Join us on this journey as we explore the history of Martin Luther and the Reformation. Travel along the Reformation Road and through the German and Austrian Alps.
Behold the majestic beauty of the German Alps surrounding the storybook castle Neuschwanstein and the Eagle’s Nest at Berchtesgaden to Mozart’s Salzburg and the Austrian hills; the tour will explore the breathtaking sights and sounds of this region.
One of the highlights of the tour is our visit to Wittenberg for the annual festival commemorating Martin and Katie Luther’s wedding. Group events will include a Rhine River cruise, beer-tastings at a Bavarian brewery and dinner at a Bavarian Biergarten.
Other historical sites include the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz and the J.S. Bach Museum in Eisenach along with the famed Wartburg Castle. Come and be a part of this journey of faith, history, music and natural beauty as we travel the Reformation Road! Lee and Jill Hagan
The Rev. Dr. R. Lee and Jill Hagan
Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
President, Missouri District
QUESTIONS? Contact 1.844.777.1517 or email info@luthertours.com
ITINERARY
Meals: B-Breakfast, L- Lunch, D-Dinner
Day 1, June 03 Depart U.S.A. to Frankfurt, Germany
Day 2, June 04 Arrive Frankfurt, Mainz
Herzlich Willkommen in Deutschland (B, D)
Upon arrival the group will be met at the airport by our professional European tour manager who will accompany the group throughout the journey. Your tour manager will escort the group to tour private motor coach.
We begin your journey with a visit to Mainz, where the Roman relics give away the fact of its 2000-year heritage! Your tour manager leads the group on a brief walking tour through the old town with its magnificent baroque buildings; including a visit to the 1000-year-old Romanesque Mainz Cathedral to view the world-famous Chagall windows and Eduard Kreyssig's huge neo-Renaissance cupola of Christchurch at St. Stephan Church. Afterwards, a lunch break, we visit the Gutenberg Museum, to view the 2-copies of the world’s first printed Bible, centuries-old manuscripts and the printing presses. Our group will check-in to the hotel and meet for an early “welcome to Germany” dinner. Overnight Mainz
Day 3, June 05 Rhine River Cruise, Worms (B)
We awake in the lovely city on the river Mainz. After breakfast, we begin our day with a short drive to the pier for a picturesque sightseeing cruise along the lovely Rhine River, cruising past some of the most beautiful stretches of this majestic waterway.
Afterwards, we continue travel along the Reformation Road with a visit to the Reformation city of Worms. It was here, where in 1521 Luther appeared before the Imperial Diet. Here we view the world's largest monument to Luther and the Reformation, and the Worms Dom location of the Diet of Worms in 1521 during which Martin Luther was condemned as a heretic. Time for reflection and pray in the Reformation Memorial Church of the Holy Trinity- the largest Protestant church in Worms. Afterwards we return to Mainz and this evening is at leisure to enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant or one of the local restaurants. Your tour manager will provide suggestions for locations within walking distance of the hotel. Overnight Mainz
Day 4, June 06 Heidelberg, Winery Visit and Tastings (B, D)
This afternoon our group will visit Heidelberg. Here we view the memorial site in University Square commemorating the important first steps of the Reformation. Even back in Luther's day, student life shaped Heidelberg, Germany's oldest university town. It was in the rooms of the university, where Luther presented his beliefs to the Augustinian Order in 1518, shortly after nailing his 95 theses to the door of the castle church in Wittenberg. Enjoy time at leisure for lunch and shopping or relaxing at one of the beautiful gardens in the market square.
