Michael Portillo takes his Grand Tour to the Mediterranean this Saturday, June 28, at 8 PM, with Michael Portillo’s Sicily on Channel 5. Portillo spends a weekend exploring Palermo’s layered history, uncovering both its grand past and its more shadowed stories.
The program sees Portillo dining with a duchess, a contrast to his other key focus: investigating the island’s long-standing Mafia ties. This pairing alone suggests a look at Sicily’s many faces—from its aristocratic heritage to its more infamous underground.
Beyond city limits, Portillo ventures off-road, seeking out ancient wonders that dot the landscape. He also witnesses a palazzo’s stunning revival. The episode also finds Portillo raising a glass to a Hollywood icon. And for those interested in local flavor, Portillo even cooks a secret seafood dish right on the beach.
This one looks to blend history, culture, and cuisine, giving a wide view of Sicily.