About this season
Michael Portillo embarks on a new railway adventure, following the Silk Road through Central Asia.
Episodes (5)
1. Tashkent
Aired 11 May 2026 • 30 min
Michael Portillo embarks on a thrilling new railway adventure following the Silk Road through the most populous country of Central Asia, Uzbekistan.
2. Tashkent to Samarkand
Aired 12 May 2026 • 30 min
Michael Portillo continues his railway tour on Tashkent’s suburban electric railway, and in Samarkand, witnesses the magnificent architecture of the Registan.
3. Samarkand
Aired 13 May 2026 • 29 min
Michael Portillo’s railway adventure in Uzbekistan continues in Samarkand, one of the oldest cities in Central Asia.
4. Samarkand to Bukhara
Aired 14 May 2026 • 29 min
Michael uncovers the Central Asian origins of the apple in the lush oasis surrounding Samarkand, and stands in the shadow of the fortified Ark of Bukhara.
5. Bukhara to the Kyzylkum Desert
Aired 15 May 2026 • 30 min
Michael Portillo’s railway adventure through Uzbekistan reaches its finale in the historic city of Bukhara. He visits a centuries-old Jewish community and experiences the life of nomadic tribes.