Trip Itinerary

Please note this itinerary is copyrighted.

Key: IF = In Flight Meals, B= Breakfast, D = Dinner

Day 1: Flight to Berlin
Our tour begins as we depart on our transatlantic flight to Berlin, Germany! (IF)

Day 2: Berlin
Upon our early morning arrival in Berlin, we will meet our tour leader and coach driver. We will begin with a tour of Berlin highlighting the three centers of Berlin: the west around Kurfürstendamm Blvd and Memorial Church, the new center around Potsdamer Square, and the east around Unter den Linden, Brandenburg Gate and Alexanderplatz. Tonight, we will have a special welcome dinner. (IF/D)

Day 3: Berlin, Wittenberg
After breakfast we will visit the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Museum. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a Berlin Pastor and Professor of Theology who resisted National Socialism during a time when tyranny and racism ruled Germany, victimizing religious, ethnic and social minorities. In the afternoon, we will have free time to enjoy this city on our own. Perhaps a visit to the Pergamon Museum with its fabulous treasure or a visit the KaDeWe, the continent’s largest department store would be your preference. This evening we will drive to Wittenberg our home for the next two nights. (B/D)

Day 4: Wittenberg
We will begin our sightseeing tour with a visit to the inspiring Schlosskirche (Castle Church), and the historic “Theses Doors.” It was here in Wittenberg, where Martin Luther’s 95 Theses were courageously given to this prominent university town and to the world. We visit the beautiful St. Mary’s Church, where Luther preached and his children were baptized. We’ll marvel at the amazing detail in the reformation theme altar painted by Lucas Cranach. We will also tour the Lutherhalle (Luther House Museum). In 1508, when Luther came to Wittenberg, he stayed here with the other Augustinian Monks. Later, Luther and his wife, Katharina von Bora, raised six children here. Now this is home to the largest collection of Reformation artifacts in the world. 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, stoking the fires of the Reformation! Tonight we will be joined by members of the English Ministry in Wittenberg for dinner. (B/D)

Day 5: Leipzig, Erfurt
This morning we will drive to one of Europe’s flourishing trade and commercial centers during the Middle Ages, and which became the center of resistance to Communist rule just over a decade ago. Here we will have the privilege of visiting the Nikolaikirche (St. Nicholas Church), the home of the faithful “Pray for Peace” Christians, and the powerful force that transformed Germany’s East and West. In 1989, thousands of East Germans gathered by candlelight in this church to form human rights and pro-democracy demonstrations, that led to the destruction of the infamous Berlin Wall and the dissolution of East Germany. Another Leipzig highlight will be our visit to Thomaskirche (St. Thomas Church), where Luther preached and Johann Sebastian Bach performed and directed the famous St. Thomas Boys choir. Then we will continue on to Erfurt and stay for the next two nights. (B/D)

Day 6: Eisenach, Erfurt
We will begin this morning with a visit to Wartburg Castle, where Luther found refuge and translated the New Testament into German. This afternoon a local guide will take us on a tour of Erfurt including the Augustinian Monastery, where Luther studied for the priesthood and St. Mary’s Cathedral, the site of Luther’s ordination. (B/D)

Day 7: Coburg, Rothenburg
This morning we will head south to the lovely city of Coburg to visit the famous Veste Coburg, the fortress where Luther took refuge and lived during the Augsburg Confession. Visitors to the castle nowadays will be able to see the Luther Room, the art treasures in the various collections and the royal building with the Luther Chapel. We’ll end the day in Rothenburg, a well-preserved medieval city, with ramparts, a city gate and town hall. Perhaps the most famous town on the “Romantic Road”, Rothenburg is indeed a jewel. It is a nearly intact medieval walled-city without a single modern building within. We’ll enjoy a meal at our hotel in this wonderful city, followed by the Night Watchman’s tour. (B/D)

Day 8: Heidelberg, Mainz
After breakfast, we will drive to Heidelberg where the Heidelberg Confession was written in 1653. Starting at the Heidelberg Castle, we will see the Grosse Vat and hear the stories of the young prince. Then we will ride the tram down to the city center for a walking tour of the Old Town and the famous Stone Bridge over the Neckar River. We will overnight in Mainz. This afternoon, we will have some free time to explore on our own. (B/D)

Day 9: Mainz, Worms
This morning we will drive a short distance to Mainz to focus on Bible printing history and the contribution of Johann Gutenberg, who developed movable type. We’ll be amazed as we view original copies of the Bible in the Gutenberg Museum. We’ll also view Mainz Cathedral, dating back to 975. Then we will journey on to Worms. What a better way to spend our last afternoon on our last day following the footsteps of Luther. We will see the site of the Worms Debates (Diet of Worms), now a park, with a plaque commemorating the Diet of Worms and the Reformation Monument. We will hear the stories of Luther as he responded “Here I stand, I can do no less. God help me.” We will also learn of another Reformer, William Tyndale who finished his printing of the English Bible in Worms. Tonight, we will have our farewell dinner in a family-owned winery as our tour comes to an end. (B/D)

Day 10: Departure
Our motor coach will take us to Frankfurt International airport for our return flight home. (B/IF)

What are 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!

If you are interested in a quote for your group, please CLICK HERE to tell us more about your tour requirements or call (800) 303-5534.