Trip Itinerary

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

Passion Play Pre-Tour: $1,000 per person

Day 1: Friday, September 16, 2022: Departure
We will depart from Orlando today on our international flights to Munich, Germany. (IF)

Day 2: Saturday, September 17, 2022: Munich, Oberammergau
Welcome to Germany! On arrival in Munich, we’ll have a guided tour, including the Cathedral, the Marienplatz, and the Old Town. We will end our day in our 4-star hotel in the Oberammergau area. (B/D)

Day 3: Sunday, September 18, 2022: Oberammergau
We will transfer to Oberammergau this morning and have time to shop or explore locally on our own. We will eat lunch together before Part One of the Play, which begins at 1:30 PM. There is a break for dinner from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and we will dine together in a restaurant in Oberammergau. Part Two ends at 9:30 PM and then we will board our bus to return to our hotel. (B/L/D)

Day 4: Monday, September 19, 2022: Lucerne
After breakfast we will travel to Lucerne and continue with the main tour. (B/D)

Main Tour

Day 1: Sunday, September 18, 2022: Departure
We will depart from Orlando today on our international flights to Zurich, Switzerland, the home of Swiss Reformer, Ulrich Zwingli. (IF)

Day 2: Monday, September 19, 2022: Zurich, Lucerne
On arrival in Zurich, we will meet our tour director and travel to Lucerne, Switzerland.  The afternoon is at leisure to 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 3: Tuesday, September 20, 2022: Gotthard Panoramic Express, Lake Maggiore
We will take a unique journey today on the Gotthard Panoramic Express, formerly known as the William Tell Express. We will begin by boarding a historic paddle steamer, which will sail past views of Lucerne, Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi. As we get closer to the southern end of the lake, we will see William Tell’s chapel. According to legend, Tell escaped from his captor here, later killing him. This paved the way for the formation of the Swiss Confederation on August 1, 1291. When we get to the village of Flüelen, we will board the train to head south, with views of mountains. The Gotthard Tunnel dates back to 1882, and has a light show inside. As we emerge from the tunnel, we are in Italian-speaking Switzerland and will see palm trees and vineyards. Our bus will meet us (with our luggage) and take us to our hotel for dinner. (B/D)

Day 4: Wednesday, September 21, 2022: Italian Lakes
Our luxurious hotel is located next to the crystal-clear Lake Maggiore, overlooking the beautiful Borromean Gulf. This region was dominated by the Borromeo family which produced several archbishops of Milan, including Federico (1564–1631) and Carlo (1538–1584), a singularly wily individual who was canonized in 1610 for his support of the Counter-Reformation against papal infallibility. Today is at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities, including the swimming pool, solarium, water sports, or the nature park. We can also rent recreational motorboats or ride bicycles into the village of Stresa. Isola Bella (Beautiful Island) is home to the Borromea family Baroque palace and gardens, as well as many artisan stores and quality restaurants.  (B)

Day 5: Thursday, September 22, 2022: Italian Lakes
Hiking enthusiasts will enjoy a trip to the Mottarone for stunning views of all 6 lakes in the Po Valley. It can be reached by the Stresa-Alpino-Mottarone cable car. There are a number of prestigious golf clubs near the hotel, which can be pre-booked. There will also be an optional excursion to visit some incredible Botanical Gardens, featuring rare plants from around the world. This evening we will have a wine and cheese tasting in the hotel. (B)

Day 6: Friday, September 23, 2022: Milan, Geneva
We will depart early this morning to visit Milan and see Leonardo’s Last Supper, located in the Santa Maria delle Grazie church. Surprising to many, the Reformation thrived in Italy during the 1520s and 1530s, but was sadly crushed by the Roman Inquisition of 1542. The magnificent Il Duomo is one of the world’s largest churches and can hold up to 40,000. It was constructed in the 14^th century and took almost 500 years to complete. We will then drive to Geneva and dine in our hotel. (B/D)

Day 7: Saturday, September 24, 2022: Geneva
Geneva was home to John Calvin, and where John Knox went for study after expulsion from Scotland. Our tour will begin at the impressive Reformation Monument. Calvin preached in St. Pierre’s Cathedral, and we will also see his chair and a restored chapel decorated as it would have been before Calvin. We will view the Reformation Museum, currently under reconstruction) and then visit Calvin’s Academy.  We have a free time this afternoon to enjoy the city. (B)

