Join Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in the Footsteps of Luther and Bach: May 10-21. 2011 with Rev. Chris Kennedy, Vanessa Seifert and Bruce Dicey

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.

IF = In flight meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Day 1: Tuesday, May 10, 2011: Overnight Flight to Berlin, Germany
Our journey begins with an overnight flight to Berlin. IF

Day 2: Wednesday , May 11, 2011: Arrival in Berlin
We’ll be greeted at the Berlin Airport by our Reformation Tours expert guide and luxury tour bus for a Berlin orientation tour. We’ll see the famous Brandenburg Gate, the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, the Cathedral, the Reichstag building and the lively boulevards. Our hotel this evening is in Berlin. IF/D

Day 3: Thursday, May 12, 2011: Wittenberg, Leipzig
On arrival in Wittenberg, we'll meet our local guide, who will take us to the very place Luther nailed his famous 95 Thesis to the door of the Schlosskirche (Castle Church). The original door was destroyed in the Seven Years War in 1760 and has been replaced with a bronze door with inscriptions of all 95 Theses. Inside the church, we'll see Luther and fellow reformer Phillip Melanchthon’s graves. Next we'll tour the Lutherhalle (Luther House) museum. In 1508, when Martin Luther came to Wittenberg he stayed here with the other Augustinian Monks. Later, Luther and his wife, Katharina von Bora, raised six children here. We'll be able to view some of Luther's very own personal library, rare manuscripts, early Bibles, and some of the very pamphlets that Luther had printed up, stoking the fires of the Reformation. A trip to Wittenberg wouldn't be complete without visiting St. Mary's Church where Luther preached and where his children were baptized. You’ll marvel at the amazing detail in the reformation theme altar painted by Lucas Cranach. If you love art, the Lucas Cranach museum will be a treat. Cranach was a close friend of both Luther and Katie and his works will stir our soul with the details, the richness of color and the emotions. We'll also have the opportunity to visit the newly remodeled Melanchthon House museum. We have a free afternoon to explore at our leisure before ending the day in Leipzig, our home for three nights. B/D

Day 4: Friday, May 13, 2011: Torgau, Dresden, Leipzig
In Torgau we visit the sites associated with Katharina Von Bora including her grave in St. Mary’s Church. We also see the War Memorial on the Elbe River and remember the historic meeting of the U.S. and the Soviets. We spend the afternoon in Baroque Dresden, before returning to Leipzig for a free evening. B

Day 5: Saturday, May 14, 2011: Leipzig
This morning we will have the opportunity to explore Leipzig. We’ll begin with a walking tour, including seeing the Town Hall, standing on the site of the Pleissenburg Castle, where Luther had his famous debate with Johann Eck. We'll also visit St. Nicholas' Church, whose Pastor began peace prayer services that in 1989 led to the fall of the Berlin Wall. For lunch, there’s an optional meal at Auberbach's Keller restaurant, made famous by Faust. At 3:00 we’ll be treated to a spectacular Bach cantata at St. Thomas' Church. In the evening, we have the option of a concert at the Gewandhaus (not included, but people will be able to prebook). B/D

Day 6: Sunday, May 15, 2011: Eisleben, Erfurt
This morning we attend church in St. Thomas church and hear the famous boys choir if in residence. In the afternoon we'll make our way to Eisleben, which held a special place in Martin Luther's heart. This is where he was born and also where he died. By touring the Birth House and Death House, we will gain a unique view of the life and times that he lived in. The walking tour will include the historic Old Town, with it’s medieval cobblestone streets. Luther frequently preached at St. Anne's (the "Miner's Church") and St. Andrews Church with its original pulpit. This is where he preached his final four sermons and where the first of his funerals was held. We end the day in Erfurt, where we are based for two nights. B/D

Day 7: Monday, May 16, 2011: Erfurt
This morning we'll tour the Augustinian Monastery and hear about Luther's time there. We'll also have opportunity to browse the permanent exhibition that depicts the history of the Bible and the history of the monastery. Our morning sightseeing tour will also include a visit to the magnificent landmarks of St. Mary's Cathedral, home of one of the largest bells in Europe - the "Maria Gloriosa". This was where Luther celebrated his first mass. We'll also see the triple-spired St. Severin's Church, the earliest example of Gothic architecture in Erfurt. As we walk along the famous Tradesman's Bridge, we'll remember that this is the only bridge north of the Alps to still have inhabited buildings on it. We'll also see the Old University Gate- all that remains of the University where Luther studied.The afternoon and evening are free to explore this delightful town. An optional excursion to Buchenwald is offered in the afternoon. B

Day 8: Tuesday, May 17, 2011: Eisenach, Rudesheim
Towering above Eisenach is the impressive Wartburg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Luther took refuge here in 1521, while on the run from the wrath of the Pope after a fake kidnapping, staged by his friend and protector, Frederick the Wise. Our tour will include the study where Luther translated the New Testament into German in just 11 weeks. Young Martin Luther lived here in Eisenach as a schoolboy, while attending St George's School. You'll go to the delightful half-timbered Luther home where he lived with the Cotta family from 1498 - 1501. It's now the Luther House museum, with exhibits about Luther's early years. Young Luther sang in the choir in St. George's Church, as did one of Eisenach's other famous residents, J.S. Bach. In the Bachhaus museum, we'll enjoy hearing the authentic musical instruments being played, as well as learning more about the musically prolific Bach family. We'll then drive south to Rudesheim, a delightful town on the banks of the Rhine. B/D

