Great American Railroad Journeys

Michael Portillo travels from Reno, Nevada to California's Napa County, taking to the skies over the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

Michael Portillo's journey's to San Francisco, where he travels through the city's streets by cable car, before heading across the bay to Sausalito.

Michael Portillo visits Yosemite National Park in California, beholding its granite cliffs, sequoia trees and waterfalls.

In the port of Monterey, Michael Portillo discovers the city's Spanish and Mexican heritage.

Michael Portillo discovers the secrets of backyard oil drilling in Los Angeles and joins the locals for Mexican Independence Day.

Michael Portillo visits Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, learning how surgery was first made bearable in 1846 by a miraculous new substance.

Michael Portillo heads for Plymouth, where he learns about the indigenous tribes of Wampanoag people.

Michael Portillo's rail voyage continues through Connecticut heading north through the scenic New England states, where he takes a crash course in rowing.

In Montreal, Michael Portillo learns how French and British colonial roots have influenced the city. In Ottawa, the former politician visits the country's parliament.

Michael Portillo takes to the water for a nautical journey through the Thousand Islands, before his railway journey across Canada concludes in Toronto.