SALVATION AND GRACE. Two of the greatest realities provided by God's Mercy. Salvation--what our Lord Jesus did for us on the cross. Grace--that discovered Martin Luther in the pages of the Bible and made him captive. What better combination could you ever hope to have? Thus, this tour to the Oberammergau Passion Play and the sites important for Martin Luther and our Lutheran heritage.
Salvation and Grace are fundamental to every Christian's understanding but especially to us who have inherited this wonderful legacy. Please join me in this epic tour and grow in the knowledge of what God has done for you for Christ's sake.
In Christ, Pastor Heidorn
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Contact 1.844.777.1517 or email info@luthertours.com
Itinerary
DAY 1, Depart the USA to Germany
DAY 2, Arrive Berlin, Germany
Herzlich Willkommen in Deutschland! (B, D)
Upon arrival in Berlin, our European tour manager will greet and escort the group to our private motor coach. We will begin our journey in this fascinating capital with a brief driving city tour including the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church- the symbolic centre of West Berlin and anti- war memorial to peace and reconciliation, the Berliner Dom (Evangelical Cathedral) Berlin’s largest and most prominent Protestant church, driving pass Checkpoint Charlie, the border crossing of Cold-War days and a stop to walk through the world famous Brandenburg Gate. Afterwards, we drive through the German countryside to Lutherstadt Wittenberg, also known as the “cradle of the Reformation”. We will check-in to our hotel and have time to relax and freshen-up before our group gathers for our “welcome to Germany” dinner. Overnight Wittenberg
DAY 3, Lutherstadt Wittenberg, O.L.S. Worship Service (B)
We awake in the old city center of Wittenberg. This morning we gather to worship in the chapel of the newly renovated Old Latin School, followed by a tour of this new facility. Afterwards, our group will meet a local guide who will lead us on our walking tour of Wittenberg, in the footsteps of Martin Luther to visit the places where he walked with his fellow Reformation colleagues. We begin our journey at the inspiring Schlosskirche (Castle Church) and its historic 95 theses door, then on to the beautiful St. Mary’s Church where Luther preached and where his children were baptized- notice the amazing detail in the Reformation theme altar painted by Lucas Cranach- a close friend of Luther and Katie. Next, we visit the Luther Museum, home to the largest collection of Reformation artifacts in the world. This afternoon is at leisure to stroll the town, or perhaps visit the Melanchthon Haus Museum. Philipp Melanchthon was Luther’s friend and close advisor and helped establish the German educational system. Tonight enjoy dinner on your own or with some of your new friends at one of the local beer gardens or restaurants. Overnight Wittenberg
DAY 4, Nimbschen, Torgau (B,L)
Today we drive to Nimbschen where as a young girl Katharina came to Marienthron Convent and took her vows to become a nun in 1515. Today, the convent ruins are set amid magnificent old trees. Afterwards, we drive to nearby Torgau located on the banks of the Elbe River. We visit the best preserved early Renaissance palace in Germany- the Hartenfels Palace and Chapel- consecrated by Martin Luther and widely regarded as the first Lutheran church and the first embodiment of the Reformation message in architecture and art. Our walking tour includes the history of Luther’s wife, Katharina von Bora, including the house where she lived and died, and St. Mary's Church with its famous Cranach altar and the place of Mrs. Luther’s burial. Our group will enjoy lunch together in Torgau. Overnight Wittenberg
DAY 5, Leipzig (B, L)
Today we continue our journey to the majestic city of Leipzig. We have the privilege of visiting the Nickolaikirch (St. Nicholas Church), the home of the faithful “Pray for Peace” Christians and the powerful force that transformed Germany’s East and West and St. Thomaskirche (St. Thomas Church) where Luther preached and Johann Sebastian Bach performed and directed the famous St. Thomas Boys choir. The awesome musical and intellectual heritage of Leipzig goes far beyond Bach. It was here that Schiller wrote his immortal Ode to Joy later to be adopted as the principal theme of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony (written in Leipzig as well.) We enjoy a stop for lunch at the historic Auersbach Keller and to view the Reformation art display on the walls of the “Luther Room” and the “Wine Cellar Room”. On display is the recently found reproduction (only one of its kind, original piece was destroyed) of the Leipzig Debate between Martin Luther and Dr. Eck. Time at leisure to enjoy this marvelous city on our own. Musical performance to be determined based on schedule. Overnight Leipzig
DAY 6, Lutherstadt Eisleben, Erfurt (B, D)
Today we continue our journey to Lutherstadt Eisleben. Here we visit the houses where Luther was born in 1483, and where he died in 1546, St. Peter and Paul Church where Luther was baptized and St. Andrew Church where Luther preached his last four sermons and where his body laid in state. Next we drive to 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 guide will lead us on a walking tour of the city including the medieval Kramer Bridge, the unmistakable ensemble of St. Mary's Cathedral (known to be the location where Luther was ordained), the Church of St. Severus, and the Augustinian Monastery where Luther lived as a monk from 1505-1511 and where he studied, worshiped and was inspired to create the “Luther Rose”. This evening we attend a unique medieval dinner show including traditional food and drink from the time of Luther.
