The European Reformation (13 Days) 

     Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

     Transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure. At 6 p.m. meet your Tour Director, then enjoy this evening’s welcome dinner with your traveling companions. (D)

     After an orientation drive of Berlin, journey to Wittenberg, Luther’s home for 30-plus years and birthplace of the Reformation. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the REFORMATION MUSEUM, LUTHER HOUSE, ST. MARY’S CHURCH where he preached, and CASTLE CHURCH where he hung his 95 Theses. Also visit MARTIN LUTHER’S TOMB. Afterwards, travel to Eisleben and visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the HOUSE in which Luther was born and the STERBEHAUS MUSEUM, home of his last residence. Then visit ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH where he preached his last sermon, followed by a visit to the ST. PETER AND PAUL CHURCH where Luther was baptized. (BB,D)

     Situated on the shores of the Elbe River, Dresden has a rich history as the capital and royal residence for the Kings of Saxony. Here culture and art have flourished in past centuries. Your morning guided tour includes the newly refurbished FRAUENKIRCHE, built by the citizens of Dresden, and the HOFKIRCHE built by August the Strong. You’ll also see Dresden Castle, Semper Opera House, and Raphael’s Sistine Madonna in the OLD MASTERS’ PICTURE GALLERY adjoining the renowned ZWINGER PALACE. In the afternoon, free time to explore a museum or other offerings of this unique city. (BB)

     This morning, continue to Eisenach for a visit to WARTBURG CASTLE where Luther translated the Bible. Also visit the LUTHER and JOHAN SEBASTIAN BACH memorials as well as the LUTHER HOUSE where he lived during grammar school. Then visit ST. GEORGE’S CHURCH where he sang in the church’s boy choir. Depart for Erfurt. (BB,D)

     Today visit the AUGUSTINIAN MONASTERY where Luther lived as a monk, and the MERCHANTS’ BRIDGE. Continue to Coburg, where Luther stayed in 1530 for the Augsburg Imperial Diet. Visit the COBURG FORTRESS. Finally, arrive in Frankfurt. Enjoy an orientation drive on arrival. (BB,D)

     Today features two major highlights: enjoy a scenic RHINE CRUISE, and visit the GUTENBERG MUSEUM in Mainz to see original copies of the Bible. (BB)

     Stop in Worms, where the Imperial Council passed judgment on Luther in 1521. Visit the CATHEDRAL where Luther presented his case, as well as TRINITY CHURCH and the famed REFORMATION MONUMENT. Next, stop in Heidelberg and take pictures of its red-walled castle. Continue to Rothenburg, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities. (BB,D)

     During your orientation of Rothenburg discover sites like ST. JACOB ’S CHURCH with the renowned Blood Altar. Next is Nuremberg, the first town to accept the Reformation in 1525. Orientation includes the famous LUTHERAN LORENZ CHURCH with headsets for clear commentary. (BB)

     In Augsburg guided sightseeing reveals the city where Luther and his followers proclaimed their beliefs. Continue to Munich and enjoy an orientation tour. (BB)

     This morning, travel through the Alps to Zurich for an orientation tour, including a visit to GROSSMUNSTER CHURCH, the mother church of the Reformation in Switzerland under Ulrich Zwingli. Also see the Helferei where Zwingli lived. Then visit FRAUMUNSTER CHURCH, known for Chagall’s stained-glass windows. Next, a comfortable drive to Geneva, where John Calvin and John Knox preached. (BB,D)

     Your orientation tour in Geneva includes the United Nations Headquarters, Red Cross Headquarters, the World Council of Churches Headquarters, and a stop at the REFORMATION MONUMENT. Also visit ST. PETER’S CATHEDRAL where John Calvin served. Balance of day is at leisure. Enjoy this evening’s farewell dinner. (BB,D)

     Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB)