Following Luther's Footsteps
Germany, 8 Days
Day 1 Arrival in Berlin
After arrival at Berlin airport, you meet your tour escort and embark on your journey. Go on a sightseeing tour of all the highlights Berlin has to offer. Visit the grand Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of union and peace, as well as the magnificent “Reichstag”, where most important decisions are being made by the German government. If available, explore this politically essential building with a guide and take a walk around the spacious glass-dome, enjoying a fantastic view of the city. Stroll down the lovely boulevard “Unter den Linden” and visit the picturesque Museum Island, which marks Berlin’s historical center. Located here is one of the capital’s most famous buildings, the Berlin cathedral. It took a while, but by now Protestantism is well and truly rooted in Berlin. The vivid church life of the cathedral’s congregation and in the twin city Berlin-Cölln demonstrate this perfectly. Today’s final stop is the city’s most beautiful plaza, the Gendarmenmarkt, gorgeously framed by the German and French cathedrals. This evening enjoy a delicious welcome dinner at a lovely local restaurant. Overnight in Berlin
Day 2 Wittenberg, Eisleben
After an early breakfast, you depart for Lutherstadt Wittenberg.
When it comes to Luther, there is almost no city more important than this one. The legend of the 95 theses nailed to the door of the Castle Church, though not accurate, still gets told across the world. Visit this famous door, as well as the Luther House, the town hall, the historic center and the Town and Parish Church St. Marien, the oldest building in Wittenberg. In the afternoon proceed to Eisleben, where Luther was born and died. Discover the houses, where he took his first and his last breaths. Overnight in Eisleben.
Day 3 Eisleben, Erfurt, Eisenach
Start the day right with a tour of Eisleben’s town center. Stops include the Church of St. Peter and Paul, St. Andrew’s Church, St. Anne’s Church and the Old Town with its charming historical houses. Afterwards it is time to move on to Erfurt and explore the historic center on a guided walk. Marvel at the Merchants’ Bridge – the longest continuous bridge with inhabited buildings in Europe -, the Luther Memorial, the Town Hall and the Merchant’s Church. Explore the Fish Market, St. Mary’s Cathedral and the ‘Anger’, the city’s central square. It was here, in this beautiful city, that Luther decided to become a monk. Visit the Augustinian Monastery, a place that shaped and taught the young Reformer for six years. Take a glimpse at the small “cell”, where Luther lived during his stay in the monastery. Then leave Erfurt behind and travel to Eisenach. Overnight in Eisenach.
Day 4 Eisenach, Coburg
Today stroll the city of Eisenach and admire all its beautiful sights, such as the Luther House and St. Georg’s Church, where Luther preached while “on the run” and later, in 1685, Johann Sebastian Bach was baptized. Next up is the UNESCO World Heritage site Wartburg Castle. Here Luther found refuge during his exile and translated the New Testament from Greek into German. Take a look at the spartan room he lived and worked in. Afterwards continue to Coburg. The Veste Coburg is one of the largest and most well-preserved medieval castle complexes in Germany. In 1530 Luther took refuge and lived here for six months. After exploring the fortress take a walk through the charming historical city. Overnight in Coburg.
Day 5 Nuremberg, Augsburg
Driving south you reach the city of Nuremberg. According to Luther, Nuremberg was “the eye and ear of Germany”. In those days it was a center for media, with its 21 printing houses, and therefore massively important to the spread of the ideas of the Reformation. Walk through the historic center and visit sights such as the Albrecht-Dürer-House and the churches St. Lorenz and St. Sebald. Afterwards continue on to Augsburg. It was here in 1518 at St. Anna’s Church that Luther met the papal legate, Cardinal Cajetan, who demanded that Luther submit to the pope. The city was also site of the Diet of Augsburg in 1530, where the Augsburg confession was presented, in which Lutherans explained the nature and teachings of their confession. In the town hall, the Peace of Augsburg was signed in 1555, making the division of Christianity legal. Overnight in Augsburg.
Day 6 Dachau, Munich
After breakfast it is time to head to the Dachau Concentration Camp. Walk around the site, visit the museum with its reconstructed barracks and crematorium, and learn about the Holocaust, its victims and survivors. A short drive finally brings you to Munich. On a walking tour through the historic center enjoy the view of famous buildings and squares, including the Marienplatz with the town hall and its glockenspiel, as well as the “Frauenkirche” with its distinctive onion dome towers. Also discover the delicious shops that make up the Viktualienmarkt. Overnight in Munich.
Day 7 Neuschwanstein, Munich
Today explore Germany’s most famous castle! Neuschwanstein, perched high up on a mountain in the Alps, fascinates with its shimmering white towers that appear to be touching the clouds. The castle seems to be plucked straight from a fairytale book, so it is no surprise that it inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. It was originally built according to King Ludwig II’s wishes and dreams of owning his own medieval-looking castle. The majestic facade conceals an unbelievable splendor inside: very exquisite furniture, luxurious decors and masterly art. In the afternoon transfer back to Munich for a farewell dinner at the famous Hofbräuhaus. Overnight in Munich.
Day 8 Farewell Germany
Today it is time to say goodbye to Germany. We trust you will leave with a lot of great memories and fascinating experiences. Hopefully we will see you again soon.
Tour information
