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Calvin Celebration Tour
10 day tour: July 4-13, 2009
7 day tour: July 7-13, 2009
Now booking!

Call 1-800-303-5534 to find out how your group can take this tour!


Calvin Statue in the Reformation Museum in Geneva
2009 is Calvin's 500th anniversary and you are invited on a special tour to celebrate his life and achievements. Born on July 10, 1509, John Calvin was one of the most influential men of the Reformation movement. He was raised and ordained in the Catholic Church in Noyon (northeast of Paris), underwent a “sudden conversion” in approximately 1533 and dedicated the rest of his life to developing a deep and thorough explanation of Reformation beliefs. In 1536, he published "The Institutes of the Christian Religion" which was then, and is still today, considered the most comprehensive single volume written on Reform theology.

Beginning in Paris, we'll visit his birthplace in Noyon, Orleans, Giverny, Versailles, Chartres, Strasbourg, Bern, Geneva and Chillon Castle. During the tour you will also have opportunity to fellowship with local believers along the way.

Day by day itinerary
Fabulous Christian and cultural highlights in France and Switzerland.
What's included?
Ground transportation, expert guides, delicious meals, entrance fees, etc.
Quality accommodations
Fabulous hand-picked hotels to help you relax.
What does it cost?
This tour is priced land-only, but we are happy to arrange air.
Tour Host Rowena Drinkhouse
Rowena invites you to travel with her to France and Switzerland and enjoy fellowship along the way.
Route map
Use our interactive map to see where you will be going.

What will we see each day?

Our itineraries are designed to be not too full - or too empty! Each day we'll have breakfast at our hotel, followed by the day's activities. In the evenings, you'll have the opportunity to join the devotional time. Enjoy browsing the proposed itinerary. Back to top

Depart
Our journey begins as we board our overnight flight to Paris, France. Flights are not included in the package, but we are happy to assist you in booking your flights. IF

Day 1: Saturday, July 4: Paris
Notre Dame CathedralOur tour director Rowena will be at the hotel this morning to welcome you as you arrive. In the afternoon a local guide joins us for a panoramic over view of the city of lights followed by a walking tour of historic heart of Paris including visits to Notre Dame, Sainte Chapelle, and the Latin Quarter. We will hear fascinating stories about the early Protestant Reformers who taught at the Sorbonne and influenced the life of John Calvin. In the evening we will enjoy a welcome dinner at our hotel. IF/D

Day 3: Sunday, July 5, 2009: Paris
This morning we worship with members of a local church before a free afternoon to experience Paris on your own. Tonight we enjoy dinner in a Parisian restaurant followed by a special highlight will be a late evening cruise on the Seine River in the City of Lights. B/D

Calvin Museum in NoyonDay 4: Monday, July 6, 2009: Noyon, Versailles, Paris
After breakfast we travel north to Noyon, the city where Calvin was born in 1509. We will see Museum of Calvin and the reconstructed house where he was born. Much of the city including the original house were destroyed in World War I and have been rebuilt. We will return to Paris this afternoon and visit Versailles palace. Dinner is on our own tonight. B

 

Day 5: Tuesday, July 7, 2009: Giverny, Chartres, Orleans, Paris
Chartres CathedralWe board our coach this morning stopping first at the airport to pick up those arriving for the shorter tour. We'll then continue to Giverny to see the beautiful house and gardens of Claude Monet. After an inspiring morning in the famous impressionist’s gardens we turn south to Chartres to see the famous Chartres Cathedral which is like a sermon in glass and stone. Almost thirty thousand square feet of biblical stories are found in the stained glass windows of Chartres—arguably one of the most beautiful in Europe. We will also visit Orleans, where Calvin studied law. We return to Paris this evening where we enjoy dinner together in the Latin Quarter. B/D

 

 

Day 6: Wednesday, July 8, 2009: Rheims, Strasbourg
We depart Paris today as we head in an easterly direction stopping near Reims, the “Capital of Champagne” where we will tour one of the Champagne Caves and sample the wine. We will also make a short stop along the way near Verdun to see the WWI battle fields and visit a cemetery. Then we continue on to Strasbourg, Alsace’s capital, and the heart of the United Europe. Away from its modern buildings, down canals and pedestrian alleyways we find the enchanting medieval section known as “Petite France.” Dinner is at our hotel tonight. B/D

 

