Reformation Trails

Day 1: Wednesday • Arrival in Switzerland
Tour participants will fly from their nearest airport to Geneva, Switzerland.This tour is "land-only" but we are more than happy to arrange air from any US destination. Our hotel is centrally located and the group will gather to dine at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Thursday • Geneva
We will have a free morning to relax after our journey. In the afternoon we’ll have a guided tour of this wonderful city, followed by a mini-cruise on Lake Geneva. Geneva was home to many Protestant reformers, including John Calvin and John Knox. At our welcome dinner in the evening, we’ll get to know the rest of the group. (D)Back to top


Day 3: Friday • Geneva, Grindelwald
This morning we’ll visit the newly-opened Reformation Museum in the beautiful historic quarter.The Museum paints a comprehensive picture of the Reformation from its origins to the present day, using the latest museum technologies. We'll also have a guided tour of St. Peter's. In the afternoon we'll drive through magnificent scenery to Grindelwald in central Switzerland with a stop at the Roman ruins of Avenches over Murten. (B,D)

Day 4: Saturday • Interlaken area
Today we’ll enjoy the beauty of God’s creation with a trip to the famous Alpine railway station of Kleine Scheidegg, with views of the Eiger (Bear), Mönch (Monk) and Jungfrau (Maiden) peaks. On this two-valley round trip we'll pass through Wilderswil, Lauterbrunnen, and Wengen. On the way back to our hotel, we'll stop at the spectacular Trümmelbach Falls.We’ll have our second overnight in Grindelwald, with the opportunity to try some of the local restaurants on our own. (B)Back to top

Day 5: Sunday • Zürich, Constance
We begin with a fabulous time of worship at the International Protestant Church in Zürich, followed by a tour of Ulrich Zwingli’s city, Zürich, with a local expert guide. Highlights will include the Frauenkirche and the Grossmünster Cathedrals. . We’ll leave for Constance in the afternoon and our local guide will share the inspiring story of Jan Hus. We’ll stay overnight in Constance. (B,D)

Day 6: Monday • Constance, Black Forest, Strasbourg
After a photo stop at Schaffhausen waterfalls, the largest in Europe, we'll have a leisurely drive through the Black Forest region. On the way, we’ll stop at the Black Forest Open Air Museum, a wonderful way to learn about the history of the region. We’ll end the day in our third country – France, as we settle into our hotel in Strasbourg and enjoy some fine French cuisine. (B,D)

 

Day 7: Tuesday • Strasbourg

This morning, we'll tour the Cathedral of Strasbourg, St. Thomas's Church, and also visit the Statue of the Reformers in the University, the Astronomical clock and the historic “La Petite Strasbourg” quarter with our local guide. In the afternoon the options include free time, a boat cruise or an excursion north to see tour the Maginot Line bunker emplacements. We'll stay a second night in Strasbourg. (B,D)

 

Day 8: Wednesday • Heidelberg
Today we return to Germany, beginning with a stop in Heidelberg to enjoy the magnificent castle. In 1562, a 28 year old professor Zacharias Ursinus, and a 26 year old preacher named Caspar Olevianus wrote the Heidelberg Catechism (Click here to read), one of the most important Calvinistic statements of faith. We'll have a free afternoon and evening to enjoy this delightful town. (B,D)
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Day 9: Thursday • Worms, Rüdesheim
On our way to the Rhineland town of Rüdesheim, we'll visit Worms and see the plaque commemorating the Diet of Worms (Discussion). We'll end our day with a relaxing Rhine cruise and a free evening to stroll around Rüdesheim. There is a wonderful variety of local restaurants to choose from this evening. (B)

 

Day 10: Friday • Wiesbaden, Erfurt
This morning we'll drive north to visit Wartburg Castle, near Eisenach, where Luther took refuge after a fake kidnapping staged by his friend and protector, Frederick the Wise. Seeing the very room where Martin Luther translated the New Testament is a thrilling experience. For the next two nights we’ll have the privilege of staying in the peaceful, calm Augustinian Monastery (subject to availability) in Erfurt, where Luther lived and studied. (B,D)Back to top

Day 11: Saturday • Erfurt, Wittenberg
This morning we will learn about Erfurt's Reformation history, with a guided tour, including Cathedral Hill, with the two churches St. Mary's, where Luther was ordained as a priest, and St. Severin's Cathedral. Erfurt boasts a unique medieval bridge, the Krämerbrücke (Bridge of Shops), with homes and shops that are still used today. Later in the afternoon, we’ll take a drive to Wittenberg where we’ll stay in the newly-restored Luther Hotel for two nights (B/D)

Day 12: Sunday • Wittenberg
Our guided tour will begin with seeing the church where Luther posted his 95 Theses. Although the original door was destroyed in a fire, the replica has all 95 Theses in bronze, which is magnificent. Next we'll tour the Lutherhalle (Luther House) Museum. In 1508, when Martin Luther came to Wittenberg, he lived here with other Augustinian Monks. Later, Luther and his wife, Katharina von Bora, raised six children here. Tonight we’ll be able to meet up with members of the Wittenberg English Ministry and enjoy fellowship with these local believers. We’ll have a second overnight in Wittenberg. (B,D)Back to top

Day 13: Monday • Berlin
Berlin is a fascinating city with a wealth of history. Our local guide will take us on an orientation tour, including the Berlin Wall Museum and Checkpoint Charlie. We’ll have some free time to either visit the Pergamon Museum, which contains incredible Biblical artifacts, or to do some final shopping. We’ll have a farewell meal and fellowship time and spend the final night in Berlin.

Day 14: Tuesday • Berlin

Today we’ll either return to the USA or continue our travels in Europe.