Day 8: Sunday, September 25, 2022: Geneva, Strasbourg
This morning we’ll attend an English-language worship service at Auditoire de Calvin with the congregation of the Church of Scotland. In the afternoon we will travel into France to Strasbourg, referred to as the “City of Hope” and “Refuge of the Righteous” by the Anabaptists. This is where John Calvin wrote his first edition of Systematic Theology, and Martin Bucer developed influential protestant doctrines and practices that redefined liturgy. We will dine at the Michelin star Restaurant Buerehiesel, housed in an old half-timbered Alsace-style farmhouse in the Parc de L’Orangerie. We will enjoy a 6-course meal with wine. (B/D)

Day 9: Monday, September 26, 2022: Strasbourg
This morning we will have a guided tour of Strasbourg, including the Cathedral, St. Thomas’ Church, and the historic “La Petite France”. In the afternoon we will travel along the scenic Alsace Wine Route and sample some of the region’s notable wines, including Gewürztraminer and Riesling. We will also visit the charming town of Colmar. We will take an early-evening cruise on the canal, then the evening is at leisure. (B)

Day 10: Tuesday, September 27, 2022: Heidelberg
After breakfast, we will drive to Heidelberg. We will take a tour of Heidelberg Castle and visit Philosophers’ Walk, a path on the mountainside that overlooks the old town and castle, where Heidelberg’s philosophers and university professors would walk. We will discuss the Heidelberg Confession, which was written in 1563 at the request of Elector Frederick III, who commissioned Zacharius Ursinus and Casper Olevianus to prepare the catechism. (B/D)

Day 11: Wednesday, September 28, 2022: Worms, Mainz
We will visit Worms this morning and tour the Cathedral, followed by the site of Luther’s Worms Debates (Diet of Worms), now a park, with a plaque commemorating Luther’s brave stand in 1521. We’ll have a photo stop at the Reformation Monument, then we’ll continue on to Mainz and visit the Gutenberg Museum. Our farewell meal will be the five-star Relais & Chateaux Burg Schwarzenstein Hotel. (B/D)

Day 12: Thursday, September 29, 2022: Return
We will transfer to Frankfurt Airport for our return flights. (B)

Please note this itinerary is copyrighted.

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!

Oberammergau Pre-Tour

Oberammergau, Germany
September 17-19, 2022
Hotel Seinz
Kurhausstrasse 1
Bad Kohlgrub, 82433

Lucerne, Switzerland
September 19-20, 2022
Hotel Astoria
Pilatusstrasse 29
6002 Lucerne

Lake Maggiore, Italy
September 20-23, 2022
Hotel Aminta
Via Sempione Nord 123
28838 Stresa

Geneva, Switzerland
September 23-25, 2022
Hotel Royal
Rue de Lausanne 41-43,
1201 Geneva

Strasbourg, France
September 25-27, 2022
Hotel Leonor
11 Rue de la Nuée-Bleue
67000, Strasbourg

Heidelberg, Germany
September 27-28, 2022
Marriott Hotel
Vangerowstrasse 16
Heidelberg, 69115

Frankfurt Area, Germany
September 28-29, 2022
Relais & Chateaux Burg Schwarzenstein
Rosengasse 32
65366 Geisenheim

Arrival and Departure Transfers

Transfers are automatically included if we have booked your flights.

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.

Flight Information

Group Flights to Munich: The following flights are available for the main group who are starting the tour in Munich.

The cost in Economy is $1,215 per person, Business Class is $3,590 and both these options are on the group booking, so payment will be due with final land payment on July 3, 2022. Premium Economy has to be paid for at the time of booking and is currently $2,200.

Flights to Zurich: The following flights are available for those who are joining the tour in Zurich. The cost in Economy is $1,300 per person and as you are on the group booking, payment isn’t due until July 3, 2022.

Option 2: You may request a flight quote from us by filling out this form or e-mailing us your requirements. Payment for individual flights is due at the time of booking.

Option 2: You may book your own flights, making sure you land in Munich on the morning of September 17, 2022 or Zurich on September 19, 2022.  If you would prefer to arrive earlier, we can arrange a pre-tour hotel night in Munich or Lucerne. You are welcome to depart from Frankfurt at any time on September 29, 2022. Please send us a copy of your flight itinerary for our records as soon as you have booked it.

