Jacob Ant
Michael Portillo invites everyone on his adventurous weekend trips in the latest travel series on Channel 5, Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends.
The series will guide us through different European cities, highlighting top restaurants, hotels, and hidden areas that usual tourists don’t know about.
We have created this detailed blog to discuss everything there is to know about this new travel series and how you can watch Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends in Europe for free.
How to watch Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends in Europe for free?
Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends is a new Channel 5 travel series and will be available to watch on their official VOD platform, My5, in the UK.
If you want to watch Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends in Europe for free, this can only be done with the assistance of a reliable premium VPN, such as ExpressVPN.
Why is that? We’ll discuss that in a bit; first, let’s dive into the quick steps to watch Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends in Europe for free:
1- Sign up to ExpressVPN for Channel 5 (you will get three extra months free with a 12-month, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee)
2- Download ExpressVPN on your devices of choice (iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and more)
3- Select the British Server from the country list
4- Now open Channel5.com in your browser or in-app
5- Search for Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends on Channel 5
6- Enjoy
Why do you need a VPN to watch Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends in Europe for free?
You will need a VPN to watch Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends in European countries for free on Channel 5, but to in order understand the reason behind it, we must address the elephant in the room: geo-restriction policies.
These are legally binding agreements that prevent Channel 5 from streaming its titles in regions outside the UK. The reason behind these licensing issues can range from general demographic preferences to strategic content distribution.
But despite any reason, the biggest problem remains that you won’t be able to watch Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends in European countries for free, until and unless you have a British IP address.
If you’re wondering how that would be possible while being situated in Europe, this is where VPNs come in. They can allow you to connect with a British server, which will hide your original location with a new virtual location based in the UK.
Once you have performed this simple yet effective trick, watching Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends in Ireland, Finland, Sweden, Turkey, France, Spain, Italy, Romania, Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Germany, France, Norway, Denmark, Greece, Portugal, Switzerland, Croatia, Hungary, Netherlands, Czechia, and other European countries for free on Channel 5 will be a piece of cake.
Why is ExpressVPN the best choice to watch Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends in Europe for free?
VPNs are essential for unlocking content that’s restricted by region, such as the travel series Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends in Europe for free. However, the effectiveness of your VPN significantly influences your streaming quality the most.
For optimal streaming, a VPN should offer rapid connection speeds and a vast selection of server locations. ExpressVPN is recommended for streaming Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends in Europe for free.
This top-tier VPN provides impressive speeds, where download speeds reach up to 95Mbps and upload speeds up to 86Mbps. It also offers a large network of 3500+ servers in more than 100 countries, ideal for accessing geo-blocked content.
Our experts have thoroughly tested ExpressVPN with various restricted titles like Conan O’Brien Must Go, Under the Bridge, and Jamie’s Air Fryer Meals, and it has consistently shown outstanding performance.
ExpressVPN also prioritizes a secure and easy-to-use experience. It includes the Lightway protocol, MediaStream DNS, an Internet Kill Switch, TrustedServer technology, and AES 256-bit encryption.
It’s compatible with several operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux, and supports up to 8 simultaneous connections. This feature allows you to share your unrestricted streaming session of Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends in Europe for free with friends and family.
In terms of pricing, ExpressVPN offers an attractive annual plan with a 49% discount, costing just $6.67/month, and includes three additional months for free. The plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 customer support, making it a great option for accessing Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends in Europe for free.
Testing NordVPN to watch Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends in Europe for free
There are numerous VPN services available online, but it can be difficult to find one that reliably meets your needs, especially when trying to stream geo-restricted content like Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends in Europe for free.
While ExpressVPN has been our go-to recommendation, NordVPN is another excellent option for accessing Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends in Europe for free on Channel 5.
NordVPN holds its own against ExpressVPN with its robust server infrastructure and fast streaming capabilities. It has been highly rated by critics, including those at VPNMentor.
Our evaluations show that NordVPN effectively handles streaming for geo-restricted titles, such as Bottom: Exposed, Wildlife Rescue, and Shoulder to Shoulder, thanks to its extensive network of 5500+ servers in more than 65 countries.
With NordVPN, users enjoy seamless streaming with download speeds of up to 94Mbps and upload speeds of up to 82Mbps, which ensures a buffer-free experience for your desired titles like Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends in Europe for free.
