EuropeUpClose

Introducing our New Travel Forum – Ask and Answer Questions About Europe!

Terri Fogarty — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:18:21 +0000

Today, we are inaugurating our new travel forum, beginning with a Q & A section. Here, you can ask questions and we and/or our readers will answer.

No question is too crazy.
Want an opinion as to where to get the best beer in Europe?
Or, do you wonder which hotels in Paris have a view?

Just ask.
EuropeUpClose has an enthusiastic community of experts and readers who know a lot about European travel and want to share their knowledge with you.

To go to the Forum now, click here: EuropeUpClose Forum
To find the Forum on our site, look for Forum on the top, gray navigation bar.

Ask a question… Suggest a new topic… Share your experience. We want to hear from you!

Kiel, Germany: Sailing City on the Baltic Sea

Sascha Matuszak — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:38:37 +0000

When I was a kid in Frankfurt, Kiel was where all of the rich kids went for vacation. I suppose it qualifies as the seaside resort area Germany always wanted, but never really had. Kiel is the windswept beach town where young men went to hear the call of the sea and young girls went for summer affairs in the grassy dunes. The city itself was bombed into rubble like most of the other German towns and cities during WWII, so there is little to see of the old historic port town and the castles on the Baltic. But, don’t let that stop you from visiting.

One of the best things to do in Kiel is to walk, run or bike the Kiel Canal as far as you can go and then enjoy one of the beaches on the North Sea – if you head west, or one of the beaches on the Baltic Sea - if you head east. The canal connects the two frigid seas of the north, bypassing Denmark, and stretches for about 100km. There are little shops, parks and way stations along the entire length of the canal and you can also spend a night along the way in the town of Rendsburg. Many, many people make the trip from sea to sea in the summer, so Rendsburg turns into a hopping little town, especially around Kieler Woche, Keil’s sailing festival held each June.

Kieler Woche is a celebration of warm weather, seaside living and, above all, sailing. The festival includes plenty of food, drink and music and it completely engulfs Kiel every year. Boats and ships of every kind converge on the city from all over the world — old school schooners, Viking boats, elegant yachts, racers, and even the odd clipper relics. The festival is called the Kiel Regatta in English, denoting the sailboat as the focus of the show. But these days the event has morphed into a bonanza far and beyond the original regatta. Thousands of high school students show up during this time of year — German schools usually get out around mid-June or early July, and for those students who are not going to France or Greece or Turkey, Kiel is a pretty good option. These young kids add a little pep to Kieler Woche and they make sure that the sailors don’t dominate the bars for the entire week.

The city is located right at the end of the Kieler Fjord so locals wake up every day looking out at the ocean. One of the biggest pastimes is sailing, due to the strong winds that rush in and out of the fjord year round. There are chartered sailing boats for tourists, lessons and training for beginners, and boats to rent for experienced hands. The harbor is also home to the German Navy, so if battleships are your thing, you can sit by the harbor, chew on some smoked herring and watch the gulls swing lazily around the massive gray warships. In fact, Kiel Harbor is a very busy place any time of year, with commercial shipping, recreational sailors and navy sailors coming in and out all day long. There are excellent little bistros right on the harbor and the sea food snacks are unpretentious and delicious.

Kiel has a rather independent history, beginning as a drop off point for Viking raiders and it was eventually a prize in a tug-of-war between the Dukes of Denmark and the German powers of Austria and Prussia. Germany finally did gain control of the city and Kiel was granted free status as a Hanseatic city. This status was subsequently revoked in the 16th century after Kiel was found to be a safe house for pirates. The rebellious sailor mentality stayed with the city and became the focal point of a rebellion in 1918 that toppled the monarchy and installed the Weimar Republic.

If you are looking for more activity and need a big city break, Kiel is just one hour away from Hamburg. Or, if are looking for a little, quiet solitude, you can easily get away to any number of little seaside towns in close proximity to Kiel.

