Friends, family, and members of the Christian community, you are invited to experience the joys of traveling together in Christian fellowship. Your walk of faith will deepen as you embark on an unforgettable journey of discovery and enlightenment. Follow the path paved by the great reformer, Martin Luther on this custom-designed spiritual adventure- professionally guided by our European tour manager with expertise in Reformation history. Pr. John Dreyer would be honored to serve as your host and friend sharing stories, leading devotions and studying His word as you travel together along the “Reformation Road”.
HAVE A QUESTION?
Contact 1.844.777.1517 or email info@luthertours.com
ITINERARY
B-Breakfast, L- Lunch, D-Dinner
Day 1 Depart U.S.A. to Frankfurt, Germany
Day 2 Arrive Frankfurt, Germany (B, D) Herzlich Willkommen in Deutschland!
Upon arrival the group will be met at the airport by our professional European tour manager and will accompany the group throughout the journey. You begin the journey on our private motor coach to the quaint village of Rudesheim. After the long flight you will welcome the opportunity to stretch your legs on a brief walking tour through the picturesque old town. Afterwards, the group will check-in to the hotel, have time to freshen up before our “welcome to Germany” dinner. Overnight Mainz
Day 3 Gutenberg Museum, Rhine River Cruise (B)
Awake in the lovely city of Mainz. After a full German breakfast we begin our journey along the Reformation Road in Mainz, where the Roman relics give away the fact of its 2000-year heritage! A beautiful city located on the river with its magnificent baroque buildings and 1000-year-old Romanesque Mainz Cathedral. While visiting the cathedral you will view the world-famous Chagall windows, then on to view Eduard Kreyssig's huge neo-Renaissance cupola of Christchurch at St. Stephan Church. Next, we visit the Gutenberg Museum, to view the 2-copies of the world’s first printed Bible, centuries-old manuscripts and the printing presses. Afterwards, the group will board the coach for 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. This evening dinner is at leisure to dine at one of the local restaurants. Your tour manager will provide dining suggestions within walking distance of the hotel. Overnight Mainz
Day 4 Worms, Winery Visit and Tasting, Heidelberg (B, L)
Our journey continues along the Reformation Road to the city of Worms; and the location where Luther was summoned in 1521 to appear before an Imperial Diet to justify his conduct. Stand in awe as you view the world’s largest Memorial to the Reformation. Visit the Church of the Holy Trinity, Europe’s oldest Jewish cemetery and St. Peter’s Cathedral- one of the most exquisite examples of Romanesque architecture. Then we continue on a drive through the gentle landscape of budding vineyards and fertile orchards of the wine region. This afternoon the group will visit a local winery including wine tastings and lunch with regional cuisine. The day is completed in the quaint city of Heidelberg, a lovely town on the Neckar River. Our guide will lead the walking tour to 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 a room of the university, where Luther presented his beliefs to the Augustinian Order in 1518, shortly after nailing his theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg. This evening dinner is on your own to dine at one of the local restaurants in the market center. Your tour manager will provide dining suggestions within walking distance of the hotel. Overnight Mainz
Day 5 Rothenburg, Romantik Road (B, D)
After breakfast, we drive 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. James Church to view the Bible scenes depicted in the 500-year-old wood-carved altarpiece, and then enjoy a view of the famous glockenspiel in the town center. After our walking tour, we have time in the city on our own. You may want to climb the Town Hall Tower for the best view of the town and surrounding countryside below, shop at the world-famous Kathe Wolfahrt’s year-round Christmas Village, or perhaps stay up late and join the Night Watchman’s Tour. This evening our group will meet for dinner. Overnight Rothenburg
Day 6 Coburg Castle, Erfurt (B, D)
Today we continue our drive north to Coburg and a visit to one of Germany’s largest castles Veste Coburg, the fortress where Luther took refuge and lived during the drafting of the Augsburg Confession.
In addition to the Luther Chapel, the many artifacts and art treasures, we will also view the beautiful and inspiring painted walls and ceiling of Lucas Cranach the Elder. After a break for lunch on our own, the journey continues 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 walking tour includes an overview of the city including the medieval Kramer Bridge and 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”. We check-in to the hotel and then meet for dinner. Overnight Erfurt
Day 7 Wartburg Castle, Walk the “Luther Way” Trail to Eisenach, Bach Museum (B)
This morning 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 we visit Eisenach. You may choose to ride the coach to the city center, or for those who prefer an easy hike, follow the guide down the hill along the Lutherweg (“Luther Way”), the same path travelled by Luther.
In Eisenach, the group has time for lunch on their own before our walking tour to 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. The group will return to Erfurt. This evening is on your own to dine at one of the local restaurants in the market center. Your tour manager will provide dining suggestions within walking distance of the hotel. Overnight Erfurt
Day 8 Eisleben- Luther’s Early Years, Wittenberg (B, D)
Today we continue our journey in the footsteps of Martin Luther and visit the town of Lutherstadt Eisleben, Luther’s hometown and place where he spent his first and final days. 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. After a break for lunch (on our own) we continue to Lutherstadt Wittenberg, known as the “cradle of the Reformation.” We’ll check in to our hotel and later our group will meet for dinner. Overnight Wittenberg
Day 9 Wittenberg, OLS Chapel Worship Service (B)
Awake in Lutherstadt Wittenberg! We begin our day with worship service at the Old Latin School Chapel. Afterwards, the group will be joined by a local guide who will lead the walking tour including visits to the awe-inspiring Schlosskirche 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. Next, you will visit the Cranach House Museum and the Luther House Museum, home to the largest collection of Reformation artifacts in the world. Learn more about Luther’s family life, notably his wife, Katharina von Bora and how she set the model for the Christian family and businesswomen. This evening dinner is on your own at one of the local restaurants. Overnight Wittenberg
Day 10 Free time in Wittenberg or visit Torgau, Nimbschen (B,D)
Today we drive to nearby Torgau located on the banks of the Elbe River and and 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. Next, we drive to nearby 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. This evening our group will meet in Wittenberg for our farewell dinner. Overnight Wittenberg
Day 11 Tour Ends
Group will transfer to the Berlin Airport for return flight to U.S.A.
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 throughout Tour
Deluxe Motor Coach will transport you in comfort
9- Nights Charming 4-star Hotel Accommodations
Hotel Taxes
Breakfast Daily, 1- Lunch and Wine Tastings, 5- Dinners
Gratuities for Included Meals
Life Enriching spiritual and cultural experiences daily
Professional Local Guides
Rhine River Cruise
Medieval Castles visits
Rhine Valley Winery Visit with Wine Tasting and lunch with regional cuisine
Worship Service at the church where Martin Luther worshipped
Walk the Luther Way walking trail
All Sightseeing and Admission as indicated in itinerary
Group Airport Transfers in Germany included with LutherTours air purchase
TOUR PRICE is Per Person based on double occupancy
$3,390 with 30+ travelers
$3,590 with 25+ travelers
$3,890 with 20+ travelers
Single Occupancy Add $890
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.
$1,790 With Delta Airlines from Indianapolis, IN.
Group Airfare includes group airport transfers in Frankfurt and Berlin, 1 each-checked bag/carry-on/and personal item, preassigned seat.
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)
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.
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.
NOT INCLUDED
Meals/beverages not listed, Passport and Visa fee, Gratuities for tour manager, tour guides, coach driver, hotel housekeepers, personal items such as internet Wi-Fi charges and phone calls. Any items not listed under Tour Includes.
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.
Tour Registration
Click Here to Complete and Submit Your Secure Trip Reservation Form.