Madrid

To delve into the history of Tunis – and the ancient city of Carthage that preceded the modern Tunisian capital – travel writer Paul Bloomfield is joined by classicist and archaeologist Dr Eve MacDonald. Together, they explore theatres, mosques and markets, and meet some of the key characters who shaped the fascinating stories of these two cities.

Vienna has long been a pivotal location in European history, shaping imperial politics, hosting landmark diplomatic negotiations, and nurturing artistic, cultural and intellectual movements that spread throughout the continent. In this episode of History’s Greatest Cities, travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield is joined by Florian Pollock to explore Austria's vibrant capital, from its Roman origins right up to modern day. Along the way, they stop off at some of the most fascinating historic spots to visit and share top tips for wandering history enthusiasts.

Kyoto stands as Japan’s thousand-year imperial heart, in which courtly ritual, Buddhist thought, and architectural artistry crystallised into the nation’s cultural centre. In this episode, travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield is joined by historian and author Lesley Downer to trace the city’s story. Together, they explore Kyoto’s temples and shrines, bamboo groves and geisha haunts – and meet people who played major roles in the city’s story, from its settlement to the era of modernisation that swept Japan in the mid-19th century.

As one of the oldest cities in the United States, Boston played a pivotal role in the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War, as well as the signing of the Declaration of Independence that followed. In this episode of History’s Greatest Cities, Paul Bloomfield is joined by writer John Bell to explore the storied history of the capital of Massachusetts. Together, they wander through Boston’s oldest neighbourhoods, tracing the story of this harbour city from its pre-colonial roots, through Puritan settlement, to its rise as a major port and administrative centre of the British Atlantic world.

Siena stands as a brick-and-marble time capsule of the Middle Ages, where banking ambition, artistic revolution, and fierce civic identity fused into one of the great medieval Italian city states. Travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield is joined by archaeologist and researcher Lucy Shipley to explore this enchanting Tuscan city. Together they explore the city’s early years as a Roman military colony, its flourishing in the Middle Ages, and its later decline and revival. Along the way, they meet important figures who played major roles in Siena's story – and recommend top tips for eager travellers.