Luther Trail - Germany Tour
9 Days / 7 Nights
Operates from April to September
This 9-Day tour is an excellent introduction to the most important Luther landmarks in eastern Germany! We begin with a visit to Berlin, the bustling German capital. Then the history of the Reformation comes to life as we go off the beaten path to visit key places in Luther's life -- his birth, education, service, and death. Included is a visit to Wittenberg, where Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the church door. We also visit Wartburg Castle, where Luther hid out and translated the New Testament into German. The memories of this trip are sure to last a lifetime!
Sample Group Itinerary
Day 1 - Depart USA
Depart the USA via overnight flight bound for Berlin.
Day 2 - Arrive Berlin
Morning arrival in Berlin. On arrival we are met by our Tour Director, and transferred to our hotel. The afternoon is free to rest or to begin exploring Berlin on your own. This evening we will enjoy a welcome dinner. (D)
Day 3 - Berlin - Wittenberg
A full day of sightseeing is planned for today in the German capital. We’ll see the famous sites, including the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, Checkpoint Charlie, the Kaiser Wilhelm
Memorial Church, and remnants of the Berlin Wall. In the late afternoon we’ll depart Berlin  and
drive south to reach Wittenberg. There we'll have dinner and overnight. (B,D)
Day 4 - Wittenberg - Torgau - Wittenberg
This morning we’ll visit sites in Wittenberg, the city of the Lutheran reformation, including Luther’s house, the Stadtkirche, the University, and the All Saints Castle Church where Luther nailed his 95 Theses on the door. In the afternoon we take an excursion to Torgau, the political center in Martin Luther’s time. We see the Renaissance Castle with the first Lutheran church dedicated by Martin Luther, and we visit St. Mary’s Church, where Luther’s wife Katharina von Bora was buried. Back to Wittenberg for dinner and overnights. (B,D)
Day 5 - Wittenberg - Dessau - Halle - Mansfeld - Eisleben
We start this morning with a visit to Dessau, including St. John’s church. Then we proceed to
Halle where, in 1510, Luther awaited the Pope’s decision. The we continue to Mansfeld, where Luther spent his early years. On to Eisleben, where Luther was born and died (in 1483 and 1546). We’ll see the churches where Luther was baptized, and where he preached his last sermon, as well as the house of birth, and the Luther Monument. Dinner and overnight in Eisleben. (B,D)
Day 6 - Eisleben - Leipzig - Erfurt
Continuing south this morning, we visit Leipzig. Points of interest include Augustusplatz, the market, and the church where Bach was an organist. In the afternoon we continue to Erfurt. In Erfurt, Luther was a student before he became a monk at the Augustinian monastery. 
On a guided walk we’ll see St. Mary's Cathedral, St. Severus Church, the market, the nice old city, and we'll join the evening prayer at the Augustinian monastery. (B,D)
Day 7 - Erfurt - Thuringian Forest - Eisenach - Erfurt
Today we explore the wonderful Thuringian Forest, home of “Bratwurst.” A scenic drive takes us to Schmalkalden, where, in 1531, Lutheran Dukes united to the “Schmalkaldische Bund.” Next stop will be the little church of Moehra, home of the Luther family. Far away from tourist paths we will walk to the place where Martin Luther was taken into protective custody by  Saxony soldiers on his way back from Worms in 1520. From here he was taken to Wartburg Castle in Eisenach. We proceed to Eisenach to visit the Wartburg Castle, where Luther hid in 1521 and 1522, taking on the assumed name of Knight George, after being placed under an imperial ban. While here, he translated the New Testament into German. We also see sites in town, including the Luther House, where Luther lived while attending school, and the Bach House, commemorating Johann Sebastian Bach, who was born in Eisenach. Return to Erfurt for dinner and overnight. (B,D)
Day 8 - Erfurt - Rüdesheim
The morning will give us some leisure time to stroll through the streets or to do some souvenir shopping. Then we continue to Rüdesheim on the Rhine, where we’ll overnight and enjoy a farewell dinner. (B,D)
Day 9 - Rüdesheim to USA
This morning we transfer to the Frankfurt airport, where we board our return flight back to the USA. We arrive back home the same day. (B)
Included Meal Codes:
B - Breakfast
D - Dinner.
Tour Price Includes:
Round-Trip Airfare from USA to Germany
Hotel Accommodations at First-Class and Superior Tourist Class Hotels
Land transportation by modern vehicles
Breakfast and Dinner daily, on a table d’hote basis
Services of a Tour Director from arrival in Berlin until departure from Frankfurt
Sightseeing as indicated, including the services of local English-speaking guides where appropriate
Admission fees for included visits
Tour Price Does Not Include:
Taxes, Fuel Surcharges, and other fees applicable to the airfare
Tips to guides, driver, and tour director
Excess baggage fees
Items of a personal nature, such as telephone calls, internet access fees, laundry, etc.
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