You are invited to join our professionally guided 12-day spiritual journey from the breathtaking splendor of the German Rhine Region to one of the most beautiful and captivating cities in the world, Prague, Czech Republic. Come along on a historic walk through the Lands of Luther and see where it all began, and visit the Czech Republic to see where the Reformation began 100 years prior to Luther. Along the way you will grow in your faith, enjoy great scenery and marvelous food, and meet new friends. I hope to have you join us September 7-18, 2023 in Germany. Tour host, Pastor Heidorn
Featuring the annual celebration, “Fireworks On the Rhine River”. Rhine River Sightseeing Cruise extravaganza, with spectacular fireworks displayed along the most picturesque scenery and cascading from the hilltop castles located along the shores of the Rhine River. Don’t miss this epic journey as we travel together in Christian fellowship!
Fireworks on the Rhine- spectacular fireworks display Rhine River Cruise
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Contact 1.844.777.1517 or email info@luthertours.com
ITINERARY
B-Breakfast, D-Dinner
Day 1, Depart U.S.A. to Frankfurt, Germany
Day 2 Arrive Germany Herzlich Willkommen in Deutschland! (B, D)
We begin our journey with a drive to the nearby city of Mainz, where the Roman relics give away the fact of its 2000-year heritage! After our long flight we’ll welcome the opportunity to stretch our legs as our tour manager leads us on a walking tour through the old town with its magnificent baroque buildings; including a visit to the 1000-year-old Romanesque Mainz Cathedral to view the world-famous Chagall windows and Eduard Kreyssig's huge neo-Renaissance cupola of Christchurch at St. Stephan Church. Afterwards, we will check in to our hotel have time to freshen up before we meet for our “welcome to Germany” dinner. Overnight Mainz
Day 3 Gutenberg Museum, Worms, Fireworks on the Rhine Cruise (B)
We awake in the lovely city on the river Mainz. After our full German breakfast, we begin our day with a visit to the Gutenberg Museum, to view the 2-copies of the world’s first printed Bible, centuries-old manuscripts and the printing presses. Afterwards, we drive south to Worms. It was here where Luther was summoned in 1521 to appear before an Imperial Diet to justify his conduct. We visit the world’s largest Memorial to the Reformation and the Church of the Holy Trinity, Europe’s oldest Jewish cemetery, the Holy Sands and St. Peter’s Cathedral- one of the most exquisite examples of Romanesque architecture. This afternoon the group returns to Mainz to enjoy some time at leisure before we depart for a very special event this evening. “Fireworks on the Rhine” River Cruise!
An unforgettable sightseeing extravaganza cruise along the Rhine River, complete with a music-synchronous fireworks display. Around 50 ships decorated with colorful lights travel along one of the most picturesque stretches of this majestic Rhine waterway past magnificent castles and the fascinating backdrop of the Loreley Rock that shines in Bengal red. Overnight Mainz
Day 4 Speyer, Heidelberg, Winery Visit and Tasting, (B, L)
Today we continue our journey along the Reformation Road to the city of Speyer, a UNESCO World Heritage town and also regarded as the birthplace of the Protestant faith because of the Protestation at Speyer of 1529. It was here the noble representatives of the princes who were supporters of Luther met at the Diet of Speyer and protested against the ban on Luther's teachings. This protest leads to the division of the Christian faith into Catholic and Protestant. The neo-Gothic Memorial Church with its Luther Monument commemorates this momentous event.
Enjoy a drive through the gentle landscape of budding vineyards and fertile orchards of the wine region. This afternoon we enjoy a visit to a local winery including wine tastings and lunch with regional cuisine.
We complete our day in the quaint city of Heidelberg and a visit the memorial site in University Square commemorating the important first steps of the Reformation. Even back in Luther's day, student life shaped Heidelberg, Germany's oldest university town. It was in a room of the university, where Luther presented his beliefs to the Augustinian Order in 1518, shortly after nailing his theses to the door of the castle church in Wittenberg. Overnight Heidelberg
Day 5 Wartburg Castle, Bach Museum Eisenach (B, D)
Today we drive east along the Reformation Road. We will tour the Wartburg Castle where Luther took refuge while he translated the New Testament into the German language.
Afterwards, our guide will lead our walking tour through the quaint village of Eisenach including a visit to the Bach Museum, which houses an extensive collection of instruments from the 16-19th century, including a musical performance on historical instruments. Our group will continue on to Erfurt for the next two nights. Group dinner this evening. Overnight Erfurt
Day 6 Erfurt, Augustinian Monastery Chapel Service (B)
This morning we awake in the lovely city of Erfurt, where Luther took the decisive step to turn to theology and the monastic life, when he was caught in a violent thunderstorm nearby and vowed to become a monk. Our walking tour includes the medieval Kramer Bridge and the ensemble of St. Mary's Cathedral (where Luther was ordained) and the Church of St. Severus. After lunch, we visit the Augustinian Monastery where Luther lived as a monk from 1505-1511 and where he studied, worshiped and was inspired to create the Luther seal “rose”. Group worship service this afternoon in the monastery chapel.
Afterwards, we have time at leisure to peruse the market center, enjoy shopping or revisit one of the site on the walking tour. Your tour manger will offer suggestions for dinner (on our own) at one of the local cafes or restaurants. Overnight Erfurt
Day 7 Mansfeld, Eisleben- Luther’s Early Years (B, D)
Today we continue our journey in the footsteps of Martin Luther and visit the town of Mansfeld, Luther’s early childhood home located in the foothills of the Harz Mountains. Here we see the house of Luther's parents and the foundations of the school where young Luther learned to read and write. You will visit the modern museum building to learn more about how Martin Luther spent his formative years in Mansfeld.