For me, as with many kids growing up in Germany, Kiel holds a certain romance that is undeniable. Perhaps all ocean cities have it — but for Germans, the beaches and the canal of Kiel provide memories of youth and first kisses and adventures with your best pals.

See Kiel Canal for more information.

Don’t Miss London’s Hampton Court

Morgen Young — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:54:16 +0000

London boasts many impressive palaces and castles, from Buckingham Palace to the Tower of London, but one of the most interesting and accessible may just be Hampton Court , situated on the River Thames in the southwest part of the city.

Hampton Court Palace is perhaps most famous as the residence of King Henry VIII. The property actually was once under the ownership of Thomas Wolsey, the Archbishop of York, who acquired the estate in 1514. Wolsey oversaw new construction to the property, aiming to create a cardinal’s palace. In 1528, Wolsey gifted the palace to the king, who then began his own expansion of the property.

The palace continued to be a place of residence for the remaining royalty of the Tudor period, including Mary I and Elizabeth I. The palace then passed into the House of Stuart with the ascension of James I. For several decades, following the ill-fated reign of Charles I, Hampton Court was believed to be too old-fashioned for the royal family. The dual monarchy of William and Mary saw a period of rebuilding the palace, causing the demolition of half of the original Tudor palace in favor of contemporary styled buildings.

Further refurbishment and alterations occurred in the mid-18th Century under Kings George I and George II, who became the last monarchs to reside at Hampton Court. Due to the various additions made to the palace, Hampton Court contains two distinct architectural styles: the medieval Tudor, marked by steeply pitched roofs, large decorated chimneys, tall, narrow windows and doorways, and small window panes; and the Baroque style favored by the Stuarts, noted by its emphasis on playing with light and shade, colonnades, domes, and the interior creation of stately apartments.

The interior of the palace has been decorated to reflect the two main periods of the Hampton Court, the early Tudor and late Stuart reigns. Many significant pieces of art are on display, as well as numerous examples of the decorative arts, including ceramics and tapestries. Much of the original palatial furniture occupies the rooms on display.

While the entire grounds of Hampton Court are worth exploring, there are particular areas that should be highlighted. For those with epicurean interests, Henry VIII’s kitchens are not to be missed. The kitchens are preserved to reflect the culinary style of King Henry’s Court and are, in fact, still used to prepare Tudor meals. The kitchens served the royal family for over two hundred years, spanning the 16th and 18th centuries, and also fed the hundreds of members of nobility who were entitled to eat in the palace. Today, the kitchens can be toured daily and on specific dates cooking demonstrations are featured, bringing the epicurean repertoire of the Tudor court to life.

Also not to be missed are the spectacular palace gardens. Totaling more than sixty acres, the gardens stretch from the palace to the banks of the Thames. Each month brings a variety of flowering plants, from the spring blooms of April to the roses in June to the changing colors of fall. Popular attractions among the palace gardens include the Privy Garden, a reconstruction of the original, early 18th Century garden; the Rose Garden; and the contemporary 20th Century Garden. Be sure to visit the Maze and meander among the half-mile of labyrinthine paths.

Visitors can wander throughout Hampton Court and the accompanying gardens. Interpreters donning historic costumes lead group tours throughout the day and one can join such a tour free of charge. For a self-guided tour of the particular sections of grounds, be sure to acquire an audio guide. These are available in several languages and are free of charge. The audio tours provide insightful information of the kitchens, the Apartments of William III, Georgian Apartments, and a history of a young Henry VIII. The audio tour is well worth listening to and provides great context to the material culture on display and the historical figures who once resided in the palace.

Various cafes and coffee shops can be found on the grounds of the palace. Some visitors bring their own meals and picnic in any of the famous gardens.

Hampton Court and its gardens are open throughout the year, closing only December 24 – 26. The palace and gardens share similar hours of operation: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM - late March through the end of October for the summer season; and 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM – November through most of March.

