Great Continental Railway Journeys

Michael Portillo embarks on a series of railway journeys across Europe, armed with his 1913 Bradshaw’s Guide.

In 1913, Europe was criss-crossed by a network of railways stretching from Finland in the North, to Constantinople in the East, and Cadiz in the West, all of them described in 'Bradshaw’s Continental Railway Guide and General Handbook'.

This comprehensive guidebook opened up an exotic world of foreign travel to the Edwardian British tourist; glittering cosmopolitan cities, dramatic Alpine landscapes, warm sparkling seas and picturesque villages.

Building on the success of Great British Railway Journeys, Michael Portillo embarks on a series of railway journeys across Europe. Armed with his 1913 Bradshaw’s Guide, he travels from station to station, visiting the towns and villages described by the Guide, following the suggested itineraries, staying in the recommended hotels, exploring the sights, sampling local traditions while telling the story of Europe in 1913.

Great Continental Railway Journeys was first broadcast on BBC Two in 2012.