Please note that if you would like to use air miles you will need to book directly with the airline.

What’s included in the land price of *$4,999 / $5,999 with Passion Play?

*Price based on a minimum of 30 participants.

Your Tour Includes

•   Transportation: via deluxe air-conditioned coaches
•   Accommodations (double-occupancy) in superior 4-star and 5-star hotels
•   Category 1 seats for the Oberammergau Passion Play (on Pre-Tour)
•   Meals as indicated in the itinerary
•   Professional Tour Director throughout the tour
•   Local step-on guides for city tours and major attractions
•   Admission to all activities indicated in the itinerary
•   Arrival and departure transfers
•   Baggage handling (1 piece of baggage per guest)
•   All taxes and tips, other than the driver and tour director

Your Tour Does Not Include

•   Round-trip air transportation (group air will be arranged from Orlando)
•   Single supplement ($1,200)
•   Tips to driver and tour director
•   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 (details sent with reservation form)

Payment Schedule

The deposits can be paid online or by check sent to Reformation Tours, 64 Fiesta Cir, St. Louis, MO 63146.  Please contact tour coordinator Becky Brown with any questions (407) 421-3555.

Postponed travelers – if you have a credit voucher we will send you an updated invoice, so there’s no need to send the initial deposit.

•  Initial deposit of $1,000 will secure your place on the tour
•   Final invoices will be sent in June 2022
•   Final payment is due by July 3, 2022
•   Reservations will be accepted after July 3, 2022, subject to availability

Insurance

In this post Covid time, we know all are concerned about protecting against cancellation related to Covid issues. We hope the following information will aid you in making the best insurance decision for your particular situation. Travel insurance is purchased for 3 primary reasons:

1. Reimbursement of cancellation penalties
2. Provision of Medical coverage while traveling outside the United States
3. Reimbursement for things like travel delays and lost baggage

Covered reasons for cancellation mainly pertain to unexpected medical emergencies involving you, someone in your immediate family or a travel companion. An example of this might be suffering an injury, receiving a diagnosis that prevents travel or your death, the death of traveling companion or a family member. All these claims have to be substantiated by a doctor and will be valid reasons for 100% reimbursement. Most policies list a few more covered cancellation reasons like jury duty, quarantine, house made uninhabitable by fire or natural disaster, etc. Usually included are benefits like medical evacuation or repatriation of remains, accident or sickness medical expenses.

The insurance premium one pays is based on cost of trip, length of trip and travelers age. It is also affected by inclusions such as “Cancel for Any Reason.” This inclusion may increase the premium by up to 40% and will only reimburse the insured up to 75% of the money he has paid. Insurance with this inclusion usually must be paid within two weeks of the initial deposit for the trip and include all non refundable trip costs. “Cancel For Any Reason” can provide cancellation coverage for any situations related to coronavirus that are not otherwise covered by a standard travel insurance policy, including fear of traveling, border closures, or travel bans.

Award-winning travel insurance specialists SquareMouth helps travelers search, compare, and buy the best travel insurance for the lowest price. They offer excellent customer support and can help you find the best policy for your trip. Click here for a walk-through on how to choose a policy.

For other questions relating to Covid and travel insurance, please click here.

Cancellation

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.

The following cancellation penalties apply, unless otherwise noted on the tour documentation:

From time of deposit to until June 8, 2022: $850 cancellation penalty ($100 if not on pre-tour) plus any non-refundable deposits
From June 9-July 22. 2022: $1,350 cancellation penalty plus any non-refundable deposits
From July 23 – August 5 2022: Cancellation penalty is 60% of land costs plus any non-refundable deposits
From August 6-16, 2022: Cancellation penalty is 80% of land costs any non-refundable deposits
From August 17, 2022 to departure: No refund

Terms and Conditions

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: 1 Euro = $1.1864. Should currency fluctuations necessitate an adjustment in tour price, the adjusted price will be reflected in the final invoice.

This is a private tour for FPCO covenant partners and their guests. It’s an active tour and participants are advised that they need to be able to walk at least 5 miles a day. Please note that this tour is now full and we request that you don’t send money until we let you know that you are accepted on the tour.