Highlights of European Reformation
10-days, 3 countries:
Switzerland – Germany – France
The Reformation spread across Europe, leaving a lasting impact on religion, culture, and society.
This journey takes you through key cities where reformers like John Calvin, Huldrych Zwingli, and Martin Luther shaped the movement.
Starting in Geneva and ending in Berlin, explore historic churches, cathedrals, and monuments that tell the story of transformation and faith, as well as the cities that witnessed the birth of Protestantism.
Day 1 Arrival in Geneva
Upon arrival at Geneva airport, meet your tour guide and enjoy a private transfer to the city for hotel check-in. Relax, and acclimate during your leisure time. Dinner at a restaurant or at the hotel. Overnight in Geneva
Day 2 Geneva
After breakfast at your hotel, begin exploring Geneva. One of the highlights will be the visit to the International Museum of the Reformation, which is unique as it is the only secular museum devoted to the history of both the Reformation and Protestantism. Afterwards, a guided walking tour will take you to the Reformation wall. Next stop will be St. Peter Cathedral in Geneva, whose history is connected to the reformer John Calvin. After exploring the church, enjoy some free time to visit on your own. In the evening, Indulge in a traditional cheese fondue at a local restaurant. Overnight in Geneva.
Day 3 Geneva – Bern – Lucerne
Following breakfast, the bus will take you to the city of Bern, which played a significant role in the development of the Reformation in Switzerland. Take a walk through the old city, where you will see the Munster of Bern, one of the main sites of the Reformation. Proceed to Lucerne, where the Reformation lasted only one day. You will discover the reason for this as you explore the beautiful city on foot. Dinner and overnight in Lucerne.
Day 4 Lucerne – Zurich
Today, you will head to Zurich, associated with the reformer Huldrych Zwingli. A walking tour will take you to several of the city’s major churches, including Wasserkirche, Fraumunster with the Chagall windows, and Grossmunster. Dinner and overnight in Zurich.
Day 5 Zurich – Strasbourg
Upon finishing breakfast, you will proceed to Strasbourg, another key location in the Reformation. The first ideas of the Reformation spread in Strasbourg at the beginning of the 16th century. In 1532, Martin Bucer began teaching courses on the exegesis of biblical books in German and Latin. Visit the historic quarter of La Petite France, St. Thomas Church, the Cathedral of Strasbourg, and the Statue of the Reformers at the University. Dinner and overnight in Strasbourg.
Day 6 Strasbourg – Heidelberg – Worms
After breakfast, the bus will take you to Heidelberg, a charming town on the Neckar River where romanticism is both past and present. On a walking tour, explore the Old Town, the famous Stone Bridge over the Neckar River, and Heidelberg Castle, where the Heidelberg Confession was written in 1653. Visit the Castle Church, the German Apothecary Museum, and the Church of the Holy Spirit. Continue to Worms, one of the oldest towns in Germany, to visit St. Peter’s Cathedral. In 1521, Martin Luther was summoned here by Emperor Charles V to recant his teachings before the Diet of Worms. Here, you can also see where Luther made his famous “Here I Stand” declaration and visit the world’s largest memorial to the Reformation. Another reformer, William Tyndale completed his printing of the English Bible in Worms, escaping persecution in England. After an exciting day of touring, enjoy dinner followed by check in at your hotel in the Frankfurt area.
Day 7 Frankfurt area – Eisenach – Erfurt
Refreshed after breakfast, board the bus for a journey to Eisenach and the UNESCO World Heritage site, Wartburg Castle. It was here that Luther found refuge during his exile and translated the New Testament from Greek to German. Explore the spartan room where he lived and worked. Next, continue to Erfurt, where a guided tour of the Augustinian Monastery awaits. It was here that Luther became a monk and lived for many years. After an individual visit to St. Mary’s Cathedral, enjoy free time to explore the historic city at your own pace. Dinner and overnight in Erfurt.
Day 8 Erfurt – Eisleben – Wittenberg
Following breakfast, you will proceed to Eisleben, where Luther was born and died. Discover the houses where he took his first and last breaths. When it comes to Luther, few cities are more important than Wittenberg. The legend of the 95 theses nailed to the door of the Castle Church, though not entirely accurate, continues to be told around the world. Visit this famous door, as well as the Luther House, the Town Hall, the old city, and St. Mary’s Church (St. Marien), the oldest building in Wittenberg. Dinner and overnight in Wittenberg.
Day 9 Wittenberg – Berlin
After breakfast, board the bus for a journey to Berlin. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city’s top highlights, starting with the grand Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of unity and peace. Continue to the magnificent “Reichstag”, where the most important decisions are made by the German government. If available, explore this politically essential building with a guide and take a walk around the spacious glass dome, enjoying a fantastic view of the city. Stroll down the lovely boulevard “Unter den Linden” and visit the picturesque Museum Island, the historical heart of Berlin. Here stands one of the capital’s most famous buildings, Berlin Cathedral. It took time, but today Protestantism is firmly rooted in Berlin, as demonstrated by the vibrant church life of the cathedral’s congregation and the twin city of Berlin-Cölln. Today’s final stop is the city’s most beautiful square, Gendarmenmarkt, elegantly framed by the German and French Cathedrals. This evening, enjoy a delicious farewell dinner at a charming local restaurant. Overnight in Berlin.
Day 10 Departure
Today, it is time to say goodbye. We hope you leave with wonderful memories and fascinating experiences. We look forward to welcoming you again in the future. Transfer to Berlin airport for your departure.
