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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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31 results matching: Michael Portillo's Great Railway Journeys

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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Glacier Express All InclusiveGlacier Express All InclusiveGlacier Express All InclusiveGlacier Express All InclusiveGlacier Express All Inclusive
4.3 stars(693 reviews)
2026JulAugSepOct
2027AprMayJunJulAug...

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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8 days from
£1,999 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Ardeche GorgeArdeche GorgeArdeche GorgeArdeche GorgeArdeche Gorge
4.4 stars(163 reviews)
2026JulAugSep

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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ClassicClassic
Glacier ExpressGlacier ExpressGlacier ExpressGlacier ExpressGlacier Express
4.6 stars(483 reviews)
2026JulAugSepOct
2027MarAprMayJunJul...

On this customer-favourite journey, discover the Swiss Alps from historic Chur and charming Brig, where a family-run hotel and a property with over 300 years of history add to the authenticity of your stay. Travel on the acclaimed Bernina Express and Glacier Express, enjoying lunch onboard as you journey through deep valleys and glacier-carved...

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9 days from
£2,999 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Taj Mahal, AgraTaj Mahal, AgraTaj Mahal, AgraTaj Mahal, AgraTaj Mahal, Agra
Half price upgrade
4.8 stars(573 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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Half price upgrade
14 days from
£2,699 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
Double discount!
4.7 stars(794 reviews)
2026JulAugSepOct
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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Double discount!
6 days from
£949 pp £849 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Sirmione on Lake GardaSirmione on Lake GardaSirmione on Lake GardaSirmione on Lake GardaSirmione on Lake Garda
4.4 stars(442 reviews)
2026AugSepOct
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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10 days from
£2,799 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Yorkshire & NorthumberlandYorkshire & NorthumberlandYorkshire & NorthumberlandYorkshire & NorthumberlandYorkshire & Northumberland
4.2 stars(235 reviews)
2026JulAugSepOct
2027AprMayJulAugSepOct

Encounter the untamed North York Moors and rolling Yorkshire Dales aboard the nostalgic North Yorkshire Moors Railway and famed Settle-Carlisle line, before discovering the gems of Northumberland on a tour which blends dramatic landscapes with fascinating history and culture. In Yorkshire, wander among the spectacular gardens of RHS Harlow Carr,...

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7 days from
£1,299 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Senate Square, HelsinkiSenate Square, HelsinkiSenate Square, HelsinkiSenate Square, HelsinkiSenate Square, Helsinki
Save up to £500pp
2026JulAugSep

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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Save up to £500pp
8 days from
£1,699 pp £1,499 pp
per person
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Jungfrau ExpressJungfrau ExpressJungfrau ExpressJungfrau ExpressJungfrau Express
Save £100pp
4.5 stars(433 reviews)
2026AugSepOct
2027AprMayJunJulAug...

Embark on an all-inclusive tour of the Swiss Alps, based in the chocolate-box village of Wilderswil, where all meals and drinks with dinner are provided each evening. From this picture-perfect location, enjoy a jaw-dropping trip to Europe's highest railway station on the iconic Jungfrau Express to marvel at snow-capped peaks and the stunning...

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8 days from
£1,799 pp £1,699 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Girolata BayGirolata BayGirolata BayGirolata BayGirolata Bay
Save £100pp
2026AugSep

Uncover the laid-back island lifestyle on a fantastic tour of this 'forgotten corner of Europe'. Explore the glistening coast of unspoilt Corsica, a paradise of old-world French towns and hilltop villages, connected by charming train journeys through spectacular scenery. Indulge in the delicious cuisine of Sardinia, discover beautiful historic...

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Save £100pp
12 days from
£3,399 pp £3,299 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Schilthorn Piz GloriaSchilthorn Piz GloriaSchilthorn Piz GloriaSchilthorn Piz GloriaSchilthorn Piz Gloria
Save £100pp
2026AugSep

An alpine paradise awaits on this holiday in to the heart of the Swiss Alps, staying in the picturesque village of Meiringen, filled with traditional chalets and impressive vistas. Soak up spectacular Bernese Oberland scenery from Brienz Rothorn Mountain Railway, and climb to the 'Top of Europe' aboard the Jungfrau Railway to savour panoramas of...

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Save £100pp
8 days from
£2,299 pp £2,199 pp
per person
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Nyhavn CanalNyhavn CanalNyhavn CanalNyhavn CanalNyhavn Canal
Save up to £500pp
4.3 stars(142 reviews)
2026JulAugSepOct

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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Save up to £500pp
8 days from
£1,999 pp £1,799 pp
per person
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Our customers love our Michael Portillo's Great Railway Journeys tours
Classic Glacier Express
22/Jun
Roger Dunlop
5 stars
“Great trip - superb scenery, lovely hotels and very comfortable trains.
Collected by Trustpilot
Simply Glacier & Bernina Express
21/Jun
Rick
5 stars
“Wonderful journey ! Brilliant tour guide
Collected by Trustpilot
Oslo, Stockholm & Copenhagen
17/Jun
Martin Adams
5 stars
“As with my previous holidays with Great Rail this was very well organised with a good rep. We stayed in good hotels and the itinerary was well planned with good local guides in each city.
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
Vintage Railways of the Isle of Man
22/Jun
Jules chapman
4 stars
“We had a lovely break on the Isle of Man. The staff at our hotel were very friendly and helpful, the food was good a choice of 3 mains each night. We had a small group of 25 going around the island . Our tour guide was very informative and...
Collected by Trustpilot
Yorkshire & Northumberland
22/Jun
ANNE WILLIAMS
4 stars
“The travelling was excellent, as was the Tour Guide. An excellent programme. The hotels, particularly Morpeth, had issues with regard to suitability for the age profile of the group, and the ability to provide the necessary flexibility when it came to deadlines. Neither hotel had working lifts - putting 80...
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GRJ All Inclusive Jungfrau Express
21/Jun
Ian Edwards
4 stars
“Very well organised, good tour guide (Howard) very informative and had a lot of knowledge of the area and Switzerland. Always made sure we knew where we had to be. Hotel good though food a bit unimaginative but well prepared. Rooms in keeping with style of the...
Collected by Trustpilot
Treasures of Lake Garda
21/Jun
Iain Whittington
4 stars
“Numerous transport interchanges and associated luggage handling took the shine off the holiday. Not quite first class. But, overall enjoyable with nice day trips.
Collected by Trustpilot
Provence & the Elegant Rhône
14/May
Michael Jones
4 stars
“Amadeus crew and GRG tour guides were all excellent. We travelled to Lyon via Lille. The return via Paris involved a stressful coach transfer from Gare de Lyon to Gare du Nord.
Collected by Trustpilot