It all started with a single hymn, written by Martin Luther in late 1523. A few months later, the first Lutheran hymnal was published—the Achtliederbuch, or “Eight-hymn Book.”
With these humble beginnings, Luther and his Reformation compatriots launched a veritable explosion of hymn writing, hymnal publishing, and hymn singing, which has changed the way Christians have worshipped ever since.
We would be honored to serve as your hosts and friends as we travel together, dine together, worship together, sing together, and walk together in the footsteps of Martin Luther, Paul Gerhardt, J. S. Bach, G. F. Handel, Johann Pachelbel, and five centuries of other great hymn writers and composers.
Together we will see where they lived and worked, experience the sights and sounds of singing and making music in these historic places, and enjoy the company of our travelling companions along the way.
Won’t you join us for this incredible journey? We would love to have you with us for this unforgettable experience!
Together in Christ, Jon Vieker, Joe Herl, Peter Reske
Rev. Dr. Jon D. Vieker Dr. Joseph Herl Peter C. Reske
Associate Professor of Practical Theology Professor of Music Senior Editor of Music/Worship
and Dean of Chapel, Concordia Seminary Concordia University, Nebraska Concordia Publishing House
St. Louis, Mo. Seward, Neb. St. Louis, Mo.
And Kim Vieker And Jenny Herl And Kimberly Reske
QUESTIONS? Contact 1.844.777.1517 or email info@luthertours.com View Tour Brochure
ITINERARY
Meals: B-Breakfast, L- Lunch, D-Dinner
Day 1, Depart USA to Berlin, Germany
Day 2, Berlin (D)
Group will be met at Berlin airport by our professional tour director, who will accompany the group throughout the journey. Transfer by private coach to the city center for our panoramic driving tour of famous Berlin landmarks, including the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, and the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial. Check in to the hotel and later this evening the group will meet for welcome dinner. Overnight Berlin.
Day 3, Berlin, Paul Gerhardt -Mittenwalde, Lübben (B)
Today our group will visit the Nikolaikirche, whose most famous clergy member was Paul Gerhardt (1607–76), the most outstanding Lutheran hymn writer after Luther and author of 17 hymns in LSB. The cantor during Gerhardt’s tenure was Johann Crüger (1598–1662), composer of 10 LSB tunes; he was followed by Johann Georg Ebeling (1637–76), who has two tunes in LSB. This afternoon we travel outside of Berlin to nearby Mittenwalde, officially nicknamed Paul Gerhardt City, the location where Gerhardt created his most important works. Our guided walking tour travels along a small part of the Paul Gerhardt Hiking Trail, a 140 km path from Berlin through Mittenwalde to the Spreewald connecting the historic cities in the life of Paul Gerhardt. We will visit St. Moritz Church, where Gerhardt served as provost, and if you choose, you may climb the 200 steps to the top of the church tower to see a panoramic view of the country. Your tour hosts will share with you more about the life, faith, and Lutheran hymns of Gerhardt.
Afterwards we continue in the footsteps of Paul Gerhardt to the city of Lübben. After his struggles with the church in Berlin, Gerhardt took on the duties of archdeacon at the Nikolai Church in Lübben, where he is buried. Today the church bears his name, “Paul Gerhardt Church,” and houses a life-size painting of Gerhardt, the only surviving image of Gerhardt from his day. Time for dinner on your own in Lübben before the group returns to Berlin for the evening. Overnight Berlin.
Day 4, Jochen Klepper, Potsdam (B)
Today we focus on the life of the Lutheran hymn writer Jochen Klepper. In the morning we visit the location of his home and burial site Nikolassee Cemetery in the Steglitz area. This afternoon we continue on our journey to the nearby city of Potsdam, a retreat with lavish palaces, historic gardens and parklands, and a great history of filmmaking. We’ll have a photo stop to view the Potsdam City Palace (reconstructed in 2013), the site where J. S. Bach improvised at the fortepiano a three-part fugue based on a theme supplied by King Frederick the Great. Bach later expanded his improvisation into A Musical Offering, which he dedicated to the king. Bach’s tune for the hymn “’Tis Good, Lord, to Be Here” is named as a reminder of this royal visit. Next, we visit the Cecilienhof Country House, location of the 1945 Potsdam Conference, where Churchill, Truman, and Stalin planned post–WWII peace and sealed the fate of Germany and Europe. Dinner on your own or with some of your new friends; your tour director will provide suggestions for your dining experience. Overnight Berlin.
