Resuming his railway odyssey, Michael Portillo picks up his 1913 copy of Bradshaw's Continental Railway Guide once more, this time exploring the countries of the former Russian Empire - a borderland where Asia meets Europe. Travelling 2,000 miles from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea through the peaks of the Caucasus Mountains and the grasslands of the Great Steppe, from sub-tropical shore to a volcanic land of fire, Michael explores Ukraine, Georgia and Azerbaijan - countries which in 1913 were ruled by a Tsar, but were soon to fall to a revolutionary new empire. On his journey - through the history and culture of these enchanting lands, he will try to understand the tensions and conflicts of the present day.
1. Kiev to Odessa Michael ventures east to the Ukraine, his journey taking him from the grasslands of the Steppe to the shores of the Black Sea. In this borderland where Europe meets Asia he crosses swords with Cossacks, he learns the secrets of Ukrainian cuisine and gets down and dirty in a mud spa.
2. Batumi to Baku Michael travels one of the most stunning rail routes of the world: through the former Russian empire from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea, taking in present-day Georgia and Azerbaijan.
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