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Day 1 Arrival in Berlin, Germany (Mon.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.
Day 2 Arrival in Berlin, Germany (Tue.) Transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure. At 6 p.m. meet your Tour Director, then enjoy this evening’s welcome dinner with your traveling companions. (D) Day 3 Berlin– Wittenberg–Eisleben–Dresden (Wed.) After an orientation drive of Berlin, journey to Wittenberg, Luther’s home for 30-plus years and birthplace of the Reformation. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the REFORMATION MUSEUM, LUTHER HOUSE, ST. MARY’S CHURCH where he preached, and CASTLE CHURCH where he hung his 95 Theses. Also visit MARTIN LUTHER’S TOMB. Afterwards, travel to Eisleben and visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the HOUSE in which Luther was born and the STERBEHAUS MUSEUM, home of his last residence. Then visit ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH where he preached his last sermon, followed by a visit to the ST. PETER AND PAUL CHURCH where Luther was baptized. (BB,D)
Day 4 Dresden (Thu.) Situated on the shores of the Elbe River, Dresden has a rich history as the capital and royal residence for the Kings of Saxony. Here culture and art have flourished in past centuries. Your morning guided tour includes the newly refurbished FRAUENKIRCHE, built by the citizens of Dresden, and the HOFKIRCHE built by August the Strong. You’ll also see Dresden Castle, Semper Opera House, and Raphael’s Sistine Madonna in the OLD MASTERS’ PICTURE GALLERY adjoining the renowned ZWINGER PALACE. In the afternoon, free time to explore a museum or other offerings of this unique city. (BB) Day 5 Dresden–Eisenach–Erfurt (Fri.) This morning, continue to Eisenach for a visit to WARTBURG CASTLE where Luther translated the Bible. Also visit the LUTHER and JOHAN SEBASTIAN BACH memorials as well as the LUTHER HOUSE where he lived during grammar school. Then visit ST. GEORGE’S CHURCH where he sang in the church’s boy choir. Depart for Erfurt. (BB,D) Day 6 Erfurt–Coburg–Frankfurt (Sat.) Today visit the AUGUSTINIAN MONASTERY where Luther lived as a monk, and the MERCHANTS’ BRIDGE. Continue to Coburg, where Luther stayed in 1530 for the Augsburg Imperial Diet. Visit the COBURG FORTRESS. Finally, arrive in Frankfurt. Enjoy an orientation drive on arrival. (BB,D)
Day 7 Frankfurt. Rhine Cruise and Excursion to Mainz (Sun.) Today features two major highlights: enjoy a scenic RHINE CRUISE, and visit the GUTENBERG MUSEUM in Mainz to see original copies of the Bible. (BB) Day 8 Frankfurt–Worms–Heidelberg –Rothenburg (Mon.) Stop in Worms, where the Imperial Council passed judgment on Luther in 1521. Visit the CATHEDRAL where Luther presented his case, as well as TRINITY CHURCH and the famed REFORMATION MONUMENT. Next, stop in Heidelberg and take pictures of its red-walled castle. Continue to Rothenburg, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities. (BB,D) Day 9 Rothenburg. Excursion to Nuremberg (Tue.) During your orientation of Rothenburg discover sites like ST. JACOB ’S CHURCH with the renowned Blood Altar. Next is Nuremberg, the first town to accept the Reformation in 1525. Orientation includes the famous LUTHERAN LORENZ CHURCH with headsets for clear commentary. (BB)
Day 10 Rothenburg–Augsburg–Munich (Wed.) In Augsburg guided sightseeing reveals the city where Luther and his followers proclaimed their beliefs. Continue to Munich and enjoy an orientation tour. (BB)
Day 11 Munich–Zurich, Switzerland-Geneva (Thu.) This morning, travel through the Alps to Zurich for an orientation tour, including a visit to GROSSMUNSTER CHURCH, the mother church of the Reformation in Switzerland under Ulrich Zwingli. Also see the Helferei where Zwingli lived. Then visit FRAUMUNSTER CHURCH, known for Chagall’s stained-glass windows. Next, a comfortable drive to Geneva, where John Calvin and John Knox preached. (BB,D) Day 12 Geneva (Fri.) Your orientation tour in Geneva includes the United Nations Headquarters, Red Cross Headquarters, the World Council of Churches Headquarters, and a stop at the REFORMATION MONUMENT. Also visit ST. PETER’S CATHEDRAL where John Calvin served. Balance of day is at leisure. Enjoy this evening’s farewell dinner. (BB,D) Day 13 Geneva (Sat.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB)
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ITINERARY OVERVIEW |
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TO CONTACT US: Great Escapes Cruise, Tour & Travel 104 HAZEL AVENUE BELLEVILLE, ILLINOIS, 62223 Phone: 618-394-9763 Toll Free: 888-369-7204 Fax: 618-398-8145 Email: greatescapesctt@charter.net |
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Vacation Overview The perfect 13-day vacation to learn about the European Reformation. Start in Berlin with a welcome dinner and an orientation before traveling to Wittenberg, Luther’s home for 30-plus years and birthplace of the Reformation. Enjoy a guided walking tour featuring the Reformation Museum, Luther’s house, St. Mary’s Church, Castle Church, and Luther’s tomb. Next, stop in Eisleben and visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the house in which Luther was born and the Sterbehaus Museum. Also visit St. Andrew’s Church, where Luther preached his last sermon, and the St. Peter and Paul Church, where he was baptized. In Dresden, guided sightseeing features visits to Frauenkirche, Hofkirche, and the Old Master’s Picture Gallery adjoining the renowned Zwinger Palace. Next, stop in Eisenach to visit Wartburg Castle, the Luther and Johann Sebastian Bach memorials, the Luther House, and more. Visit Coburg Fortress on your way to Frankfurt. Enjoy a scenic Rhine Cruise and the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz before continuing to Worms to visit the cathedral, Trinity Church, and the famed Reformation Monument. Take pictures of Heidelberg’s Castle, stay in picturesque Rothenburg, and enjoy an excursion to Nuremberg to visit the famous Lutheran Lorenz Church. Via Augsburg, travel to Bavaria’s capital, Munich, for an overnight stay and orientation, then arrive in Zurich, where orientation features a visit to Grossmünster Church and the Fraumünster Church, known for Chagall’s stained-glass windows. End in Geneva and admire the Reformation Monument and St. Peter’s Cathedral, where John Calvin served. Enjoy a farewell dinner.
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