Strasbourg Rüdesheim Koblenz Heidelberg Lucerne Golden Pass train Reformers Wall, Geneva
Members of Second Act are invited to spend 11 delightful days exploring Europe in style. After exploring Strasbourg in France, we’ll board the MS Symphonie for a 5-day cruise on the Rhine, past castles, vineyards, and the famous Lorelei Rock. Excursions are included, as well as fabulous French cuisine. After our cruise, we will visit Lucerne by the French alps, then we’ll take the historic Golden Pass route to Montreux. The final stage of our train ride is on the Orient Express in the famous Belle Epoque carriage. The tour will conclude with a Reformation Tour in Geneva.
Key: IF = In Flight Meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Day 1: Friday, May 31, 2024: Flight
We will depart today for our overnight flights to Frankfurt, Germany.
Day 2: Saturday, June 1, 2024: Arrival, Strasbourg
On arrival in Frankfurt, we will meet our tour director and transfer to Strasbourg (about 2.5 hours). The afternoon is at leisure to relax after the flight. Our Welcome Meal is at the hotel this evening. (D)
Day 3: Sunday, June 2, 2024: Strasbourg, Board Ship
We will have a morning tour of Strasbourg, including the Cathedral. Strasbourg was an important town for John Calvin. He pastored French Huguenot refugees, got married, and wrote a second edition to his famous book, Institutes. Strasbourg, as a free imperial town, was a beacon for Protestantism right from the 16th century. During his time in Strasbourg, Calvin was not attached to one particular church, but held his office successively in various local churches. We will board our ship and dine on board. (B/D)
Day 4: Monday, June 3, 2024: Koblenz
As the ship sails towards Koblenz, we will view towns like Lauterbourg, Spire and Mainz and some of the most beautiful sections of the Rhine. We’ll see Stolzenfels Castle as we approach Koblenz, which is at the confluence of the Moselle and the Rhine. The historic church of St. Florin was built around 1100. After the secularization of the monastery in 1802, it become the first Protestant church to be consecrated in the Rhineland. The evening is at leisure. (B/L/D)
Day 5: Tuesday, June 4, 2024: Rüdesheim
On the scenic part of the Rhine between Koblenz and Rüdesheim we will pass by numerous castles, vineyards, and the famed Lorelei Rock. There are excursions arranged this afternoon including a touristic train stopping at a 16th century wine-tasting cellar and a museum of mechanical musical instruments. This evening we will explore the lively Drosselgasse street. (B/L/D)
Day 6: Wednesday, June 5, 2024: Mannheim, Heidelberg
The ship will continue south to Mannheim, passing Wiesbaden, Nierstein, and Worms. We’ll join an excursion to Heidelberg this afternoon. We’ll see the outside of Heidelberg Castle with great views of the town. After a stroll in the castle gardens, we will explore the old city and have some free time before heading back to the ship. We will enjoy the special Gala dinner as the ship sails through the night to Strasbourg. (B/L/D)
Day 7: Thursday, June 6, 2024: Strasbourg, Lucerne
After a final breakfast on board, we will board our bus and drive through the Black Forest region to Lucerne. We will explore the medieval streets of Lucerne, including the Old Town, the Kornmarkt (grain market), the Old Town Hall, a fine Renaissance building, and the restored houses at the Hirschenplatz and the Weinmark decorated with paintings and guild flags. We will walk along the famous Chapel Bridge and see the Jesuits’ Church, which dates back to 1667. We will dine in our hotel this evening. (B/D)
Day 8: Friday, June 7, 2024: Lucerne
Today is a leisure day with various options (costs not included). 1) We can enjoy this delightful lakeside city and wander around independently. 2) We can go on a guided excursion, beginning with a boat trip to Alpnachstad, then a ride on the world’s steepest cogwheel railway to the top of Mount Pilatus. After time for lunch (and views!) we will return to Lucerne on the Panorama Gondola and Aerial cable car. 3) We can take a day trip by train to Zurich to learn more about Zwingli and the Anabaptists. (B)
Day 9: Saturday, June 8, 2024: Golden Pass, Montreux
There’s no better way to explore Switzerland than by train, so today will be spectacular. Our luggage will be taken to our Montreux hotel by bus, so we will be free to enjoy our train journey to Geneva. The historic Golden Pass route has three sections. We’ll first drive to Interlaken, passing the Sarnersee and Lungernsee lakes. We’ll board the train mid-morning (currently 10:30 AM) and travel to Spiez, then Zweisimmen through the Simmen Valley, where the farms and small villages are surrounded by mountains. The final leg climbs up to luxurious Gstaad, then descends into Montreux. On this final section, we will feel like we’re on the Orient Express, as we sit in the Belle Epoque carriages. When we arrive in Montreux (currently 2:11 PM), we will have a tour of Chillon Castle, then check-in to our hotel. (B/D)
Day 10: Sunday, June 9, 2024: Geneva, Montreux
We will take the scenic train ride today along the lake side to Geneva, which was described by John Knox as “the most perfect school of Christ since the days of the apostles”, We have the opportunity to attend a church service (in English) in the Auditoire de Calvin. In the afternoon we will see the impressive Reformation Monument. Four statues of four Reformation leaders stand as sentinels to truth and courage inspired by godly faith. We will visit St. Pierre’s Cathedral, the archaeological site beneath the cathedral, and the Reformation Museum. We will enjoy a Farewell Meal before we head home or continue our travels in Europe. (B/D)
Day 11: Monday, June 10, 2024: Return
We will transfer from the hotel to the airport for our flights. (B/IF)
Please note this itinerary is copyrighted.
