Christian Friends and Neighbors of Peace Lutheran Church
When you think of Christmas, do you think of the nativity, Christmas carols, trees sparkling with decorations? But do you know that Martin Luther was the man behind these and many other holiday traditions?
You're invited on this very special tour through Germany and Austria. Together we will visit some of the most important cities of the Reformation in the Lands of Martin Luther, to learn more about these and other nostalgic Christmas traditions that bring great joy to our Christmas celebrations today.
This Advent season enjoy a winter wonderland of breath-taking scenery, fairy-tale settings, and reflect on the beloved sacred music of Advent.
Stroll and shop at some of Europe’s most unique Christmas Markets, offering artisanal hand-made Christmas ornaments, wood carvings, nativity scenes, and traditional culinary specialties; including the Nuremberg Christmas Market, also known as the Nuremberg Christkind or Christ Child, one of the oldest and most authentic Christmas markets in Germany, dating from 1628. Enjoy the holiday music and festivities at the magical Salzburger Christkindlmarkt one of the most beautiful in the world.
Time for reflection at St. Nikolaus Church where the Christmas carol “Silent Night” was first performed in 1818. Stroll along the “Route of Nativity Scenes” while enjoying traditional holiday treats like warm gingerbread and spiced mulled cider.
Attend J.S. Bach’s magnificent Christmas Oratorio at St. Thomas Church Leipzig, a performance sure to fill your heart with peace and joy. Tour Coordinator Ms. Valerie Lynch.
WHAT A GLORIOUS WAY TO CELEBRATE THE SEASON OF THE BIRTH OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST.
QUESTIONS? Contact 1.844.777.1517 or email info@luthertours.com
ITINERARY
Meals: B-Breakfast, D-Dinner
ITINERARY
Day 1, Dec. 04 Departure to Munich, Germany
Day 2, Dec. 05 Arrival Munich, Germany: Willkommen in Deutschland! (B, D)
Upon arrival at Munich airport, each traveler will complete the immigrations process and meet the professional tour manager who will accompany the group throughout the tour. We’ll make our way to the private motor coach waiting to begin a panoramic sightseeing tour of Munich including both the historic and modern sides of the city- the traditional architecture of the Old Pinakothek Museum, the new Olympia Tower and Stadium, and the majestic Nymphenburg Palace.
At Christmas-time Munich’s prettiest squares transform into magical Christmas markets. The aroma of Christmas bakery items and hot punch adds a delicious sweetness to the air and becomes a shining magical land. The Christmas market abounds with traditional German handicrafts, Christmas gifts, beautiful hand-made Christmas tree decorations, sweets and warming drinks. Explore the traditional Christmas market of Munich, located around the Marienplatz Square, view the famous Glockenspiel as the Advent music fills the air with the joy of Christmas. A few steps away, you will find the largest nativity market in Germany! We’ll check in to our hotel before the group meets for a welcome dinner. Overnight Munich
Day 3, Dec. 06 Neuschwanstein Castle, Munich Christmas Market (B, D)
This morning, we depart for an awe-inspiring ride through the spectacular scenery and wintery wonderland of the Bavarian Alps. Today we visit the famous 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.
We will return to Munich to enjoy the afternoon at the Christmas Market. Stroll the beautifully decorated Marienplatz, with its numerous Christmas stalls filled with traditional German nutcrackers, nativities, glass Christmas ornaments, and delicious Christmas pastries and gluhwein, a traditional German holiday hot-mulled drink enjoyed on a chilly night.
This evening our group will enjoy dinner at a traditional Munich beer-garden restaurant. Overnight Munich
Day 4, Dec. 07 Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Silent Night Church, Mozart Dinner Concert (B,D)
After breakfast we drive through the beautiful Austrian Alps to Salzburg, the city of music and Mozart’s birthplace. Before arriving to Salzburg, we visit the nearby Romanesque parish church of St. Nikolaus in Oberndorf. It was here that the Christmas carol "Silent Night" was first performed in 1818. Time for prayer and reflection before continuing on to Salzburg. This evening we attend a Mozart classical music concert including a delicious 3-course dinner. Let yourself be transported back in time, our evening of entertainment is complete with the colorful costumes and culinary delights popular in the 18th century! Overnight Salzburg
Day 5, Dec. 08 Sound of Music Tour, Salzburg Christmas Market (B)
Today we follow in the authentic footsteps of the Trapp family and experience the iconic filming locations of 'The Sound of Music'. Our visit wouldn’t be complete without time at leisure to enjoy the Salzburger Christkindlmarkt, held on the squares next to the cathedral and Residenz. This traditional Christmas market is one of the most beautiful you will encounter anywhere in the world. Overnight Salzburg
Day 6, Dec. 09 Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, Bamburg “Route of Nativity” (B)
Our Advent celebration continues at the nearby Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, one of the oldest, largest and most authentic Christmas market in Germany, dating from 1628. During your visit, the guide will share with you the medieval history of Nuremberg and the storybook 900-year-old ramparts that surround this historic city. Learn more about the modern role the city played in the 20th-century, the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946 and the Nuremberg Trials, held for the purpose of bringing Nazi war criminals to justice- a series of 13 trials between 1945 and 1949. Time at leisure to stroll the Christmas market sampling some of the traditional specialties of Germany at Christmas time.
