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Follow Michael Portillo on classic rail journeys, discovering tours which feature the routes from the Great Continental Railway Journeys series.
Returning for a another season, Michael Portillo's Great Continental Railway Journeys is back on BBC 2 from Friday 16th October at 9pm. Guided by George Bradshaw's 1913 handbook to continental rail travel, the programme follows Michael Portillo to a series of fascinating locations, all accessed by railway routes that have run since the Edwardian era. With past episodes exploring destinations as diverse as Taormina, Copenhagen and Monte Carlo, the latest in the series promises new horizons and window-seat views, from places including Istanbul, Vienna and Trieste, providing a televisual treat for travel-lovers.
See also: Great Indian Railway Journeys.
In the last instalment of the series, Michael travels from Barcelona to Mallorca unearthing the history of his family, divided by the start of the tumultuous Spanish Civil War.
In this episode, Michael delves into the Black Forest, unearthing the history of Hansel and Gretel, being schooled in the art of cuckoo-clock making, and investigating the future of German rail travel.
This episode follows Michael as he explores the ancient wonders of Athens, samples traditional Greek cuisine, and discovers the history of Greece, as he makes his way to Thessaloniki by rail.
In this episode of Michael Portillo's Great Continental Railway Journeys we follow Michael as he journeys from Pisa to the shores of stunning Lake Garda.
Travelling from the glorious former Imperial capital of Vienna, this episode of Great Continental Railway Journeys sees Michael Portillo cross the stunning Semmering Pass on the historic Semmering Railway, as he travels to Trieste.
Bound for Istanbul, Michael Portillo explores the exotic Balkan region on the Orient Express in the first episode of his brand new BBC series.
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Colourful villages cling to the dramatic coastline of the Italian Riviera, with the glittering Mediterranean forming picture-postcard vistas in every direction, and glamorous yachts clamouring for attention alongside quaint fishing boats in idyllic harbours.
… see more10 days from £2,095 pp
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The Isle of Man is famous for its stunning coastline, superb sandy beaches, spectacular scenery and gentle pace of life. This charming island also boasts some of the most impressive heritage railways found anywhere in the British Isles, not to mention the historic horse-drawn trams.
… see more6 days from £695 pp
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Marvel at the beauty and majesty of spellbinding Norway on this enthralling seven-day holiday. Travel from the elegant city of Oslo to the breathtaking fjords and mountains of Norway's west coast. This tour is operated by our sister company Rail Discoveries.
… see more7 days from £1,445 pp
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Known as the 'Pearl of the Lake', picture-perfect Sirmione is perched on a peninsula on the southern shore of Lake Garda. On this exceptional tour we visit Mantova, the Sigurtá Gardens, and iconic Venice, for a guided tour of this incredible 'Floating City.'
… see more10 days from £1,745 pp
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Explore India's iconic landmarks and enchanting wildlife on this incredible tour. From bustling Delhi, discover ancient cities by modern rail, visit the incredible Taj Mahal, and take two game drives to spot the elusive tiger. This tour is operated by our sister company Rail Discoveries.
… see more11 days from £1,395 pp
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Join us on a remarkable adventure into the mysterious Arctic on this tour that features some unique and unforgettable experiences. Discover the magic of Norway in winter as husky dogs lead you through the snow, chase the incomparable northern lights, and ride aboard the most northern railway in the world. This tour is operated by our sister company Rail Discoveries.
… see more6 days from £1,695 pp
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Two cities, both alike in proudly displaying their culture and history, give you the chance to discover the heritage of a warm and welcoming country still emerging from its soviet shell. This tour is operated by our sister company Rail Discoveries.
… see more7 days from £1,275 pp
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Scenic rail journeys bring to life the history and wild, natural beauty of Yorkshire and Northumbria on this wonderful eight day tour. Follow in Viking and Roman footsteps, visiting historic York, Chester's Roman Fort, Bamburgh Castle, Lindisfarne and the glorious Alnwick Gardens.
… see more8 days from £795 pp
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Rugged coastline, beautiful rolling hills and dramatic castles are all within reach on this tour of the Emerald Isle. Our highlights include the Ring of Kerry, Cork and Killarney, the legendary Blarney Stone, the Cliffs of Moher and Ireland's wonderful capital, Dublin.
… see more10 days from £1,595 pp
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Take an adventure through China's ancient and modern wonders. Travel from bustling Beijing, with its Great Wall, to ancient Xi'an and its Terracotta Warriors, cruising the Yangtze River en-route. This tour is operated by our sister company Rail Discoveries.
… see more13 days from £2,095 pp
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Uncover the incredible countries of China and Japan on this comprehensive tour that takes in some of the most incredible history, sights, and cities that these two exquisite countries have to offer.
… see more17 days from £4,895 pp
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Explore the glorious country of India on this tour, taking you to some of it's most beautiful cities, discovering the most exquisite historical sights, and perhaps seeing a tiger at Ranthambore National Park. This tour is operated by our sister company Rail Discoveries.
… see more10 days from £1,295 pp
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