Monday
- Depart: We depart today on our flights to Germany. Meals are served
en route.
Tuesday
- Berlin / Wittenberg: Upon arrival in Berlin, we will be greeted
by our professional tour manager. As we motor to our Wittenberg hotel
for the overnight, we will have a brief orientation to Germany and
our pilgrimage. (D)
Wednesday
- Wittenberg: After breakfast we will begin our pilgrimage of Lutheran
Faith in Wittenberg, the cradle of the Reformation, where Martin Luther
lived and worked from 1508-1546. Our Lutheran Heritage will come alive
as we spend "A Day in Wittenberg". We will tour the Luther
exhibits, the Melanchton House, the Town Church and the Castle Church.
We will have lunch at the Brauhaus ... cake and coffee at the Evangelical
Academy ... Eucharist at the Castle Church ... a lecture or panel
discussion at dinner this evening ... and we overnight in Wittenberg.
(B, L, D)
Thursday
- Torgau & Leipzig Excursion: After breakfast, we motor to Torgau
- called the "wet-nurse" of the Reformation because the
articles formed there became the basis for the Augsburg Confession.
Luther's wife, Katharina von Bora, was a nun at the Nimbschen convent.
Its Castle Church, consecrated by Luther, architecturally revised
the focus of worship. We travel to Leipzig for a delightful lunch
at Auerbachs Keller - famous for art depicting scenes from Goethe's
Faust. Afterwards, we have a walking tour of Leipzig and return to
Wittenberg for our overnight. (B, L)
Friday
- Halle / Eisleben / Erfurt: Today we travel to Halle, home of composer
Handel. We will tour the 300 year-old Francke Foundation. Founder
August Herman Francke - a pastor and university professor - began
an orphanage, school and Bible society. The Foundation grew enormously
and was responsible for providing human services and quality education.
In the afternoon, we continue on to Eisleben to visit the home where
Luther was born and where he died. Our day ends as we overnight in
Erfurt, where Luther lived and studied as a student and served as
a monk. (B, D)
Saturday
- Erfurt: During our walking tour, we will visit the Erfurt Cathedral
and Severi Church, and the more than 600 year-old Kraemer Bridge with
its unique little shops. Following some afternoon free time, we will
visit the Augustinian Monastery. Overnight in Erfurt. (B, D)
Sunday
- Eisenach and Wartburg Excursion: Today's excursion brings us to
Eisenach, where Luther lived and attended the parish school. There
will also be a visit to the Wartburg Castle. This castle is often
called Luther's "home away from home" ... he was under its
protective care during the tense controversies surrounding his reforming
actions. It was during his confinement in the castle that Luther translated
the New Testament. Overnight Erfurt. (B)
Monday
- Potsdam / Berlin: After breakfast we travel to Potsdam, capital
of Brandenburg. This former residence of Prussian rulers is found
in a beautiful setting of wood and lakes. We will visit the town's
central area with its magnificent churches, town hall, gate and waterworks.
Sanssouci Park and the rococo Sanssouci Palace further enhances the
dignity of of the royal capital. Overnight Berlin. (B)
Tuesday
- Berlin: Our morning sightseeing tour will include the Brandenburg
Gate with its famous Quadrigad, the remains of the Berlin Wall, and
"Check-point Charlie", the Berlin Cathedral, the Pergamon
Museum, and the restored German State Opera House. The remainder of
the day will be at leisure. Overnight Berlin. (B, D)
Wednesday
- Berlin / U.S.A.: This morning we transfer to the Berlin Airport
to begin our journey home. (B)
CB
- Continental Breakfast
B - Breakfast
L - Lunch
D - Dinner
SD - Special Dinner
