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14 Day
Germany, Austria,
Budapest & Prague Reformation Tour
May 11-24, May 18-31, June 1-14,
June
15-28, July 6-19, August 3-16,
August 31-September 3, September 14-27,
2010
Projected Dates, will be confirmed
Summer 2008
Itinerary subject to change while touring for the best interest of
the group
Day 1: Depart
USA
Enjoy full meal service on your scheduled wide-bodies flight to
Frankfurt.
Day 2: Arrive
Frankfurt - Heidelberg (2 Nights)
You will be mete at the airport by your tour manager and transferred to
your hotel in the Heidelberg area, one of the oldest university towns in
Germany. This afternoon we will explore the winding streets of the Old
Quarter.
Day 3: Day Trip
to Heidelburg & Worms
Today our touring surrounds this historic city. Heidelberg, ancient
capital of the Palatinate and home of Germany's oldest university, was
most importantly, a stronghold of German Reformed Protestants beginning
in 1560. One of the great confessional statements of the Reformation,
the Heidelberg Catechism was produced here in 1563. Heidelberg Castle, a
most impressive historic landmark of Germany, stands majestically
overlooking the Neckar River. The structure, now largely in ruins,
preserves numerous examples of Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque German
architecture. Our next stop is in Worms. It was here, during the
Imperial Diet
in 1521, that Martin Luther challenged the entire Roman Catholic
establishment by his refusal to recant the great doctrines of
Protestantism. It was also here that
William Tyndale
completed the printing of his English version of the New Testament in
1525 which he had begun in Cologne. After seeing St. Peter's Church and
the symbolic Luther memorial near the town square, we will return to our
lodging for the evening in Heidelburg.
Day 4:
Heidelburg
- Rothenburg on the Tauber - Augsburg (1 Night)
This morning, one of the highlights of your trip will be a visit to the
best preserved medieval town in all of Europe, Rothenburg. What a
delightful day you will have visiting the quaint Rathaus (town hall)
with its tower, the Kriminal-museum, housing all manner of Medieval
instruments of torture and especially for the ladies, one of the most
fascinating Christmas stores you will ever see - Kathe's (pronounced
Katie's). After lunch you will travel south to the ancient city of
Augsburg. It was here in 1518 at St. Anne's Church that Luther met the
papal legate, Cardinal Cajetan, who demanded that Luther submit to the
pope. Augsburg was also the site of another Imperial Diet (1530) at
which Protestants presented their confession, the foremost doctrinal
statement of the Lutheran church. In the town hall the Peace of Augsburg
was signed in 1555 ending for a time the religious wars in Germany
between the Catholics and the Protestants. Overnight in Augsburg for the
evening.
Day 5: Charming
Bavaria (2 Nights)
Continuing further south today, we stop at the Rococo-style Chapel in
the Meadow and Ludwig II's most luxurious former residence, the
Neuschwanstein Castle. This afternoon's adventure takes us to the little
hamlet of Eibsee where we climb into a modern cable car that will take
us to the summit of the tallest mountain in Germany, the Zugspitze. Here
it snows year round, so you will need a sweater, but the panoramic view
will warm your heart. It is absolutely spectacular! We continue to the
charming town of Oberammergau, site of our Passion Play tomorrow.
Day 6: Passion
Play
Today is dedicated to the Oberammergau, site of the famous Passion Play
and magnificently painted houses. This play, hundreds of years old has
lasted throughout time. We enjoy the lengthy program, spending the
evening nearby in one of the lovely housing locations available.
Day 7: Innsbruck to Salzburg (1 Night)
Departing Oberammergau in the late morning, we travel south into the
Alpine country of Austria for a visit to Innsbruck. Innsbruck is a gem
in the middle of Alps with wonderful scenery, extensive history and
numerous shops to explore. From here, travel to Salzburg, one of
Europe's most charming cities, admired equally for its magnificent
setting among the Alps and for its special fame in the world of music as
the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. We have dinner and overnight
in Salzburg.