Afterwards, we board our coach for a lovely drive south through the lush vineyards and rolling hills to Baden-Württemberg to enjoy a wonderful wine tasting and dinner with regional cuisine. Cheers! Overnight Stuttgart
Day 5, June 07 Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavarian Alps, (B)
This morning we will visit Neuschwanstein Castle- one of the most popular castles in all of Europe- once 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 visit Oberammergau- our guide will lead us through the cobblestoned pathways of this quaint alpine village. The village is best known for its famous painted houses, wood carving studios and home to the Oberammergau theater that hosts the famous Passion Play, performed once every 10-years. Learn more about 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, pizzeria or restaurants. Overnight Bavarian Alps
Day 6, June 08 Salzburg, Mozart Classical Music Dinner Performance (B, D)
Today we drive through the beautiful Austrian Alps to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Salzburg, the city of music, birthplace of Mozart and the filming location for the American beloved musical “Sound of Music”. We will meet a local guide for our walking tour through the historic city center including a visit to the Salzburg Cathedral and Franciscan Church, stroll along Mozart Square to the Horse Pond, Hofstallgasse, and St. Peter's Monastery, you will see views of the Hohensalzburg Castle, and Leopoldskron Palace used for the Sound of Music’s Trapp family home. This evening attend a special classical musical performance with dinner. Let yourself be transported back in time, with colorful costumes and culinary delights popular in the 18th century! Overnight Salzburg
Day 7, June 09 Salzburg at Leisure, or Eagle’s Nest and Oberndorf (B)
Today you have a choice to enjoy Salzburg on your own, perhaps a visit to the Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Birthplace and Museum, relax in the lovely Mirabell Gardens, visit the market to shop for local arts and crafts, or join the tour manager for a visit to the “Eagle’s Nest”, a Third Reich-era building erected atop the summit of Kehlstein near the town of Berchtesgaden. Enjoy lunch (on your own) on the mountain top offering amazing panoramic views. Next the group will visit the Romanesque parish church of St. Nikolaus in Oberndorf. It was here that the Christmas carol "Silent Night" was first performed in 1818. Afterwards the group will return to Salzburg. Dinner is on your own at the hotel restaurant, or one of the local restaurants or cafés. Overnight Salzburg
Day 8, June 10 Regensburg, Beer Brewery Visit & Tastings (B, D)
Your journey continues with a drive north to Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the few cities in Germany whose history goes back to the Romans. The city played a role in spreading the Protestant faith throughout Bohemia, Austria and Hungary and was a refuge for many Lutherans who were forced to flee their homes to escape religious persecution. Our walking tour of the city includes St. Peter’s Cathedral, home to the “Domspatzen”, cathedral sparrows’ boys choir dating to 975. We visit Document Neupfarrplatz, the archaeological excavation site which in 1995 uncovered layers of the development of this city from the Roman military period of A.D. 179, to the medieval Jewish Quarter of 1519, to an air raid shelter from WWII. This afternoon we learn more about the history of beer and beer-making in Bavaria. Regensburg is home of 3 charity breweries, so drinking beer in Regensburg is always a good deed! Our brewery visit includes a tour of the brewery, demonstration and tastings.
We’ll continue on to the quaint city of Coburg for the next 2-nights. Group will meet for dinner. Overnight Coburg
Day 9, June 11 Coburg (B)
Today you awake in the charming town of Coburg, which successfully withstood several sieges and wars from the 15th - 20th centuries including WWII. To this day Coburg maintains most of its original medieval architecture and historical dwellings. Today you can enjoy Coburg at leisure. Time for shopping of local crafts and specialty goods from the region, or enjoy a 30-min. walk up from the town through the tree-lined Hofgarten Park to visit the famous 13th century Veste Coburg, the fortress where Luther took refuge and lived during the Augsburg Confession. Here you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. This evening enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants. Your tour manager will provide suggestions for locations within walking distance of the hotel. Overnight Coburg
Day 10, June 12 Erfurt (B)
We continue our journey along the Reformation Road to Erfurt. It was here in Erfurt where Luther took the decisive step to turn to theology and the monastic life, when he was caught in a violent thunderstorm nearby and vowed to become a monk. Our walking tour includes a walk over the medieval Kramer Bridge to the ensemble of St. Mary's Cathedral, where Luther was ordained and the Church of St. Severus. We will visit the Augustinian Monastery where Luther lived as a monk from 1505-1511 and where he studied, worshiped and was inspired to create the Luther seal “rose”. This evening is at leisure to enjoy the city and dinner on your own or with some of your new friends. Your tour manager will provide suggestions for restaurants or café’s near to the hotel. Overnight Erfurt
Day 11, June 13 Wartburg Castle, “Luther Way” Hike, Eisenach and J.S. Bach (B)
Today we visit the magnificent Wartburg Castle. It was here where Luther took refuge while translating the New Testament into the German language. Our guided tour includes a visit to the Luther Room where “Junker Jörg” translated the Bible. Afterwards you may choose to ride the coach to Eisenach city center, or those who would enjoy an easy hike, follow the guide through the wooded area down the hill along the Lutherweg (“Luther Way”); the same path travelled by Martin Luther.
