Michael Portillo's Long Weekends

Michael Portillo's Long Weekends (2024- )

RunningDocumentary showTravel

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.

Network
Scheduleevery Saturday at 19:30 (90 min)

Last Episode

Stockholm
Season 1Episode 690 min

Stockholm

Join Michael Portillo for tips and tricks to enjoy a fabulous long Weekend in the stunning Swedish capital of Stockholm with a mid-winter expedition brimming with Nordic hospitality and adventure.

On an action-packed weekend of discovery, Michael braves the frozen waters of the Baltic Sea, gets swept up in a clash of the icemen, seeks royal approval at a banquet fit for a king, reinvents himself as a glacial Michelangelo, investigates a mighty warship raised from the depths, and tackles meatballs and the humble herring.

Michael's weekend exploring this breath-taking archipelago begins on the island of Södermalm, where he jumps straight into local life by accepting a blind taste test to identify a variety Sweden's most famous food staple – meatballs - including wild boar, elk and reindeer.

Gamla Stan is home to the Royal Palace, and Michael's helps prepare for the imminent state visit of President Macron of France. Dripping in opulence, he's bowled over to see one of the world's largest banqueting tables that's been set to seat a palace record of 170 VIPs.

Feeling adventurous, he travels to Vaxholm where a brave Michael takes an icy plunge by kayaking on a partially frozen Baltic Sea, before he joins thousands of fans at a game of bandy. Similar to ice hockey but played with a ball rather than a puck, Michael's enthralled by this lightning fast contact sport.

Continuing his exploration of this winter wonderland, Michael helps a group of courageous ice divers trawling the city's seabed for rubbish, enjoys a cocktail at the Ice Bar where he also sculpts a leaping fish from a block of Arctic ice, and discovers the ill-fated ‘Vasa' warship, Sweden's greatest warship that sank on its maiden voyage in 1628.

He also finds time to cook up feast of herring, sample delicious oysters and visit Stockholm Cathedral where he's finds an unforgettable fifteenth century sculpture of St George and the Dragon.

Aug 31, 2024

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S01E06StockholmAug 31, 2024
S01E05LisbonAug 24, 2024
S01E04SicilyAug 17, 2024
S01E03MilanMay 3, 2024
S01E02PragueApr 26, 2024
View all episodesView all seasons

Cast

Michael Portillo

Michael Portillo

plays himself
View all cast

Characters

Michael Portillo

Michael Portillo

View all characters

Also known as

  • Michael Portillo Weekend Journeys

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