Tour members meet for our flight to Geneva. After dinner is served, it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the on-board entertainment to prepare for this exciting adventure of a lifetime.

After arriving in Geneva, we are met by our tour guide and board our motor coach to begin touring the city. Our first stop on our Journey is the International Museum of the Reformation. Here we will be submersed into 500 years of Reformation history. We will have the opportunity to see how the reformation impacted lives, from their faith to their education, even how it affected areas economically. Located right next to the museum, we will have the chance for an individual inside visit of St. Peter’s Cathedral. It is here that John Calvin preached every other week from 1536 – 1564. Next we will walk to the Reformation wall. This memorial is built into the area that would have been the old city wall. A representation of the reclaiming and protection of the Gospel that happened here. Some of the reformers represented in the Wall are John Calvin, William Farel, Theodore Beza and John Knox. We will have dinner in the city and head to our hotel for overnight.

After Breakfast we check out of our hotel and drive to Bern. This 12th Century city is the 5th most populated city in Switzerland and is a great place to stop, walk through the old city and visit the Cathedral of Bern or spend time in the many shops along the Old City throughfare also a great place to grab lunch before continuing our Journey to Zurich. After boarding the bus, catch a quick after lunch nap or enjoy the scenery as we drive to Zurich. Once we arrive in Zurich we will begin our walking tour of several churches including Wasserkirche, Fraumunster, and Grossmunster (where the preaching of Huldrych Zwingli initiated the Swiss-German Reformation in Switzerland). After our walking tour we will check into our hotel where we will have dinner and overnight.

This morning, we will visit Basel, nestled along the Rhine River where Switzerland, France, and Germany converge, a captivating blend of cultural richness, artistic flair, and historical significance. The city’s charming markets, such as the Marktplatz, offer a glimpse into local life. We will see the neo-gothic red Town Hall and visit the old cathedral. In the afternoon we will Embark on our beautiful River Cruise Ship (floating hotel for the next 7-nights) and raise a glass with our Captain and rest of the crew.

Breisach, nestled in the southwestern corner of Germany, stands as a picturesque town on the Rhine River, surrounded by rolling vineyards and breathtaking landscapes of the Black Forest. We will view the wellpreserved medieval architecture, including the stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral towering over the town. A stroll through its cobblestone streets offers a glimpse into history, with half-timbered houses and cozy cafes. A short bus ride will take us to Colmar, in the Alsace region of France. An enchanting fairytale-like town, known as Little Venice, adorned with colorful half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and flower-lined canals. Colmar’s vibrant markets, like the Marché Couvert, offer a taste of local delights, from Alsatian wines to regional delicacies. The famous artist Auguste Bartholdi - father of the ‘Statue of Liberty’ was born in Colmar and his art can be seen all over the town.

This morning, we will have a panoramic tour in Strasburg, the capital city of the Alsace region and one of the most important cities of the European Union. We will walk through the old part of the city, known as Petite France, visit Guttenberg Square and the Dome, the great red sandstone cathedral. Strasbourg’s European institutions, including the European Parliament and the Council of Europe, add a contemporary flair to this historic city. Strasbourg’s a must-visit destination for those seeking a perfect blend of heritage, beauty, and European influence. We will enjoy free time in this vibrant city.

Today, we’ll visit the charming town of Heidelberg, home to Germany’s oldest and prestigious university. On the banks of the Neckar River boasts a charming blend of history, culture, and stunning landscapes. We’ll visit the iconic castle, taste local wine and see the world’s largest barrel. We will wander through cobblestone streets, visit the Marktplatz, and admire the beautiful architecture, including the Old Bridge (Alte Brücke). We will also visit the Protestant Church of the Holy Spirit (Heiliggeistkirche) and walk along the main pedestrian street and one of the longest shopping streets in Europe. In the afternoon we’ll have a walking tour of the Old Town of Worms, one of the three ShUm Cities, the heart of the Jewish past of Europe. Worms plays a very important role in the history of the reformation. The Diet of Worms was an imperial council convened in 1521 in the city of Worms, Germany, most famous for addressing Martin Luther and the challenges posed by his teachings to the Catholic Church. Luther was summoned to the Diet by Holy Roman Emperor Charles V and asked to recant his writings, which included criticisms of church practices and doctrines. Luther refused, famously stating, “Here I stand, I can do no other”.

