Heroes of the Reformation

DAY 1 – Depart USA
Depart USA for overnight transatlantic flight to Prague.

DAY 2 – Prague
When we arrive in Prague, our Tour Director will greet and escort us to our waiting deluxe, air-conditioned motor coach. We will begin our visit to Prague with a city orientation tour, followed by a dinner cruise on the Vltava River. Our hotel is near Wenceslas Square. Jurys Inn or similar, Prague, Czech Republic (D)

DAY 3 – Prague
Our expert local guide will join us this morning for a walking tour focused on Jan Hus, the leading personality of the Czech Reformation movement. We’ll visit Bethlehem Chapel where he preached, and see the Hus monument outside Týn Church. Hus was a contemporary of John Wycliffe and was heavily influenced by his writings. They both agreed that all Christians are members of Christ’s church and that Jesus is the head. We’ll also visit the Castle, which is a complex of palaces, courtyards, streets and churches including St. Vitus Cathedral, which took 600 years to complete. We will then take a stroll across Charles Bridge, past the famous statues. The afternoon is at leisure before a Czech folk dinner this evening. Jurys Inn or similar, Prague, Czech Republic (B,D)

DAY 4 – Wittenberg
Crossing into Germany, we will stop in the wonderful Baroque city of Dresden. Highlights include the magnificent palatial buildings around the Theaterplatz and the Brühl Terraces, and the many art treasures at the state museums. Germany’s largest Protestant church, the Frauenkirche has now been fully restored after being damaged during WWII. J.S. Bach was the first to play on the Silberman organ when the church was originally built. We will then continue on to Lutherstadt-Wittenberg, where we’ll dine at the Golden Eagle Pub. Best Western Stadt Palais or similar, Wittenberg, Germany (B,D)

DAY 5 – Wittenberg
This morning is free, with the option of attending a church service (in German). In the afternoon our local guide will take us to where Martin Luther nailed his famous 95 Theses to the door of the Schlosskirche (Castle Church) in 1517. Although the original door was destroyed in a fire, the replica has all 95 Theses in bronze, which is magnificent. Next, we tour the Lutherhalle (Luther House) Museum, where Luther lived for 35 years. It was here that he had his pivotal “Tower Experience” while reading Romans 1:17. The rest of the day is at leisure. Best Western Stadt Palais ?or similar, Wittenberg, Germany (B)

DAY 6 – Erfurt
When we arrive in Medieval Erfurt, we’ll tour St. Mary’s Cathedral, where Luther was ordained. We’ll also tour the Augustinian Monastery and its Luther exhibition, including a typical cell from Luther’s time. We will end the tour with a special service in the chapel. Radisson Blu or similar, Erfurt, Germany (B,D)

DAY 7 – Rüdesheim
This morning we’ll travel to the imposing Wartburg Castle, where Luther took refuge after a fake kidnapping staged by his friend and protector, Frederick the Wise. This is where Luther translated the New Testament into German in just 11 weeks! After traveling down to the Rhine, we’ll board the boat at St. Goar and sail past magnificent castles and the famous Loreley rock. We’ll then have the afternoon to explore Rudesheim, a town dating back to the pre-Roman era. Dinner will be in a winery. Central Hotel or similar, Rüdesheim, Germany (B,D)

DAY 8 – Zurich

On our way south, we’ll stop in Worms to see the site of the plaque commemorating the Worms Debates (Diet of Worms), now a park, and the Reformation Monument. Our guide will also share about another Reformer, William Tyndale, who finished his printing of the English Bible in Worms, escaping persecution in England. Our lunch stop will be in Heidelberg, a gorgeous town on the Neckar River. The stone bridge and Castle are magnificent. Driving through the Black Forest, we’ll end our day with a group dinner and overnight in Zurich. Hotel Alexander or similar, Zurich, Switzerland (B,D)

DAY 9 – Mürren

Today we learn more about Zwingli on a tour of the key Reformation sites in Zurich. We tour Zwingli’s church, the Grossmünster, and see the Zwingli Statue. We have a stroll through the historic Altstadt (old city) and enjoy the Swiss heritage. We also see the Zwingli Museum and the Helferei (where Zwingli lived). Other notable sites are the Fraumünster (the famous Catholic Cathedral) with its Marc Chagall windows. In the afternoon we’ll ride the funicular railway to the picturesque resort of Mürren, a car-free village perched up in the Alps, where we will stay for two-nights. Hotel Edelweiss or similar, Mürren, Switzerland (B,D)

DAY 10 – Mürren

Today we will have a full day to explore the Lauterbrunnen Valley, regarded as one of the most spectacular glacial valleys in Europe. It lies surrounded by the un-spoilt natural beauty of the magnificent Swiss Alps. You are invited to join the optional excursion of trains and cable cars to explore Kleine Scheidegg Mountain, surrounded by the unbelievable panorama of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfray peaks. Or take a cable car higher up to Schilthorn Peak, to Piz Gloria, made famous in the James Bond film, “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”. Hotel Edelweiss or similar, Mürren, Switzerland (B)

DAY 11 – Geneva

Leaving the Alps behind, we will drive to the marvelous medieval walled village of Murten, where we will walk atop the ramparts and practice speaking French with the locals over coffee and chocolate. On arrival in Geneva, our local guide will take us on a walking tour to learn more about John Calvin, the French Protestant theologian and John Knox, the Scottish Reformer, who spent several years here as a Pastor. The tour will include Cathedrale St. Pierre (St. Peter’s Cathedral), the impressive Reformation Monument, the Museum of the Reformation and Calvin College. We’ll have the opportunity to sample local Swiss cuisine this evening. Overnight in Geneva. Hotel Royal Manotel or similar, Geneva, Switzerland (B,D)

DAY 12 – Return to USA (or depart for Paris extension)

Those on the shorter tour will depart today from Geneva.  (B/IF)

Extension:

DAY 12 – Paris

We will travel to Paris this morning on the fast TGV train. After our drive-by orientation tour, we’ll go up to the second deck of the Eiffel Tower for fabulous views of the city. We’ll then check-in to our centrally-located hotel and after visiting Notre Dame Cathedral, we will take a cruise on the Seine before enjoying a group dinner. Villa Panthéon or similar, Paris, France (B,D)

DAY 13 – Paris

In the morning we join our local expert guide for a walking tour focusing on the Huguenot history of Paris. We will also hear about the time that Calvin spent in the city. The afternoon is free to explore Paris and we meet up again for our farewell meal at a Parisian café. Villa Panthéon or similar, Paris, France (B,D)

DAY 14 – Return

All good things come to an end. Today we will return home with wonderful memories and new friendships. (B)