When you think of Christmas, do you think of Christmas carols, trees sparkling with decorations? But do you know that Martin Luther was the man behind these and many other holiday traditions?
You're invited on this very special tour through Germany and Austria. Together we will visit Germany's "Luther Country" to learn more about these and other nostalgic Christmas traditions that bring great joy to our Christmas celebrations today. This Advent season enjoy a winter wonderland of breath-taking scenery in the Bavarian Alps, the baroque charm of Vienna, and the fairy-tale setting of Salzburg, and reflect on the beloved sacred music of Advent.
Together we will explore some of Germany and Austria's most unique Christmas Markets,offering artisanal hand-made Christmas ornaments, wood carvings, nativity scenes, and traditional culinary specialties. Stroll the Nuremberg Christmas Market, also known as the Nuremberg Christkind or Christ Child, one of the oldest and most authentic Christmas markets in Germany, dating from 1628. Enjoy the holiday music and festivities at Vienna’s most well-known Christmas market on the City Hall Square, transformed into a wintery fairy-tale land and the magical Salzburger Christkindlmarkt one of the most beautiful in the world.
Time for reflection at St. Nikolaus Church where the Christmas carol “Silent Night” was first performed in 1818. Stroll along the “Route of Nativity Scenes” while enjoying traditional holiday treats like warm gingerbread and spiced mulled cider.
Attend J.S. Bach’s magnificent Christmas Oratorio at St. Thomas Church Leipzig, a performance sure to fill your heart with peace and joy. Tour Host: Rev. Gregory Heidorn
WHAT A GLORIOUS WAY TO CELEBRATE THE SEASON OF THE BIRTH OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST.
QUESTIONS? Contact 1.844.777.1517 or email info@luthertours.com
ITINERARY
Meals: B-Breakfast, D-Dinner
ITINERARY
Day 1, Dec. 05 Departure from the USA to Vienna, Austria
Day 2, Dec. 06 Arrival Vienna, Willkommen in Österreich (B, D)
Upon arrival in Vienna, you will complete the customs process and make your way to our private motor coach waiting to begin your holiday journey. At Christmas-time Vienna’s prettiest squares transform into magical Christmas markets. The aroma of Christmas bakery items and hot punch adds a delicious sweetness to the air. At the traditional Vienna Magic of Advent, the Rathausplatz becomes a shining magical land. The Christmas market abounds with traditional Viennese handicrafts, Christmas gifts, beautiful hand-made Christmas tree decorations, sweets and warming drinks. The trees of the surrounding City Hall Park are festively decorated and radiate in a sea of lights, as the Advent music fills the air with the joy of Christmas. We’ll check in to our hotel before our group meets for a very special welcome dinner. Overnight Vienna
Day 3, Dec. 07 Vienna, Mozart’s Magic Flute Marionette Performance (B)
Today we take a guided walking tour and experience first-hand the captivating baroque elegance of this romantic “city of music”. We’ll stroll along Kärntnerstrasse, view Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse, and the awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Our group will attend a performance of the prize-winning Marionette Theater at Schönbrunn Palace - Mozart’s Magic Flute and Johann Strauss’ On the Beautiful Blue Danube, the puppets dance for you bringing music, drama and art to life. Afterwards, we have time to enjoy the Christmas market, sampling some of Vienna’s famous pastries and exploring this vibrant Austrian capital. Overnight Vienna
Classical Advent music performance such as Handel’s Messiah at local church- t.b.d.
Day 4, Dec. 08 Salzburg, Mozart Dinner Concert (B,D)
After breakfast we drive through the beautiful Austrian Alps to Salzburg, the city of music and Mozart’s birthplace. Our day begins with a guided tour and stroll through Salzburg during Advent season, a truly memorable experience. Our tour guide will lead our walking tour from the historic city center, to the beautiful St. Stephans Cathedral and a stroll along Mozart Square, to the Horse Pond, Hofstallgasse, visit St. Peter's Monastery, including a view of Leopoldskron Palace (used for the Trapp family home in the American musical the Sound of Music) and a spectacular view at the hilltop of fortress Hohensalzburg Castle.
Our visit wouldn’t be complete without time at leisure to enjoy the Salzburger Christkindlmarkt, held on the squares next to the cathedral and Residenz. This traditional Christmas market is one of the most beautiful you will encounter anywhere in the world.