Day 8: Salzburg
to Vienna (2 Nights)
Following breakfast we explore the Baroque city forever associated with
both Mozart and the “Sound of Music.” A baroque jewel in a perfect
mountain setting on both banks of the Salzach River, the city and the
surrounding countryside are dominated by the magnificent Festung
Hohensalzburg, a 12th century fortress 500 feet above the town. We visit
the birthplace of Mozart, now a museum; also the 17th century
Residenzplatz, with its 40-foot high fountain; and the Benedictine Abbey
of St. Peter. This afternoon we travel to the nearby Mirabell Gardens,
scene of the Sound of Music, before having the rest of the day at
leisure for independent shopping and sightseeing. We set off traveling
east arriving in Vienna for dinner and overnight.
Day 9: Vienna
Our sightseeing today begins with a visit to Hofburg Palace,
residence of the Hapsburgs and home of the famous Spanish Riding
School. We attend a morning training session of the beautiful and
famous white Lippizaner horses. We then continue to Schonbrunn Palace
to see the apartments occupied by emperor Franz -Josef. This afternoon
we continue by viewing some of the most important sights of Vienn via a
panoramic motorcoach tour: the Hofburg, former Imperial winter residence
and scene of the Vienna Congress; the Ringstrasse, with its magnificent
buildings such as the Opera House, National Museums, Parliament, the
Burgtheater, the University and the Votive Church; St. Charles' Church,
Vienna's most beautiful Baroque church; the Musikverein, Vienna
Philharmonic Orchestra; and Belvedere Palace, which was built for Prince
Eugene, Commander of the Imperial Army. We return to our hotel where you
are free to explore at your leisure. We have dinner and our final
overnight in Vienna.
Day 10: Vienna to Budapest (2 Nights)
This morning we set off across the Hungarian Plains to Budapest.
Budapest is an elegant city comprising of two cities, Bude and Pest
nestling on either side of the magnificent Danube. As an introduction we
take a panoramic city tour familiarizing you with the many sites. We
spend time in St. Matthias Church, where generations of Hungarian Kings
were crowned. We also visit the Fishermen’s Bastion, before heading to
the Varpalota Castle. We arrive at our hotel later this afternoon for
check in and dinner.
Day 11: Budapest
This morning after breakfast we have a tour of the Opera House,
before traveling on to the Basilica Exhibition. This afternoon you are
at leisure before our Danube River Cruise highlighting the famous sites
along Budapest’s river front. We have dinner and our final overnight in
Budapest.
Day 12: Budapest to Prague (2 Nights)
This morning we travel along the Danube River north to Bratislava, the
economic and political center of the Slovak Republic, after a short
stop for shopping and a bit to eat we then have a long trek north into
Moravia, where Napoleon established his headquarters during the battle
of Austerlitz. Late this afternoon we arrive in the historic city of
Prague. We check into our hotel for dinner and overnight. After dinner,
enjoy an independent evening walking tour of this beautiful city which
is even more impressive by night; all of the buildings are illuminated
and appear to be out of a movie set. Walk across the St. Charles Bridge
for a view of the city from a unique angle. It is not surprising to
learn that Prague was the major filming site for the movie, "Amadeus".
Day 13: Prague
This morning we take a nice introductory tour of Prague including
the Old Town. This afternoon is at leisure for independent sightseeing
and shopping before Dinner on your own. Following our farewell dinner we
enjoy an Evening River Cruise pointing out the famous sights along
Prague’s river front.
Day 14: Depart for home
We have an early morning departure from Prague arriving home the
same day.
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Approximate Price Per Person
(double occupancy):
Pricing confirmed Summer 2008
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Dates |
Approximate Land &
Air |
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East Coast |
Central |
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West Coast |
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May, September,
October |
$4845.00 |
$4947.00 |
$5017.00 |
$5087.00 |
$5156.00 |
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June, July,
August |
$5327.00 |
$5435.00 |
$5504.00 |
$5573.00 |
$5644.00 |
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Limited Space - Reserve Today:
Pilgrim Tours 800.322.0788
Reservation Form
Pilgrim Policies
Insurance Info
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Price Includes:
Roundtrip airfare
from JFK (discount airfare available nationwide), air taxes
(subject to change until ticketed), Superior Tourist Class
accommodations, breakfast daily, 12 dinners, Passion Play tickets (Including housing,
breakfast, lunch & dinner, admission ticket to the Oberammergau Museum, playbook), Luggage handling in hotels
(1 piece per person), Expert Guide throughout, All guides,
entrances and transportation as appear on itinerary, modern
transportation.
Not Included:
Gratuities, lunches, optional travel
insurance
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