Join Michael Portillo as he takes us on a Long Weekend in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic and city of a hundred spires.
Michael first visited Prague 40 years ago when Czechoslovakia, as it was known then, was behind the Iron Curtain. But now it's totally transformed into a vibrant must-see city with amazing castles, wonderful gas-lit streets and beautiful eateries and places to see.
But beneath the buzzing surface, the city's darker past also makes it a must-visit for a long weekend. From the discovery of a secret nuclear bunker under his hotel and rebirth of Czech cold war cuisine, to daredevil circus acrobatics and hidden Soviet art, Michael takes us through a city where he finds so much has changed since he first went there.
Michael begins by crossing the stunning 13th century Charles Bridge heading to the British Embassy which he last visited in the 1980s when the city was under constant Soviet surveillance and meetings took place in the Embassy's garden to avoid being spied upon.
At Prague Castle, the world's largest ancient castle, Michael explores the striking St Vitus cathedral before stopping for lunch at the city's oldest deli to make a ‘Chlebicky' – a messy but delicious open sandwich, smothered in cured meats, and pickled vegetables.
Michael's hotel reveals an entertaining relic from darker days – a nuclear bunker complete with spying control room. He also takes a deep breath learning how to blow 600-degree hot glass as tries to create some of the city's world famous glassware before taking the culinary plunge by sampling local delicacies – raw steak tartar and bone marrow – as old school cuisine makes a comeback.
He then gains access to the workings behind the amazing 15th-century astronomical street clock – which anyone can get for a tenner – and then it's off to the historic Jewish Quarter where Michael finds surprise after surprise, including lighting the city's gas street lamps with the world's tallest street lamp lighter – at over 2.5m.
Michael also manages to squeeze in a night in a one room hotel dubbed Europe's ugliest building, visits the country's oldest monastery where the monks' beer has been brewed for 1000 years, and laps up the thrills and spills behind the scenes of a dramatic night at the world-famous Prague circus.
Michael Portillo's Long Weekends S1E2 Screenshot
____________________.o0( TVMAZE Show Information )0o._____________________
Show Name....... Michael Portillo's Long Weekends
Rating.......... N/A
Premiered....... 2024-04-18
Type............ Documentary
Genre........... Travel
Plot............ Join Michael Portillo as he takes us on a Long Weekend to three of his favourite European cities: Madrid, Prague and Milan.On each Long Weekend Michael reveals the secrets, sites and people that make these cities tick, finding the best restaurants, bars, food markets and hotels, as well as the places only the locals know and love. Exploring hidden neighbourhoods off the tourist trail, and going behind-the-scenes of major landmarks he reveals how in just a busy weekend you can find the real city as well as the classic Royal palaces, cathedrals, galleries, and museums, which open their doors and welcome us all in.In each city Michael meets up with locals with a particular connection to that place, who will show him the city's hidden treasures. Most are English speaking (though Michael's bilingual Spanish also serves him well) as they introduce him to their passions that characterise these wonderful welcoming cities, revealing rich histories, diverse architecture and food heritages, as well as unknown gems and secret locations you'll never find unless you're really in the know
Cast............ Michael Portillo ... Michael Portillo
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Network......... Channel 5
Country......... United Kingdom
Language........ English
Runtime......... 90 mins
Status.......... Running
Air Date........ Friday 21:00
URL............. https://www.tvmaze.com/shows/76174/michael-portillos-long-weekends
___________________.o0( Current Episode Information )0o.__________________
Episode Name.... Prague
Season.......... 1x02
Plot............ Join Michael Portillo as he takes us on a Long Weekend in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic and city of a hundred spires.Michael first visited Prague 40 years ago when Czechoslovakia, as it was known then, was behind the Iron Curtain. But now it's totally transformed into a vibrant must-see city with amazing castles, wonderful gas-lit streets and beautiful eateries and places to see.But beneath the buzzing surface, the city's darker past also makes it a must-visit for a long weekend. From the discovery of a secret nuclear bunker under his hotel and rebirth of Czech cold war cuisine, to daredevil circus acrobatics and hidden Soviet art, Michael takes us through a city where he finds so much has changed since he first went there.Michael begins by crossing the stunning 13th century Charles Bridge heading to the British Embassy which he last visited in the 1980s when the city was under constant Soviet surveillance and meetings took place in the Embassy's garden to avoid being spied upon.At Prague Castle, the world's largest ancient castle, Michael explores the striking St Vitus cathedral before stopping for lunch at the city's oldest deli to make a Chlebicky' a messy but delicious open sandwich, smothered in cured meats, and pickled vegetables.Michael's hotel reveals an entertaining relic from darker days a nuclear bunker complete with spying control room. He also takes a deep breath learning how to blow 600-degree hot glass as tries to create some of the city's world famous glassware before taking the culinary plunge by sampling local delicacies raw steak tartar and bone marrow as old school cuisine makes a comeback.He then gains access to the workings behind the amazing 15th-century astronomical street clock which anyone can get for a tenner and then it's off to the historic Jewish Quarter where Michael finds surprise after surprise, including lighting the city's gas street lamps with the world's tallest street lamp lighter at over 2.5m.Michael also manages to squeeze in a night in a one room hotel dubbed Europe's ugliest building, visits the country's oldest monastery where the monks' beer has been brewed for 1000 years, and laps up the thrills and spills behind the scenes of a dramatic night at the world-famous Prague circus
Runtime......... 90 mins
Air Date........ 2024-04-26 Friday, 15:00
URL............. https://www.tvmaze.com/episodes/2831747/michael-portillos-long-weekends-1x02-prague
____________________.o0( Next Episode Information )0o.____________________
Episode Name.... Milan
Season.......... 1x03
Plot............ Join Michael Portillo as he takes us on a Long Weekend to Italy's capital of fashion, design and industry: the dynamic, northern powerhouse of Milan.Michael's weekend begins on the back of a classic 1960's Lambretta, the iconic Italian scooter that was invented in the city. Meeting a group of biker aficionados, Michael soaks up La Dolce Vita as he's whisked off to see some of Milan's must-see landmarks.Michael is then given a crash-course on the strict rules of Italian coffee drinking etiquette, before he's given a dressing down by a personal shopper keen to improve his fashion sense.Feeling courageous, Michael climbs to the roof of the spectacular Duomo Cathedral, the jewel in Milan's crown which is open to the public, and ventures into the "city of the dead" with its impressive graves and tombs in the Cimitero Monumentale. He's also let loose racing a vintage Alfa Romeo, every petrolhead's dream, before taking on all-comers in a game of Bocce, an ancient Italian equivalent to bowls.Michael soaks up more Milanese culture by going behind the scenes at the Leonardo Da Vinci museum, where one of the master's original 15 century drawings is bought to life in the shape of a huge mechanised lion.During this action-packed Long Weekend, Michael also learns how to cook the perfect risotto before turning cocktail maker by mixing a Negroni Sbagliato at Bar Basso, the home of this universally popular aperitvo.He also visits the Torre Branca, the highest point in the breathtaking Sempione Park, spins himself good luck at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy's oldest shopping arcade, and spends the night in Nivigli, the vibrant, Venice-like canal quarter of the city
Runtime......... 90 mins
Air Date........ 2024-05-03 Friday, 15:00
URL............. https://www.tvmaze.com/episodes/2831748/michael-portillos-long-weekends-1x03-milan
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