Luther's Path to Rome Tour

Germany, Switzerland & Italy

17 Days / 15 Nights

Operates from April to September 2010

This very special program is designed to commemorate the 500th Anniversary of Martin Luther's walk from Germany to Rome.  Our journey begins in Nuremberg - where Luther began his trek - and takes us through Switzerland and key cities Luther visited in Italy.  We even have a chance to hike part of the trail Luther followed in Switzerland!  Our tour ends after an extensive visit to Rome, appreciating the sites that Luther saw there, as well as the popular tourist attractions of the "Eternal City."

Sample Group Itinerary 

Day 1  -  Depart USA
Depart the USA via overnight flight bound for Germany.

Day 2  -  Arrive Frankfurt  -  Nuremberg
On arrival in Frankfurt this morning we are met by our tour director, who will accompany us throughout the tour.  A modern motorcoach takes us to the Nuremberg, where we check-in at our hotel.  This afternoon, on a scenic walk through the Old Town, we will discover this town where Luther started his walk to Rome from the Augustinian Monastery.  Welcome dinner this evening.  (D)

Day 3  -  Nuremberg  -  Rothenburg  -  Ulm
This morning we continue to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, which is pretty much preserved like a typical medieval town of Luther’s time. It’s Germany’s best-preserved walled city.  After a walking tour of the town, we continue along Luther’s foot path to Rome.  We arrive in Ulm, where we visit the Ulm Minster Cathedral, known for its fascinating acoustics and the world’s tallest church steeple.  (B, D)

Day 4  -  Ulm to Tiefencastel, Switzerland
After a relaxing night and a good breakfast we get back on Luther’s original route as we enjoy a scenic drive to Switzerland.  We drive through the Alps, appreciating its amazing beauty.  Tonight our group meets for dinner.  We spend two nights in Tiefencastel.  (B,D)

Day 5  -  Hiking the Alps.
A day-trip is scheduled to Septimer Pass – built by the Romans.  While not passable for buses and cars today, it provides a nice walk on Luther’s original path.  A relaxing day in the Alps, followed by a good dinner.  (B,D)

Day 6  -  Milan
Today we pass Lake Como, and then proceed on to Milan.  (B)

Day 7  -  Milan
This morning we have an orientation tour of Milan with a local guide.  The tour includes the magnificent Duomo, La Scala Opera House, the glass-domed Galleria, among other points of interest. Time to stroll the streets or to visit museums in the afternoon.  (B)

Day 8  -  Milan  -  Piacenza  -  Bologna
Our route continues South with a stop in Piacenza, where we’ll see the Palazzo Comunale and the Cathedral, before proceeding on to Bologna.  (B)

Day 9  -   Bologna
When Luther passed through Bologna on his way to Rome, Bologna was the residence of Pope Julius II, and part of the church-state. Our walking tour will lead us to the churches and main sights of the city as Luther saw them.  (B)

Day 10  -  Bologna  -  Florence
Luther continued his travels to Rome, as he was not interested in the Pope, but wanted to meet with his Augustinian brothers in Rome.  Following the ancient roads today takes us to Florence, the city of museums and arts.  Dinner this evening.  (B,D)

Day 11  -  Florence
One day in Florence would not be enough to see all the wonderful artwork, but we will see at least the main sights this morning on our guided tour.  In the afternoon we’ll have time for individual excursions, or to enjoy a wonderful afternoon in a café with a great Italian ice cream.  (B)

Day 13  -  Florence  -  Lake Bolsena
Following the ancient roman road to Lake Bolsena, we stop at a typical Tuscany winery for a wine tasting.  Overnight at Lake Bolsena.  (B)

Day 14  -  Lake Bolsena  -  Rome
Passing Viterbo and Ronciglione, the Roman road Via Cassio leads us into Rome.  We check in into our downtown hotel, and have the remainder of the day at leisure.  (B)

Days 15 & 16  -  Rome
Two days of tours with our specialized local guide will show us the Italian capital city.  We’ll see all of the usual points of interest in this “Eternal City,” such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Vatican City.  But, in addition, our guide will take us through the Rome of Luther’s time, giving us an inside view of the churches and places where Martin Luther conducted his “Augustinian affairs,” and how he experienced the capital of the church seven years before nailing his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany.  Adequate
free time will also be allowed for shopping.  The last night in Rome we will enjoy a special farewell dinner!  (B) & (B,D)

Day 17  -  Rome to USA 
It’s time to bid farewell!   Our bus takes us to the Rome airport for our flights back to the USA.  Arrival back home the same day.  (B)

Included Meal Codes:
B  -  Breakfast
D  -  Dinner.

Tour Price Includes:
Round-Trip Airfare from USA to Frankfurt, and from Rome to USA
Hotel Accommodations at First-Class and Superior Tourist Class Hotels
Land transportation by modern vehicles
Breakfast daily, and Dinners as indicated on a table d’hote basis
Services of a Tour Director from arrival in Frankfurt until departure from Romer
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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