Whether this is your first visit to Europe or a return visit, it's sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience! You are invited to join our professionally guided 11-day spiritual journey from Bavaria to Bohemia; including Austria, the Czech Republic and the majestic splendor of the Bavarian Alps where you will attend the 42nd performance of The Passion of Christ in Oberammergau, Germany.
Presented by Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, SD and accompanied by Pastor Dwight and Kathy Stensgaard and Judi Schwerin
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Contact 1.844.777.1517 or email info@luthertours.com
ITINERARY
B-Breakfast, D-Dinner
Day 1, August 24 Depart the USA for flights to Munich, Germany
Day 2, August 25 (D) Herzlich Willkommen in Deutschland!
Upon arrival at the Munich airport we meet our European tour manager who will escort the group to our private motor coach. Our journey begins with a panoramic driving tour of Munich with views of King’s Square with its 3-temple buildings in the classical Greek style, the Hall of Generals, the Angel of Peace monument, Maximilianeum State Parliament, the Royal Palace, Karl Square and the majestic Palace of Nymphenburg. We’ll stop to stretch our legs with a stroll through the Marienplatz to view the Rathaus with its world-famous glockenspiel and time to visit the crafts-market and food stands. Your tour guide will be available to recommend a café or beer garden for lunch including the nearby famous Hofbrauhas Restaurant complete with authentic Bavaria music and cuisine. Afterwards, we check in to our hotel and meet for our group welcome dinner. Overnight Munich
Day 3, August 26 (B) Augsburg, Fuggerei, Andechs Klostrbrauerei
This morning we travel north-west of Munich to the Reformation city of Augsburg. Our walking tour includes the Renaissance Town Hall, St. Anne’s Church where Luther stayed in 1518 during his meetings with Cardinal Cajetan, sent to persuade Luther to renounce his views. We also visit the oldest social settlement in existence in the world the Fuggerei, founded by Jacob Fugger in 1521 as a residential settlement for Augsburg citizens in need. About 150 people live in the 140 apartments in 67 houses. In 1944, over half of the Fuggerei buildings fell victim to air raids on Augsburg. We will visit the bunkers that had wisely been built in 1943, that protected the residents during the war. Probably the most famous resident of the Fuggerei was the Master Mason Franz Mozart, the great-grandfather of the composer W. A. Mozart. Afterwards, we drive to Andechs Klostrbrauerei a popular pilgrimage site offering amazing views from Holy Mountain overlooking the shimmering blue waters of Lake Ammersee and the 17th-century Gothic church with onion-domed tower. We have time at leisure for lunch on our own at the beer garden before our group returns to Munich. Overnight Munich
Day 4, August 27 (B, D) 42nd Passion Play Oberammergau
We begin our day with a drive through the spectacular scenery of the majestic Bavarian Alps to the quaint alpine village of Oberammergau with its famous painted houses, wood carving studios and home to the theater that hosts the world famous Passion Play, performed once every 10-years. Along our guided walk, mingle with the villagers and learn about the hard work and dedication of the local volunteers who bring the Passion Play alive for our enjoyment and a lifetime of memories. This afternoon we make our way to the Passion Play Theatre to attend the 42nd Oberammergau Passion Play. The play is five hours and performed in two acts, from 2:30pm – 5:30pm, with an intermission break including dinner and continues from 8:00pm-10:00pm. Prepare to be amazed as the stage comes alive…with a spectacular set, awe-inspiring performances, live animals and birds under the majestic sky of the breathtaking alps! Overnight Bavarian Alps
Day 5, August 28 (B, D) Church of Wies, Neuschwanstein Castle
After breakfast, we will board our coach for an awe-inspiring ride through the alps to visit Neuschwanstein Castle- one of the most popular castles in Europe and the private refuge of “mad” King Ludwig II of Bavaria. It was also 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. Next, we visit the pilgrimage church of Wies to admire the ornate decorations that have earned its UNESCO World Heritage status. Afterwards, we continue our drive through the alps to the quintessential Austrian city of Salzburg. We will check in to our hotel before our group meets for dinner. Overnight Salzburg
Day 6, August 29 (B) Salzburg, “Sound of Music” Tour
Today we awake in Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace and the filming location for the beloved musical “Sound of Music”. Our guide will lead our walking tour through the historic city center with its famous Mozart Square and a visit to Salzburg Cathedral. We continue on the coach with the “Sound of Music” tour- including a view of the Horse Pond and Hofstallgasse and some of the movie shooting locations such as the landmarks in the actual life of the Trapp family from Mirabell Gardens to the Felsenreitschule and Schloss Leopoldskron. Dinner is on our own. Overnight Salzburg
Day 7, August 30 (B) Oberndorf, Eagle’s Nest
Today you have a choice, to enjoy Salzburg on your own or join your tour manager for a visit to the “Eagle’s Nest”, a Third Reich-era building erected atop the summit of Kehlstein near the town of Berchtesgaden. Along the way we visit the Romanesque parish church of St. Nikolaus in Oberndorf. It was here that the Christmas carol "Silent Night" was first performed in 1818. Afterwards, we make our way to the Eagle’s Nest; we’ll have time on our own for lunch on the mountain top offering amazing panoramic views. Afterwards we return to Salzburg. For those who remain in Salzburg, you might consider a visit to the Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Birthplace and Museum, relax in the lovely Mirabell Gardens, or visit the market to shop for local crafts. Dinner is on our own. Overnight Salzburg
