Ajaccio to Vizzavona

Michael Portillo’s railway journey through the islands of Sardinia and Corsica sees him leave Sardinia and arrive into Corsica, the most mountainous island in the Mediterranean.

In Ajaccio, he delves into the early life of the island’s most famous son, Napoleon Bonaparte, discovering how Corsica’s unique approach to childhood shaped the future conqueror.

At a bustling food market, Michael samples the island’s wild herbs. He is captivated by the haunting harmonies of polyphonic singing, a sound deeply woven into the island’s soul. He then boards the legendary Trinichellu, Corsica’s historic metre-gauge mountain railway, for a breathtaking journey through the island’s rugged interior.

In the heart of the wilderness, Michael discovers how cutting-edge technology and drones are being used in the battle against devastating wildfires, a crucial innovation protecting Corsica and beyond.