Great Central Asian Railway Journeys
Great Central Asian Railway Journeys is a TV show on BBC2. All aboard! Michael Portillo follows the Silk Road, exploring the geographically diverse, ancient yet evolving nation of Uzbekistan - the historic crossroads between east and west. The program has been available since 2026. A total of 5 episodes have been broadcast, most recently in June 2026.
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Great Central Asian Railway Journeys
Michael Portillo continues his railway tour on Tashkent’s suburban electric railway, and in Samarkand, witnesses the magnificent architecture of the Registan.
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Michael Portillo embarks on a thrilling railway adventure following the Silk Road through the most populous country of Central Asia, Uzbekistan.
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.
Michael uncovers the Central Asian origins of the apple in the lush oasis surrounding Samarkand, and in Bukhara, stands in the shadow of the city's fortified Ark.
Michael Portillo’s railway adventure in Uzbekistan continues in Samarkand, one of the oldest cities in Central Asia.