Trains, Bikes and Robo Taxis: Riding Green in Sweden

Carla Scott — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 16:15:32 +0000

It’s no wonder that Sweden is the leader in “green” transportation in Europe. Sweden was the second country in the world to introduce an eco-tourism charter, after Australia. Sweden also set up ‘Nature’s Best’, Europe’s first eco-label that assures the quality of approximately 180 holidays and activities run by its 80 eco-certified tour operators around the country. Here are three of the latest green types of transport that are in the forefront of the green technology movement in Scandinavia. Take advantage of these eco-efficient and cool ways to get around the next time you visit Sweden.
Trains are one of the world’s greenest modes of transportation. Although they do not always have clean burning engines, trains still remain a much lower carbon consuming type of transportation compared to taking a plane or driving a car. Transportation technology in the past five years has advanced to the point where trains are faster, lighter, cleaner burning, and more comfortable. One of the fastest eco-friendly trains in the world is the Swedish Gröna Tåget (”Green Train”.) This train is a technological marvel. It was designed and built by Banverket (the Swedish Railway Administration) and Bombardier, and is capable of speeds of around 180 mph. The new engine design has improved its energy consumption by 20 to 30 percent of your average modern-style train. Taking the train is now back in style as a main form of transport in Sweden.
Next, the Swedes have stepped out of the Bladerunner movie and created the taxi of the future called the ECO ROBO TAXI. The Robo Taxi has no driver, minimal space for luggage and only holds two passengers. The taxi can run for 20 hours before it needs to be recharged. It also can reach speeds up to 90kmh. If you want to use the Robo Taxi you can call an operator who will then send a taxi to your location. Passengers will be able to enter their destination on a touch screen interface. This futuristic taxi is coming to Stockholm in 2011, and I am booking my ticket now just to be the first to ride in this fantastic green transport creation!

Bicycling is a Scandinavian passion and there are a literally 101 different bike rental companies located in the cities. Bicycling is a healthy, eco-friendly form of transportation and, in Stockholm, it is fairly safe. The best known bike rental service in Stockholm is CityBikes. It is known as the least expensive and it is definitely worth a try. They carry over 1,000 bikes and 80+ parking stations for the bicycles. If you wish to rent one of the bicycles at these stations, you will need either a one-time card for SEK 25, or a season card for SEK 200 (bonus: free helmet). The cards are available at SE Transportation Centers where you also buy bus and commuter train tickets. The catch is that you can only keep the bikes for 3 hours and then you must return it and you can rent another one for another 3 hours.
Sweden’s willingness to embrace change, look ahead to the future and act accordingly has made it a vibrant hub of all things green in Europe. Maybe the Swedes should hold a green summit here in the United States so we can learn about and adopt some of their innovative eco ideas.

Written by Carla Scott for EuropeUpClose.com

“Mondovino”: Insights into the French and Italian Wine Industries

Jen Westmoreland Bouchard — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 15:51:44 +0000

Yes, we all love French and Italian wines, but have you ever thought about the processes and politics behind the wine you drink? If you are at all interested in viniculture, wine marketing, ratings systems, or simply how wine circulates around the globe, I highly suggest the film, Mondovino.

Mondovino is a 2004 documentary on the impact of globalization on international wine markets. The title literally means “world of wine” in Italian, but is conveniently similar to the brand name Mondavi, a company the film critiques throughout. Mondovino was both written and directed by American filmmaker Jonathan Nossiter (who is also a trained sommelier). The film was nominated for the Cannes Film Festival Palme d’Or and a César Award in 2004.

In addition to examining the effects of the rapid growth of large commercial wine brands on the global wine economy, Mondovino also explores the international influence of high-profile critics and consultants such as Robert Parker (American) and Michel Rolland (French). Through conversations with small vineyard owners in France and Italy (who maintain a soulful connection to their land), the aforementioned critics and consultants (among others), wine industry middlemen in California and New York, and millionaire American winemakers in Napa, Nossiter’s film gets to the core of some of the major issues in today’s global wine industry.

