8 Days / 6 Nights
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The beauty and splendor of Germany will thrill us as we visit some of the cities and towns where lived and worked a history-changing reformer, Martin Luther (1483 –1546), and a world-renowned composer, J.S. Bach (1685 – 1750). We will see many sites along the “Luther Trail” including Wittenberg where Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of All Saints’ Church in 1517 objecting to the sale of indulgences which marked a new and irresistible force of discontent throughout Germany and Europe. We might come to better understand the work to which he devoted his life and about which he said, Here I stand; I can do no other. God help me. Amen. We will visit cities where Bach lived and churches for which he wrote his most famous compositions. The famous composer Beethoven called Bach an Urvater der Harmonie ("Original father of harmony") and, in a pun on the literal meaning of Bach's name, described him as nicht Bach, sondern Meer ("not a brook, but a sea"). An unforgettable adventure awaits us as we marvel at the courage and creativity of two of Germany’s finest. Perhaps we will even come away with a desire to live our own lives more purposefully.

 
 

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

A pilgrimage to the Holy Land is a rare and privileged event. Every person of faith should make such a trip a priority in one's life. However, great care is needed to make sure the experience reflects the intent of the traveler. Without careful planning, advanced preparation and attention to details while in the Holy Land, the pilgrimage can fall short of expectations. Faith Journey's is a trusted, experienced partner who can make sure your journey is a critical step towards a deeper communion with Our Savior and his people.
Deacon Bill Garrett, Archdiocese of Atlanta and President Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School