Germany/Luther

THE STAND OF LUTHER - GERMAN REFORMATION

A first class (10 Day) program including breakfast and dinner daily, Wartburg, Erfurt, Halle, Eizleben, Leipzig, Wittenberg, Dachau, Munich, Heidelberg, Worms, Frankfurt.

Offered March thru November

Day 1 EUROPE BOUND
Overnight flight from the United States to Frankfurt.

Day 2 FRANKFURT/FULDA
This morning we are greeted by our escort and head north through the town of Marburg. We'll have a photo opportunity at the Landgrave's Castle and St. Elizabeth's Church. From there we continue to our final destination of the day, the prominent town of Fulda, which was designated as a town in 1114. Here we will see the Town Castle and visit the Cathedral. Overnight Fulda

Day 3 FULDA/EISENACH/ERFURT
Our group heads towards the eleventh century Wartburg Castle, where Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German from 1521-1522. Our next stop is Eisenach, birthplace of the renown composer, Johann Sebastian Bach. In the old town of Erfurt, where Luther studied in the University. We'll view the unique Kramer Bridge with its rows of charming framed houses. The highlight of our day will be a visit to the exquisitely restored Augustinian Monastery which was built in 1277 and where Martin Luther was a monk in the early 1500's. Overnight Thuringen Area.

Day 4 THURINGEN AREA/HALLE/EISLEBEN
We start our day with a visit to the town of Halle, where Luther awaited the the Pope's decision on the Dispute of the Order of St. Augustine in 1510. If accessible we will view the special exhibit of Martin Luther's personal effects, such as his death mask, Bible and handwritten notes at the Market Church of Our Dear Lady. Afterwards it's on to Eisleben to visit Martin Luther's birthplace. We'll also tour the Church of St. Peter and Paul, where Luther was christened and St. Andrew's, where he gave his last sermon and his body was laid out. The rest of this afternoon is at leisure which may include browsing time at the market or a visit to the lovely St. Anne's church before returning to our hotel. Overnight Thurigen Area

Day 5 THURINGEN AREA/LEIPZIG/WITTENBERG
Our journey today starts with a visit to the delightful city of Leipzig, the city of Bach. We'll visit St. Thomas Church, where Bach was once the choirmaster and organist. Our next stop is the birthplace of the Reformation, the town of Wittenberg. We'll visit the famous church where Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door, All Saints Castle Church, and the Luther Monument. We'll visit the Luther House, the largest and most comprehensive Reformation history museum in the world, and the Stadtkirche of St. Marien, where Luther preached. If time permits, we will have time to explore more of this historical city at our leisure. Overnight Thurigen Area

Day 6 THURINGEN AREA/NURNBERG/MUNICH
We travel through southern Germany passing delightful towns and villages to the city of Nurnberg with its monumental castle. Weather permitting, we'll walk to the castle for a panoramic view of the old city. Our coach stops briefly in Dachau for a view of the beautiful Danube and an brief tour of the town before we continue on to Munich. Overnight Munich

Day 7 MUNICH/NEUSCHWANSTEIN/OBERAMMERGAU
An unforgettable drive through the fairy tale land of Bavaria awaits us. You'll delight in the toylike villages, mirrored lakes and majestic Alps as we head to NEUSCHWANSTEIN Castle. This famous castle was the creation of the mad King Ludwig and the inspiration for Walt Disney's Cinderella's castle. From here we continue south to the village of Oberammergau. Every ten years, the famous Passion Play is held is held in this attractive village drawings thousands from all over the world. Upon arrival in Munich, we will tour a sampling of the city's famous sites such as Marienplatz to watch the famous Glockenspiel strike the hour, St. Peter's Church and the 15th century Old Town Hall. Overnight Munich

Day 8 MUNICH/AUGSBURG/ROMANTIC ROAD/HEIDELBERG
From Munich we drive west to Augsburg. We'll visit Martin Luther's lodgings at the Church of the Holy Cross and the striking Augustus Fountain. Afterwards we'll tour St. Anne's Church (which features a small courtyard dedicated to Luther) and the memorial Chapel of the Fugger. Our trip along the Romantic Road takes us through the medieval villages of Donauworth, Dinkelsbuhl and on to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. You'll think you stepped back into the medieval days of Europe as you walk the cobblestone streets and admire the grand gateways, towers and town hall with it's Renaissance architecture. We head towards our next destination, the gothic, medieval city of Heidelberg. Overnight Heidelberg

Day 9 HEIDELBERG/WORMS/RHINE RIVER TRIP/RHINELAND
Our tour of the romantic city of Heidelberg includes a visit to the castle ruins, the Red Ox Inn and Germany's most beautiful bridge, the Stone Bridge, which spans the Neckar River. It's then onward to Worms, an important center of the Reformation (the site of Luther's trial of heresy). We'll visit the Monument to the Reformation, and the famous Cathedral. From here we'll drive to the Rhine River at St. Goar for a relaxing cruise, steaming by vineyards and villages. Our cruise ends at Kaub, where we will continue our trip up the Rhine via motor coach to Frankfurt for our last night. Overnight Frankfurt

Day 10 HOME
Depart Frankfurt for our flight to USA

Attention Group Leader: An extension to Switzerland fits perfectly on to this schedule. Customize this tour for your group. 

Call the professional tour planners at 800 322-0788