Episode Overview
Title: From Pisa to Lake Garda Plot: Armed with Bradshaw's 1913 Continental Railway Guide, Michael Portillo embarks on an Italian adventure, where he savors the thrill of speed in a sleek Maserati. He learns about the preservation efforts that saved the Leaning Tower of Pisa from disaster. In Carrara, he uncovers the ongoing marble quarrying that fuels Michelangelo's legacy and even gets the chance to contribute to a modern sculpture. In Bologna, his quest for spaghetti Bolognese leads him to a cooking instructor who teaches him the art of making authentic tagliatelle al ragu. Following the path of Bradshaw's travelers, Michael delves into the heart of the Renaissance through Edwardian perspectives. As he journeys north to Gargnano, he explores the secluded retreat of famed writer DH Lawrence, whose scandalous romance stirred controversy back home. He concludes his adventure with an exhilarating speedboat ride across Lake Garda.