Afterwards, the journey continues to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Bamberg. Bamberg's Old Town is a jewel that shines especially bright in the Christmas season. The magical Bamberger Weihnachtsmarkt offering traditional handcrafted art and delicious treats of gingerbread and spiced mulled wine served hot and steaming, and Bamberg's popular "Route of Nativity Scenes" which links 35 churches, museums, and places with a series of remarkably diverse Christmas cribs depicting the story of Christ’s birth according to the Bible. Overnight Bamberg
Day 7, Dec. 10 Lauscha Blown-Glass Ornaments, Lands of Martin Luther (B)
Today we continue our holiday journey traveling north to the Lands of Martin Luther. Along the way we will stop in the small village of Lauscha, recognized since 1847 as a world leader in the blown-glass Christmas ornaments. We visit a local owned shop and learn more about the art of blown-glass Christmas ornaments and have time to shop. Many of the locals were poor, so they could not afford traditional Christmas tree ornaments such as fruits and nuts. The locals created molds used to create glass fruit and nut ornaments. Add some hand-painting and the first blown-glass Christmas decorations were born. Many of the original ornament styles are still popular today. When the ornaments were introduced to the U.S. and other overseas countries, glass blowing became the number one industry in this small town.
Afterwards, we begin our journey in the footsteps of the great reformer, Martin Luther 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. Our guide will lead our walking tour of the city across the medieval Kramer Bridge, where we will pass by the locations of the printing of the two editions of the Erfurt Enchiridion in 1524 near the Krämerbrücke. We will visit the ensemble of St. Mary's Cathedral where Luther was ordained and the Church of St. Severus. Next, we visit 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. Overnight Erfurt
Day 8, Dec. 11 Wartburg Castle, Erfurt Christmas Market (B)
Today we visit the magnificent Wartburg Castle, where Luther took refuge while he translated the New Testament into the German language. Afterwards, we return to Erfurt to enjoy time at leisure at the Erfurt Christmas market. Overnight Erfurt
Day 9, Dec. 12 Leipzig, Bach’s Christmas Oratorio Concert (B)
Today we visit the majestic city of Leipzig. Our guide will lead a walking tour to include visiting St. Nicholas Church, the home of the faithful “Pray for Peace” Christians and the powerful force that transformed Germany’s East and West and the magnificent St. Thomas Church where Luther preached and Johann Sebastian Bach performed and directed the famous St. Thomas Boys Choir. It was here that Schiller wrote his immortal “Ode to Joy”, later to be adopted as the principal theme of “Beethoven’s 9th Symphony”, also written in Leipzig. This afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the Christmas markets or revisit one of the locations visited on our walking tour. This evening performance at St. Thomas Church is truly a special performance of Bach’s magnificent Weihnachtsoratorium BWV 248 (Kantaten 1-3, 6) concert. What a glorious way to celebrate the season of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Overnight Leipzig
Day 10, Dec. 13 Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Worship Service O.L.S. (B, D)
This morning, we travel to Lutherstadt Wittenberg, also known as “the cradle of the Reformation”. Here we visit some of the most important sites of the Reformation including the places where Luther walked with his fellow Reformation colleagues and the most historic sights of Luther’s life and work. Our walking tour includes the inspiring Schlosskirche (Castle Church) with its historic doors, where Martin Luther’s 95 Theses were nailed. We visit the beautiful St. Mary’s Church where Luther preached and where his children were baptized (take note of the amazing detail in the Reformation theme altar painted by Lucas Cranach). This afternoon we visit the Old Latin School with time for reflection and worship in the O.L.S. Chapel. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the charming Christmas market, where you can watch artisans at work and purchase traditional gifts for Christmas. Or perhaps a visit to the Phillip Melanchthon Haus Museum on your own. Melanchthon was Luther’s friend and close advisor and helped establish the German educational system. Melanchthon’s final resting place is located in the Castle Church beside his companion Martin Luther. Group will meet for farewell dinner. Overnight Wittenberg
Day 11, Dec. 14 Depart Berlin (B)
Group will transfer from the hotel to the Berlin airport for departure flights. Itinerary subject to change. Itinerary subject to change.
Advent Season Christmas Market Tour
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, hearing or visually impaired please contact LutherTours.
TOUR INCLUDES
Private Group, Custom-designed Itinerary, Private Tour Guides
Professional Tour Manger throughout the journey
Local Destination Specialist sharing the nuances of the unique environments and making history come to life. Their knowledge in Christian and cultural history will ensure you have an exceptional journey of enlightenment.
Life Enriching Activities- spiritual and cultural experiences daily as indicated in itinerary
Time to Reflect and Worship in sacred places
Deluxe motor coach
9- Nights Charming First-class Accommodations
Hotel Taxes
Full German Buffet Breakfast Daily
4- Dinners including: Welcome Dinner, Farewell Dinner, Mozart Holiday Music Performance and Candlelit Dinner in the Baroque Hall of St. Peter Monastery Salzburg, Austria, Traditional Munich Beer-Garden Restaurant
Gratuities for Included Meals
Advent Music performance at local church
Salzburg Classical Music Performance and Dinner Event
Sound of Music Sightseeing Tour
“Silent Night” Church in Oberndorf Austria
Bach Christmas Concert Performance St. Thomas Church Leipzig, Germany
Medieval Wartburg Castle visit
Neuschwanstein Castle visit
Visit the Churches where Martin Luther preached and worshipped
All sightseeing and admissions to Christmas Markets as indicated in the itinerary
TOUR PRICE is Per Person Based on Double Occupancy
Early Booking Savings Offer ~ Register by January 31, 2025 and SAVE $200 Per Person Off Tour Prices
$4,290 with 15+ travelers
$4,090 with 20+ travelers
$3,790 with 25 travelers
Single Occupancy Add $990
Tour prices subject to currency fluctuation.
AIRFARE is additional to the tour price
Group flight arrangements from Chicago, IL to be advised in February 2025. Group flight arrangements include group airport transfers in Europe. Need assistance with flight arrangements? Contact LutherTours 1.844.777.1517.
Optional Airport Transfers in Europe
Round-trip group airport transfers in Europe at $75 per person are available for those not purchasing group flight arrangements. You 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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