Day 7: Thursday, July 9, 2009: Strasbourg
Strasbourg is also referred to as the “City of Hope,” or “Refuge of the Righteous” by the Anabaptists. This is where John Calvin wrote his famous books on systematic theology and where Martin Bucer, another Reformation leader from Strasbourg is buried in St. Thomas's Church, a principle Protestant Church since 1549. We will take a tour of the city today including a tour of the Cathedral of Strasbourg, St. Thomas's Church, and also see the Statue of the Reformers in the University, the Astronomical clock and the historic “La Petite France” quarter. We will have some free time in the Old Towne Square where you may wish to try a tart flambé or sample “backeoffe stew”. Tonight we enjoy wonderful Alsace cuisine in a local restaurant. B/D

Day 8: Friday, July 10, 2009: Bern, Geneva
We cross into Switzerland today stopping in Bern for a walking tour in the charming Swiss Capital including a visit to the Bear Pits. We also will learn how Bern followed Zurich’s lead not only in breaking away from Catholicism, but also in cracking down on the Anabaptists. After some free time, we continue on to the city of Calvin our home for the last four nights of our tour. B/D

Day 9: Saturday, July 11, 2009: Geneva
This morning we will begin at the Reformation Wall, followed by a visit to the Reformation Museum in the beautiful historic quarter. This Museum paints a comprehensive picture of the Reformation from its origins to the present day, using the latest museum technologies. We’ll also have a guided tour of St. Peter’s, including the croft below. The afternoon will be free to explore the city further. Dinner is on our own this evening. (B)

 

 

Day 10: Sunday, July 12, 2009: Chillon Castle, Geneva
We will join fellow believers at a local church this morning for fellowship and worship (if on a Sunday). This afternoon we will drive through the canton of Vaud and pass by the famous towns of Vevey and Montreux en route to Castle Of Chillon, one of the most famous monuments of this country, where we will take guided tour. We bid Europe farewell tonight as we share lasting memories of our tour while enjoying a Swiss fondue dinner. B/D

Day 11: Monday, July 13, 2009: Return
Today we transfer to the Geneva airport for our return flight home. B

ReformationTours reserves the rights to alter itineraries without notice should it become necessary. While on tour, if conditions necessitate changes, or if certain features are unavailable or limited, we reserve the right to vary or substitute alternatives. All prices are calculated at the exchange rate in effect at the time of this quotation. Should currency fluctuations necessitate an adjustment in tour price the adjusted price will be reflected in the final invoice.


View Larger Map

What's included in the tour price of $2,650 land only? (7 day tour $2,000)

  • All ground transportation: via deluxe air-conditioned coaches
  • Accommodations in superior three star hotels or moderate four star hotels
  • Meals, as indicated in the itinerary
  • Company Vice-president Rowena Drinkhouse hosting throughout the tour
  • Local step-on guides for city tours and major attractions
  • Entrance fees included as per itinerary
  • All transfers, as a group
  • Baggage handling (1 piece of baggage per guest)
  • Flight bag, neck wallet, luggage tags, name badge and trip journal
What's not included in tour price?
  • Air and related taxes
  • Single supplement $650
  • Passports and visas
  • Gratuities for Tour Manager and driver
  • Optional insurance for health, baggage and cancellation. click here for details

Refund/Cancellation Policy:

Refunds are based on the number of days prior to departure date.
At the time we receive written notice that you must cancel your tour, the following fee will apply:

120 days or more before departure........................................................... $150.00
119– 14 days before departure, plus any non-refundable deposits to suppliers................................................................................................ $350.00
15 days or less, prior to departure..................................................... NO REFUND


To make a reservation:
Making a reservation is easy! All you need to do is complete 3 easy steps:
1. Read our terms and conditions.
2. Fill out the reservation form.
3. Send it to Reformation Tours, LLC. 409 Portland Ave, Belleville, IL 62220 along with the deposit of $350 per person. This can be paid by check or you can opt to pay by credit card, via Paypal and we will send you an e-mail invoice.

What are the accommodations like?

Our hotels are chosen for their quality, amenities and proximity to areas of interest. Whenever possible, we choose hotels in town centers, so that you are able to go off and explore in your free time. It may be necessary for us to substitute hotels for others of equal quality. You will be fully informed of any changes that affect you. Enjoy your stay!
Yes, please tell me more about this tour!

Please write your question in the space below or leave a phone number and a convenient time to call and we'll respond to your request. We're here to enable you to have a fabulous trip, so don't hesitate - contact us today!

You can also contact us if this is the kind of tour that YOUR church would like to take. We arrange fully customizable trips for Christian groups. Just jot down your details and we'll guide you every step of the way.
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