Michael Portillo's Travel Diaries

Next Ep. » Michael explores Italy's capital of fashion, design and industry - the dynamic, northern powerhouse of Milan. Michael races fast cars, see the sites from the back of a 1960s Lambretta, learns the skills of Italian coffee making, scales the magnificent Duomo cathedral, learns to dress like a wealthy Milanese, and finds time to enjoy some of the best food and drink the city has to offer.

Michael explores the Italian love affair with the car when he visits and takes a spin in a classic Alfa Romeo, enjoys an 'aperitivo', and explores the architectural legacy of Mussolini.

Michael takes in heavenly views of Milan, visits the stunning shopping arcade of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, explores the genius of Leonardo da Vinci, and gets baking at Bread Lab.

In the city he's adored since the 1960's, Michael takes us for lunch in the Masala a district, witnesses some classical street dancing, and visits the enormously opulent Royal Palace.

Michael enjoys some traditional chocolate and churros, remembers a childhood trip to the vast and restful El Retro Park, and visits Madrid's "Golden Triangle" of art galleries.

Michael enjoys a lunch of suckling pig but tries some mouthwatering vegan food too. He also learns about the part the staunchly republican city played in the Spanish Civil War.

Michael explores the capital of the Czech Republic, beginning with an exploration of the city's stunning architecture and imbibing Prague's most famous export.

Leaving his hotel with its stunning view, Michael explores Prague's food scene, a secret bunker, and a centuries-old craft in 'the city of a hundred spires'.

Michael concludes his historical tour of the largest city of the Czech Republic, known as 'the city of a hundred spires'.