Day 5, Paul Gerhardt and Gräfenhainichen, Martin Luther’s Wittenberg (B)
Morning departure to Gräfenhainichen to learn more about the life of Paul Gerhardt during our visit to the Gerhardt House and Chapel. After a break for lunch on your own, the group continues on to the Reformation city of Lutherstadt Wittenberg. The guided walking tour of Wittenberg includes St. Mary’s Church, where Martin Luther preached more than 2,300 sermons and which contains a spectacular Reformation-era altar created by Lucas Cranach the Elder in 1547. Then we will visit the Castle Church, where Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses protesting the sale of indulgences to the church doors. Learn more about Gerhardt’s 14 years in Wittenberg, where he began studying theology at the university in 1628. Dinner is on your own at one of the old city restaurants or pizzeria. Overnight Wittenberg.
Day 6, Torgau, Wittenberg Saturday Evening Vespers (B, D)
This morning the group will visit the Lutherhaus Museum Augusteum (museum renovations expected). Afterwards, we depart for the nearby city of Torgau to visit the best preserved early Renaissance palace in Germany, the Hartenfels Palace and Chapel, consecrated by Martin Luther and widely regarded as the first ever Lutheran worship space and the first embodiment of the Reformation message in architecture and art.
Time for lunch on your own before our walking tour to visit the Hartenfels Palace Chapel, and St. Mary’s Church. Group will return to Wittenberg for evening Vespers together at the Old Latin School. Afterwards the group will meet for dinner. Overnight Wittenberg.
Day 7, Weißenfels, Erfurt Enchiridion (B, D)
This morning, we depart Wittenberg to worship with a local Lutheran congregation at the 17th-century Palace Church of Neu-Augustusburg in Weißenfels. Afterwards, we continue to Erfurt for our guided walking tour of the city and to learn more about the life and faith of Johann Pachelbel. There we will visit the Predigerkirche, where composer Johann Pachelbel was organist. We will also visit St. Mary’s Cathedral where Luther was ordained and Church of St. Severus. Along our walk we’ll pass by the locations of the printing of the two editions of the Erfurt Enchiridion in 1524; the house “Zum Färbefaß” on Pergamentergasse and the house “Zum Schwarzen Horn” near the Krämerbrücke. Then we visit the Augustinian Monastery, where Luther lived as a monk from 1505-1511. Here we view a copy of the Erfurt Enchiridion from the monastery library. Group will meet for dinner. Overnight Erfurt.
Day 8, Wartburg Castle, Bach, Eisenach (B)
Enjoy the day in Erfurt at leisure or come along to visit the Wartburg Castle, scene of medieval poetry and singing contests and safe haven of Martin Luther, who translated the New Testament here while under the protection of the Elector of Saxony. Afterwards, you can choose to hike a small portion of the Luther Trail downhill from the Wartburg Castle to the city of Eisenach, or hop on the coach for a quick transfer. We meet for a guided walking tour of lovely Eisenach, the birthplace of J. S. Bach. Our walking tour includes St. George Church, which contains the font where Bach was baptized, and the Bachhaus Museum. The exhibits housed in a half-timbered building from 1456 bring Bach’s era to life with original furniture, multimedia music displays, and live musical performances on historic instruments. Dinner at leisure. Overnight Erfurt.
Day 9, Handel’s Halle, Leipzig (B, D)
Today we depart for Halle to visit the Waisenhaus complex, the birthplace of German Pietism, where some of the most popular hymns of the era were first sung. We will tour its Baroque chamber of curiosities, which exemplifies the hands-on approach to the education of children pioneered here. Next, we visit the boyhood home of George Frideric Handel (1685–1759) and the Market Church, whose staff roster includes Luther’s colleague Justus Jonas (1493–1555), music directors Samuel Scheidt (1587–1654) and Wilhelm Friedemann Bach (1710–1784), and organist Friedrich Wilhelm Zachow (1663–1712). After lunch the group continues to Leipzig, where we will check in to the hotel and meet for dinner. Overnight Leipzig.
