Trip Itinerary

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

Day 1: Saturday, June 18, 2022: Depart
We will depart from the USA. Group flights can be arranged from California. Reformation Tours can also arrange pre-tour nights in Berlin for anyone who wishes to travel before the tour begins. Here are some suggested activities for early arrivals, that can be pre-booked. (IF)

Day 2: Sunday, June 19, 2022: Berlin
Welcome to Germany! On arrival in Berlin, travelers will transfer to the centrally-located hotel in Berlin. We will have time to relax before dinner in our hotel this evening. (B/D)

Day 3: Monday, June 20, 2022: Berlin, Wittenberg
After a leisurely breakfast, we will meet our local expert guide and have a panoramic sightseeing tour of the reunified German capital, highlighting the Reichstag (parliament building), the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, the refurbished city center and Gendarmenmarkt. We will also see Alexanderplatz, the famous boulevard “Unter den Linden”, and the Berlin Cathedral. We will continue to Lutherstadt-Wittenberg and check in to our hotel. We will dine in our hotel this evening. (B/D)

Day 4: Tuesday, June 21, 2022: Wittenberg
This morning our local guide will take us on a tour of Lutherstadt Wittenberg. It was here in 1517 that Martin Luther nailed his famous 95 Theses to the door of Castle Church (Schlosskirche). Although the original doors were destroyed in the Seven Years War, we can see Luther’s texts cast in bronze on the new doors.  We will visit St. Mary’s Church where Luther regularly preached and visit the Old Latin School next door. Luther’s former home, the Lutherhalle, is now a Reformation Museum and we will see where he lived with his family, as well as some of Luther’s very own personal library, rare manuscripts, and early Bibles. We will arrange for a time of fellowship today, either in the Old Lutheran School, or with the Wittenberg English Ministry. The rest of the day will be free to explore independently, with coupons for free admission to museums and attractions. (B)

Day 5: Wednesday, June 22, 2022: Eisleben, Erfurt
This morning we will drive to Eisleben, where Luther was born and also where he died. It is sometimes referred to as his Bethlehem and Jerusalem. We will visit both of these homes with our guide, as well as St. Anne’s, an old miner’s church famous for the Biblical Scenes hewn in stone. We will also visit St. Peter and St. Paul Church where Luther was baptized, and St. Andrews, where he preached his last sermon. In the afternoon, we will continue on to Erfurt. Our local guide will take us on a tour including St. Mary’s Cathedral, St. Severin’s Church and the famous Merchant’s Bridge. We will also tour the Augustinian Monastery where Luther became a monk on July 17, 1505. We will be able to see his monastic quarters, including one cell furnished to look as it would have when he lived there. (B/D)

Day 6: Thursday, June 23, 2022: Eisenach, Erfurt
Today’s day trip will be to nearby Eisenach. In 1521, while fleeing from the wrath of the Pope, Luther took refuge in the Wartburg Castle after a fake kidnapping staged by his friend and protector, Frederick the Wise. We will tour the Wartburg and see where Luther finished translating the New Testament into German in just eleven weeks. In the afternoon, we will have free time in Eisenach. Attractions include the Luther House, St. George’s Church and the Bach House. (B)

Day 7: Friday, June 24, 2022: Worms, Heidelberg
We will journey south today to Worms, where we will 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 for faith and truth in 1521. We will have a photo stop at the stunning Reformation Monument, followed by a visit to the Church of the Holy Trinity.  Tonight’s dinner will be in a winery, then we will check in to our hotel in the Heidelberg area. (B/D)

Day 8: Saturday, June 25, 2022: Heidelberg, Strasbourg
This morning we will visit Heidelberg Castle which boasts the world’s largest wine barrel, a fascinating history and a stunning view.  Pastor Stager will teach on the Heidelberg Confession, which was drafted by Zacharius Ursinus (age 28) and Caspar Olevianus (age 26). We will then 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 have a stroll around the city center and view the Cathedral of Strasbourg, St. Thomas’s Church, and the charming “La Petite France” quarter. (B/D)

Day 9: Sunday, June 26, 2022: Strasbourg, Colmar
This morning we will have a guided walking tour with a local French Reformation scholar, followed by a group lunch.  In the afternoon, there will be an optional excursion to explore charming Colmar. This town escaped damage during the war and has numerous picturesque half-timbered houses. This was the hometown of Frederic Bartholdi (creator of the Statue of Liberty) and the town includes a small museum. A highlight is the Isenheim Altarpiece by Gruenewald. (B/L)

Day 10: Monday, June 27, 2022: Constance, Oberammergau
This morning we will drive through the Black Forest to Constance. It was here that pre-Reformer Jan Hus was martyred.  We will visit the site of his martyrdom, tour the small museum, and see the Cathedral where some of the trials were held. In the afternoon, we will continue our drive to Oberammergau. We will check in to our hotel and have a delicious dinner. (B/D)