Overnight Erfurt
DAY 7, Wartburg Castle, Eisenach (B)
This morning we visit the magnificent Wartburg Castle. It was here where Luther took refuge while he translated the New Testament into the German language. We continue our journey in the life of Luther with a visit to the LutherHaus Museum in Luther’s childhood town of Eisenach. We also visit St. George Church 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. Return to Erfurt, dinner is on our own in the market center. Overnight Erfurt
DAY 8, Coburg (B, D)
Today we drive south to Coburg where we will visit one of Germany’s largest castles Veste Coburg, the fortress where Luther took refuge and lived during the drafting of the Augsburg Confession. Here we see the painted walls and ceiling of Cranach the Elder with impressive hunting scenes, the art treasures and the Luther Chapel. Afterwards we drive to Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the few cities in Germany whose history goes back to the Romans. Overnight Regensburg
DAY 9, Regensburg, Danube River Cruise, Brewery visit and tasting (B)
This morning we awake in the medieval city of Regensburg. 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 includes St. Peter’s Cathedral, home to the “Domspatzen”, cathedral sparrows boys choir dating to 975 and a visit to the Document Neupfarrplatz, the archaeological excavation site under the cathedral, 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. Afterwards, we will relax aboard a sightseeing cruise drifting along the scenic Danube River, past the silhouette of Regensburg’s old city center. 2016 marked the 500th anniversary of the Bavarian Purity Law, and as it goes, Regensburg is the home of 3 charity breweries, so drinking beer in Regensburg is always a good deed! This evening our group will learn more about the history of beer making and sample a variety of brews.
Overnight Regensburg
DAY 10, 42nd Passion Play (B,D)
Today we drive to the quaint alpine village of Oberammergau with its famous painted houses, wood carving studios and home to the theater that hosts the famous Passion Play, performed once every 10-years. We’ll have time to peruse the village shops and enjoy a walking tour as we mingle with the villagers and learn about the hard work and dedication of the local volunteers who bring the Passion Play alive for our enjoyment and a lifetime of memories. This afternoon we make our way to the world famous Passion Play Theatre to attend the 42nd Oberammergau Passion Play. The play is five hours and performed in two acts, from 2:30pm – 5:30pm, with an intermission break including dinner and continues from 8:00pm- 10:00pm. Prepare to be amazed as the stage comes alive…with a spectacular set, awe-inspiring performances, and live animals and birds under the majestic sky of the breathtaking Bavarian Alps! Overnight Bavarian Alps
DAY 11, Bavarian Castle, Munich (B, D)
After breakfast, we will board our coach for our final day of sightseeing with an awe-inspiring ride through the spectacular Bavarian Alps to visit Neuschwanstein Castle- one of the most popular castles in Europe was 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 Munich, the fun-filled capital of Bavaria; from the comfort of the coach your tour manager shares more about the famous monuments and historically significant locations in the city. We’ll have some time at leisure in the market center to view the famous glockenspiel before our group meets for our farewell dinner at one of the fun beer-garden restaurants in Munich. Our final night will be located in a countryside hotel to allow for an easy transfer to the Munich airport in the morning. Overnight Munich area
DAY 12, Depart Munich Airport (B)
Group transfer from hotel to the Munich Airport.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
All travelers must travel with a valid passport, valid for at least 6-months beyond the return travel date. Non US passport holders contact LT for credentials required to travel to the countries included in this tour.
TOUR LEVEL - MODERATE ACTIVE TRAVELER, WALKING SIGHTSEEING TOUR
Most sightseeing tours are walking tours (approx. 3-4 miles per day) and the historic sites you will visit date back hundreds of years and may not provide such amenities as elevators and ramps for the physically challenged. If you or you will be traveling with someone who has special needs (use a wheelchair, walker), hearing or visually impaired please contact LutherTours.
TOUR INCLUDES
Relaxed pace- time for reflection and spiritual inspiration
Group airport transfers in Germany
Luxury air-conditioned motor coach will transport you in comfort
Services of our professional English-speaking Tour Manager with expertise in Reformation history to assist throughout the tour
10 nights First-Class 4-star accommodations with private bathroom
Hotel taxes
Breakfast daily, 2-Lunch and 5-Dinners
Gratuities for included meals
Life Enriching Activities- spiritual, cultural and educational experiences daily
Professional local guides
Worship service at the churches where Martin Luther worshipped
Regensburg brewery visit and beer-tastings
Danube River sightseeing cruise
2022 Passion Play premium category reserved seat and accommodation in the Bavarian Alps
All sightseeing and admissions as indicated in the itinerary
Baggage handling throughout the tour for 1-bag each
PRICE* is per person based on double occupancy
$3390 with 30 travelers
$3590 with 25 travelers
$3890 with 20 travelers
$590 Additional for Single Traveler
*Tour prices subject to currency fluctuation.
AIRFARE* is available and in addition to the tour price
Group flights from Minneapolis, MN to be advised 11-months prior to travel dates. Additional departures available from most cities, contact LutherTours for flight schedules and price.
PAYMENT
Deposit $350 per person and deposit is non-refundable
Second Payment $650 due by April 30, 2021 (a reminder will be sent to travelers)
Balance due 120 days prior to departure (a reminder will be sent to travelers)
Global COVID-19 conditions are dynamic.
Those (including but not limited to U.S. citizens) 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.
Itinerary subject to change. Please be aware of the LutherTours complete Terms and Conditions of Travel and Cancellation policy, a copy is available by contacting our office directly or visit www.LUTHERTOURS.com to view our Terms and Conditions of Travel policy. Up to 100% cancellation penalty will apply.
Please review the Terms and Conditions of Travel which includes the trip cancellation and change policy, to view click here or call 1.844.777.1517 to request a copy. LT and its travel partners reserve the right to alter the itinerary if necessary.
NOT INCLUDED
Meals/beverages not listed, Passport and Visa fee, Gratuities for tour manager, coach driver, hotel housekeepers, personal items such as internet Wi-Fi charges and phone calls.
Cancellation, Interruption and Medical Insurance, learn more about the benefits, coverage and limitations of purchasing a Travel Guard travel insurance plan.
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