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Luther, Bach and Calvin Reformation Tour
Join us May 11-24, 2011

George and StanYou’re invited to join Pastors Stan and George on an exciting 14-day tour of Reformation sites in Germany and Switzerland in May 2011. UNDERSTAND church history better; SEE where Luther nailed the 95 theses; HEAR a concert in Bach’s church; VISIT numerous castles and fortresses where Reformers shaped and defended their beliefs; RELAX on a Rhine River Cruise passing magnificent castles and spectacular scenery; WORSHIP in the churches of the Reformers; WALK the streets of charming cities; DISCOVER stunning scenery in Switzerland.



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: Wednesday, May 11, 2011: Overnight Flight to Berlin, Germany
Our adventure begins as we depart on our transatlantic flight bound for Berlin, Germany. (In flight meals)

Day 2: Thursday, May 12, 2011: Arrival in Berlin, Wittenberg
Brandenburg Gate, BerlinWe are greeted at the Berlin Airport by our Reformation Tours expert guide and luxury tour bus for a Berlin orientation tour. We see the famous Brandenburg Gate, the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, the Cathedral, the Reichstag building and the lively boulevards before arriving in Lutherstadt-Wittenberg for our welcome dinner. (In flight meals/ D)



Day 3: Friday, May 13, 2011: Wittenberg

Our local guide from Wittenberg will escort you on an orientation tour of Wittenberg, including the Schlosskirche (Castle Church), the Lutherhalle (Luther House) Museum and Stadtkirche St. Marien (St. Mary's church). The afternoon will be free to explore this delightful town at our leisure. We spend a second night in Wittenberg. (B/D)

Day 4: Saturday, May 14, 2011: Leipzig
We start the day with a short drive to Leipzig where we enjoy a guided city tour, including St. Thomas Church, home of the famous St. Thomas choir and where J.S. Bach served as music director. We will also visit St. Nicholas' Church and hear about the prayer meetings that helped bring down the Berlin Wall. At 3 pm, we are treated to a Bach “Motet and Cantata” with soloists and the Gewandhaus Orchestra. In the evening, we have the option of a concert at the Gewandhaus (not included in price, but details will be sent before final payment is due). We stay in Leipzig for two nights. (B)

Day 5: Sunday, May 15, 2011: Eisleben, Leipzig
This morning we have the opportunity to attend St. Thomas church and hear the famous boys choir if in residence, or another church of our choice. In the afternoon there is an excursion to 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. Returning to Leipzig, we will dine at the historic Auerbachs Keller restaurant. (B/D)



Day 6: Monday, May 16, 2011: Erfurt
On arrival in Erfurt, our local guide will lead us on a guided walking tour of Erfurt, ending with a wonderful organ concert. We are staying in the fabulous Augustinian Monastery, where Luther lived for several years (subject to availability). In the evening we may choose to explore the shops along the Merchant’s Bridge, wander around the old town or enjoy some good German coffee and cake! (B/D)

Day 7: Tuesday, May 17, 2011: Eisenach, Erfurt
We begin today with a day trip to nearby Eisenach for a tour of the Wartburg Castle, where Luther translated the New Testament into German. After returning down to the valley, you drive to the city center and visit St. George's Church, where Luther sang and worshipped as a teenager and where J.S. Bach was baptized. The afternoon is free to either visit the Luther House, the Bach House or relax in a local café. We return to Erfurt where we will dine at a restaurant of our choice this evening. (B)

Day 8: Wednesday, May 18, 2011: Coburg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Rothenburg
Traveling south today, we first stop at the Coburg Veste (Fortress) where Luther stayed during the Augsburg Debates and Confession in 1530. We have a tour of this amazing castle, seeing the Furstenberg (Duke's quarter) where Luther stayed incognito from April to October, 1530. This is the place that inspired Luther's most famous hymn, "A Mighty Fortress is Our God," and what better place to sing it than here! We arrive in medieval Rothenburg ob der Tauber with time to shop in the famous Kathë Wölfart Christmas shop and museum. Our local city guide will also show us the Tilman Riemenschneider carving and the Glockenspiel. After our evening meal, we congregate under the Town Hall Tower for the 8 pm Meistertrunk Show and then join the Night Watchman on his nightly tour. (B/D)

Day 9: Thursday, May 19, 2011: Rhine Cruise, Mainz, Heidelberg
Rhine CruiseToday’s highlight is a relaxing Rhine cruise! We board the boat at St. Goar and sail past magnificent castles and the famous Lorelei rock. In the afternoon we take an excursion to Mainz to focus on the contribution of Johann Gutenberg, who developed moveable type. Prepare to be amazed as we view original copies of the Bible in the Gutenberg Museum. We also visit Mainz Cathedral, dating back to 975 AD. We dine at our hotel this evening in Heidelberg, a gorgeous town on the Neckar River. (B/D)