Day 11: Tuesday, June 28, 2022: Oberammergau
The morning will be free to stroll around Oberammergau before eating lunch and heading to the Passion Play. The seven-hour performance is truly a moving experience as we witness the passion of Jesus, recalling how He gave His life so that we might be forgiven. Gathered together with Christians from around the globe, this once-a-decade play is an unforgettable experience. (B/L/D)

Day 12: Wednesday, June 29, 2022: Munich
After a leisurely breakfast, we will drive up to Munich. In the afternoon, we will have a guided walking tour of Munich, ending with a fun meal at the Hofbrauhaus. (B/D)

Day 13: Thursday, June 30, 2022: Return
We will leave this morning and drive to Munich Airport for our flight home. If you are staying on in Munich, here are some tour options that can be pre-booked.  (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!

Berlin, Germany (same hotel for pre-tour)
June 19-20, 2022
Park Inn by Radisson Berlin
Alexanderplatz 7
10178 Berlin

Wittenberg, Germany
June 20-22, 2022
Luther-Hotel Wittenberg
Collegienstraße 62
06886 Lutherstadt Wittenberg

Erfurt, Germany
June 22-24, 2022
Hotel Excelsior by Best Western Plus
Bahnhofstraße 35
99084 Erfurt

Near Heidelberg, Germany
June 24-25, 2022
NH Weinheim
Breslauer Straße 52
69469 Weinheim

Strasbourg, France
June 25-27, 2022
Monopole Métropole Hotel by Best Western Plus
Rue Kuhn 16
67000 Strasbourg

Bad Kohlgrub, by Oberammergau
June 27-29, 2022
Hotel Seinz
Kurhausstrasse 1
Bad Kohlgrub, 82433

Munich, Germany (same hotel for post-tour)
June 29-30, 2022
Flemings Hotel München-Schwabing
Leopoldstraße 130-132
80804 München

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

Various flight booking options are available for this tour, including group air.

Option 1: We have reserved group air flights from Los Angeles on Lufthansa. The price for Economy seats is $1,375 (upgraded seats available for approximately $300), Premium Economy is $4,850 and Business Class is $6,715.

Option 2: You may request a flight quote from us by filling out this form. Payment is due at the time of booking.

Option 3: You may book your own flights, making sure you land on the morning of June 19, 2022 no later than 5 PM.  If you would prefer to arrive earlier, we can arrange a pre-tour hotel night in Berlin. You are welcome to depart at any time on June 30, 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.

We can arrange pre-tour nights in Berlin and post-tour nights in Munich, but due to the volume of tours in 2022, we are not able to arrange additional travel within Europe.

What’s included in the land price of $3,999?

*Price based on a minimum of 35 participants.

Your Tour Includes

•   Transportation: via deluxe air-conditioned coaches
•   Accommodations (double-occupancy) in superior 3-star and moderate 4-star hotels
•   Category 1 seats for the Oberammergau Passion Play
•   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
•   Group arrival and departure transfers
•   Baggage handling (1 piece of baggage per guest)
•   All taxes and tips, other than for the driver and tour director

Your Tour Does Not Include

•   Round-trip air transportation (group air is available from Los Angeles)
•   Individual arrival and departure transfers
•   Single supplement ($625)
•   Non-group transfers (can be booked through Reformation Tours)
•   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)
•   Tips for the driver and tour director

Payment Schedule

The deposits can be paid online or by check sent to Reformation Tours, 64 Fiesta Cir, St. Louis, MO 63146.

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 March 2022
•   Final payment is due by April 7, 2022
•   Reservations will be accepted after April 7, 2022, subject to availability

Insurance

We will continue to assist clients who have a current policy with Roam Right Insurance, a division of Arch Insurance Company. Travelers who had a policy in 2020 or 2021 have credit towards a new policy.

If you don’t have insurance yet, Squaremouth is an award-winning company which helps travelers search, compare, and buy the best travel insurance for the lowest price. We recommend using the following filters: trip interruption, coronavirus pandemic, travel delay ($500), emergency medical ($100,000), medical evacuation ($100,000), baggage delay and baggage loss.  Please read these instructions and if you still need assistance you can e-mail us and request a quote.

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.

Oberammergau ticket deposits ($750) are non-refundable, but we will endeavor to find replacement travelers.

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

From time of deposit to until January 1, 2022: $850 cancellation penalty plus any non-refundable deposits
From January 2, 2022, to May 16, 2022: $1,350 cancellation penalty plus any non-refundable deposits
From May 17-31, 2022: Cancellation penalty is 60% of land costs plus any non-refundable deposits
From May 31 – June 12, 2022: Cancellation penalty is 80% of land costs any non-refundable deposits
From June 14 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.

Once this form is submitted, you will receive an instant email confirmation. Please check your spam folder if you don’t see it in your inbox.

Please note that all travelers are required to be fully-vaccinated against Covid.