Though the scenery and global scope of the film are impressive, the real richness of this documentary lies in the interviews with long-time wine-making families, such as the De Montilles, the Mondavis, the Antinori and the Frescobaldi. From the Bordelaise widow who admittedly pours the love she once had for her husband into the vines that produce her excellent wines to the elderly Provençal gentleman who refused to sell part of his vineyard to the Mondavis for a tidy sum, Nossiter introduces us to people who truly live for their wine. For them, it’s about something much deeper than sales or ratings. There is a centuries old sense of pride in European winemaking that, in the film, is contrasted sharply with the ratings and profit-driven wine market in the U.S.

A major theme in the film is that of “terroir.” “Terroir” loosely translates as “of the earth,” and, generally speaking, has to do with the minerals and natural properties in the soil that influence the taste of the grape. However, throughout the film, Nossiter shows us that “terroir” is a complex concept, that has as much to do with families, tradition and culture as it has to do with soil- all of these elements shape the wine that ends up in your glass.

Whether you’re an European traveler, oenophile, an international documentary lover, or a curious consumer, this film is sure to be quite thought provoking and may just change your wine purchasing habits for good.

Mondovino is available on Netflix and Amazon.com.

Written by Jen Westmoreland Bouchard for EuropeUpClose.Com

Paris Boutique Hotel Deal

Joan Malling — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 15:30:13 +0000

Check out this Paris Boutique Hotel Deal!

The Hotel Astrid, a 3 star boutique hotel located near the Arc de Triomphe, is offering a wonderful discount on rooms for specific dates from March to August. For as low as $143 (106 euros) per night, you can book a double room during these dates.* Upgrades are available. The Hotel Astrid has been recently renovated.

Extras include: a free cold buffet breakfast, free wireless internet access, and a free Seine cruise ticket.

*Offer subject to availability.

For more information or to book this hotel, contact your travel agent or Astrid Hotel. Mention promo code TZOO

European Music CDs Awaken Memories

Terri Fogarty — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:37:36 +0000

If you have traveled to Europe and experienced the European music scene, you might want to listen again to the sweet, melodic rhythms that you so much enjoyed in the clubs and hot entertainment venues of Europe. Putumayo World Music has been a leader in compiling CDs that celebrate the rich and varied music of the world’s cultures. Here are just a few of the Putamayo CDs that we think will make you feel like you are back in Europe – if only for an hour or two.

España - a wonderful collection of songs by contemporary artists from across Spain that showcase the country’s diverse yet accessible music styles. The modern music of Spain is a blend of old and new, reflecting tradition, diverse regional cultures and international influences. This collection features music from flamenco, to Barcelona’s mestizo (mixed) movement, which incorporates fusions of pop, rock, jazz, reggae, rumba, flamenco and more.

Italia - features contemporary Italian artists who are part of the newly-popular singer-songwriter scene. These contemporary artists draw from the 50’s where musicians combined American jazz with the ballads and folk music of Italy to create carefree, romantic songs. Italia features well-known singer-songwriters Giorgio Conte and Gianmaria Testa, Simone Lo Porto, Alessandro Pitoni, and many more.

Paris – highlights artists from the Nouvelle Scene (New Scene), and features modern takes on classic French chanson. A new school of musicians has given a fresh voice to this vintage sound that is all the rage in Paris. Thomas Ferson, Carla Bruni, Pascal Parisot, Coralie Clémenta and many others are highlighted.

The music of Greece and Turkey are also featured as well as more from Italy, Spain and France. Putamaya supports many relief organizations and a portion of the proceeds from some of their CDs is donated to support those organizations.