Day 10, Leipzig, J.S. Bach (B)
Guided walking tour of this historical city including the Nikolaikirche, the home of the faithful “Pray for Peace” Christians and the powerful force that transformed Germany’s East and West in 1989, and the Thomaskirche, where Luther preached and Johann Sebastian Bach performed and directed the St. Thomas Boys choir. Previous cantors at the Thomaskirche included Seth Calvisius (arranger of “Savior of the Nations, Come”) and Johann Hermann Schein (arranger of “From Depths of Woe”). The awesome musical, intellectual, and theological influence of Leipzig made it an enduring cultural capital of Europe. Major composers who called Leipzig home include Bach, who lived here for 27 years and is buried at the Thomaskirche, Felix Mendelssohn, and Robert Schumann. The city is rich with hymnological connections, including Christian Fürchtegott Gellert (“Jesus Lives! The Victory’s Won”), Martin Rinckart (“Now Thank We All Our God”), Michael Schirmer (“O Holy Spirit, Enter In”), Nicolaus Selnecker (“Lord Jesus Christ, with Us Abide”), and dozens more. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the city on your own; perhaps a stroll along the Leipzig Music Trail or a visit to the magnificent Bach Museum with its numerous permanent exhibitions, including a vast collection of rare Bach music manuscripts, hymnals, and 44 manuscript sets of complete cantatas. This evening will be on your own to dine at one of the many restaurants and cafés including the historic Auerbachs Keller Restaurant, with a notable Reformation art display on the walls of the “Luther Room” and the “Wine Cellar Room.” Overnight Leipzig.
NOTE- musical performance St. Thomas Church, Bach Museum, or Gewandhaus 2024 schedule tbd
Day 11, Dresden, Wrocław Poland (B, D)
Morning departure to the stunning and beautiful city of Dresden with its magnificent Baroque buildings and its lovely setting on the Elbe. Our guided walking tour leads us through the Old Town past the beautiful Semper Opera building, to the Frauenkirche (Lutheran Church of Our Lady). Known to be the most important Lutheran church in pre-war Germany, the Frauenkirche was destroyed in World War II and rebuilt stone-by-stone to its former glory. Dresden was home to a remarkable roster of Lutheran musicians, including Johann Walter, Hans Leo Hassler, Michael Praetorius, Heinrich Schütz, and Andreas Hammerschmidt. Out group will attend noon devotion service at the Frauenkirche before our tour of this historic church. Time for lunch on our own and then we continue on to Wrocław, Poland. After check-in at the hotel the group will meet for dinner. Overnight Wrocław.
Day 12, Wrocław, Poland (B)
Discover enchanting Wrocław, Poland, the capital city of the historic region of Silesia. The city has been looking at itself in the waters of the Oder River for over a thousand years. Bearing traces of Czech, German and Polish rule, contemporary Wrocław is truly a European jewel. A Lutheran center of culture and learning, Wrocław (German: Breslau) was home to hymn writers Samuel Kinner (“Lord Jesus Christ, You Have Prepared”), Jochen Klepper (“The Night Will Soon Be Ending”), and Johann Scheffler (“‘Come, Follow Me,’ the Savior Spake”).
This region also saw the flowering of the Silesian circle of poets, including Andreas Gryphius (“Preserve Your Word, O Savior”), Johann Heermann (“O Dearest Jesus, What Law Hast Thou Broken”), Heinrich Held (“Let the Earth Now Praise the Lord”), and Martin Opitz (“Arise and Shine in Splendor”).
Our guided tour includes the picturesque Old Town and Market Square, Town Hall, Cathedral Island with the stunning gothic Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, and stroll the unique Quarter of Four Denominations, where the Orthodox cathedral, the Roman Catholic and Evangelical-Augsburg churches and the Synagogue are adjacent to each other. Remainder of the day at leisure for independent exploration; perhaps a visit to the National Museum of Wrocław with its magnificent collection of 12th through 19th century Silesian art or the Botanical Garden, one of Poland’s finest. This evening dinner is on your own. Overnight Wrocław.
Day 13, Świdnica Poland J.S. Bach Festivel, Prague Czech Republic (B, D)
Morning departure for Prague with a stop in Świdnica, Poland, to visit the stunning Church of Peace, where Benjamin Schmolck (“Dearest Jesus, We Are Here”) was pastor for thirty-six years. One of only three Lutheran churches allowed to be built in this region after the Thirty Years’ War; the church is renowned for its glorious, unforgettable interior. Attend the annual Bach Festival, performance schedule to be advised. Later this afternoon the group arrives in Prague, Czech Republic, one of the most charming cities in the world. Upon arrival in Prague enjoy a panoramic driving sightseeing tour before hotel check in. Afterwards our group will meet for dinner. Overnight Prague.
Day 14, Prague, LCMS Worship Service (B, D)
We will begin our morning in worship with the LCMS Eurasia Mission Team. Afterwards, our guide will lead us on a walking tour of Prague including a visit to the largest castle in the world, Prague Castle. Learn more about Luther’s predecessor, Jan Hus, who was born in 1369 in Prague, and is considered one of the first church reformers. As a priest, he criticized the Catholic Church, including the selling of indulgences. He was executed in 1415 for his beliefs and teachings. This afternoon is at leisure and later the group will meet for a farewell dinner. Overnight Prague.
