Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Depart via scheduled air service. The destination is Berlin, Germany
Day 2: Juterbog / Wittenberg
Arrive in Berlin
Meet your Faith Journeys Tour Manager who will assist the group to an awaiting chartered motorcoach for a transfer to Wittenberg via Juterbog to visit Nikolaikirche (St. Nicholas’ Church from the 14th century), remarkable for its three fine aisles and well-preserved coffer of Johann Tetzel
Continue to Wittenberg
Late-afternoon hotel check-in
Evening Welcome Dinner and overnight
Day 3: Wittenberg
Breakfast at the hotel
This morning we will visit Schlosskirche (Castle Church) where Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses, sparking the reformation. Also visit City Church (a twin-towered Gothic church in which Luther preached during the Reformation, was married, and baptized his six children
Lunch, on own
Explore Luther’s well-preserved house where he and his family lived (it contains many Reformation relics, including Luther’s desk, his pulpit, and first editions of his books) and the Renaissance mansion of Philip Melanchthon
Evening dinner and overnight
Day 4: Leipzig
Breakfast at the hotel
Transfer to Leipzig where we can see Altes Rathaus and visit St. Nicholas Church and St. Thomas Church where Martin Luther preached. Bach’s 12 children and infant Richard Wagner were baptized in St. Thomas Church, and both Mozart and Mendelssohn performed here
Lunch, on own
Visit the Bach Museum
Evening dinner and overnight
Day 5: Eisenach / Wartburg Castle
Breakfast at the hotel
Take an excursion to Eisenach & Wartburg Castle to visit one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Germany, Wartburg Castle, which looms over the city of Eisenach and is the site where Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German. At the castle, visit a museum that contains Reformation artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, furniture, and tapestries. A private worship service may be organized in the chapel of Wartburg Castle
Lunch, on own
Visit Eisenach, the childhood home of Martin Luther and the birthplace of Johann Sebastian Bach. We will visit the Bachhaus museum which is dedicated to Bach’s life and work. Also visit Lutherhaus, one of the oldest and picturesque buildings remaining in Eisenach and now a museum. We will also have time to explore the Marktplatz and visit the Georgenkirche, where Bach was baptized
Evening dinner and overnight
Day 6: Halle / Eisleben
Breakfast at the hotel
This morning, we will visit Halle, whose early history is connected with the harvesting of salt (since the Bronze Age). In 1508, Luther received his appointment in philosophy in Halle, and the city is also the birthplace of George Friderich Handel. Tour Handel House, now a museum housing a collection of historic musical instruments and an exhibition about the composer’s life. We will also visit Markt Kirche, a center of Lutheran Pietism
Lunch, on own
Continue to Eisleben, where Martin Luther was born and died (Luther had a special affection for this city now officially known as “Luther-City Eisleben” Lutherstadt Eisleben). During our tour, we’ll have the honor of visiting Luther’s birth house which is now a well-preserved museum. Visit the Church of St. Peter and Paul (also known as the Taufkirche or “baptism church”), where Martin Luther was baptized. The remains of the original baptismal font can still be seen inside the church. Also visit St. Andrew’s Church, where Luther preached his last sermon
Transfer to Berlin for evening dinner and overnight
Day 7: Berlin
Breakfast at the hotel
Visit East Berlin to stroll along its famous Unter den Linden Strasse (an iconic boulevard which once led to the palace of the Prussian monarchs), the Russian War Memorial, the Brandenburg Gate, and German Historical Museum
Lunch, on own
Enjoy a 1-hr cruise along the Spree River
See what remains of “the Wall” and Checkpoint Charlie as we pass into the western sector to experience Kurfurstendamm Strasse, home to some of Berlin’s most luxurious stores. Visit Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and enjoy some time at leisure for shopping or additional sightseeing
Farewell Dinner and overnight
Day 8: Depart for home
Breakfast at the hotel
Transfer to Berlin’s airport for return flight
This is a very flexible itinerary. Except for confirmed appointments, the places of interest and the sequence of sightseeing might be changed if necessary or desirable
© Faith Journeys