Written by Terri Fogarty for EuropeUpClose.com

Savoring France’s Cognac

Brigitte Aflalo-Calderon — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:14:30 +0000

Every year, the modest town of Cognac draws thousands of visitors from all around the world. Not surprisingly! Cognac is the world’s capital of the golden-color elixir and symbol of French refinement – Cognac, the brandy. But what may stun the newcomer is that the city’s savors go beyond its famous brandy.

Poitou-Charentes
The eau-de-vie comes from Poitou-Charentes, a region that may well be one of France’s best-kept secrets. Blessed with a sunny and mild climate, Poitou-Charentes also boasts a serene landscape with winding rural roads, meadow-lands, pine forests, Romanesque churches and hillsides studded with châteaux. Cognac, the city, sits peacefully on the banks of the slow-moving Charente River, surrounded by luxuriant vineyards.

City of Cognac
Although you may be eager to indulge your palate, you shouldn’t overlook the medieval city’s own flavors. Exploring King Francois I’s hometown starts unavoidably in the vielle ville (old town). You will find the Romanesque St. Leger Church with its 16th century spire that dominates the city’s tiled roofs. From there, stroll through the cobblestone streets lined with quaint two- and three-story stone houses. On the Rue Grande, the main street from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, you will admire half-timbered houses. Known for its magnificent 15th century frame, La Maison de la Lieutenance ranks as one of the city’s most impressive architectural sites. Rue Saulnier, a sloping street, evokes the city’s thriving past as a trading center for salt. You will notice the sumptuous facades of private mansions –Hôtel Brunet de Bocage or Hôtel Perrin de Boussac.

Cognac’s modern neighborhood is quite lively. The Square François I provides for a ‘royal’ setting with its terrasses, restaurants and boutiques. It opens towards the Place d’Armes where one of the most beautiful indoor markets in the region takes place. Next, why not treat yourself to a zen moment in King Francois I Park, located near the Charente River. According to legend, the future King of France was born near an oak tree –which bears his name.

Cognac, a city of festivals

There is no time for boredom in Cognac! The city vibrates all year long to the rhythms of festivals, each one with a distinct flavor. One of the most important events, La Fete du Cognac, takes place in July. Young viticulturists introduce their cognacs along with the houses of Hennessy, Martell and Rémy Martin. Guests can appreciate inventive Cognac-based drinks and an assortment of local food specialties — oysters, mussels, meats and cheeses (from July 8 through 11, 2010.)

Other Cognac festivals to mark down on your calendar:

The Cognac Blues Passions Festival
Six days and six nights of Afro-American music. BB King is expected to participate in this year’s event (July 27-August 1, 2010.)

European Literature
Every third week-end of November, the festival proposes a broad range of literary events – debates, meetings, readings both for adults, teens and kids.

Where to take a sip of Cognac

You’ve been patient enough…. It’s now time to get acquainted with the ‘drink of the kings.’ The region houses about 300 cognac houses, each one with unique tastes and savors. The four leading players are Hennessy, Martell, Remy Martin and Courvoisier. There are several ways to get up close and personal with the brandy — and quite content as well.

You can book a visit through agencies specializing in tasting tours. Several formats are available, starting with half-day visits. You may choose to tour distilleries where you will learn about the production of the liquor and enjoy several tastings. Or you may visit the Grande Champagne vineyards, the premier cru of cognac. Producers of the old vintage will welcome you and tell you fascinating stories about their savoir-faire.

You may want to partake in any of the three day to several week-long tasting tours which consist of workshops, discussions with experts, cooking lessons or relaxing moments –such as cognac-cigar dinners. If you are wondering where to hold your next company meeting, consider booking Cognac-cooking workshops or a cognac-tasting session. For further information, check Cognac Tasting Tours

Les Etapes du Cognac organizes journeys combining the pleasures of cognac tasting with tourism. You can select among five routes, each one exploring a particular feature of the region. One trail follows the geological strata of Charente’s limestone. Indeed, it is on these chalky hillsides reflecting the warm sunlight that the vines develop all the aromatic and mouthwatering qualities that give cognac its bouquet. Other trails will have you travel through abbeys or chateaux sitting on hillsides. Every route stops at various villages where you will meet local people and gain insights into wine-growing traditions and… gourmet food. Who can ask for more?

