Great Central Asian Railway Journeys - Season 1

First aired: 5/11/2026 5 episodes
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Episodes

Episode 1

1. Tashkent

Aired: 5/11/2026

Michael Portillo embarks on a thrilling new railway adventure following the Silk Road through the most populous country of Central Asia, Uzbekistan.

Episode 2

2. Tashkent to Samarkand

Aired: 5/12/2026

Michael Portillo continues his railway tour on Tashkent’s suburban electric railway, and in Samarkand, witnesses the magnificent architecture of the Registan.

Episode 3

3. Samarkand

Aired: 5/13/2026

Michael Portillo’s railway adventure in Uzbekistan continues in Samarkand, one of the oldest cities in Central Asia.

Episode 4

4. Samarkand to Bukhara

Aired: 5/14/2026

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.

Episode 5

5. Bukhara to the Kyzylkum Desert

Aired: 5/15/2026

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.