Depart on your international overnight flight.

Arrive this morning in Berlin, where our representative will greet you and escort you to your bus. A driving tour of Berlin will introduce you to such sites as the Brandenburg Gate and the rebuilt Reichstag, whose transparent dome represents the open government of the nation. Pass the ruins of the Kaiser Wilhelm Gedächtniskirche, left as a poignant reminder of what was lost in the Second World War, and stop at a section of the Berlin Wall, a stark testimony to the once-divided city. Take a photo at Checkpoint Charlie, the infamous crossing point from East to West Berlin during the Cold War Era. Dinner and your overnight stay are in Wittenberg.

October 9 – Wittenberg This morning, wander the town of Wittenberg, where Luther lived and taught for 36 years. See where he posted his 95 Theses on the palace church door, giving voice to the Reformation. Visit Schlosskirche, where Luther was buried, and explore Luther Halle, a former monastery where Martin lived with his family. This afternoon, explore on your own through the town’s museums and shops. Enjoy an English service held by the local Luther English Ministry team before returning to your hotel for dinner and your overnight stay.

Start the day in Halle, where Luther supported the Market Church constructed here. Later, George Handel would be baptized here in 1685. Cardinal Albert of Mainz precipitated the onset of the Reformation through his sale of indulgences and the Protestants in Halle bought him out of his position. Continue on to Eisleben, where Luther‘s life both began and ended. Luther was baptized at St. Petri (St. Peter & St. Paul’s Church), where you can see portraits of his wife and parents. This charming little town includes the Luther Family Home, as well as the house Luther was visiting at the time of his death. Walk the medieval cobblestone streets past St. Andrew’s Church, where Luther preached his last sermon. Dinner and overnight in Erfurt.

Erfurt was called the “city of spires” in Luther’s day. Visit St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Augustinian Monastery, where Luther was ordained into the priesthood in 1507. Visit the Veste, the 900-year-old fortress of Coburg, where Luther took refuge from his enemies behind its triple ramparts. Return to your hotel for dinner and your overnight stay.

Martin Luther lived in Eisenach during his student days. Learn about Luther’s life and the Reformation at the Luther House Museum, and tour the famous Wartburg Castle, where Luther translated the New Testament into German in 1522. View the room where Luther completed his translation in just 11 weeks. Travel to the Rhine River area. Check into your area hotel for dinner and your overnight stay.

Explore the ancient city of Worms, where Luther refused to back down from his criticism of the church during the famous Diet of Worms. The Reformation Monument features statues of major figures in the Reformation. In Heidelberg, view the castle that was twice struck by lightning, and explore the charming Old Town’s cobblestone lanes and medieval atmosphere. Heidelberg University played an important role in the debates over the Reformation. Return to your hotel for dinner and your overnight stay.

This morning, visit the Rhine River city of Mainz, where Johann Gutenberg developed the process of moveable type that allowed printing to be done on a production scale. Enjoy a cruise on the Rhine River past medieval castles before staying overnight in the Frankfurt area.

Return home with memories of the people and places of the Reformation in Germany.