Footsteps of Bonhoeffer and Luther

Tour

Description:

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German Lutheran pastor, who lived from 1906 to 1945. Bonhoeffer, whostudied in Tübingen, Berlin and New York, was one of the “Heroes of Conscience” who returned to Germany to join the fight against Hitler. Today he remains an inspiration to all those who protest against the violation of human rights His writings are among the most profound and provocative theology of the twentieth century.Martin Luther can be described as leading Protestant Reformer, Monk, Teacher, family man, one of the most significant figures in history and Germany’s greatest theologian and Biblical scholar. His own study of the scriptures caused him to find the answer to the searching of his own soul about faith and forgiveness.

Tour Highlight :

Berlin - Kurfürstendamm – Wroclaw (Poland) -  ”Memorial for the murdered Jews of Europe”  -  Krzyzowa/ – Swidnica - Wroclaw, Dresden, Leipzig -  Eisleben -  Torgau, Wittenberg -  Potsdam, Berlin

Day 1: Depart USA
Our adventure begins as we depart on our transatlantic flight bound for Frankfurt, Germany. Meals will be served in flight.

Day 2:  Erfurt
On arrival at Frankfurt airport, our Reformation Tours’ Tour Director will meet us and escort us to the waiting luxury coach. We’ll drive through the gorgeous countryside to the fabulous town of Erfurt which will be our base for the next few days. We’ll be staying in the fabulous Augustinian Monastery, where Luther lived for several years (subject to availability.) We’ll enjoy a welcome dinner. (B/D)

Day 3 : Erfurt
This morning our local guide will lead the group on a guided walking tour of Erfurt, ending with a wonderful organ concert. We’ll then have the afternoon free to explore the shops along the Merchant’s Bridge, wander around the old town or enjoy some good German coffee and cake! We’ll be free to sample local cuisine this evening. (B)

Day 4: Eisenach, Erfurt
We’ll begin today with a day-trip to nearby Eisenach for a tour of the Wartburg Castle, where Luther translated the New Testament into German. After returning down to the valley, we drive to the city center and visit the St. George’s Church, where Luther sang and worshipped as a teenager and where J.S. Bach was baptized. We’ll return to Erfurt for dinner. (B/D)

Day 5:  Zwickau, Wittenberg
Today we will visit Zwickau, an old commercial town which flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries. More recently, it’s become infamous for the production of Trabant cars. During our visit, we’ll see St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Lucas Cranach altarpiece in the late Gothic church of St Catharine, famous for the pastorate of Thomas Miinzer. Our base for the rest of the tour will be Lutherstadt-Wittenberg, and we’ll settle into our hotel and then meet our local guide who will take us on an orientation tour of this historic town, including the Schloßkirche (Castle Church), the Lutherhalle (Luther House) Museum and Stadtkirche St. Marien (St. Mary’s church).(B/D)

Day 6:  Leipzig, Wittenberg
We start our day with a short drive to Leipzig where we enjoy a guided city tour. Our tour includes the St. Thomas Church, home of the famous St. Thomas choir and where J.S. Bach served as music director. At 3 PM we’ll be treated to a Bach concert. We also see the Church of St. Nicholas, where prayers for peace were offered and where the freedom walk to unite Germany had its start in the fall of 1989. We’ll return to Wittenberg in the evening for dinner. (B/D)

Day 7: Wittenberg, Spreewald
This morning we will have the privilege of attending church in Wittenberg. In the afternoon we’ll take a trip to Spreewald for an afternoon gondola ride on the canal in this beautiful forested area. We’ll return to Wittenberg and have the opportunity to eat at the restaurant of our choice this evening. (B)

Day 8: Eisleben, Wittenberg
Today we will visit Eisleben and visit the house where Luther was born and the house where he died. We also visit the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, where Luther was baptized and St. Andrew’s Church with the Luther pulpit from where Luther preached his last sermon. After lunch, we’ll drive to Torgau, home of Katherine von Bora and a town where Luther often preached. We’ll return for our farewell meal and overnight in Wittenberg. (B/D)

Day 9: Berlin
Unfortunately we must say “Auf Wiedersehen” to Europe, and transfer to the Berlin airport for our return flight to the United States. B