The European Reformation: OBERAMMERGAU - 2010

Day 1

(Mon.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2Arrival in Geneva, Switzerland

(Tue.) Transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director, then enjoy this evening’s welcome dinner with your traveling companions. (D)

Day 3Geneva

(Wed.) Your orientation tour of Geneva, the city where John Calvin and John Knox preached, includes the United Nations Headquarters, Red Cross Headquarters, the World Council of Churches Headquarters, and a stop at the REFORMATION MONUMENT. Also visit ST. PETER’S CATHEDRAL, where John Calvin served. Balance of the day is at leisure. (B)

Day 4Geneva–Zurich–Heidelberg, Germany

(Thu.) After a comfortable drive to Zurich, join your Tour Director for a walk through the Old Town, and visit GROSSMUNSTER CHURCH, the mother church of the Reformation in Switzerland under Ulrich Zwingli. Also see the Helferei where Zwingli lived. Then, visit FRAUMUNSTER CHURCH, known for Chagall’s stained-glass windows. Enter Germany, drive past the Black Forest, and arrive in Heidelberg. Walk through its narrow, cobblestone streets and take pictures of the famous red-walled castle. (B,D)

 

Day 5Heidelberg–Worms–Mainz–Rhineland

(Fri.) Two highlights today. First, stop in Worms, where the Imperial Council passed judgment on Luther in 1521. Visit the CATHEDRAL where Luther presented his case, as well as TRINITY CHURCH and the famed REFORMATION MONUMENT. Next to Mainz to visit the GUTENBERG MUSEUM and to see original copies of the Bible before you continue to your hotel in the Rhineland. (B,D)

Day 6Rhineland–Coburg–Erfurt

(Sat.) Start the day with a scenic RHINE CRUISE past castle-crested cliffs, terraced vineyards, and trim, half-timbered towns. Then, drive to Coburg, where Luther stayed in 1530 for the Augsburg Germany Imperial Diet. Visit COBURG FORTRESS. Finally, arrive in Erfurt and visit the AUGUSTINIAN MONASTERY, where Luther lived as a monk, and the MERCHANTS’ BRIDGE. (B,D)

Day 7Erfurt. Excursion to Eisleben and Wittenberg

(Sun.) In Eisleben, visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the HOUSE in which Luther was born and the STERBEHAUS MUSEUM, home of his last residence. Then, visit ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH, where he preached his last sermon, followed by a visit to the ST. PETER AND PAUL CHURCH, where Luther was baptized. Afterwards, journey to Wittenberg, Luther’s home for 30-plus years and birthplace of the Reformation. Enjoy a guided walking tour including the REFORMATION MUSEUM, LUTHER HOUSE, ST. MARY’S CHURCH where he preached, and CASTLE CHURCH, where he hung his 95 Theses. Also visit MARTIN LUTHER’S TOMB before returning to Erfurt. (B,D)

Day 8Erfurt–Eisenach–Nuremberg

(Mon.) This morning, continue to Eisenach for a visit to WARTBURG CASTLE, where Luther translated the Bible. Also visit the LUTHER and JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH MEMORIALS as well as the LUTHER HOUSE, where he lived during grammar school. Then, visit ST. GEORGE’S CHURCH, where he sang in the church’s boy choir. Depart for Nuremberg, the first town to accept the Reformation in 1525. Your walking tour features the famous LUTHERAN LORENZ CHURCH and includes headsets for clear commentary. (B,D)

Day 9Nuremberg. Excursion to Rothenburg

(Tue.) Spend the morning in the medieval walled town of Rothenburg. During your walking tour, visit ST. JACOB’S CHURCH with the renowned Blood Altar. Afterwards, there is time to shop for Christmas ornaments, for which this picturesque town is world famous. Afternoon and evening at leisure in Nuremberg. (B)

Day 10Nuremberg–Augsburg–Oberammergau

(Wed.) In Augsburg, guided sightseeing reveals the city where Luther and his followers proclaimed their beliefs. Continue to picturesque Oberammergau for two overnights. (B,D)

Day 11Oberammergau

(Thu.) Today the highlight of your vacation: the original PASSION PLAY, held every 10 years and performed by the community of Oberammergau. Enjoy this evening’s farewell dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 12Oberammergau–Munich Airport

(Fri.) Transfer to Munich Airport for flights leaving no earlier than 10 am. Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)

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