This evening attend a fabulous 3-course dinner and Mozart classical music concert. Let yourself be transported back in time, our evening of entertainment is complete with the colorful costumes and culinary delights popular in the 18th century! Overnight Salzburg
Day 5, Dec. 09 Oberndorf bei Salzburg Silent Night church (B)
Today we visit the nearby Romanesque parish church of St. Nikolaus in Oberndorf. It was here that the Christmas carol "Silent Night" was first performed in 1818. Afterwards, we return to Salzburg. This afternoon is at leisure to stroll the Christmas Market, enjoying the delicious holiday foods and the joyous atmosphere of Christmas-time.
Overnight Salzburg
Day 6, Dec. 10 Munich, Germany ~ Willkommen in Deutschland! (B, D)
This morning the group will continue our festive journey through the beautiful Austrian and Bavarian Alps to Munich, the fun-filled capital of Bavaria, Germany. You will experience Munich on a guided tour to the major and most beautiful sights including King’s Square with its three temple buildings in the classical Greek style, the Pinakothek Art Museum, the Hall of Generals, Prinzregenten Street lined by the House of Arts, the Bavarian National Museum and the Angel of Peace Monument, the Maximilianeum (Bavarian state parliament) the National Opera House, view the New Residence (Royal Palace), and the medieval city gates. And a drive by view of the majestic Palace of Nymphenburg, the former summer residence of the Bavarian kings.
Time to stroll the beautifully decorated Marienplatz to view the Rathaus and it’s famous Glockenspiel and visit the Christmas Market with its numerous Christmas stalls filled with traditional German nutcrackers, nativities, glass Christmas ornaments, and delicious Christmas pastries and gluhwein, a traditional German holiday hot-mulled drink. This evening our group meets for dinner at one of the local beer-garden style restaurants in Munich. Overnight Munich
Day 7, Dec. 11 Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, Bamburg “Route of Nativity” (B)
Our Advent celebration continues at the nearby Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, one of the oldest, largest and most authentic Christmas market in Germany, dating from 1628. During your visit the guide will share with you the medieval history of Nuremberg and the storybook 900-year-old ramparts that surround this historic city. Learn more about the modern role the city played in the 20th-century, the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946 and the Nuremberg Trials, held for the purpose of bringing Nazi war criminals to justice- a series of 13 trials between 1945 and 1949. Time at leisure to stroll the Christmas market sampling some of the traditional specialties of Germany at Christmas time.
Afterwards, the journey continues to the Unesco World Heritage town of Bamberg. Bamberg's Old Town is a jewel that shines especially bright in the Christmas season. The magical Bamberger Weihnachtsmarkt offering traditional handcrafted art and delicious treats of gingerbread and spiced mulled wine served hot and steaming, and Bamberg's popular "Route of Nativity Scenes" which links 35 churches, museums, and places with a series of remarkably diverse Christmas cribs depicting the story of Christ’s birth according to the Bible. Overnight Bamberg
Day 8, Dec. 12 Martin Luther, Wartburg Castle, Leipzig (B, D)
Today we begin our journey in the footsteps of the great reformer, Martin Luther. We visit the magnificent Wartburg Castle, where Luther took refuge while he translated the New Testament into the German language.
Afterwards, we travel to Leipzig. Check-in to our hotel and later our group will meet for dinner at the historic Auersbach Keller Restaurant. Overnight Leipzig
Day 9, Dec. 13 Leipzig, Historic Bach Christmas Oratorio Concert (B)
We awake in the majestic city of Leipzig. We’ll have the privilege of visiting St. Nicholas Church, the home of the faithful “Pray for Peace” Christians and the powerful force that transformed Germany’s East and West. We’ll visit the magnificent St. Thomas Church where Luther preached and Johann Sebastian Bach performed and directed the famous St. Thomas Boy’s Choir. It was here that Schiller wrote his immortal “Ode to Joy”, later to be adopted as the principal theme of “Beethoven’s 9th Symphony”, also written in Leipzig.
This afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the Christmas markets or revisit one of the locations visited on the walking tour.
This evening performance at St. Thomas Church is truly a special performance of Bach’s magnificent Weihnachtsoratorium BWV 248 (Kantaten 1-3, 6) concert. What a glorious way to celebrate the season of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Overnight Leipzig
Day 10, Dec. 14 Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Worship Service O.L.S. (B, D)
This morning we travel to Lutherstadt Wittenberg, also known as “the cradle of the Reformation”. Here we visit some of the most important sites of the Reformation including the places where Luther walked with his fellow Reformation colleagues and the most historic sights of Luther’s life and work.
Our walking tour begins at the inspiring Schlosskirche (Castle Church) with its historic doors, where the Martin Luther’s 95 Theses were nailed. We visit the beautiful St. Mary’s Church where Luther preached and where his children were baptized, take note of the amazing detail in the Reformation theme altar painted by Lucas Cranach.