In Eisenach, the group has time for lunch on your own before our walking tour to visit St. George Church which contains the font where Bach was baptized, and the Bach Museum, which houses an extensive collection of instruments from the 16th to 19th century and a permanent exhibition on the life and work of J. S. Bach. Our visit includes a musical performance on historical instruments. We return to Erfurt. This evening is on your own. Overnight Erfurt
Day 12, June 14 Wittenberg “Cradle of the Reformation” (B, D)
We continue our journey to Lutherstadt Wittenberg, known as the “cradle of the Reformation.” Our group will be joined by a local guide who will lead the walking tour including visits to the awe-inspiring Castle Church and its historic 95 theses door, St. Mary’s Church where Luther preached and the location of the beautiful Reformation theme altar painted by Lucas Cranach. The group will visit the Luther Museum Augusteum to view a collection of Reformation artifacts and to learn more about Luther’s family life- his wife, Katharina von Bora and how she set the model for the Christian family and businesswomen. This evening our group will gather for our farewell dinner and remembering of our unforgettable days in Germany and Austria. Tomorrow will be a fun-filled day for all to enjoy the Luther Wedding Festival celebration on their own. Overnight Wittenberg
Day 13, June 15 Luther Wedding Festival Wittenberg (B)
The famous couple, Martin Luther and Katharina von Bora, will be holding their wedding banquet on the Market Square after being accompanied through the old town by a parade of over 2,000 wedding guests dressed up to the nines. This historical parade is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the festival weekend. This traditional fair, complete with jugglers and musicians will be demonstrating their skills. There will be a host of fascinating craft stalls, and all sorts of music and deliciously tempting food and drink can be sampled. Today is at leisure to enjoy the festival foods, music and festivities on your own. Overnight Wittenberg
Day 14, June 16 Tour Ends
Group will depart this morning for transfer to Berlin Airport for return flights to U.S.A.
Itinerary subject to change.
The cradle of the Reformation, Wittenberg, Germany
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
12- Nights Charming First-Class hotel accommodations
Hotel Taxes
Breakfast Daily, 5- Dinners
Gratuities for Included Meals
Luther Wedding Festival Wittenberg
Bach Museum Musical Performance
Wartburg Medieval Castle visit
Wurttemberg Valley Winery with Wine Tastings and Dinner
Worship Service at the church where Martin Luther worshipped
Walk the Luther Way Walking Trail
Salzburg Classical Music Performance and Dinner event
German Beer Brewery Visit, History of Beer Making and Beer Tastings
Relaxing Rhine River Sightseeing Cruise
All Sightseeing and Admission as indicated in itinerary
TOUR PRICE is Per Person Based on Double Occupancy
$3,890 with 35+ travelers
$4,090 with 30+ travelers
$4,390 with 25+ travelers
Single Occupancy Add $1,090
Tour prices subject to currency fluctuation.
GROUP AIRFARE $1,890 per person additional to the tour price and requires a minimum of 10 travelers on the same flights.
Group Airfare includes group airport transfers in Frankfurt and Berlin, 1 each-checked bag/carry-on/and personal item, and a preassigned seat
Group airport transfers may be added for $75 per person for those not purchasing group flight arrangements.
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 and ETIAS Europe Visa. 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.
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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.
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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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