A spiritual and cultural adventure awaits you!
Come along with us on a journey back-in-time as we open doors that hide treasures which are centuries old, and visit the places where the great Reformer Martin Luther and his fellow collegues walked, worshiped and began a movement that would change the world!
Our journey takes us from the Lands of Martin Luther to the majestic Bavarian Alps, visiting historic castles and palaces to the pristine lakes and the breathtaking scenery of Salzburg, Austria.
Completing our journey with a unique and memorable afternoon at the fun-filled festival and world-famous Oktoberfest Munich!
Tour hosted by Rev. Robert Weinkauf
World famous Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany
QUESTIONS? Contact 1.844.777.1517 or email info@luthertours.com
ITINERARY
Meals: B-Breakfast, L- Lunch, D-Dinner
Day 1, SEPT 13 Depart USA to Berlin, Germany
Day 2, SEPT 14 Arrive Berlin, Wittenberg (D)
Group will be met at Berlin airport by our professional tour manager who will accompany the group throughout the journey. Group transfer by private coach to Berlin. We begin our visit with a panoramic driving sightseeing tour of the famous Berlin landmarks including visit to Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Cathedral, and Berlin Wall Memorial. After a stop for lunch, we continue our journey along the Reformation Road through the German countryside to Lutherstadt Wittenberg, also known as the “cradle of the Reformation”. Group will check in to the hotel and meet for a “welcome to Germany” dinner. Overnight Wittenberg.
Day 3, Sunday, SEPT 15 Wittenberg , O.L.S. Chapel Worship Service (B)
We awake in Lutherstadt Wittenberg, home to the most historic sights of Luther’s life and work. We make our way to the Old Latin School where Pr. Robert will lead worship service in the chapel. Today you will visit the places where Martin Luther walked with his fellow Reformation colleagues. Visit the inspiring Schlosskirche (Castle Church) and its historic 95 theses door, the beautiful St. Mary’s Church where Luther preached and where his children were baptized. We will learn more about Lucas Cranach the most important and multifaceted artists of the German Renaissance whose paintings reflected Luther’s teachings and had a radical effect on art. Here we will view the glorious Reformation theme altar painted by Lucas Cranach. We continue our walk to the nearby Lutherhaus Museum Augusteum (museum under renovation) to view a collection of Martin Luther and Reformation artifacts. Overnight Wittenberg.
Day 4, SEPT 16 Leipzig, Eisleben (B, D)
Today we visit the majestic city of Leipzig. Enjoy a 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. 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. After a break for lunch we visit nearby Lutherstadt Eisleben. Our guide will lead our walking tour to visit the houses where Luther was born in 1483, and where he died in 1546, St. Peters Church where Luther was baptized, and St. Andrew’s Church where Luther preached his last four sermons, and where his body was laid in state. This evening we drive to Erfurt where we will stay for the next 3-nights. Our group will meet for dinner. Overnight Erfurt.
Day 5, SEPT 17 Wartburg Castle, Eisenach (B)
Today we 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. We return to Erfurt and the evening is at leisure to enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant or one of the restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. Overnight Erfurt.
Day 6, SEPT 18 Erfurt (B)
This morning we awake in Erfurt and continue our journey in the footsteps of the great Reformer. It was here, in Erfurt, where Luther turned to theology and the monastic life when he was caught in a violent thunderstorm nearby and vowed to become a monk. We’ll stroll across the medieval Kramer Bridge, 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, visit the ensemble of St. Mary's Cathedral where Luther was ordained and the Church of St. Severus, and tour the Augustinian Monastery where Luther lived as a monk from 1505-1511 and where he worshiped and was inspired to create the Luther seal. Here we view a copy of the Erfurt Enchiridion from the monastery library. This evening dinner is on your own at the hotel restaurant, or your tour manage can provide suggestions for one of the many cafes, restaurants or beer gardens nearby the hotel. Overnight Erfurt.
Day 7, SEPT 19 Coburg, Rothenburg (B, D)
Today we visit the famous Veste Coburg, the fortress where Luther took refuge and lived during the Augsburg Confession. After time for lunch on our own, we continue our journey south to the quintessential medieval city of Rothenburg- the most famous town along the “Romantic Road”. Our guide will share with us the history of the city as we stroll the cobblestone lanes with their wonderful variety of shops and medieval architecture. We will visit St. Jakob’s Church to view the Bible scenes depicted in the over 500-year-old wood-carved altarpiece, and then enjoy a view of the famous glockenspiel in the town center. This evening our group will meet for dinner and then have time to shop for local crafts or visit the world-famous Kathe Wolfahrt’s year-round Christmas Village. Overnight Rothenburg.
