes that have taken place over the past century, showcasing the histories of the UK, Europe and further afield.

As he explores timeless rail journeys, Portillo also takes viewers to lesser-known destinations, revealing personal stories and hidden gems that few people have ever seen, making his programmes a must-see for anyone with a passion for history, travel and culture.

Catch Michael Portillo on BBC2 as we follow him through Asia and Europe. From the ultramodern Shinkansen bullet trains of Japan and echoes of the ancient Silk Road in Uzbekistan to the shores of the Mediterranean, Michael shines a light on some of our favourite destinations.

Michael Portillo's Great Japanese Railway Journeys

Join the presenter in the Land of the Rising Sun - a country that blends breathtaking natural beauty with tranquil temples, timeless traditions and ultramodern cities.
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30 results matching: Michael Portillo's Great Railway Journeys

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ClassicClassic
Taj Mahal, AgraTaj Mahal, AgraTaj Mahal, AgraTaj Mahal, AgraTaj Mahal, Agra
Save up to £500pp
4.8 stars(580 reviews)
2026SepOctNov
2027JanFebMarAprSep...
2028JanFebMarAprSep...

Follow in the footsteps of maharajas on our bestselling Indian holiday, uncovering the gems of northern India and visiting Shimla - the only tour operator to combine the Golden Triangle and the former summer capital of the British Raj. Embrace the many wonders of this mystical country on this unrivalled overland journey. Enjoy the bustle of...

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Save up to £500pp
14 days from
£2,799 pp £2,499 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Glacier ExpressGlacier ExpressGlacier ExpressGlacier ExpressGlacier Express
Save up to £400pp
4.6 stars(567 reviews)
2026SepOct
2027MarAprMayJunJul...

Experience epic mountain landscapes and shimmering alpine lakes on this fantastic holiday to Switzerland. Discover the Swiss Alps on the world-acclaimed Bernina Express and Glacier Express from our popular bases in Chur and Brig, traditional towns surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Enjoy a private aperitif on the terrace of the 10th-century Spiez...

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Save up to £400pp
9 days from
£3,099 pp £2,999 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Sirmione on Lake GardaSirmione on Lake GardaSirmione on Lake GardaSirmione on Lake GardaSirmione on Lake Garda
Save up to £400pp
4.4 stars(470 reviews)
2026Oct
2027MarAprMayJunJul...

Embark on a captivating holiday, uncovering the highlights of Lake Garda and northern Italy, travelling by First Class rail and staying in the fortress town of Sirmione, where your welcoming, family-run hotel - owned by the same family since the 1970s - enjoys a prime lakeside setting on the water's edge. Glide along the canals of Venice on a...

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Save up to £400pp
10 days from
£2,499 pp £2,299 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Glacier Express & St MoritzGlacier Express & St MoritzGlacier Express & St MoritzGlacier Express & St MoritzGlacier Express & St Moritz
Save up to £400pp
2026Sep
2027AprMayJunJulAugSep

Staggering mountain peaks and serene alpine lakes provide the extraordinary setting for this holiday as we travel in First Class all the way, including on the iconic Bernina Express and Glacier Express. Staying in the Engadine Valley and the popular mountain resort of Zermatt provides idyllic bases from which to explore the Swiss Alps by rail. ...

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Save up to £400pp
9 days from
£3,699 pp £3,399 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Vintage Railways of the Isle of ManVintage Railways of the Isle of ManVintage Railways of the Isle of ManVintage Railways of the Isle of ManVintage Railways of the Isle of Man
Save up to £200pp
4.7 stars(838 reviews)
2026Oct
2027AprMayJunJulAug...

The Isle of Man is a unique blend of unspoiled coastal landscapes, sandy beaches and stunning scenery. The rich Celtic heritage is evident all over the island, and we experience it by riding vintage railways and exploring historic towns. Each day is an adventure of picturesque landscapes and captivating history as we journey down Douglas...

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Save up to £200pp
6 days from
£1,099 pp £999 pp
per person
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Glacier Express All InclusiveGlacier Express All InclusiveGlacier Express All InclusiveGlacier Express All InclusiveGlacier Express All Inclusive
Save up to £400pp
4.4 stars(739 reviews)
2026SepOct
2027AprMayJunJulAugSep

Experience Switzerland's most spectacular train journeys from a traditional hotel in the heart of the idyllic alpine surroundings of the forested Albula Valley. Ride the UNESCO-listed route of the Bernina Express across the Swiss Alps to Italy, admiring the Palü Glacier and crossing the Brusio Viaduct enroute. View outstanding scenery from the...

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Save up to £400pp
8 days from
£2,199 pp £2,099 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
HuskiesHuskiesHuskiesHuskiesHuskies
Save up to £400pp
4.6 stars(114 reviews)
2027JanFebMarDec
2028JanFebMar

Uncover the extraordinary landscapes and traditional culture of Arctic Norway and Sweden on a journey from Tromsø to Narvik and Kiruna. Meet the indigenous Sámi people and their reindeer and travel into atmospheric Swedish Lapland aboard the Ofoten Railway. Enjoy a husky-hauled sled ride through an enchanting winter wonderland - a magical way to...

