Key: IF = In Flight Meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Day 1: Thursday, February 29, 2024: Overnight flights
Our journey begins as we board our international flight to Berlin, Germany. A pre-tour night is available in Berlin if you’d like to rest after the journey. (IF)
Day 2: Friday, March 1, 2024: Berlin
Upon our morning arrival in Berlin, we meet our tour leader and coach driver and pick-up early arrivals at the pre-tour hotel. Our panoramic tour of the city will include photo stops. We’ll view the famous Brandenburg Gate, the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, the Cathedral, the Reichstag building and the lively boulevards. This city has undergone momentous changes since reunification. We will visit the Checkpoint Charlie Museum, then check-in to our hotel in Berlin. (B/D)
Day 3: Saturday, March 2, 2024: Berlin, Wittenberg
Before departing Berlin this morning, we will visit the Bonhoeffer Museum and see a film about his life. We will then travel to Wittenberg, where the Reformation officially began in 1517 awaits us. A local guide will join us for a tour beginning at the site 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. The tour also includes St. Mary’s Church and the Lutherhalle (Luther House) Museum. In 1508, when Martin Luther came to Wittenberg, he lived here with other Augustinian Monks. Later, Luther and his wife, Katharina von Bora, raised six children here. The evening is at leisure. (B)
Day 4: Sunday, March 3, 2024: Buchenwald, Erfurt
Before reaching Erfurt, we will stop to visit Buchenwald Concentration Camp, where Bonhoeffer was held in 1945. Then we will drive through the Thuringian countryside to Erfurt. Our afternoon tour will include the Augustinian Monastery, as well as a stroll through the narrow streets of the old town to see the Cathedral and walk across the famous Krämer Bridge. (B/D)
Day 5: Monday, March 4, 2024: Eisenach, Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber
This morning we will visit nearby Eisenach, for a tour of the Wartburg Castle, where Luther translated the New Testament into German. In the afternoon we will travel to Rothenburg, a well-preserved medieval city, with ramparts, a city gate and town hall. Perhaps the most famous town on the “Romantic Road”, Rothenburg is indeed a jewel. It is a nearly intact medieval walled city without a single modern building within. We enjoy a meal together at our hotel in this wonderful city, followed by a Night Watchman’s tour. (B/D)
Day 6: Tuesday, March 5, 2024: Neuschwanstein, Munich
Today we will enjoy some of the highlights of Bavaria, including the spectacular Neuschwanstein Castle. In the afternoon we will have a tour of Munich. We’ll drive by the Olympic Stadium, Nymphenburg Castle, the New and Old Pinakothek, Deutsches Museum and we’ll take a walk to Frauenkirche, the New City Hall, Marienplatz and the famous “Glockenspiel”. We will conclude with a traditional Farewell Dinner at the famous “Hofbräuhaus”. It is time to reminisce about the places visited and the new friends we’ve made along the way. Our final overnight is in Munich. (B/D)
Day 7: Wednesday, March 6, 2024: Departure
Our motor coach takes us to Munich airport for our return flight home.
Please note this itinerary is copyrighted.