This morning we’ll visit Rüdesheim, a picturesque town known for its wine-making heritage, stunning landscapes, and charming atmosphere. We have a ‘musical’ visit in the fascinating Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum and take the cable car going up to the Germania or Niederwald Monument, offering fabulous panoramic views. We’ll taste local ‘Asbach’ brandy or the special ‘Rüdesheimer’. After lunch we’ll enjoy a leisurely cruise on the river amid spectacular views of the Rhine River, the Lorelei Cliff and the small towns and castles along the river. Later we will dock in Koblenz, at the confluence of the Moselle River and the Rhine. We will go on a walking tour of this historic town, standing in the German corner, with its impressive Monument to Kaiser Wilhelm I. In the old town, we’ll wander through the historic center with its charming streets, squares, and architecture, including the picturesque Marktplatz, the city hall in the Jesuit square and ‘Liebfrauenkirche’, the cathedral in the center of town.

This morning, we will embark on a walking tour of the city of Cologne, known as Köln in Germany; one of Germany’s oldest and largest cities, located on the banks of the Rhine River. Renowned for its impressive Gothic architecture, the city is home to the iconic Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), a UNESCO World Heritage site that houses the relics of the Three Magi. Cologne boasts a rich cultural heritage with numerous museums, galleries, and a vibrant arts scene. The city is also famous for its annual Carnival celebration, one of the biggest in Europe, and its locally brewed Kölsch beer. With its blend of historical significance and modern vibrancy, Cologne remains a key cultural and economic hub in Germany.

Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, is renowned for its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Founded in the late 12th century as a small fishing village, it has grown into a major international hub for finance, trade, and tourism. We will have a walking tour of the city, visit the main Square, the “Dam” and visit the Luther Museum, with a collection of art and historical objects related to Lutheranism. We will walk along the canals of Amsterdam, “Venice of the North,” and see its well-preserved 17th-century buildings and try the local street food.

Come morning, we’ll disembark in Amsterdam and take a bus ride to Amsterdam Airport for our flight back home.

After arriving in Berlin, we will explore the capital of the reunified Germany, on a guided tour that includes all the important highlights like the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag (Parliament) and its cupola, the Nikolai Quarter, the impressive boulevard “Unter den Linden”, the Museum Island, the Gendarmen-Market, the Alexanderplatz and Check- Point Charlie. Drive to Lutherstadt Wittenberg. Dinner and overnight is in Wittenberg.

We begin our tour in Wittenberg with a visit to the temporary exhibition “Luther” located in the Augusteum that was built in the mid-1580s. As Luther House is currently closed for renovation, selected pieces will be exhibited here. Luther hall was once an Augustinian monastery where Luther lived as a monk and again later in 1525 as owner with his wife and family. Luther Hall is the largest museum of Reformation history in the world. Next we continue our guided walking tour through Wittenberg, we will also have the chance to see St Mary’s Church. We take a break for lunch and then continue with a visit to All Saints’ Church of the Castle Church, the famous site where Luther posted his 95 Theses on the Castle Church door, sparking the beginning of the Reformation. It is here that Luther is buried alongside his fellow reformer, Philipp Melanchthon. We depart Wittenberg on our way to Erfurt on the way we will stop and visit the Buchenwald concentration camp and the memorial before continuing to our Hotel for dinner and overnight in Erfurt.

After breakfast we will have a guided visit of the Augustinian Monastery, with a permanent exhibit depicting Luther’s life as a monk. If time permits, we will visit St. Mary’s Cathedral, where Luther was ordained as a priest, and St. Severus Church. afterwards, we have a short drive to Wartburg Castle for a self-guided tour of the Palais (Great Hall), the Elisabeth Hallway, and the Luther Room where Luther, under his disguise as “Junker Joerg,” translated the New Testament into German. We depart for Eisenach. Today, we will visit all the “must see” of Eisenach city, including the Luther-House, and the St. George’s Church, where J.S. Bach was baptized, and St. Elisabeth was married. We also will enjoy a brief concert at the Bach house. We drive to Bad Homburg for Dinner and overnight.

Transfer to Frankfurt Airport for our return flight back to the U.S.A.