Pastor Brian Boyles 11-Day Journey to Germany, Cradle of the Reformation August 1 - 11, 2024

Questions? Email us at info@signaturetours.com

You will experience Germany’s rich reformation history and culture. Martin Luther was one of the big reformers who touched off something much larger than himself, namely, the Reformation—the sundering of the Church and a fundamental revision of its theology. Once he had divided the Church, it could not be healed. His reforms survived to breed other reforms, many of which he disapproved of. So, this trip is a way back to our Christian roots. On this unique tour, you will learn not just about the Reformation but also what happened prior and its aftermath. We will be involved in the process of the Reformation and throughout the must-see Reformation sights with Germany’s finest cities & towns.

10-Day Cradle of the Reformation

DAY 1 (AUG 1) – Depart Atlanta for Berlin, Germany

DAY 2 (AUG 2) BERLIN – Arrival in Berlin City tour by bus and foot with famous sights like the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, Unter den Linden, Checkpoint Charlie, and Charlottenburg. Dinner Hofbräuhaus Berlin and Overnight in Berlin.

DAY 3 (AUG 3) LUTHERSTADT WITTENBURG – This morning we drive to the Lutherstadt Wittenberg, also known as “the cradle of the Reformation”. Here we visit some of the most important sites of the Reformation including the places where Luther walked with his fellow Reformation colleagues and the most historic sights of Luther’s life and work. Our walking tour begins at the inspiring Castle Church with its historic 95 theses door. We visit the beautiful St. Mary’s Church where Luther preached and where his children were baptized. We continue to the Luther House Museum home to the largest collection of Reformation artifacts in the world. After lunch we visit the Melanchthon house. Melanchthon was Luther’s advisor and helped establish the German educational system. His final resting place is located in the Castle Church beside his companion Martin Luther.

DAY 4 (AUG 4) LUTHERSTADT WITTENBURG/EISLEBEN/ERFURT – In the morning we travel first to Eisleben, where Martin Luther was born & baptized and died. We take a short walking tour of the historic old town and visit Martin Luther’s Birth House and his Death House. Both are award winning museums. We continue to Erfurt, where Martin Luther was ordained as a priest and studied theology. On a guided tour of Erfurt’s Luther trail in the picturesque old town, including sites like the Augustinian Monastery where Luther served as a monk the Luther Memorial, and the Collegium Maius where Luther lived as a student. Dinner and overnight in Erfurt.

DAY 5 (AUG 5) ERFURT/EISENACH – The worlds famous UNESCO World Heritage site Wartburg Castle where Martin Luther, when he took refuge from 1521-1522 after his excommunication is our next stop. Visit Luther’s study room in the Castle. While there, for the first time Luther translated the New Testament into the German language. After the spectacular views we will have a Guided tour in Eisenach. This includes St. George’s Church where Luther was singing as a boy and Johan Sebastian Bach was baptized. We visit the museum in the Lutherhouse. In the evening we visit the birthplace of the most important figure in the protestant church music: Johann Sebastian Bach. Today, the Bachhaus is one of the largest musician’s museums in Germany. We will experience a short concert on five Baroque keyboard instruments. Installations such as the “Walkable Composition” make Bach’s music a complete experience. Return and overnight in Erfurt.

DAY 6 (AUG 6) ERFURT/COBURG/ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER/HEIDELBERG – Early this morning we enjoy an enchanting drive through the Thuringian Forest to Franconia and see the “Veste Coburg” (Coburg Fortress) which is one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses of Germany. In 1506/07, Lucas Cranach the Elder lived and worked in the Fortress. From April to October 1530, during the Diet of Augsburg, Martin Luther sought protection at the Fortress, as he was under an Imperial ban at the time. Whilst he stayed at the fortress, Luther continued with his work translating the Bible into German. We continue to the tiny Rothenburg o.d. Tauber. Which is the most famous town on the “Romantik Road”, a nearly intact medieval walled-city without a single modern building.  After we are amazed by the faous altar carving by Tilman Riemenschneider we continue to Heidelberg where we check into our hotel. 

DAY 7 (AUG 7) HEIDELBERG/SPEYER/ULM/AUGSBURG – We enjoy the romantic University town of Heidelberg with its castle and narrow roads. Next, we stop at the little town Speyer where we marvel the Cathedral of Speyer which is a UNESCO world heritage site and the biggest Romanic church in the world. In contrast to this we see the famous “Gedächtniskirche der Protestation”, (Memorial Church) which is a United Protestant church of both Lutheran and Reformed confessions in Speyer. We drive to Ulm, birthplace of Albert Einstein and the town with the tallest Church spire in the world (405 ft) the “Ulmer Minster”. We continue to Augsburg where we stay for the night.

DAY 8 (AUG 8) AUGSBURG/DACHAU/MUNICH – We make our journey to Augsburg where we see the main sights like the St. Annes Church, the townhall and the “Fuggerei”, the world's oldest public housing complex still in use. We the learn about the “Augsburg Confession” the primary confession of faith of the Lutheran Church and one of the most important documents of the Protestant Reformation. In Dachau the first concentration camp built by Nazi Germany and the longest running one we learn about its dark history. We go on to visit the capital of Bavaria, Munich. 

