Michael Portillo's Long Weekends

Join Michael Portillo as he takes us on a Long Weekend to Italy's capital of fashion, design and industry: the dynamic, northern powerhouse of Milan.
Michael's weekend begins on the back of a classic 1960's Lambretta, the iconic Italian scooter that was invented in the city. Meeting a group of biker aficionados, Michael soaks up La Dolce Vita as he's whisked off to see some of Milan's must-see landmarks.

Michael is then given a crash-course on the strict rules of Italian coffee drinking etiquette, before he's given a dressing down by a personal shopper keen to improve his fashion sense.

Feeling courageous, Michael climbs to the roof of the spectacular Duomo Cathedral, the jewel in Milan's crown which is open to the public, and ventures into the "city of the dead" with its impressive graves and tombs in the Cimitero Monumentale. He's also let loose racing a vintage Alfa Romeo, every petrolhead's dream, before taking on all-comers in a game of Bocce, an ancient Italian equivalent to bowls.

Michael soaks up more Milanese culture by going behind the scenes at the Leonardo Da Vinci museum, where one of the master's original 15 century drawings is bought to life in the shape of a huge mechanised lion.

During this action-packed Long Weekend, Michael also learns how to cook the perfect risotto before turning cocktail maker by mixing a Negroni Sbagliato at Bar Basso, the home of this universally popular aperitvo.

He also visits the Torre Branca, the highest point in the breathtaking Sempione Park, spins himself good luck at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy's oldest shopping arcade, and spends the night in Nivigli, the vibrant, Venice-like canal quarter of the city.

The broadcaster heads to the Italian island to explore its magnificent and intriguing ancient capital of Palermo. In a weekend packed with adventure, Michael dines with a duchess, investigates Sicily's links to the Mafia, and journeys off-road to discover an ancient wonder. He also witnesses the incredible transformation of a crumbling 19th century palazzo, hits the beach to cook up a secret seafood speciality, and toasts a Hollywood legend.

Join Michael Portillo for tips and tricks to enjoy a voyage of discovery in the vibrant and captivating Portuguese capital of Lisbon.

On an eye-opening weekend packed with revelation, Michael embraces the sea-faring spirit of the great navigators, savours quirky and fiery Portuguese cuisine, uncovers the origins of James Bond, loses himself to melancholic folk music, witnesses divine illumination at a magnificent monastery, and devours a chocolate cake with global ambitions.

Michael begins by jumping aboard the iconic No. 28 vintage tram, which weaves him through Lisbon's narrow medieval streets to the historic district of Alfama, where he discovers the catastrophic consequences of the 1755 earthquake that destroyed the city, before he squeezes into one of the city's tiniest shops selling just one fashion accessory – gloves.

The lively Campo de Ourique food market gives Michael a true taste of the city when he tries unusual delicacies like goosefoot barnacles and tinned fish tapas, while he also enjoys a salted cod feast at an art-nouveau street kiosk.

Feeling creative, he designs his own tile at a 280-year old decorative ceramic factory in a truly unique Portillo style, and is transfixed by an evening of Fado, the wistful folk music that often fills Lisbon air.

Finding his sea legs, Michael takes the helm of a yacht to sail down the Portuguese Riviera to the elite resort of Cascais, where visits the hotel ‘James Bond' author Ian Fleming met the real-life secret agent who inspired his literary creation, and relishes delicious pastries at the favourite bakery of Portugal's sweet-toothed president.

Piri Piri chicken is synonymous with Portugal and Michael seeks out a restaurant that's become an internet sensation for lovers of this spicy dish. He's also left spellbound witnessing the statue of Christ at Jerónimos Monastery bathed in the unique light of the spring equinox and savours a final treat at a bakery claiming to make the best chocolate cake in world – a big claim he can't help but agree with.

Join Michael Portillo for tips and tricks to enjoy a fabulous long Weekend in the stunning Swedish capital of Stockholm with a mid-winter expedition brimming with Nordic hospitality and adventure.

On an action-packed weekend of discovery, Michael braves the frozen waters of the Baltic Sea, gets swept up in a clash of the icemen, seeks royal approval at a banquet fit for a king, reinvents himself as a glacial Michelangelo, investigates a mighty warship raised from the depths, and tackles meatballs and the humble herring.

Michael's weekend exploring this breath-taking archipelago begins on the island of Södermalm, where he jumps straight into local life by accepting a blind taste test to identify a variety Sweden's most famous food staple – meatballs - including wild boar, elk and reindeer.

Gamla Stan is home to the Royal Palace, and Michael's helps prepare for the imminent state visit of President Macron of France. Dripping in opulence, he's bowled over to see one of the world's largest banqueting tables that's been set to seat a palace record of 170 VIPs.

Feeling adventurous, he travels to Vaxholm where a brave Michael takes an icy plunge by kayaking on a partially frozen Baltic Sea, before he joins thousands of fans at a game of bandy. Similar to ice hockey but played with a ball rather than a puck, Michael's enthralled by this lightning fast contact sport.

Continuing his exploration of this winter wonderland, Michael helps a group of courageous ice divers trawling the city's seabed for rubbish, enjoys a cocktail at the Ice Bar where he also sculpts a leaping fish from a block of Arctic ice, and discovers the ill-fated ‘Vasa' warship, Sweden's greatest warship that sank on its maiden voyage in 1628.

He also finds time to cook up feast of herring, sample delicious oysters and visit Stockholm Cathedral where he's finds an unforgettable fifteenth century sculpture of St George and the Dragon.