NordVPN offers numerous advanced features such as the Nordlynx protocol, Meshnet, Dark Web Monitor, Internet Kill Switch, Private DNS, AES 256-bit encryption, and SmartDNS, enhancing both security and the streaming experience of Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends in Europe for free.
This premium VPN is compatible with a range of devices and operating systems, including Android, iOS, Windows, and Linux, and allows up to six simultaneous connections, perfect for group streaming of Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends in Europe for free on Channel 5.
NordVPN’s subscription is competitively priced at $3.09/month for a 27-month plan, which is a 69% discount on its standard two-year plan plus an additional three months free.
There’s more! NordVPN provides a 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 customer support, offering extra reassurance and help for viewers watching Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends in Europe for free.
Where to watch Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends in Europe for free?
Although we have already provided you with a fool-proof way to watch Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends in European countries for free on Channel 5 with VPNs like ExpressVPN and NordVPN, it is perfectly understandable if you’re looking for local streaming options for this travel series.
However, only disappointment awaits you at the end of this road because Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends is currently only confirmed to premiere on Channel 5 in the UK.
None of the major TV networks or online streaming platforms in Europe, such as ARTE, RaiPlay, Movistar+, Canal+, and Sky, have announced whether the new travel series Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends will premiere on them.
This uncertainty is due to the infamous licensing restriction of Channel 5 that only allows its content to be accessible within the UK. Now, you’re free to wait for the show to arrive in your country officially, but if you ask us, a better option would be to go for the VPN approach.
Just connect to a British server via ExpressVPN or NordVPN, and watch Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends in Ireland, Finland, Sweden, Turkey, France, Spain, Italy, Romania, Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Germany, France, Norway, Denmark, Greece, Portugal, Switzerland, Croatia, Hungary, Netherlands, Czechia, and other European countries for free without any hassle or delays.
Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends – Release Date
Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends is scheduled to debut on Channel 5 on April 19, 2024, at 9pm.
There is currently no news about the show’s European release, but we will update this blog when an official announcement has been made.
Note: Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends is now available on Channel 5.
Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends – Is There a Trailer?
Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends does not have an official trailer or promo video yet, but as the premiere of the travel series is fast approaching, we are expecting Channel 5 to release it soon, and we’ll be updating this blog when it does. So, stay tuned!
Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends – What to Expect from the Show?
Michael Portillo travels to three of his favorite European cities, Madrid, Prague, and Milan, during extended weekend getaways. He delves into the essence of each city, uncovering the finest eateries, bars, markets, and accommodations.
He ventures into lesser-known neighborhoods away from the usual tourist paths and gains exclusive access to major landmarks. Iconic sites such as royal palaces, cathedrals, art galleries, and museums warmly welcome visitors.
In every city, Michael connects with locals who have a deep affinity for their home. These English-speaking individuals introduce him to the city’s unique offerings, sharing their passion for its history, varied architecture, culinary scene, and local traditions and crafts.
Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends – Episode Details
Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends will officially premiere on Channel 5 with its debut episode on April 19, 2024, and will conclude on May 3, ending its three-episode run.
Over the course of three weeks, fans will see Michael Portillo visit three beautiful European cities, exploring each of them in depth.
Channel 5 hasn’t released official information about the third and final episode of the travel series, but we have mentioned Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends episodes we know so far:
Episode 1
Release Date: April 19, 2024
Michael Portillo starts a global tour starting in Madrid, the capital of Spain. As a bustling city with over three million residents, Madrid is the seat of the Spanish Parliament and home to one of the top football clubs in the world.
It attracts nearly 10 million tourists annually. His journey kicks off in the heart of the city, along the lively Gran Via boulevard.
Episode 2
Release Date: April 26, 2024
The presenter travels to Prague, the Czech Republic’s capital, famously known as the city of a hundred spires. Michael Portillo’s first visit to Prague was 40 years ago when it was part of Czechoslovakia and still behind the Iron Curtain.
Today, the city has completely transformed into a bustling, must-visit destination featuring stunning castles, charming gas-lit streets, and delightful restaurants and sights.
Episode 3 – May 3, 2024
Note: We will update this blog when additional details about Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends episodes are made public online. Feel free to check back in.
Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends – Who is the Presenter?
Michael Portillo is a renowned British journalist and broadcaster known for his engaging television series on railway travel.
