Series 1
5 episodes · 2026
1Tashkent
Michael Portillo embarks on a thrilling new railway adventure following the Silk Road through the most populous country of Central Asia, Uzbekistan.
2Tashkent to Samarkand
Michael Portillo continues his railway tour on Tashkent’s suburban electric railway, and in Samarkand, witnesses the magnificent architecture of the Registan.
3Samarkand
Michael Portillo’s railway adventure in Uzbekistan continues in Samarkand, one of the oldest cities in Central Asia.
4Samarkand to Bukhara
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.
5Bukhara to the Kyzylkum Desertfinale
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.
