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History of the Reformation Tour
June 4-16, 2011 - Now Booking

If you’ve ever wanted to really understand church history, you’re invited to join Dr Beck on a 13-day tour of the key sites of the Reformation in Europe next summer. You’ll see where Luther nailed the 95 Theses. You’ll stand in Calvin’s church. You’ll explore the caves where Anabaptists hid from their persecutors. Along the way, you’ll also get to experience some of the great cities of Europe and have the option of earning 3 credit hours doing it.

SPECIAL BONUS: Can earn 3 credit hours from Charleston Southern University

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

Day 1: Saturday, June 4, 2011: Depart
Our adventure begins as we depart North Carolina on our flights to Berlin, Germany.

Day 2: Sunday, June 5, 2011: Berlin
Willkommen in Deutschland! On arrival at Berlin Airport, we transfer to our hotel to drop baggage. Then we attend church at International Baptist Church of Berlin. Afterwards we enjoy a guided tour of Berlin before returning to our hotel for dinner. D



Day 3: Monday, June 6, 2011: Wittenberg
Lutherstadt-Wittenberg is where the Reformation officially began on October 31, 1517. In 1508, when Martin Luther came to Wittenberg, he lived here with other Augustinian Monks. Later, Luther and his wife, Katharina von Bora, raised six children here. Our guided tour of Lutherstadt-Wittenberg will begin with visiting the church where Luther posted his 95 Theses. Next we tour the Lutherhalle (Luther House) Museum and St. Mary's church. The evening is free. B


Day 4: Tuesday, June 7, 2011: Eisleben, Erfurt
We board our coach this morning and stop in Eisleben to visit the house where Luther was born and the house where he died. We also visit the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, where Luther was baptized and St. Andrew's Church with the Luther pulpit from where Luther preached his last sermon. We then continue on to Buchenwald for a guided tour of the former concentration camp. B

Day 5: Wednesday, June 8, 2011: Erfurt
A local guide joins us this morning for a guided tour through the historical section of the city of Erfurt, including the church of St. Severus, where Luther gave his sermons. We also tour the Augustinian Monastery in which Luther lived six years as a monk. We have time to stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, and walk across the famous Krämer Bridge. The afternoon is free to explore on our own. B

Day 6: Thursday, June 9, 2011: Eisenach, Erfurt
In 1521, while fleeing from the wrath of the Pope, Luther took refuge in the Wartburg Castle after a fake kidnapping staged by his friend and protector, Frederick the Wise. We tour the Castle, from which we have fabulous views of the Thuringian countryside, then visit the nearby town of Eisenach to see the splendid Martin Luther Statue and St. George's Church. There will also be an opportunity to visit the Bach House, which features period musical instruments and many interactive displays. We return to Erfurt where we have free time this evening. B

 

Day 7: Friday, June 10, 2011: Mainz
After breakfast we depart for Mainz where we focus on the contribution of Johann Gutenberg, who developed moveable type. We view original copies of the Bible in the Gutenberg Museum. We also visit Mainz Cathedral, dating back to 975. The rest of the day is at leisure. B

Day 8: Saturday, June 11, 2011: Worms, Strasbourg
Our first stop this morning is Worms where a local guide joins us for a short tour. We'll have a brief local walking tour to see the site of the Worms Debates (Diet of Worms), now a park, with a plaque commemorating the Diet of Worms, the Reformation Monument, St. Peters, and the Church of the Holy Trinity. Our guide will also share about another Reformer, William Tyndale, who finished his printing of the English Bible in Worms, escaping persecution in England. In 1525 his New Testament was printed and smuggled back into England. After some free time we continue on to Strasbourg. B


Day 9: Sunday, June 12, 2011: Strasbourg

After morning worship at an English-speaking church, we'll take a tour of this wonderful French city. 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. Our tour will include 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” or take a boat ride. B

