In later editions, Michael immerses himself in pre-First World War decadence in Vienna; takes in the Harz Mountains, the Ruhr Valley and the vineyards of the Rheingau in Germany; travels east in Switzerland to visit the industrial regions of Zurich before ending with an ascent by train to Europe's highest station at Jungfraujoch; and journeys through Holland and Belgium before coming to a stop in France's Forest of Compiegne, where the First World War armistice was signed.
The jovial Michael Portillo and his equally jolly wardrobe set off on a grand rail tour of Europe. As the template for his journey Portillo is drawing upon the 1913 edition of Bradshaw’s Continental Railway Guide. In doing so he hopes to paint a picture of a prosperous Europe brimming with hope, unaware of the events about to engulf it.
From London he heads to Monte Carlo, the most popular route for the Edwardian traveller through France. As well as revelling in the delights of Paris he visits the small theatre where the Lumière brothers showed their first films, before losing his bright shirt in a casino.
It’s a winning mix of lightly worn social history and a romanticism of trains, stirred with consummate ease by the charmingly enthusiastic Portillo.
| role | name |
|---|---|
| Presenter | Michael Portillo |
| Series producer | Michelle Heeley |
| Director | Dave Minchin |
London to Monte Carlo
The jovial Michael Portillo and his equally jolly wardrobe set off on a grand rail tour of Europe. As the template for his journey Portillo is drawing upon the 1913 edition of Bradshaw’s Continental Railway Guide. In doing so he hopes to paint a picture of a prosperous Europe brimming with hope, unaware of the events about to engulf it.
From London he heads to Monte Carlo, the most popular route for the Edwardian traveller through France. As well as revelling in the delights of Paris he visits the small theatre where the Lumière brothers showed their first films, before losing his bright shirt in a casino.
It’s a winning mix of lightly worn social history and a romanticism of trains, stirred with consummate ease by the charmingly enthusiastic Portillo.
| role | name |
|---|---|
| Presenter | Michael Portillo |
| Series producer | Michelle Heeley |
| Director | Dave Minchin |