Day 15, Tour ends (B)
Group will transfer from the hotel to the Prague airport for departure flights.
Special Note- For interested travelers who may wish to attend following the tour, the German Hymn Society (Internationale Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Hymnologie) will be holding their biennial conference in Prague from July 29–August 2, 2024. Additional information may be found as it becomes available at: https://iah-hymnologie.de/en/welcome-to-the-iah/
Itinerary subject to change. Private organ performances by Dr. Joseph Herl announced prior to tour departure.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Travelers must travel with a passport valid for at least 6-months beyond your return travel date.
Non-US passport holders contact LT for credentials required to travel.
Additional credentials to travel due to Covid-19 may be required. You will be advised as details are received for your departure.
Tour level: Moderate Active Traveler, Walking Sightseeing Tour
Most sightseeing tours are walking tours and many of the historic sites you will visit date back hundreds to thousands of years and may not provide elevators and ramps for physically challenged travelers. If you or you will be traveling with someone who has special needs -use a wheelchair, walker, and hearing or visually impaired please contact LutherTours.
Prague Castle and Vltava River, Czech Republic
TOUR INCLUDES
Relaxed Pace- time for reflection and spiritual inspiration
Professional Tour Manager will guide the group throughout the tour
Deluxe Motor Coach will transports you in comfort
13- Nights Charming First-Class hotel accommodations
Hotel Taxes
Breakfast Daily, 7- Dinners
Gratuities for Included Meals
Life Enriching Spiritual and Cultural Experiences Daily
Professional Local Guides
Private Guided Museum visits
Wartburg Medieval Castle visit
Worship Service at the church where Martin Luther worshipped
Walk the Luther Way Walking Trail
Classical Music Concert Performance (2024 schedule tbd)
Bach Festival Swidnica, Poland
All Sightseeing and Admission as indicated in itinerary
Special Organ Performances by Dr. Joseph Herl and Accompaniment for Group Singing
Group Airport Transfers in Germany included with Group Airfare
TOUR PRICE is Per Person Based on Double Occupancy
$4,290 with 20-24 travelers
$4,790 with 15-19 travelers
Single Occupancy Add $1,090
Tour prices subject to currency fluctuation.
AIRFARE IS ADDITIONAL
Contact LT for assistance with flight arrangements from your home city.
PAYMENT
Deposit $350 per person (nonrefundable) along with a completed tour registration form
Balance due 75-Days Prior to Departure (a reminder will be sent)
NOT INCLUDED
Meals/beverages not listed, Passport and Visa fee, Gratuities for tour manager, local tour guides, coach driver, hotel housekeepers, personal items such as internet Wi-Fi charges and phone calls. Any items not listed under Tour Includes.
Penalties up to 100% apply. Please be aware of the LutherTours complete Booking Agreement Terms and Conditions of Travel and Cancellation policy, a copy is included with each individual tour confirmation, available by contacting our office directly 1.844.777.1517 or online at www.LUTHERTOURS.com and click Terms & Conditions to view details.
All travelers must travel with a passport valid for at least 6-months beyond your return travel date. Non-US passport holders contact LT for additional credentials required to travel.
Additional credentials to travel due to Covid-19 may be required. You will be advised as details are received for your departure. Requirements change regularly, continue to check travel requirements up to the day of departure.
LT and its travel partners reserve the right to alter the itinerary if necessary. Prices subject to currency fluctuation. Itinerary subject to change.
Cancellations regardless of the reason are costly. Are you prepared?
Cancellation, Interruption, Medical and Baggage Insurance is available with many companies to help with unexpected delays, interruptions and cancellations. Consider a Travel Guard plan. Visit TRAVELGUARD to learn more about the benefits, restrictions, price and coverage.
Having health insurance that covers the costs of medical treatment of COVID is the travelers responsibility to verify prior to insurance purchase.
Global COVID-19 conditions are dynamic.
Those who choose to travel internationally may encounter mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations and testing requirements, quarantines, travel restrictions, and closed borders. Foreign governments in any country may implement restrictions with little notice. Any cost related to required travel regulations is the responsibility of the traveler.
U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories and Alert Update
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html
For the most recent travel alerts and to enroll in S.T.E.P Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive travel alerts and register to ensure you can be located in an emergency.
Tour Registration
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