Go on a pilgrimage to where the Moravian Church began starting with a journey to Prague. Over 100 years before Martin Luther began the Protestant Reformation, Jan Hus inspired the Hussite movement out of the Bethlehem Chapel in Prague. See the Jan Hus Monument in the middle of Old Town Square, standing tall as a symbol of the first steps towards creating a tradition based on the teachings of the Bible over the teachings of the Roman Catholics and their hierarchical traditions. Visit Týn Church and go on a treasure hunt around Old Town Square to discover what history is hidden in the cracks of the buildings and sculptures. Explore the history of Prague Castle with a local guide to learn how King Wenceslaus IV supported the Hussite movement in the 14th century.
Continue the Moravian pilgrimage to where the church began to its renewal. After time in Prague, travel to Kunvald, where the Unity of Brethren organized their first church in 1457. Stand beneath the linden tree the Brethren planted near the first Moravian Church and share the sacrament of communion here. During the Thirty Years’ War non-Catholics hid in the Besedice Rocks, a labyrinth of sandstone rocks with sheltering caves. In 1722, the Moravian Church experienced a renewal due to the patronage of Count Zinzendorf. Moravian families stayed on the Zinzendorf estates and they built a church community nearby in Herrnhut. Church services were held in an assembly hall in Herrnhut, while sacraments and worship was in a Lutheran parish church in Berthelsdorf.
All along the way, see how the Moravian Church continues their mission and experience beautiful sights. While in Ústí nad Orlicí, learn about the local mission project of Daniel Dostrašil and the Jednota Bratrská. Following the Moravian values, they have established a sustainable mission through beekeeping. Discover the history of the Moravian star at the Herrnhut Star Manufactory, beautiful stars that became part of the Moravian Christmas tradition from Advent to Epiphany. Near the end of the tour, visit Dresden and explore Zwinger, a Baroque palace in the heart of the city with multiple galleries and extensive grounds. Before returning to Prague for the trip home, experience the impressive Church of Our Lady, which is known as a symbol of peace in Dresden.
Travel from Charlotte airport to Prague on an overnight flight.
Arrive in Prague and meet the Tour Director. Check in to local accommodations. Get acquainted with Prague on a walking tour, starting on a stroll across the Charles Bridge and followed by time in Old Town Square. View the astronomical clock, Bethlehem Chapel, Church of St. Martin in the Wall, Týn Church and Church of Our Lady of the Snows. Stay in Old Town Square for a team treasure hunt and a welcome dinner.
After breakfast, return to Old Town Square to view the Jan Hus Monument, a memorial to the reformist who predated Martin Luther by a hundred years. Following the direction that the Jan Hus statue is facing enter Týn Church, which is known for its history as part of the Hussite movement. Visit the Bethlehem Chapel and Preacher’s House after this to see where Jan Hus preached and where he lived. Go on a guided tour of Prague Castle with a local specialist who is familiar with this UNESCO World Heritage site. While here, step into the St. Vitus Cathedral, whose construction began in the 14th century and completed in the 19th century. Stroll down Golden Lane to see the charming tiny homes and go inside the Old Royal Palace to see the beautiful vaulted ceilings. Spend the rest of the day with free time in Prague before dinner at a local restaurant.
Continue the journey this morning from Prague to Kunvald, where the Moravian Church began in 1457. Below the branches of the linden tree planted by the Unity of Brethren, participate in communion together. Visit the Gemeinhaus museum and then travel on to Ústí nad Orlicí to check in to a local hotel for the night. Spend some free time exploring the town. Hear about the mission project with Daniel Dostrašil and the Jednota Bratrská over community-style dinner. Learn more about their church’s sustainability efforts through their beekeeping activities.
Check out of accommodations in Ústí nad Orlicí and go to Besedice. Follow the path of the Moravian Brethren, walking the blue route to the Besedice Rocks. Cross the border into Germany to visit the Berthelsdorf Church, Zinzendorf’s Manor House and God’s Acre, the Moravian cemetery. End the day in Herrnhut, checking into the Komenský Guest and Conference House. Dine at a local German restaurant this evening.
Attend a service at the Moravian Church in Herrnhut, and visit their museum and gift shop. Visit the Moravian Church Archives and the Museum of Ethnology. End the afternoon on a stroll through the Zinzendorf Garden or Zinzendorf’s Sculpture Trail before dinner.
Start the day with a tour of the Herrnhut Star Manufactory, where authentic Moravian stars are created and have the option to purchase one. Continue on to the historic city of Dresden. While here, tour Zwinger palace with the Tour Director, including the Old Masters Picture Gallery and free time to explore the grounds. Visit the Church of Our Lady, which is known as a symbol of peace in Dresden. Return to Prague and check in to local accommodations. Gather for a festive farewell dinner in the evening.
Depart Prague in the morning for the journey home.
Note: Activities are subject to change based on availability.
On this Moravian Heritage tour, travel through time to the Hussite movement, the origins of the Moravian Church and beyond. Learn about the Hussite movement in Prague on explorations in Old Town Square, from a historical treasure hunt to visiting the church where Jan Hus preached. Go to Prague Castle to explore history, including St. Vitus Cathedral, Golden Lane and the Old Royal Palace. Discover where the Moravian church first organized as the Unity of Brethren in Kunvald and visit the Zinzendorf’s Manor House to see where the church was renewed. Experience Moravian churches, missions, a Moravian star factory and more amazing moments in history all along the way.
At Experience we make sure everything is covered – from housing to technology and beyond – to provide the best experience for our travelers.
Quality, safe hotels with twin or triple occupancy that are centrally located.
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 global and cultural awareness.
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 group travel software that integrates geofencing, logistics, communication and more optimized safety features.
Dedicated 24/7 staff availability, supporting travelers every step of the way.