Before embarking on his media career, Portillo was a prominent Conservative Party politician, serving as the Member of Parliament for Enfield Southgate from 1984 to 1997 and for Kensington and Chelsea from 1999 to 2005.
He held several key positions, including Chief Secretary to the Treasury and Secretary of State for Defence, known for his Thatcherite and Eurosceptic views.
Portillo’s early career began in the transport industry, with a significant role in the Conservative Research Department. His political career, marked by influential ministerial roles under Prime Ministers Margaret Thatcher and John Major, ended with his retirement from active politics after the 2005 general election.
Transitioning from politics to media, Portillo found a new audience through his passion for railways. His acclaimed series, Great British Railway Journeys, and its international counterparts highlight his explorations of railway networks while referencing historical guides. In 2022, he expanded his broadcasting work with Portillo, a political program on GB News.
Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends on Twitter
PREVIEW: Michael Portillo travels to Madrid, Prague and Milan for new Channel 5 series #LongWeekends. More details:https://t.co/ZJATcgBjrD
— TV Zone (@tvukzone) April 8, 2024
FAQs
1- Will Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends be available in Europe for free?
No, you won’t be able to find Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends in Europe on any of the local streaming platforms, whether free or subscription-based. This is not because there is no demand for this new travel in Europe, but due to licensing issues.
Channel 5 only allows its content to be streamed in the UK on its official VOD platform. But what if we tell you there’s a solution to watch Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends in Europe for free?
You can use a premium VPN like ExpressVPN to connect with a British IP address. This will make it seem like you’re accessing the internet from within the UK, allowing you to easily watch Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends in Europe for free.
2- Can I watch Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends on Netflix in Europe?
It is unlikely that Netflix would be offering the Channel 5 original series Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends in Europe or anywhere else because the exclusive streaming rights for this show belong to My5.
This British VOD platform is the only place where you can watch Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends for free, but you will need a British IP address for that due to geo-restriction policies.
If you’re wondering how to get that, premium VPNs like ExpressVPN and NordVPN are the answers. They can allow you to connect with a British server, bypass Channel 5’s geo-blocks, and watch Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends in Europe for free.
3- Can I watch Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends on Prime Video in Europe?
Due to no official announcement from Channel 5, it is currently impossible to determine whether Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends will premiere on Prime Video.
Considering the past records of Channel 5 titles, most of them never stream on platforms other than My5 because of strict content licensing policies. So, where does that leave viewers who want to watch Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends in Europe?
A worthy alternative is to watch Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends in Europe for free on Channel 5 with the help of a premium VPN service like ExpressVPN.
4- Why did Michael Portillo leave politics?
Michael Portillo suffered a notable electoral defeat in 1997, losing his secure seat in Enfield Southgate—a loss so significant it became known as the “Portillo moment.”
Though he briefly returned to Parliament in 1999 and took on the role of Shadow Chancellor, his political journey was fraught with difficulties, including a third-place finish in the Conservative Party leadership race in 2001.
Following these challenges and increasingly disenchanted with the trajectory of party politics, Portillo chose not to seek re-election in 2005, ultimately stepping away from his political duties.
5- Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends Filming Locations?
Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends is filmed at various locations around three major European cities: Madrid, Prague, and Milan.
Some of the specific filming locations in Madrid include Gran Via boulevard, El Teatro Real, and El Retiro Park.
What else can you watch on Channel 5?
One thing Channel 5 can guarantee is a captivating experience. This British platform has one of the most diverse content collections, and you can access it all from Europe or anywhere in the world with the help of premium VPNs like ExpressVPN and NordVPN.
We have already told you how you can watch Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends in Europe for free, but why let the fun stop here?
Check out the list of recommended titles on Channel 5 below and enhance your online streaming experience:
- Michael Palin In Nigeria
- The Cuckoo
- Great British Cities with Susan Calman
- Chernobyl: Countdown to Armageddon
- The Sewer Map of Britain
- The Hotel Inspector Season 19
- Coma
- Love Rat
Wrap Up
Michael Portillo’s new travel series offers much more than a scenic weekend trip. Each episode takes us deep into the heart of a city, allowing us to experience its culture, history, and hidden gems as if we were present there.
Although certain geo-restrictions might prevent you from directly accessing Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends in Europe for free, don’t let this opportunity slip away.
Follow the easy-to-understand instructions in this blog; rely on a trusted VPN service like ExpressVPN or NordVPN; and watch Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends in European countries for free on Channel 5.