Words of caution
When visiting distilleries, you will be struck by the heady fragrance: About 2 to 4 percent of the alcohol evaporates through the pores of the oak barrels.

What else to see in Cognac

Espace Découverte en Pays du Cognac
Facing the port, on the banks of the Charente river, the gallery reveals the region’s cultural and touristic patrimony.
SalleVerte Square

Musée des Arts du Cognac Art Museum
You will learn the history of the spirit, from how it is made to the skills required to make it.
Salle Verte Square

Musée d’Art et d’Histoire
An invitation to discover popular traditions – costumes, artefacts and also archeological pieces, furnishings and decorative arts.
48 boulevard Denfert-Rochereau

Where to Stay in Cognac:

Château de L’Yeuse
The elegant château stands in a wooded park. Excellent cuisine.
65, rue de Bellevue
Chateaubernard

Le Domaine du Breuil
Charming hotel in a small 19th century castle.
104, rue Robert Daugas
Cognac

Château Saint-Martial
The former home has been converted into a chambre d’hôtes. Enjoy the swimming-pool and tennis courts.
56, rue des Chabannes
Jarnac

Where to eat in Cognac

La Courtine
Parc François 1er, Cognac

La Ribaudière
16200 Bourg-Charente

Written by Brigitte Aflalo-Calderon for EuropeUpClose.com

Formentor, Majorca’s Hidden Bay

Ross Fraser — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:04:29 +0000

When you think of Formentor in the northeastern section of the island of Majorca (Mallorca), picture a secluded, sheltered cove, a beautiful beach, swimming in crystal clear water, and being surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery.

Getting To Formentor Bay

Although scary, the view alone makes the drive to Formentor Bay on the famous Peninsula Road unforgettable. There are high cliffs that drop steeply into the sea, pine forests, unusual rock formations, breath-taking viewpoints, a variety of sea birds, a silver-domed lighthouse, and an old watchtower (Talaia d’Albercutx). The mountains rise to more than 400 m (1,300 feet).

Where to Stay in Formentor Bay

The world-famous luxury Barcelo Hotel Formentor stands alone on a spectacular peninsula on the northern tip of the island. It is surrounded by pine forests, lush gardens, and steep cliffs that lead down to the sea and a sandy bay where yachts often lay anchor. You can relax in two swimming pools or take a sauna bath in a health and beauty centre located on beautiful sun terraces. The hotel offers a variety of restaurants, and the terrace bar features a pianist in the evenings. It has been known since 1929 as a place to pamper the rich and famous. It was also where Agatha Christie wrote her Problem at Pollensa Bay after she spent time at the Barcelo Hotel Formentor.

Nearby Puerta Pollensa

You can take a 40 minute boat ride or 20 minute public bus to the family holiday resort of Puerto Pollensa. One of the prettiest locations on the island, it was originally a fishing village, though now bursts with activity compared to the quiet of Formentor. The large marina in the horseshoe bay is home to many luxury yachts. And with over 100 restaurants and cafes serving a variety of international cuisine and fresh seafood dishes, visitors need never be hungry. You will want to enjoy the famous Pine Walk that runs for two miles along the beach where people stroll in the evenings. Here, you will see sand sculptors and painters creating art while enjoying the melodious sounds of local musicians. The clean sandy beaches that slope gently down to the warm shallow Mediterranean Sea are perfect for children and for many water sports. From here, you can head into the Tramuntana mountain range by hiking or biking. This area is also home to many beautiful, migrating birds in spring and autumn. For the best views of these birds, make your way to the Albufera wetlands which is now a protected area of the island and close to Alcudia.

