A quality Christian tour that's a combination of history, fellowship and fun. Frank
Drinkhouse, president of Reformation Tours* traces our rich Protestant history roots
through three countries: Switzerland, France and Germany and visits the sites where
John Calvin, Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, John Knox among others made history and
formed the Protestant faith. There is also inspiring fellowship with local believers in all
three countries.
* Reformation Tours is used by many churches and organizations, such as Southeastern
Baptist Seminary, Denver Seminary, Lubbock Area Baptist Association, Lutheran
churches, as well as many others.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Wednesday, June 18, Arrival in Geneva (10 and 14 day tours begin)
Arrive in Geneva to begin the 10 and 14 day tours. The afternoon is free to enjoy this delightful Swiss city. At our welcome dinner in the evening, we'll get to know the rest of our group.
Day 2: Thursday, June 19, Geneva
This morning we'll begin at the Reformation Wall, followed by a visit to the Reformation Museum in the beautiful historic quarter. This Museum paints a comprehensive picture of the Reformation from its origins to the present day. The afternoon will be free to explore the city further. We'll meet with local believers this evening over dinner.
Day 3: Friday, June 20, Lausanne, Chillon Castle, Grindelwald
Our first stop today will be the lake-side city of Lausanne where we will tour the Cathedral of Notre Dame and other Reformation sites, followed by a wonderful fondue lunch in the city square. In the afternoon we will tour Chillon Castle and end the day in Grindelwald.
Day 4: Saturday, June 21, Interlaken
Today we'll enjoy the beauty of God's creation with a train trip from the famous Alpine railway station of Kleine Scheidegg, with views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks. On the way back to our hotel, we'll stop at the spectactular Trümmelbach Falls, then enjoy our second overnight in Grindelwald, with the opportunity to try some of the local restaurants on our own.
Day 5: Sunday, June 22, Zurich
We will begin with a time of fellowship at the International Protestant Church in Zurich, followed by a walking tour of Ulrich Zwingli's city, Zurich, with a local expert guide. Highlights include the Frauenkirche and the Grossmünster Cathedrals.
Day 6: Monday, June 23, Constance, Strasbourg
After a stop in Constance to learn more about Czech pre-Reformer Jan Hus, we'll have a leisurely drive through the Black Forest region. We'll end the day in our third country - France, as we settle into our hotel in Strasbourg and enjoy some fine French cuisine.
Day 7: Tuesday, June 24, Strasbourg
This morning, we'll vist the Cathedral of Strasbourg, St. Thomas's Church, the Astronomical clock and the historic "La Petite Strasbourg" quarter with our local guide. The afternoon is free to explore this attractive area of France. At dinner, we'll welcome share fellowship with local Christians.
Day 8: Wednesday, June 25, Heidelberg (7 day tour begins)
Today the 7 day tour begins. We return to Germany, to explore Heidelberg and enjoy the magnificent castle. We'll end the day in Rüdesheim.
Day 9: Thursday, June 26, Worms, Rüdesheim
On our way to the Rhineland town of Rüdesheim, we'll visit Worms, then lunch and tour a winery.
We'll end our day with a relaxing Rhine cruise and a free evening to stroll around Rüdesheim.
Day 10: Friday, June 27, Eisenach, Erfurt (10 day tour ends)
Today we'll head north to visit Wartburg Castle, where Luther took refuge after a fake kidnapping staged by his friend and protector. See the very room where Martin Luther translated the New Testament and visit the Lutherhaus and Bachhaus, and stay in the peaceful, calm Augustinian Monastery (subject to availability) in Erfurt, where Luther lived and studied.
Day 11: Saturday, June 28, Erfurt
This morning we will learn about Erfurt's Reformation history, including the two churches St. Mary's and St. Severin's Cathedral. Erfurt boasts a unique medieval bridge with homes and shops still in use today. The afternoon and evening are free with the option of visiting Buchenwald concentration camp. Tonight we will enjoy fellowship with local Christians over dinner.
Day 12: Sunday, June 29, Wittenberg
We'll rise early today and arrive in Wittenberg in time for church. In the afternoon our guided tour begins with seeing the church where Luther posted his 95 Theses. Although the original door was destroyed in a fire, the replica has all 95 Theses in bronze, which is magnificent. Next we'll tour the Luther House Museum. We'll stay overnight in Wittenberg.
Day 13: Monday, June 30, Berlin
Berlin is a fascinating city with a wealth of history. On arrival we'll meet our local guide who will take us on an orientation tour, including the Berlin Wall Museum and Checkpoint Charlie. We'll have some free time to either visit the Pergamon Museum, which contains incredible Biblical artifacts, or to do some final shopping.
Day 14: Tuesday, July 1, return home