‘The reason why the 80-day journey retains its appeal is that it is still the minimum time needed to go round the world and notice it. To see it, smell it and touch it at the same time.’

More than a century on from Phileas Fogg’s fictional adventure around the world, Michael Palin sets out from the Reform Club to complete the route for himself. The rules are simple, but the rest of the journey will be far from straightforward. Around the World in Eighty Days takes us on a rollicking trip across the globe in the company of one of our finest travel writers.

From train to ship to hot air balloon, this is an unparalleled tribute to man’s ability to make life difficult for himself…