Day 8, SEPT 20 Bavarian Alps- Oberammergau Passion Play Theater, Neuschwanstein Castle (B)
This morning we depart for an awe-inspiring ride through the spectacular Bavarian Alps. Our first stop, Neuschwanstein Castle- one of the most popular castles in Europe, the private refuge of (mad) King Ludwig II of Bavaria and the inspiration behind Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. We’ll tour this magnificent palace and learn more about the mysteries and legends of 19th century royalty. Afterwards, we continue our scenic drive to the quaint alpine village of Oberammergau. The village is best known for its famous painted houses, wood carving studios and home to the theater that hosts the famous Passion Play, performed once every 10-years. Your guide will lead a walking tour through the cobblestoned pathways to the Passion Play theater for a “behind-the-scenes” visit of the theater to learn the history of the hard work and dedication of the local volunteers who bring the Passion Play alive. Afterwards you have time at leisure to peruse the local crafts shops and enjoy dinner on your own at one of the local pubs or restaurants. Overnight Bavarian Alps.
Day 9, SEPT 21 Linderhof Palace, Wies Pilgrimage Church (B)
Today we tour King Ludwig’s personal residences, Linderhof Palace with its ornate suites and beautiful Venus fern grotto. Our journey continues to the peaceful Pilgrimage Church of Wies to admire the ornate decorations that have earned its UNESCO World Heritage status. Overnight Bavarian Alps.
Day 10, SEPT 22 Oberndorf, Salzburg Austria (B, D)
This morning we depart for the lovely city of Salzburg, Austria also known as “the city of Mozart”.Along the way you will visit the small village of Oberndorf bei Salzburg the location of the Silent Night Chapel, a monument to the Christmas carol “Silent Night”, first performed in the chapel on Christmas Eve 1818.
We continue on to Salzburg. Our group will be met by a local guide for a “Sound of Music” tour- including the historic city center, Mozart Square, a view of the Horse Pond and Hofstallgasse and the movie shooting locations of the Sound of Music- visiting the landmarks in the actual life of the Trapp family- from Mirabell Gardens to the Felsenreitschule and Schloss Leopoldskron.
Afterwards, you will check in to the hotel, have time to freshen up before attending this evening’s dinner and entertainment event! A special 4-course meal and Mozart classical music concert. Let yourself be transported back in time, our evening of entertainment is complete with colorful costumes and culinary delights popular in the 18th century! Overnight Salzburg.
Day 11, SEPT 23 Oktoberfest Munich (B, D)
Today we’re off to spend an exciting day (and some of this evening) in Munich and the fun-filled festivities of the world-famous Oktoberfest Munich. We begin with a panoramic driving tour of Munich to see both the historic and modern sides of the city, including the traditional architecture of the Old Pinakothek Museum, the new Olympia Tower and Stadium, the majestic Nymphenburg Palace, and a brief stop to view the famous Glockenspiel. Afterwards we spend the rest of the afternoon at Oktoberfest. Munich's Oktoberfest began as a wedding event for the local community for the Bavarian crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese from Saxony-Hildburghausen on October 12, 1810. Today it is a world-famous festival celebration enjoyed by locals and visitors from all over the world. Our group will have reserved seats in one of the private festival tents including local beer, soft drinks and a festival meal. This evening we overnight in Freising, one of the most historic villages in Bavaria and home to the oldest working brewery in the world! Overnight Freising.
Day 12, SEPT 24 End of Tour (B)
Transfer to Munich airport for return flight to the USA.
Itinerary subject to change.
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.
TOUR INCLUDES
Relaxed Pace- time for reflection and spiritual inspiration
Professional Tour Manager will guide the group throughout the tour
Professional Local Guides sharing the nuances of the unique environments and making history come to life. Their knowledge in Reformation and cultural history will ensure you have an exceptional journey of enlightenment.
Life Enriching Spiritual and Cultural Experiences Daily
Deluxe Air-conditioned Motor Coach will transports you in comfort
10- Nights First-Class hotel accommodations
Hotel Taxes
Breakfast Daily, 5- Dinners
Gratuities for Included Meals
All Sightseeing and Admission as indicated in itinerary
Private Guided Museum Visit
Oktoberfest Munich Reserved Seat in Private Tent with Festival Meal and Beverage
Bach Museum Musical Performance
Wartburg Medieval Castle visit
Worship Service at the church where Martin Luther worshipped
Walk the Luther Way Walking Trail
Salzburg Classical Music Performance and Dinner event
Group Airport Transfers in Europe with LutherTours Air Purchase
TOUR PRICE is Per Person Based on Double Occupancy
$3,290 with 40 travelers
$3,490 with 30-39 travelers
$3,990 with 20-29 travelers
Single Occupancy Add $840
Tour prices subject to currency fluctuation.
GROUP AIRFARE is additional to the tour price and requires a minimum of 10 travelers on the same flights.
From $1,795 Per Person, from Kansas City, MO
Group Airfare includes group airport transfers in Berlin and Munich, 1 each-checked bag/carry-on/and personal item, and a preassigned seat
OPTIONAL AIRPORT TRANSFERS IN EUROPE $50 each. Available to purchase for those not purchasing group flight arrangements.
Round trip group airport transfer at $50 per person will travel on the coach with the group upon arrival/departure of the group flights.
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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