9 days
Go on a scholarly journey through Germany, following the footsteps of Martin Luther. Along the way, explore royal gardens, castles and countryside. Get a comprehensive look into Martin Luther’s life in Eisleben, the town in which he was born and where he died. While there, see the church where Martin Luther was baptized and visit a memorial museum. In the city of Wittenberg, stand in the exact place where Martin Luther posted his Ninety-five Theses in 1517 and sparked the Protestant Reformation.
Throughout the trip, view Protestant Reformation artifacts and spend time at places that are associated with Martin Luther, including St. Augustine’s Monastery, Veste Coburg and Luther’s tomb at Schlosskirche. Discover where Johann Sebastian Bach composed and premiered his music. Envision what life was like during the Middle Ages while viewing the Krämerbrücke arch bridge and learning about medieval architecture on a tour of Wartburg Castle. Continue the imaginative journey into the past with a visit to Heidelberg Castle. Spend time exploring the ruins, which give into the castle’s history throughout the centuries. Visit a museum where Bibles were made and stroll through the history of great philosophers.
Depart from home and fly overnight to Berlin.
On arrival in Berlin, meet up with the Tour Director and travel to the hotel in the Leipzig area. Time permitting, stop in Potsdam to visit Sanssouci Palace and Park, the royal summer resort with beautiful gardens and landscaped grounds.
In the morning, journey to Eisleben, the birth and death place of Martin Luther. Visit Luther’s Birth Place, a World Heritage Site and museum dedicated to Martin Luther. Stop to see where Martin Luther was baptized at the St. Peter and Paul Church. Continue to Wittenberg, which is known for being the place where the Reformation started. Take a walking tour of the city to view important buildings and historical landmarks, including the parish where Luther preached, St. Mary’s Church. Visit the Schlosskirche, where Luther posted his Ninety-five Theses in 1517, and view his tomb within the church. Explore the museum at Lutherhaus to see collections of Reformation artifacts and the well-preserved rooms where Luther spent his time.
Spend the day in Leipzig, a city with a rich culture and once the home of many famous composers. Discover the history of the city on a walking tour of the old city center. Visit St. Nicholas Church and St. Thomas Church, both sites where Johann Sebastian Bach premiered his musical works and directed the choir for many years. Depart Leipzig and travel to the Erfurt area.
In Erfurt, visit the St. Augustine’s Monastery and tour the Bible-Monastery-Luther exhibition to learn about the history of the Bible, the life of Augustinian Monks and Luther’s work while at the monastery. Walk past the Krämerbrücke, a medieval arch bridge and landmark of Erfurt. Continue to Eisenach for a guided tour of Wartburg Castle, a Middle Ages castle and World Heritage Site. Students will explore the castle’s rooms and art collection while learning about Martin Luther’s time of refuge there.
Begin the journey to Rüdesheim am Rhein. En route, stop in Coburg to visit the well-reserved medieval fortress, Veste Coburg. See the room where Martin Luther stayed and gain insight into his experience while in exile. Upon arrival in Rüdesheim am Rhein, embark on a walking tour of the city, seeing the remains of three castles, historic mansions and half-timbered houses. Stroll along the Drosselgasse, a famous shopping street in the heart of Rüdesheim am Rhein. Time permitting, take a cable car to the Niederwald Monument for panoramic views of the Rhine Valley.
Go on a Rhine River bus tour for sightseeing of the German countryside and a visit to Marksburg Castle, a well-preserved 12th-century fortress. Journey to Mainz, the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate, and explore the city, starting in Old Town and stopping to visit the Mainz Cathedral. While in Mainz, spend time at the Gutenberg Museum to learn about the history of printing and view two original Gutenberg Bibles.
In the morning, transfer to Worms and view the Luther Monument, an iconic group of statues dedicated to commemorate Martin Luther and the Reformation. After, see the Worms Cathedral to admire the Romanesque architecture. Enjoy free time in Worms before continuing to the beautiful town of Heidelberg. At the Heidelberg Castle, discover the castle’s Gothic-Renaissance architecture and its extensive history as a landmark of Heidelberg. Experience the castle’s significant sites, such as the Friedrich Building, the Barrel Building and the Pharmacy Museum. Afterwards, take a walk along the Philosophenweg, where students imagine themselves as scholars deep in thought and take in views of Heidelberg.
Depart Frankfurt for the journey home.
On this nine-day tour through central Germany, students are immersed in history and follow the footsteps of Martin Luther. With visits to historical sites and museums, gain insight into the development of the Protestant Reformation. Learn more about Germany’s development as a country throughout the centuries. Take in the beautiful scenery of the German countryside while participating in cultural experiences. With a curated curriculum for educators to apply with the program, students are empowered to put their learning into practice before, during and after the trip.
Quality, safe hotels with twin or triple occupancy corresponding to the destination.
All transportation is provided throughout the program.
Airfare covers round-trip flights from major airports.
Two meals are provided daily, breakfast and dinner, featuring local cuisine.
Interactive learning experiences designed to expand educational and career goals.
Scheduled activities, experiences and guided tours are all included.
Customized experiences developed by travel experts to promote learning and engagement.
Full-time Tour Directors are on site for the duration of the trip, for an all-inclusive experience.
Tips for bus drivers, guides, Tour Directors and meals.
International travel insurance is provided for protection in case of accidents, illness, flight interruptions or baggage loss.
Advanced student security software that integrates geofencing, logistics, communication and more optimized safety features.
Dedicated 24/7 staff availability, supporting students every step of the way.
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