Next, we visit Lutherstadt Eisleben, Luther’s hometown and place where he spent his first and final days. Here we visit the houses where Luther was born in 1483, and where he died in 1546, St. Peter and Paul Church where Luther was baptized and St. Andrew Church where Luther preached his last four sermons and where his body laid in state. After a break for lunch (on our own) we continue to Lutherstadt Wittenberg, known as the “cradle of the Reformation.” We’ll check in to our hotel and later our group will meet for dinner. Overnight Wittenberg
Day 8 Wittenberg, W.E.M. Worship Service (B)
Today we meet a local guide who will lead our walking tour including visits to the awe-inspiring Schlosskirche (Castle Church) and its historic 95 theses door, St. Mary’s Church where Luther preached and the location of the beautiful Reformation theme altar painted by Lucas Cranach. Tour the Cranach House Museum and the Luther House Museum, home to the largest collection of Reformation artifacts in the world- and learn more about Luther’s family life, notably his wife, Katharina von Bora and how she set the model for the Christian family and businesswomen. Dinner this evening is on your own or with some of your new friends. Overnight Wittenberg
Day 9 Berlin, Bonhoeffer-House Memorial, or Day at Leisure (B)
Today you have a choice; you may join the tour manager and travel to the ever-changing capital of Berlin, or, enjoy the day in Wittenberg on your own; perhaps to revisit some of the sites on the walking tour, or a visit to the Museum of Philipp Melanchthon- Luther’s close friend and advisor whom helped to establish the German educational system. Melanchthon’s final resting place is located in the Castle Church beside his companion Martin Luther.
Your Berlin experience includes a stop at Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church- the symbolic center of West Berlin and anti- war memorial to peace and reconciliation, the Berliner Dom (Evangelical Cathedral) Berlin’s largest and most prominent Protestant church, a view of Checkpoint Charlie, the border crossing of Cold-War days and the world-famous Brandenburg Gate.
Next, visit the Bonhoeffer-House Memorial and Place of Encounter to learn more about the life of Bonhoeffer, a Berlin pastor and professor of theology known for resistance to Nazi dictatorship at a time when racism ruled Germany, victimizing religious, ethnic, and social minorities. We return to Wittenberg for the evening to enjoy dinner on your own or with some of your new friends. Overnight Wittenberg
Day 10 Dresden, Pray, Music at Frauenkirche, Prague (B, D)
We bid farewell to Wittenberg as we drive to the stunning and beautiful city of Dresden with its magnificent Baroque buildings and its lovely setting on the Elbe River. Our guide will lead us through the Old City pass the beautiful Semper Opera building, to tour the Frauenkirche -Lutheran Church of Our Lady, known to be the most important Lutheran church in pre-war Germany. At noon, experience the Frauenkirche with a celebration of organ music, psalm prayer, and spiritual words. This afternoon is at leisure for lunch and some shopping before continuing our journey to one of the most charming cities in the world, Prague, Czech Republic.
Your tour manager will introduce you to the history of the Czech Reformation- which anticipated the Reformation movement by about a century! We learn more about Luther’s predecessor, Jan Hus, born in 1369, a priest in Prague, philosopher and considered one of the first church Reformers. Hus was executed in Constance in 1415 for his criticisms of the Catholic Church including the selling of indulgences. Before his execution he proclaimed, “Cook this ‘goose’ (Czech for Hus) now, but in a century, there will come a swan (later identified with Luther) you won’t be able to kill.” This evening our group will meet for dinner. Overnight Prague
Day 11 Prague Castle (B,D)
Awake in 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 begin the walking tour of the city including the famous Charles Bridge, Wenceslas Square, and the Old Town Square with its famous astronomical clock. Together we will tour the spectacular Prague Castle and the beautiful St. Vitus Cathedral.
This afternoon is at leisure to stroll the city on our own. This evening our group will meet for our farewell dinner at one of the local restaurants of traditional Czech cuisine- 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 12 Tour Ends (B)
Group will transfer to the Prague airport for return flights.
Itinerary subject to change.
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, and hearing or visually impaired please contact LutherTours.
TOUR INCLUDES
Relaxed pace- time for reflection and spiritual inspiration
Professional Tour Manager throughout Tour
Deluxe Motor Coach will transport you in comfort
10- Nights 4-star Hotel Accommodations
Hotel Taxes
Breakfast Daily, 1- Lunch and Wine Tastings, 5- Dinners
Gratuities for Included Meals
Life Enriching spiritual and cultural experiences daily
Professional Local Guides
Rhine River Cruise including the Spectacular Fireworks Display on the Rhine
Medieval Castles visits
Rhine Valley Winery Visit with Wine Tasting and lunch with regional cuisine
Worship Service at the churches where Martin Luther worshipped
All Sightseeing and Admission as indicated in itinerary
Group Airport Transfers
TOUR PRICE is Per Person based on double occupancy
$3,290 with 30+ travelers
$3,490 with 25+ travelers
$3,790 with 20+ travelers
$4,290 with 15+ travelers
Single Occupancy is limited. Call for availability.
Tour prices subject to currency fluctuation.
GROUP AIRFARE is additional to the tour price and requires a minimum of 10 travelers on the same flights.
Airfare will be confirmed 11-months prior to the travel dates.
Approx. $1,400 From Minneapolis, MN and $1,500 From Anchorage, AK
Group Airfare includes group airport transfers in Frankfurt and Prague, 1 each-checked bag/carry-on/and personal item, preassigned seat
PAYMENT
Deposit $350 per person along with a completed tour registration form
Balance due 75-Days prior to departure (a reminder will be sent)
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.
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.
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.
Are you prepared? Cancellation, Interruption, Medical and Baggage Insurance is available 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--this is standard in most travel insurances now, but it is the travelers’ responsibility to verify this prior to departure.
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