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
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. We will stay at the Holiday Inn Berlin Mitte this evening . 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 Theses 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. We'll be staying at the Ramada Hotel Leipzig City Center. 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 group meal. B/D
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 Auerbach's Keller
restaurant, made famous by Faust. At 3:00 PM we’ll be treated to a spectacular
Bach cantata at St. Thomas' Church. In the evening, we have the option of seeing the Gewandhaus orchestra perform Così fan tutte at the Opera House (additional $62). B
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 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 its
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 in the fabulous Augustinian Monastery. 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 and St Severin’s Church. You'll
see one of the largest bells in Europe - the "Maria Gloriosa". St Mary's
Church was where Luther celebrated his first mass. 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 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, where we will stay in the family run Central Hotel. 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.
Afterwards, we drive to Mainz to focus on the contribution of Johann Gutenberg at the Gutenberg
Museum. We also visit Mainz Cathedral dating back to 975. 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. Tonight we will be staying in the historic Hotel Glocke Weingut. B/D
Day 11: Friday, May 20,
2011: Augsburg, Munich
Today we drive 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 Maximilian Strasse, the Town Hall, Fuggerei, the first
social settlement in Europe, and St. Anne’s Church where Luther stayed in
1518. Our final night is in Munich in the Hotel St. Paul and our farewell meal is at the legendary Hofbrauhau. B/D
Day 12: Saturday, May 21,
2011: Depart
Today we enjoy a free day in Munich. We will be sending details very soon about the options available. B (See below for Swiss Extension, which departs today)
Day 13: Sunday, May 22,
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
SWISS EXTENSION - $500 per person
Day 12: Saturday, May 21,
2011: Lucerne, Grindelwald
We will depart Germany this morning, headed for beautiful Switzerland. Our first stop is the charming Swiss town of Lucerne, with its historic City Walls and famous covered wooden bridges. The Kapellbrucke (Chapel Bridge) is a symbol of Lucerne which originally dates back to the 14th century. Close by is the Spreuerbrucke (Spreuer Bridge), dating from 1408. We'll view the ornate patrician houses along the cobbled streets before continuing on to Grindelwald, where we'll stay in the Hotel Hirschen for two nights. B
Day 13: Sunday, May 22,
2011: Grindelwald
On our full day in Grindelwald, our local guide will review the options for us. We can take an Alpine Hike, ride on a cable car, or take the train to Jungfrau or Kleine Scheidegg. Click here to see many of the opportunities available. Tonight might a good time to try fondue - one of Switzerland's most fun traditions! B
Day 14: Monday, May 23,
2011: Geneva
Leaving the Alps behind, we will end the tour in lake-side Geneva. In the afternoon we will have a guided tour of the old town, including the Reformation Wall and St. Peter's Cathedral. Please note that the Reformation Museum is closed on Mondays. This evening we will have leisure time to take a boat on Lake Geneva, shop and relax. Our final hotel is the centrally-located Hotel Warwick. B
Day 15: Tuesday, May 24,
2011: Return
Unfortunately we must say "Auf Wiedersehen" to Europe, and transfer to the
Geneva 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.
If you are not flying from Orlando, please contact us about flights that will enable you to meet the group at JFK on May 10th or in Berlin.