Day 9: Wednesday, May 18, 2011: Rhine Cruise, Mainz, Rüdesheim
The day begins with a mini cruise on the most scenic segment of the Rhine River. We pass majestic medieval castles and fortifications perched high on the banks overlooking the river. Picturesque villages with pointed church spires, countless immaculately-kept vineyards and the famous Lorelei Rock complete the scenery. Afterwards, we drive to Mainz to focus on the contribution of Johannes Gutenberg at the Gutenberg Museum. We also visit Mainz Cathedral dating back to 975 A.D.. Returning to Rüdesheim, we enjoy dinner with the group. B/D

Day 10: Thursday, May 19, 2011: Worms, Rothenburg
In Worms we have a guided tour, including the Cathedral and the site of the Worms debate, known as the Diet of Worms. We arrive in medieval Rothenburg ob der Tauber with time to shop in the famous Kathë Wölfart Christmas shop and museum. After the evening meal, we congregate under the Town Hall Tower for the 8:00 p.m. Meistertrunk Show and then join the Night Watchmen on his nightly tour. B/D

Day 11: Friday, May 20, 2011: Augsburg, Munich
Today we drive down the wonderful Romantic Road, passing through the medieval towns of Dinkelsbühl and Noerdlingen and then continue on to the Lutheran town of Augsburg. Here Protestants proclaimed their confession in Luther’s Imperial Diet in 1530. We’ll see Maximilianstrasse, the Town Hall, and the Fuggerei, which was the first social settlement in Europe, and St. Anne’s Church where Luther stayed in 1518. Our final night is in Munich. B/D

Day 12: Saturday, May 21, 2011: Depart
Unfortunately we must say "Auf Wiedersehen" to Europe, and transfer to the Munich airport for our return flight to the United States. B/IF

Reformation Tours 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.

Rev. Christopher Kennedy is Associate Pastor at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in San Antonio, Texas. His knowledge about and interest in Martin Luther and the Reformation grew greatly while studying for pastoral ministry at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, where Chris received his Master of Divinity degree. Previously, he earned a bachelor of arts in communication from Concordia University in Austin, Texas. He is also a half-marathon runner.Recent international travels have sparked an interest in seeing places of religious and historical importance firsthand. In 2009, Chris traveled to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and other important sites in Israel, along with the Great Pyramids and highlights of Egypt along the Nile River. In 2010, Chris has visited Greece and Italy. The reason for the Greece and Italy trip was a honeymoon. In January 2010, Chris wed his lovely wife, Ashley, another avid traveler, and they began their married life with a 10-day trip exploring Rome, Florence, and Athens. E-mail Chris.

DCE Vanessa Seifert has been in parish-based Christian education ministry for eight years, serving Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Bellevue, NE and Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX. Her interests include lifespan religious education, discipleship, youth ministry, adult education, and church leadership. In her spare time, Vanessa competes in triathlons around the Hill Country in Texas.
The opportunity to study abroad in Turkey in May 2008 peaked her interests in participating with and facilitating immersion trips. Vanessa traveled through “the cradle of Christianity” tracing many of the Apostle Paul’s steps on his missionary journeys. With a dissertation research focus on women's leadership, Vanessa is excited to co-journey with you to the land where Katharina Von Bora walked with her husband, Martin Luther. Vanessa is presently completing her Ph.D in Organizational Leadership at University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX. Vanessa is married to Brandon Seifert, MD, currently completing a residency in Orthopedic Surgery in San Antonio. E-mail Vanessa.

Bruce Dicey, a former member of the Michigan District LCMS Mission Board, has over 30 years’ experience as a Lutheran organist and choir director, in Michigan, Illinois, Maryland, Hawaii, Nevada and elsewhere. He has two graduate degrees in Radiation Health Physics from The University of Michigan and a postgraduate fellowship in medical radiation physics at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He has sung with the University of Michigan Chorus, the Robert Shaw Chorale, the Hawaii Opera, and the Nevada Opera Theatre and currently serves on the Executive Board of the San Antonio Symphony Mastersingers. His career included service with the US Government and as a consultant to the International Atomic Agency in Vienna. Since retiring in 2004 he has presented radiation measurements training courses throughout the world. He has traveled extensively in Europe, Asia, Israel, Egypt, and Brazil. His wife Sharon is also an avid world traveler. Bruce and Sharon are members of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in San Antonio. E-mail Bruce.

All cancellations must be in writing and the date of postmark will determine the amount of refund due.

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. Please ensure we have a copy of your flight itinerary for our records no later than 30 days before departure.

We do ask that you wait until the group flights are arranged (August 2011) before booking alternative arrangements. We will update this webpage with the group itinerary and send the itinerary to all who are booked on the tour.

In the Footsteps of Luther and Bach Join us May 10-21, 2011

In the Footsteps of Luther and Bach
Join us May 10-21, 2011