Day 10: Monday, June 13, 2011: Zurich
Today we travel Zurich, where our local will accompany us as we learn much more about Zwingli on a tour of the key Reformation sites in Zurich. We tour Zwingli’s church, the Grossmünster, and admire the world famous Chagall stained glass windows. Outside, we see the Zwingli statue and the Helferei, where Zwingli lived. Across the Limmat River we will view the Fraumünster, Zurich’s famous Catholic Cathedral. We see the plaque commemorating the martyrdom of the Anabaptists.We have free time this afternoon and evening. B


Day 11: Tuesday, June 14, 2011: Anabaptist Taufferhole

In the afternoon we will drive to nearby Wappenswil. Hidden in the woods above a high meadow, is the Taeuferhoehle, (Anabaptist cave), where those who disagreed with Ulrich Zwingli took refuge after they were expelled from Zurich. After our visit, we can enjoy coffee and cake with a local family at their farm. Then we transfer to Geneva. B/L/D

Day 12: Wednesday, June 15, 2011: Geneva
This morning we will begin at the Reformation Wall, followed by a walking tour up to the historic Old Town. We’ll tour the Reformation Museum which 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 Cathedral and visit the Roman and ancient church ruins underneath. After lunch on our own in the charming old town, we’ll have a free afternoon and evening. B.

Day 13: Thursday, June 16, 2011: Return
After breakfast we transfer to the Geneva airport for our return flight home to Charleston, SC. B

B= Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Please note that that Reformation Tours reserves the right to alter itineraries without notice should it become necessary. 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, this will be reflected in the final invoice.

Recommended Resources

The Christian Traveler's Guide to Germany
We see this as the perfect companion for your trip to Germany, as it provides valuable background information for each site from a Christian perspective. Click here to purchase.

Click here for other Christian guidebooks
Click here for other guidebooks about Germany

In the Footsteps of Martin Luther
T. N. Mohan introduces Germany as the Land of the Reformation by featuring the ten Luther towns which represent the most significant stages in the reformer's life: Wittenberg, Augsburg, Eisleben, Eisenach, Erfurt, Worms, Wartburg, Coburg, Torgau and Leipzig. Click here to purchase.

Click here for other Reformation DVDs


View Charleston Southern University Reformation Tour in a larger map

What's included in the tour price of $2,450 land only?
Price based on a minimum of 20 travelers and land only. Should this tour fall below these numbers or there is a significant currency variation, there maybe a slight price increase.

  • 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
  • Tour Director 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 plus taxes (available soon)
  • Single supplement: $515
  • Passports and visas
  • Gratuities for Tour Manager and driver
  • Optional insurance for health, baggage and cancellation.

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................................................ $100.00
119– 15 days before departure...................................................... $300.00 (plus any unrecoverable deposits to land or air suppliers.
15 days or less, prior to departure......................................... NO REFUND

Flight Information:

We can either assist you with flight bookings, or you are welcome to choose your own flights. If you are using frequent flyer miles, you'll need to contact your airline directly. We can also arrange for extra hotel nights before or after the tour. We would like to have a copy of your flight itinerary for our records.

Group Flight
These will be available soon. If you are not planning on flying with the group, please wait until we have the group flights confirmed, so that you can arrive at a similar time.

Dr. Peter Beck
Having earned his doctorate in historic theology from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Peter now serves as Assistant Professor of Religion and Church History at Charleston Southern University. By God’s grace he has had several articles published and is a frequent participant at history and theological conferences. In addition to his academic pursuits, he has eight years of pastoral experience and many more in various ministries within the church. If you would like to schedule a conference, consultation or preaching engagement, e-mail pbeck@csuniv.edu.


To make a reservation:
To reserve your place on this tour, call 1-800-303-5534 or e-mail us to request a color brochure and reservation form. Send the completed form 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 (3% service charge).

What are the accommodations like?

Our hotels are chosen for their quality, amenities and proximity to areas of interest. Whenever possible, we choose lovely European-style 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 or group 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. Back to top

 


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