Day 8, August 31 (B, L) Český Krumlov, Brewery Visit and Tastings
We bid farewell to Salzburg and continue our journey to Český Krumlov; through the countryside of the Czech Republic, to one of the most picturesque cities in Czechia! Our guide will lead the walking tour through the town home to a medieval brewery dating back to 1560! We will view the13th-century castle with its 17th-century baroque theater and stroll the gardens and enjoy the panoramic views of the old town and the Vltava River. We visit a historic brewery including beer tastings and lunch and learn about the fascinating history of beer making in this region. Afterwards, we continue our journey with a relaxing drive to Prague and enough time for much deserved nap! Overnight Prague
Day 9, September 01 (B) Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral
We awake in one of the most charming and beautiful cities in the world, known as the “golden city of a thousand spires”! You’ll soon discover why Prague is one of the most treasured cities in the world! After breakfast, we meet our guide for a walking tour of the city including the famous Charles Bridge, Wenceslas Square, and the Old Town Square with its famous astronomical clock. After a break for lunch, we tour the spectacular Prague Castle and the beautiful St. Vitus Cathedral. This evening dinner is on our own. Our tour manager will assist you with suggestions for a traditional Czech meal- famously described as “comfort food”… the most popular meal is roast pork with dumplings and cabbage along with a glass of their world famous beer and of course a yummy fruit dumpling for dessert! Overnight Prague
Day 10, September 02 (B, D) Prague, Vltava River Dinner Cruise
Today is at leisure to enjoy the city on our own. You may choose to revisit some of the sites on our walking tour, enjoy the local crafts and shopping, visit one of the many museums, or relax in one of the beautiful gardens and reflect on your spiritual adventure.
This evening our tour manager will lead the group to the Prague pier for embarkation on a relaxing Vltava River dinner cruise. Our farewell celebration includes a 3-course menu surrounded by the illuminated panorama of Prague at night, live piano music and a glass of sparkling wine. Overnight Prague
Day 11, September 03 (B) Tour ends
Group will transfer from the hotel to the Prague airport for flight departures.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS- All travelers must travel with a valid passport, valid for at least 6-months beyond the return travel date. Non US passport holders contact LT for credentials required to travel to the countries included in this tour.
TOUR LEVEL - MODERATE ACTIVE TRAVELER, WALKING SIGHTSEEING TOUR
Most sightseeing tours are walking tours (approx. 3-4 miles per day) and the historic sites you will visit date back hundreds of years and may not provide such amenities as elevators and ramps for the physically challenged. 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
Relaxed pace- time for reflection and spiritual inspiration
Group airport transfers in Prague and Munich
Luxury air-conditioned motor coach will transport you in comfort
Services of our professional English-speaking Tour Manager
9 nights First-Class 4-star accommodations with private bathroom
Hotel taxes
Breakfast daily, 4-Dinners
Vltava River Dinner Cruise
Farewell Dinner with beer and wine
Czech Brewery Visit and Beer tastings
Gratuities for included meals
Life Enriching Activities- spiritual, cultural and educational experiences daily
Professional local guides
2022 Passion Play Reserved seat and Accommodation in the Bavarian Alps
All sightseeing and admissions as indicated in the itinerary
Baggage handling throughout the tour - 1 bag per person
PRICE* is per person based on double occupancy
$3890 with 25-32 travelers
$690 Additional for Single Occupancy
*Tour prices subject to currency fluctuation.
GROUP AIRFARE* is addition to the tour price and requires a minimum of 10 travelers on same flights
Flight arrangements from Sioux Falls, SD to be advised 11-months prior to departure. Additional departures available from most cities, contact LutherTours for flight schedules and price.
PAYMENT
Deposit $350 per person is non-refundable
Second Payment $650 due by April 30, 2021 (a reminder will be sent)
Balance due 120 days prior to departure (a reminder will be sent)
Global COVID-19 conditions are dynamic.
Those (including but not limited to U.S. citizens) 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.
Prices subject to change due to currency fluctuation. Itinerary subject to change. Please be aware of the LutherTours complete Terms and Conditions of Travel and Cancellation policy, a copy is available by contacting our office 1.844.777.1517 or visit www.LUTHERTOURS.com to view Terms and Conditions of Travel policy. Up to 100% cancellation fee will apply.
LT and its travel partners reserve the right to alter the itinerary if necessary.
NOT INCLUDED
Meals/beverages not listed, Passport and Visa fee, Gratuities for tour manager, tour guides, coach driver, hotel housekeepers, personal items such as internet Wi-Fi charges and phone calls.
Cancellation, Interruption and Medical Insurance is available. To learn more about the benefits, coverage and limitations of purchasing a Travel Guard travel insurance plan
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