Puerto Pollensa is only a few miles from the old Roman town of Pollensa, which features historic sites as well as narrow, cobblestone streets. Here you can experience the Sunday special market which sells fruit, vegetables, flowers, clothes, and more. The local olives in the cafes are flavored with pickles and are delicious!

Calvari is a small chapel in Pollensa with 365 steps to climb to get there (or more steps from the upper town square). To make the climb even more enjoyable, there are gift and pottery shops lined up along the way and be sure to take in the breathtaking views north of Majorca from the top.

The landmark Illa D’Or Hotel is poised on the water’s edge and provides panoramic views of the bay from its terraces. This air-conditioned hotel with 119 bedrooms, features an attractive dining room, a large cocktail bar, two swimming pools, a sauna, gym, and a health and beauty center.

If you want an unusual experience, take a bus to Palma and ride the 100-year-old Edwardian steam train that has vintage rail cars with mahogany panels and brass fittings. The train goes through mountain tunnels and ends up in orange groves before it gets to the old fishing town of Soller. At Soller you are greeted by a wide selection of seafood restaurants and pastry shops.

Written by guest contributor Ross Fraser for EuropeUpClose.com

Prague’s 17th Annual FEBIOFEST…Let the Film Festivities Begin!

Suchi Rudra Vasquez — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:00:28 +0000

FEBIOFEST is Prague’s largest and most anticipated annual film festival. This year marks the 17th year of the event, and it will feature incredible guests, including acting superstars Bruno Ganz and Fanny Ardant, as well as Argentinian-born filmmaker Gaspar Noe, just to name a few.

Aside from the usual exhilarating, international scope of newly released films and golden classics, this year, FEBIOFEST will focus on New Polish Cinema. The festival will also feature the premieres of Precious and Tales from the Golden Age, as well as a portrait of young Filipino filmmaker, Raya Martin. In addition, the festival offers FEBIOFEST Junior, with films for children, and this year the festival is introducing a category entitled “Kids in the Lead”, with films about children.

A special presentation of the silent film, The Passion of the Joan of Arc, by Danish director Carl Dreyer, will be featured at Kino Lucerna on March 31 and April 1, accompanied by live music performed by the Czech Berg Orchestra.

The ticket pre-sale starts at 1pm on March 17, and standard tickets will be 79 CZK each. The entire film schedule will be online approximately one week prior to this date, so make sure you’ve figured out your game plan for the festival before you buy tickets. Get your tickets as early as possible (on the pre-sale day if possible), since films at this highly popular festival, especially the newest and most high profile films, sell out extremely quick. You can also buy a program catalogue for about 35 CZK at the cinema complex from March 17 onward (map your plan of attack right then and there before you buy your tickets.) The FEBIOFEST website and program are both in Czech and English.

After you’ve been saturated in stunning visuals, head down to either the basement parking garage of the cinema complex, or to the yummy pizzeria next door (you’ll have to go early to find a seat–otherwise, you can stand at the bar or sit on the floor), and flood your brain with aural stimulation from a lineup of musicians from the Czech Republic, Germany, France, Hungary and Romania. The music schedule is already available on the festival website. Excellent Czech beer (usually about 35 CZK for .5 L) is of course served everywhere you turn, but you can also grab some snacks of the nontraditional variety (including Hare Krishna, organic, vegan) if you go early enough. Once the music starts to really get grooving, gather in a circle with your friends and with the strangers beside you, pile your coats and bags in the middle and get down to dancing! All concerts are free.

FEBIOFEST in Prague runs from March 25 through April 2, and will travel to other Czech cities from April 5 to April 18. After the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, this is the Czech Republic’s biggest film event. Almost all films will be subtitled in English if not originally in English. This year’s festival will also travel to several cities in Slovakia (Nitra, Trencin, Martin, Banska Bystrica, Poprad, Kosice and Presov), from April 5 through April 27, but starts in Bratislava on March 26.