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!
Strasbourg, France
June 1-2, 2024
Hotel Leonor
11 Rue de la Nuée-Bleue
67000 Strasbourg
Rhine Cruise
June 2-6, 2024
MS Symphonie
Lucerne, Switzerland
June 6-8, 2024
Hotel Astoria
Pilatusstrasse 29
6003 Luzern,
Vevey, Switzerland
June 8-10, 2024
Hotel Astra
Pl. de la Gare 4
1800 Vevey
Once the tour is a guaranteed departure our air team can assist you with booking flights and transfers. If you have booked your own flights, we can still provide transfers, as long as we have your flight details on file and a phone number to give to the driver. We will include your transfer information in your final packet. Transfers will be arranged for each arrival, so that you won’t have to wait for other tour members if their flight is delayed. Transfers can be arranged for the day of your choosing, but we can’t arrange transfers if you arrive or depart by train.
Please note that individual transfers are booked through a third-party and you will be responsible to communicate with the company in case of delays.
Our air team will be happy to assist you with flights.
Arrival: Please arrange to arrive in Strasbourg no later than 10:00 AM on Saturday, June 1, 2024. (Pre-tour night is available)
Departure: You are welcome to depart from Geneva at any time on Monday, June 10, 2024.
Pre- and post-tour nights can be booked through us.
Price based on a minimum of 20 tour participants.
• Transportation: via deluxe air-conditioned coaches
• Accommodations (double-occupancy) in superior 3-star and moderate 4-star hotels
• Cruise including shore excursions, tips, and drinks
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Professional Tour Manager / Cruise Director
• Local step-on guides for city tours and major attractions
• Guides will use Whisper Headsets throughout the tour
• Admission to all activities indicated in the itinerary
• Arrival and departure transfers for group flights
• All taxes and tips
• Full color personalized tour book
• Travel app
• Round-trip air transportation and related taxes and fees
• Airport transfers separate from the group
• Single supplement ($1,390)
• Meals and beverages not identified in itinerary
• Items of a personal nature, such as passports and visas. Passports must be valid for 6 months beyond return date.
• Passenger trip cancellation insurance
• Baggage handling (let us know if you need assistance)
The deposit of $350 per person is due at the time of booking through the registration system. As you register you will be given the option to pay by ACH (direct from your bank) or by credit card (3.5% fee). If you prefer, checks can be mailed to “Reformation Tours”, 12316 244th St, Chisago City, MN 55013-9688
• Final invoices will be sent in February 2024
• Final payment is due by March 2, 2024
• Reservations will be accepted after March 2, 2024, subject to availability
There are two levels of insurance offered. Click here to compare. When you fill out the registration form, you will be given quotes for both.
Standard is 4.55% of the trip cost and can be purchased up until 2 days prior to departure, although we recommend purchasing it before.
Enhanced is 7.6% of the trip cost and includes cancel for any reason benefits. It has to be purchased within 14 days of registration.
Regardless of reason, cancellations are costly. All cancellations must be in writing and the date of postmark will determine the amount of refund due. For flight changes or cancellations, revision fees and/or airline cancellation charges will apply. Roommates canceling can result in a single supplement charge for the roommate. The Participant who cancels will be responsible for that charge if a substitute roommate cannot be found. Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is strongly recommended.
Cancellation penalties:
Days Before Travel | Cancellation Penalty | |
---|---|---|
If the client cancels | From sign-up until 100 days before departure | $150 |
If the client cancels | Between 99 and 30 days before departure | $350 + any non-refundable fees |
If the client cancels | Less than 30 days before departure | No refund |
Reformation Tours reserves the rights to alter itineraries without notice should it become necessary.
This PowerPoint explains how to use the new system. Any checks you mail will be manually applied to your booking.
We look forward to welcoming you on the tour. Instructions for using the new registration system are under the “Book Now” tab.
Register for Tour RCD24Insurance details are listed under the “Price” tab.
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