Great Continental Railway Journeys

Michael Portillo embarks on a Greek odyssey, departing from the Piraeus port in Athens and travelling north to the city of Thessaloniki. During the journey he explores the Acropolis and samples classic Greek fare, including traditional moussaka and sweet baklava.

The broadcast is an episode titled Athens to Thessaloniki. It falls under the programme category and is presented as a travel‑focused installment, following the familiar format of a journey‑based series. In this edition, presenter Michael Portillo sets off from the bustling port of Piraeus, the gateway to Athens. He heads northward, tracing a route that leads him to Greece’s second‑largest city, Thessaloniki, while pausing to take in the historic Acropolis along the way. During the trip, Portillo also indulges in local cuisine. He samples traditional moussaka, a layered dish of meat and béchamel, and enjoys sweet baklava, the honey‑drizzled pastry that’s a staple of Greek desserts. Overall, the episode combines a straightforward northward trek with stops at iconic landmarks and well‑known food items, offering viewers a concise look at both the cultural heritage and culinary flavours that link Athens and Thessaloniki.