DAY 9 (AUG 9) MUNICH/HOHENSCHWANGAU/NEUSCHWANSTEIN – This day is dedicated to the most famous castles of Bavaria. We visit Hohenschwangau Castle as well as visit Neuschwanstein Castle from the outside. Neuschwanstein is the most visited castle in Germany, perched high up on a mountain in the beautiful landscape of the Alps. The shimmering white towers of the castle among the clouds are instantly recognizable to many and are the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. To visit it, is to step inside a fairy tale. We also have the opportunity to visit the Museum of the Bavarian Kings and learn about royal history. Return to the Hotel in Munich.

DAY 10 (AUG 10) MUNICH CITY TOUR – After breakfast we visit the historic Old City, Marienplatz, Glockenspiel, Church of our Lady, and Viktualienmarkt. We'll end the day by journeying up to Kehlstein peak in Berchtesgaden National Park to take in the scenic views and visit Kehlsteinhaus (Eagle's Nest), also known as Hitler's Hideout. 

DAY 11 (AUG 11) MUNICH/USA – Transfer to Munich Airport for your return flight home with luggage packed with keepsakes and your heart full of memories! 

NOTE: Schedule is subject to change due to various factors and the tour guide’s discretion. 

PRICING:

• $5595 per person based on double occupancy. 
  
• Single room supplement - $1295
• $500 per person with registration to secure space.
• 50% of the total amount is due on or before February 1, 2024
• Balance due on or before May 1, 2024

FLIGHT SCHEDULE:

• LH 445  01AUG  ATL FRA    0405P 0700A 02AUG 
• LH 178  02AUG  FRA BER   0945A 1055A 
• LH 095  11AUG  MUC FRA   0800A 0900A 
• LH 444  11AUG  FRA ATL     1015A 0215P 

* Flight times, flight numbers, equipment, gates, and seats are subject to change. For the most current information check the airline website.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE REGISTERING

PASSPORTS: Passports must be valid with an expiration date of at least six months beyond the return home date of the tour. Participants with non-US passports are responsible for country-specific entry requirements. If you do not have a valid passport or need to renew your passport, enter "RENEWING" or "APPLIED FOR" when completing registration.

CANCELLATION POLICY: The $500 per person deposit is nonrefundable. Other payments exceeding the $500 per person are refundable in full up to ninety days prior to departure. After this date, refunds for unused accommodations and services will be limited to the amount received from and/or credited by all carriers, sightseeing operators, and hotels. All funds, including the deposit, are non-transferable.

AIR: The Standard Tour includes round-trip, economy-class airfare from the departure city listed in the itinerary. All group seating is assigned by the airline and cannot be changed by Signature Tours. Seat changes can only be made during check-in at the airport. Upgrades such as Comfort, Premium, Business, or First Class are not available with the standard tour. Participants who wish to upgrade or purchase a specific seat should choose the Land Only option when registering. Frequent flyer, TSA Precheck, and Global Entry numbers can only be added at check-in.

LAND ONLY: Participants who wish to arrange their own air should choose the Land Only option. $1000pp will be deducted from the standard tour price when selecting this option. Participants arranging their own air should notify Signature Tours at least 6 months prior to the departure date. Land Only Passengers arriving with or before the group are welcome to join the group bus at no additional charge. For those not traveling with the group, Signature Tours can provide contact information to arrange a private transfer.

GROUND/TRANSFERS: The group will be met on arrival by a Signature Tours representative and transferred to the hotel/airport. Land Only participants not traveling with the group are responsible for scheduling ground transfers.

HOTELS: Superior first-class hotels throughout. Priced based on two people per room with a private bath and shower.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: A limited number of single rooms are available at additional supplement prices. Signature Tours and/or the group leader will make every attempt to pair single participants requesting a roommate. However, the single supplement fee will be charged for each person occupying a single room, whether by choice or circumstance.

MEALS: Breakfast and dinner are provided daily. Lunch is provided on days as noted in the itinerary. 

SIGHTSEEING: Entrance fees to all places listed in the itinerary are included, as well as an expert English-speaking guide.

LUGGAGE: Space is limited on the tour buses. Participants are allowed one suitcase weighing 50lbs or less and will be transported in storage under the bus. Participants are allowed one backpack/daypack or personal bag to carry on the bus during the tour. These requirements will meet most airline carrier restrictions. See the carrier website for airline-specific baggage restrictions and requirements. Medical devices are not included in these restrictions. 

TIPS, SERVICE CHARGES, AND TAXES: Tips, service charges, and taxes ARE INCLUDED in the selling price. Taxes, as imposed by national and/or local governments, that are not included at the time of booking are the responsibility of the participant.

NOT INCLUDED: Excess baggage fees, passport fees, visa fees, food or drink items not listed on the regular table menu for included meals, and items of a personal nature such as room service, laundry, etc. Any service not indicated in the itinerary and/or the above list of included features.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: This tour requires a substantial amount of walking. Many of the sites are not accessible by wheelchair, and the uneven terrain is not feasible for rollators. Signature Tours reserves the right to refuse individuals who may require special attention beyond what the tour guide and tour host can provide.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Travel Insurance is not included in the purchase price. For your convenience, we offer travel insurance through Travelex Insurance Services. For more information and rates, please review the product flyer or Click Here to enroll in the plan.
* Travelex Insurance Services, Inc CA Agency License #0D10209. Insurance coverages underwritten by Zurich American Insurance Company (NAIC # 16535).

Signature Tours
PO Box 956817 Duluth, GA 30095
info@signaturetours.com