Day 10: Friday, May 20, 2011: Worms, Heidelberg
We start the day with a walking tour in the Old Town of Heidelberg, including the famous Stone Bridge over the Neckar River. We then tour the Castle, which is where the Heidelberg Confession was written in 1653. In the afternoon we have an excursion to nearby Worms with 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. We also see the Reformation Monument, St. Peter’s Cathedral, and the Church of the Holy Trinity. Our guide also shares 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. Tonight we have the opportunity to dine in the restaurant of our choice in Heidelberg. (B)


Day 11: Saturday, May 21, 2011: Black Forest, Zurich
ZurichThis morning, we continue our journey through the Black Forest region of Germany to Switzerland, with a stop in the delightful town of Triberg, famous for cuckoo clocks, before a visit to Constance on the Swiss-German border. The cathedral, site of the Council of Constance in 1415, is where Jan Hus was sentenced to death for his so-called heresy. We also see the Hussenstein, the stone which marks the very spot where Hus was burned at the stake. Continuing on to Zurich, a local guide accompanies 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, where he began his Reformation teaching in 1518 that led the way to Zurich’s eventual freedom from Rome’s control. His little study (the "Zwingli-Stübli"), in the official dwelling of the deacon of the Great Minster, is carefully preserved in its original condition. We also view the Fraumünster, Zurich’s famous Catholic Cathedral, where we admire the world famous Chagall stained glass windows. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B)

Day 12: Sunday, May 22, 2011: Zurich, Lucerne, Geneva
LucerneThis morning we have the opportunity to worship in Zurich, before an afternoon visit to the charming Swiss town of Lucerne, beginning with a brief walking tour to view the City Walls and famous covered wooden bridges. The Kapellbrucke (Chapel Bridge) is a symbol of Lucerne and one of the most photographed sights. We view the ornate patrician houses along the cobbled streets. We then drive through spectacular scenery to Geneva, before settling into our hotel for the final two nights. We enjoy a group dinner at the hotel this evening. (B/D)

Day 13: Monday, May 23, 2011: Geneva
GenevaIt was here in Geneva that John Calvin and John Knox brought Christ's teachings to eager listeners. After a walking tour of the old town, including the Reformation Wall, we visit the Reformation Museum. The Museum paints a comprehensive picture of the Reformation from its origins to the present day, using the latest museum technologies. Next door is St. Peter's Cathedral, where Calvin often preached. We have our farewell meal and spend our final night in Geneva. (B/D)

Day 14: Tuesday, May 24, 2011: Return
We transfer from the hotel to the airport for our morning flights back to the US. (B/ In-flight meals)


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.

Your Tour Hosts

Stan O'Loughlin George Paul
Stan O'Loughlin George Paul

What's included in the price of $3,899?
Price based on a minimum of 30 participants

  • Transportation: via deluxe air-conditioned coaches
  • Approximate cost of air transportation (available around June 2010)
  • Accommodations (double-occupancy) in superior 3-star and moderate 4-star hotels
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Professional tour escort 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)
  • All taxes and tips except as indicated below
What's not included in tour price?
  • Single supplement (subject to availability of $525)
  • Meals and beverages not identified in itinerary
  • Items of a personal nature, such as passports and visas. Passports must be valid for months beyond return date.
  • Passenger trip cancellation insurance (details sent with reservation form)
  • Gratuities for tour manager, and driver

Payment for the tour is in installments:

  • Deposit of $350 will secure your place on the tour
  • Final invoices will be sent in January, 2011
  • Final payments will be due no later than February 25, 2011

Cancellation Policy:

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

  • From time of deposit to until 100 days prior to departure (January 31, 2011) a $100 per person penalty will be charged for cancellation.
  • From 99-14 days prior to departure (April 27, 2011) a $350 per person penalty will be charged for cancellation, plus any non refundable deposit, if applicable. AIrline tickets, once printed, are not refundable.
  • 14 days or less prior to departure-no refund.

Tour Map


View RGP11 Luther, Bach and Calvin Reformation Tour in a larger map

Flight Information:

We do ask that you wait until the group flights are arranged (June 2010) before booking alternative arrangements, such as flights with air miles. We will update this webpage with the group itinerary and send the itinerary to all who are booked on the tour.


What are the accommodations like?

Rothenburg

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!


 


The information on this site is presented for Christians to learn more about their heritage. While every effort for accuracy has been made, please contact us if you notice anything that needs to be brought to our attention.

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