9 Days 8 Nights European Reformation
Day 1
Arrival Frankfurt – Fulda
Morning arrival at Frankfurt Airport, where we are met by our tour escort. We drive to the old university town of Marburg, to view St. Elizabeth’s Church and the Landgraves Castle, before continuing on to Fulda, a center of religion and scholarship in the Franconian Empire. We see the Town Castle, St. Michael’s Church and, of course, the Cathedral. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Day 2
Erfurt
This morning travel eastward for a visit to the formidable Wartburg Castle. Inside these 11th century walls Luther found refuge during the Imperial Ban and translated the New Testament. A short drive brings us to Eisenach, birthplace of Johann Sebastian Bach, where we listen to some of his marvelous music played on period instruments and visit the Luther House Museum. Continue to Erfurt, where Luther studied, to visit to the Cathedral, Church of St. Seven’s, the Augustinian Monastery, where Luther served, and view the Kramer Bridge lined on each side with timber-framed houses. We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner and overnight.
Day 3
Leipzig Dessau
Dessau Drive this morning to lovely Leipzig, Bach’s city. Our sightseeing includes St. Thomas Church, where Bach was organist and choirmaster, and. views of the Renaissance Town Hall. Drive to Wittenberg, birthplace of the Reformation, where. Luther lived from 1508 until his death. We see All Saints Castle Church where he nailed his 95 Theses, the University, the Melanchthon’s House and the Luther House. We also visit the Stadtkirche of St. Marien, where Luther ministered and see the Luther monument and Town Hall. Drive to Dessau, which accepted the Reformation in April 1534, and where Martin Luther preached to the townspeople to view St. John’s Church before returning to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 4
Augsburg
Drive through the southern part of the old East Germany to Bayreuth, known world-wide for its Wagner music festival, before continuing through many lovely towns and villages to Nurnberg. This city of Duerer is surrounded by thick walls and overlooked by a landmark castle. Explore its old fortifications and, time permitting; see craftsmen at their work in the Craftsmen’s Courtyard. Drive to Augsburg, where Martin Luther defended his 95 theses and laid the foundations for the Reformation’s development. We see the Renaissance style Town Hall, the Church of the Holy Cross and the impressive Augustus fountain, as well as St. Anne’s Church with its Luther courtyard and the memorial Chapel of the Fugger. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 5
Oberammergau
This morning drive to Munich. Bavaria’s lively capital to discover the gothic Town Hall, the Marienplatz, Karlstor Gate and our Lady’s Cathedral. Drive through spectacular mountain scenery and rustic villages to Neuschwanstein Castle, built by Mad King Ludwig, which is the inspiration for Disney’s famous fairytale castle. A short drive brings us to the tiny village of Oberammergau for dinner and overnight.
Day 6
Oberammergau
Today we join with the people of the village and take part in – Oberammergau, the Passion Play. In this charming place, surrounded by unforgettable alpine views, we experience the last week of Christ’s life.
Day 7
Heidelberg
Our scenic drive continues along the “Romantic Road” through the medieval villages to Rothenberg ob derTauber, one of Europe’s best preserved medieval towns. We see beautiful gateways and towers, imposing walls and cobble stoned streets as well as the Town Hall. Continue to Heidelberg for dinner and overnight.
Day 8
Rhineland Region
Today we tour romantic Heidelberg, delightfully situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar Rivers. Visit the castle, the University, the Stone Bridge (said by many to be Germany’s most beautiful) and the Red Ox inn of “Student Prince” fame before arriving in Worms, site of the 1521 Edict. We explore this important Reformation center including the Cathedral, setting for Luther’s heresy trial and where he uttered his faith affirming proclamation “here I stand, I can do no other. God help me.” Later drive to St. Goarshausen to board our steamer for a Rhine cruise past ruined castles, terraced vineyards, lovely riverside villages and the famous Lorelei Rocks. We disembark in Kaub and drive along the banks of this enchanting waterway to a village for dinner and overnight.
Day 9
Departure
Transfer this morning to Frankfurt Airport for our return flight home.