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Save up to £400pp
6 days from
£2,299 pp £2,099 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Puglia & BasilicataPuglia & BasilicataPuglia & BasilicataPuglia & BasilicataPuglia & Basilicata
Save up to £400pp
2026Oct

Enjoy stays in two scenic bases, both perfectly located for relaxing and uncovering this unspoilt region of Italy. Travel by First Class rail to admire the iconic sites of ancient Rome before exploring the unique dwellings and UNESCO World Heritage sites of Puglia and Basilicata. Marvel at the otherworldly sassi caves of cliffside Matera...

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Save up to £400pp
11-12 days from
£2,799 pp £2,599 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Ardeche GorgeArdeche GorgeArdeche GorgeArdeche GorgeArdeche Gorge
4.4 stars(183 reviews)

The timeless destinations and renowned beauty of southern France beckons on this cruise journey. Step aboard the premium MS Amadeus Provence to uncover a tapestry of experiences while cruising along the Rhône and Saône rivers, with a unique focus on the region's culinary prowess. Indulge in the finest Burgundy wines in Beaune, savour the...

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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Nyhavn CanalNyhavn CanalNyhavn CanalNyhavn CanalNyhavn Canal
4.4 stars(159 reviews)
2026SepOct

Discover evocative Scandinavian landscapes on picturesque rail journeys, between the cultured capitals of Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Starting in Oslo, uncover its stylish modernity and thousand-year history on a guided tour, before travelling by rail to majestic Stockholm. In the Swedish capital we visit the tiny Old Town, Gamla Stan, one of the...

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8 days from
£1,799 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Engadine ValleyEngadine ValleyEngadine ValleyEngadine ValleyEngadine Valley
Save up to £400pp
4.5 stars(94 reviews)
2026SepOct

Enjoy having your head in the clouds while staying in a selection of Switzerland's best mountaintop hotels, all with sweeping views of mountains and lakes. The Belle Époque Grandhotel Giessbach on Lake Brienz is only accessible via boat and funicular railway, while Pilatus Kulm lies at the top of a mountain accessed by Europe's steepest cogwheel...

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Save up to £400pp
9 days from
£4,299 pp £3,999 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Senate Square, HelsinkiSenate Square, HelsinkiSenate Square, HelsinkiSenate Square, HelsinkiSenate Square, Helsinki
4.4 stars(13 reviews)

Fly to Helsinki to begin a discovery of three unique countries on the shores of the Baltic Sea. Discover the charms of innovative Helsinki before sailing to Tallinn to uncover the fairytale sights of Estonia's timeless capital. This scenic exploration concludes amid the colourful cobbled streets of Riga, the picture-perfect capital of Latvia,...

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Our customers love our Michael Portillo's Great Railway Journeys tours
Classic Glacier & Bernina Express: Chur to Brig
3/Sep
Pauline Cotterill
5 stars
“A great holiday but you need to have reasonable mobility. Take a small case that will fit overhead, as the end luggage racks fill up, and for lifting on and off trains. Hotels and the food served were good. Private dining rooms for the group and meals were chosen in...
Collected by Trustpilot
Oslo, Stockholm & Copenhagen
21/Aug
Fiona
5 stars
“We really enjoyed our first GRJ holiday with a friendly group and a great tour guide who was very organised, helpful and friendly. The local tour guides were knowledgeable and entertaining which made the guided coach/walking tours enjoyable. The two boat trips were lovely and we enjoyed getting to know...
Collected by Trustpilot
Treasures of Lake Garda
9/Aug
P Gale
5 stars
“Did everything+ that was expected. Tour Manager was excellent.
Collected by Trustpilot
Provence & the Elegant Rhône
4/Aug
John
5 stars
“Very good experience.
Collected by Trustpilot
First-Class Mountaintops of Switzerland
25/Jun
Theresa Lewis
5 stars
“Fabulous trip. Could have been made even better with a couple more 'free" days.
Collected by Trustpilot
India’s Golden Triangle, Tigers & Shimla
7/May
Rupert Lavers
5 stars
“Fantastic trip, enjoyed shimla most, followed by the national park and jaipur. Alot packed into 2 weeks, accommodation excellent
Collected by Trustpilot
Huskies & the Northern Lights
7/Mar
Sue Margrie
5 stars
“A wonderful holiday
Collected by Trustpilot
Capital Cities of Finland, Estonia & Latvia
6/Sep
J P
4 stars
“What an opportunity to visit three capital cities and get a real feel for each of them. We packed so much into the week and we're so lucky to travel.with such a great group of people and with a wonderful tour guide (Thank you!) Only slight moan was that out...
Collected by Trustpilot
Vintage Railways of the Isle of Man
2/Sep
Customer
4 stars
“We have a grand break in the Isle of Man thanks to the attention and skills of our Great Rail Journeys tour manager Denise, who was always available with a welcoming smile to answer any questions and organise the group.
Collected by Trustpilot