TV Guide Yesterday

In Vienna, Michael Portillo encounters a pre-Cold War spy and learns about the concert that caused a riot in 1913. He then travels the Habsburg imperial line across the Semmering Pass, a line blasted through the Alps. In Graz, the former politician ventures underground at the Lurgrotte Caves to find out about a famous rescue operation of the past, then in Slovenia discovers how an earthquake in Ljubljana prompted its citizens to assert their national identity in architecture and art. Arriving in the Italian port of Trieste, Michael savours the imported coffee that fuelled a cafe culture

Michael Portillo experiences first-hand Italy's 'need for speed' in a state-of-the-art Maserati sports car, and discovers how the leaning tower of Pisa was rescued from near collapse. In Carrara, he finds out how the marble used by Michelangelo is still being quarried and is invited to chip away at a contemporary sculpture. Moving on to Bologna, the former politician embarks on a doomed search for spaghetti bolognese before being taught how to prepare a tagliatelle al ragu. Finally, he lets the wind rush through his hair on a high-speed boat trip across Lake Garda

Examining the complex system the Nazis set up to implement the extermination of the Jewish race throughout Europe from 1942, with Auschwitz as the hub. The programme reveals that at other camps, including Treblinka, Belzec and Sobibor, rival commanders participated in the genocide with enthusiasm and shared ideas for the best method of mass murder

Fiona Bruce presents the show from Wollaton Hall in Nottingham, where items brought in to be valued include a portrait of a forgotten Romantic poet and some rare Elizabethan clothing. The imposing Elizabethan mansion appeared as Wayne Manor in several Batman movies, and Fiona is challenged to guess the value of a collection of props and costumes. Plus, the story of a Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton kept in the house

Fiona Bruce presents the show from London's Crystal Palace Park, where treasures include James Bond books, a Lego portrait of the late Queen and vintage Vivienne Westwood outfits. She also explores the Park's unique sporting heritage, and tests her knowledge with a guessing game of gemstone values.

Examining the complex system the Nazis set up to implement the extermination of the Jewish race throughout Europe from 1942, with Auschwitz as the hub. The programme reveals that at other camps, including Treblinka, Belzec and Sobibor, rival commanders participated in the genocide with enthusiasm and shared ideas for the best method of mass murder