Berlin Film Festival - Tour Program

Berlinale 2005 to be Held from February 10 to 20

Each year in February the city of Berlin rolls out the red carpet and life in the city revolves around the international Film Festival. With 15,000 accredited attendees, including 3,500 jour-nalists from approximately 76 countries, the Berlinale has taken its place among the largest and most highly regarded media and industry events; it enjoys an undisputed international level of renown in artistic and film industry aspects.

The festival is not only an important exhibition of achievements in the international film sphere, but also a transformative experience for cinema lovers due to the glamour, spirit of discovery, and amazing array of talent.

The 2005 Berlinale promises not only a dialogue between generations, with its separate competition for films for young people, but also, with its filmmakers from around the world, an exciting dialogue between cultures.

From tragic love story to political psychodrama, from historical thriller to intimate family saga, there's something for everyone among the films in competition at Berlin.

The festival schedule will be made available to you before the trip, allowing you to choose the programs you wish to attend. Tickets for additional screenings may, of course, be purchased at the festival.

Cost Includes

Round trip airfare to Berlin from San Francisco
7 nights at the first-class Maritim ProArte Hotel
Services of tour host, Barbara Lane
Attendance at Berlin Film Festival events
Sightseeing tours with professional guides and expert lecturers
A one-week Berlin transit ticket
3-day Museum Pass
Welcome reception
Seven breakfasts and two dinners
Complete document packet prior to departure

INDEPENDENT TRAVELER EXPEDITIONS
BERLIN FILM FESTIVAL
February 11 - 19, 2005

Hosted by Barbara Lane, Good Lit Series Director

Tour Cost

$2279, Including air round trip San Francisco [double occupancy]
$345, Single supplement

Like Paris in the 20s, Berlin has become a magnet for the world's culturati. An intoxicating cocktail of culture, history and politics, the newly empowered capital of Germany is witnessing a renaissance of art, film and architecture. And the city that invented cabaret and techno today boasts fabulous nightlife and fine dining. You're invited to join an Independent Travelers Expedition to Berlin during February's world-famous Berlin Film Festival, and experience first-hand the synergy that has made it a top destination for savvy travelers around the globe. Guests will explore the city's history, architecture and art, and enjoy access to the world's foremost film actors, directors and producers.

Itinerary

Friday, February 11 - To Berlin
Depart from San Francisco this afternoon with Lufthansa German Airlines via Frankfurt to Berlin.

Saturday, February 12 - Berlin
Arrive this afternoon in Berlin. You will be met at the airport and transferred to the first-class Hotel Maritim ProArte. Located in the heart of Berlin, the hotel is near restaurants, clubs, shops, and tourist attractions, all easily accessible by bus or subway. Get acquainted with your fellow travelers at this evening's informal welcome reception at the hotel.

Sunday, February 13 - Berlin
A Berlin "insider" will be at the hotel this morning to give a presentation on everything you need to know about optional activities, shopping, restaurants, clubs, etc. Get an overall introduction to Berlin on this afternoon's sightseeing tour. Dinner will be hosted in a traditional Berlin restaurant.

Monday, February 14 - Berlin
This morning is at leisure. A speaker from the Berlinale will meet with the group in the early afternoon to discuss this year's festival and films. Attend a Film Festival event.

Tuesday, February 15 - Berlin
Delve into the Soviet legacy of Communist East Berlin on this morning's "Behind the Iron Curtain" tour. Explore the ideological impetus of the Communist revolution and East Germany's birth in the aftermath of the Soviet victory as you view the birthplace of the German Communist Party, the socialist modernism of Alexanderplatz, and the East-Side Gallery - the longest existing stretch of the Berlin Wall, now a massive outdoor art gallery. The afternoon is at your leisure. This evening attend a Film Festival event.

Wednesday, February 16 - Berlin
The "Many Faces of Berlin" are revealed on the morning architect-led tour. Despite massive destruction in WWII, Berlin still displays an amazing array of styles from Baroque to the mock Gothic and Renaissance of the German Reich and the Monumentalism of Nazi Germany, to today's strikingly modern projects including the Reichstag, the new Potsdamer Platz, and Leibeskind's Jewish Museum. The afternoon is at your leisure. This evening attend a Film Festival event.

Thursday, February 17 - Berlin
Berlin is a magnet for cutting-edge artists. You'll explore Berlin's exciting contemporary art world on a morning museum tour and gallery crawl, led by an American studying German contemporary art. You're on your own this afternoon - perhaps to continue exploring Berlin's art scene at your own pace. You'll also have time to attend another Film Festival event.

Friday, February 18 - Berlin
Take advantage of your final morning of leisure in Berlin for shopping, sightseeing and exploring. In the afternoon attend a Film Festival event. Gather with your traveling companions to bid "Auf Wiedersehen" to Berlin at this evening's farewell dinner.

Saturday, February 19 - Return Home
You'll be transferred to the airport for a midday flight to Munich with connecting Lufthansa service nonstop to San Francisco, arriving the same evening.

IMPORTANT

This is merely an announcement of the tour program of the Commonwealth Club of California. Please refer to individual tour folders/agencies for specific itineraries, tour inclusions, exclusions and responsibilities. It shall be the responsibility of the tour participant to ascertain directly with the vendor agency of each program what the exact requirements, payment due dates and fees pertaining to each program are. A Commonwealth Club representative accompanies each tour to enhance the study tour aspects and to represent the Club on the tour. The Club reserves the right to cancel the tour and/or not provide a Club representative if the number of participants falls below the number sufficient for a Club-sponsored tour.

All tour prices are per person, double occupancy and airfare, when included, is from San Francisco unless otherwise noted; all travel dates and tour costs are subjected to change. Included in all tour prices is a modest charge to cover the Commonwealth Club's costs of administering a membership tour program. All dates and tour costs are subject to changes at any time. Tour participants must be members of the Commonwealth Club of California or belong to their immediate family.

If you wish to receive more information on our
2005 Tour Program, please contact The Club's travel desk at (415) 597-6720 or email the Club Tour Desk
with the following information:

-Your Name
-Address
-Home Phone
-Tour Name/s