Martin Luther in Germany—8 day tour
Starting from "The Cradle of The Reformation" in Thuringia we visit the cities and places inexorably linked to Luther's life, from his birthplace at Eisleben to the mighty Wartburg Castle where he translated the New Testament into German. See also some of the "Classical Route" and the historic towns and landscape that inspired not only Luther but also Goethe, Schiller and Bach. Our tour ends in Berlin, a city with a vibrant history and now capital of re-unified Germany.
Included Highlights
- Wartburg Castle
- Martin Luther's Birthplace
- Eisleben
- Wittenberg
- Berlin City Tour
Hotel Nights
- Erfurt 3
- Leipzig 2
- Berlin 2
Day 1 Frankfurt
Arrive at Frankfurt airport. Meet and greet by a professional tour director who will accompany us by private motor coach through central Germany for an afternoon arrival in the quaint medieval city of Erfurt.
Overnight Erfurt
Day 2 Erfurt
Today we meet a local guide for a morning sightseeing tour of Erfurt, the town where Luther attended university. Visit the Augustinian Monastery where he learnt from personal experience so much that would radically change his life. Free afternoon in Erfurt to enjoy one of the excellent coffee shops or spend time in the cathedral where Luther was ordained a priest in 1507.
Overnight Erfurt
Day 3 Eisenach – Erfurt
A short journey west brings us to the small town of Eisenach where Luther attended school. We will see inside the house where he lived and visit the imposing Wartburg Castle. This World Heritage Site is where Luther lived in hiding and translated the New Testament.
Overnight Erfurt
Day 4 Leipzig
Travel to Leipzig, the largest city in Saxony. Our tour director takes us on a city tour with admission to St Thomas Church. We also visit the Church of St Nicholas, the focal point for demonstrations and "prayers for peace" that led to the opening of the Iron Curtain. The church itself dates from the 13th century and was where Luther preached and J S Bach was a choirmaster.
Overnight Leipzig
Day 5 Eisleben
Today we travel to Eisleben, known as the Bethlehem and Jerusalem of the reformer, a place so important to the life of Luther that it has been renamed Lutherstadt Eisleben. We meet a local guide who will bring the town to life and tell us why Luther held a special affection for it. It is of course the town where he was born and where he died and we will see both of the houses, now extremely well preserved museums. We also visit St Andrews Church where he preached his last sermon.
Overnight Leipzig
Day 6 Wittenberg – Berlin
A short journey north takes us to Wittenberg. This city has also been renamed Lutherstadt Wittenberg. We again meet a local guide and will see where Luther famously posted his ninety-five Theses to the Castle Church door. Our visit inside the church shows us the tombs of both Luther and his compatriot Philip Melanchthon. Our visit to the city concludes with visits inside the Mansion House of Melanchthon and St Mary's Church where Luther married, baptised his children and preached.
Overnight Berlin
Day 7 Berlin
A local guide takes us on a morning city tour of Berlin. The once divided city is now one of Europe's most cosmopolitan. Highlights include the Brandenburg Gate, Unter den Linden, the Reichstag and the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. The afternoon is free for us to explore the other delights of the city, perhaps to include the outstanding Pergamon Museum on Museum Island.
Overnight Berlin
Day 8 Berlin
Group transfer to the airport. We will be pleased to tailor your tour to suit your preferred arrival and departure airports.
You can find out more about our service on the Your Tour and Tour Price page. Please do email or call us to discuss your requirements. All quotations are provided free of charge and without obligation. We look forward to hearing from you.