Michael Portillo embarks on six memorable railway journeys across Europe armed only with his 1913 Bradshaw's Guide and sporting his trademark colourful jackets!

On his travels, Michael visits towns and villages along the way exploring the sights and sampling local traditions while telling the story of what happened in continental Europe in 1913, when everything changed just before the world went to war.

TRANSYLVANIA TO THE BLACK SEA
Michael travels to Romania, where he encounters bloodsucking vampires and wild brown bears before visiting a fairytale castle with mod cons and calling in at the world's first oil refinery.

ZERMATT TO GENEVA
Michael is caught up in a war zone with the Red Cross and rescued from an avalanche by a St Bernard puppy; he also takes to the skies and tries his hand at watchmaking.

TANGIER TO MARRAKECH
Michael leaves Europe behind to take in the sights, smells and tastes of north Africa, ending his journey with a traditional Berber breakfast in the foothills of the Atlas mountains.

GENOA TO THE BRENNER PASS
Michael discovers how an Edwardian Briton brought 'the beautiful game' to Genoa, then whips up a pesto Genovese before making his way to the spectacular Brenner Pass.

RIGA TO TAMPERE
Michael journeys from the icy Baltic Sea to the tranquillity of a Finnish lake. En route, he encounters medieval knights and enjoys a soak in a hot tub by the light of the midnight sun.

ROTTERDAM TO UTRECHT
Michael roots around the world's largest flower auction, operates a crane in Europe's largest container port and investigates Europe's most famous red-light district!

Produced by - Network
Running time - 354 minutes approx (2 discs)
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Region 2 PAL
DVD only
Released - February 2017