This afternoon we visit the Old Latin School and will worship in the chapel. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the charming Christmas Market, where you can watch artisans at work and purchase traditional gifts for Christmas Or a visit to the Phillip Melanchthon Haus Museum on your own. Melanchthon was Luther’s friend and close advisor and helped establish the German educational system. Melanchthon’s final resting place is located in the Castle Church beside his companion Martin Luther. Group will meet for our farewell dinner. Overnight Wittenberg
Day 11, Dec. 15 Depart Berlin (B)
Group will transfer from the hotel to the Berlin airport for departure flights.
Itinerary subject to change.
Vienna, Austria Christmas Market
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Travelers must travel with a passport valid for at least 6-months beyond your return travel date.
Non-US passport holders contact LT for credentials required to travel.
Additional credentials to travel due to Covid-19 may be required. You will be advised as details are received for your departure.
Tour level: Moderate Active Traveler, Walking Sightseeing Tour
Most sightseeing tours are walking tours and many of the historic sites you will visit date back hundreds to thousands of years and may not provide elevators and ramps for physically challenged travelers. 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
Private Group, Custom-designed Itinerary, Private Tour Guides
Professional Tour Manger throughout the journey
Local Destination Specialist sharing the nuances of the unique environments and making history come to life. Their knowledge in Christian and cultural history will ensure you have an exceptional journey of enlightenment.
Life Enriching Activities- spiritual and cultural experiences daily as indicated in itinerary
Time to Reflect and Worship in sacred places
Deluxe motor coach
9- Nights Charming First-class Accommodations
Hotel Taxes
Full German Buffet Breakfast Daily
5- Dinners including group Welcome Dinner and Farewell Dinner
Mozart Holiday Music Performance and Candlelit Dinner in the Baroque Hall of St. Peter Monastery
Historic Auersbach Keller Restaurant Leipzig
Traditional Munich Beer-Garden Restaurant
Gratuities for Included Meals
Mozart’s Magic Flute Marionette performance Vienna, Austria
Advent Music performance at local church
Salzburg Classical Music Performance and Dinner Event
Bach Christmas Concert Performance St. Thomas Church Leipzig, Germany
Medieval Wartburg Castle visit
Visit the Churches where Martin Luther preached and worshipped
All sightseeing and admissions to Christmas Markets as indicated in the itinerary
TOUR PRICE is Per Person Based on Double Occupancy
$4,890 with 11+ travelers
$4,490 with 15+ travelers
$3,990 with 20-25 travelers
Single Occupancy Add $690
Tour prices subject to currency fluctuation.
AIRFARE is additional to the tour price.
Economy Group Flight Arrangements Include: 1-checked bag, 1- carry-on bag and personal item, preassigned seat. Group airport transfers in Europe.
Optional Airport Transfers $50 Per Person, for those not purchasing group flight arrangements, you may purchase round-trip group airport transfer at $50 per person. You will travel on the coach with the group upon arrival/departure of the group flights.
Individual flight assistance is available, contact LT for assistance. Airfare is available from most cities nationwide.
PAYMENT
Deposit $350 per person (nonrefundable) along with a completed tour registration form
Balance due 75-Days Prior to Departure (a reminder will be sent)
NOT INCLUDED
Meals/beverages not listed, Passport and Visa fee, Gratuities for tour manager, local tour guides, coach driver, hotel housekeepers, personal items such as internet Wi-Fi charges and phone calls. Any items not listed under Tour Includes.
Penalties up to 100% apply. Please be aware of the LutherTours complete Booking Agreement Terms and Conditions of Travel and Cancellation policy, a copy is included with each individual tour confirmation, available by contacting our office directly 1.844.777.1517 or online at www.LUTHERTOURS.com and click Terms & Conditions to view details.
All travelers must travel with a passport valid for at least 6-months beyond your return travel date. Non-US passport holders contact LT for additional credentials required to travel.
Additional credentials to travel due to Covid-19 may be required. You will be advised as details are received for your departure. Requirements change regularly, continue to check travel requirements up to the day of departure.
LT and its travel partners reserve the right to alter the itinerary if necessary. Prices subject to currency fluctuation. Itinerary subject to change.
Cancellations regardless of the reason are costly. Are you prepared?
Cancellation, Interruption, Medical and Baggage Insurance is available with many companies to help with unexpected delays, interruptions and cancellations. Consider a Travel Guard plan. Visit TRAVELGUARD to learn more about the benefits, restrictions, price and coverage.
Having health insurance that covers the costs of medical treatment of COVID is the travelers responsibility to verify prior to insurance purchase.
Global COVID-19 conditions are dynamic.
Those 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.
Tour Registration
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