Get ready for wonderful sightseeing combined with Christian history – our Europe & Reformation holiday has begun!

An evening flight from Australia (Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide) allows for an early morning arrival in Germany.

Overnight: In-Flight

2 NIGHTS

We arrive in Frankfurt, Germany in the early morning. Once one of the most important cities of the Holy Roman Empire, and the site of imperial coronations, Frankfurt is still a global hub for commerce, culture, education, tourism and transportation. We transfer to our hotel for an early check-in so you can rest after the flight and then enjoy a day at leisure.

Explore Frankfurt’s Alt Stadt (Old City) including the Romerberg, reconstructed gabled half-timbered buildings which give an idea of how beautiful the city’s medieval core once was.

Visit the nearby medieval Lutheran church of St Nicholas, lucky to sustain only minor damage during the war. Enjoy your choice of many museums, including the Goethe House, or simply browse the shops and relax at a café. Tonight, we join together to share our experiences and enjoy our first Group Dinner.

Overnight: Frankfurt

We travel to Mainz where records show that the first Christian congregation dates to 368 A.D. Located at the intersection of important trade routes and the place where Saint Boniface worked and lived, Mainz became an important centre of Christianity from 746/47. We visit historic Mainz Cathedral, construction of which began more than 1000 years ago.

Mainz is also the birthplace of Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of a printing press that used moveable type. This new efficient press set off a media revolution across Europe and helped power the Protestant Reformation. The peak of Gutenberg’s career was the two-volume Gutenberg Bible, an epic work created during 1452-1455 with the assistance of many helpers. We visit the Gutenberg Museum which houses two original copies of this Bible, considered among the most beautiful and valuable printed books in the world.

Nearby Worms is one the oldest cities in Germany with a history going back 2,200 year. In 1521, Martin Luther appeared before the Diet of Worms on charges of heresy, yet he refused to recant – “Here I stand, I cannot do otherwise”. Our guided tour of the city includes the Luther Monument, the world’s largest monument to the Reformation.

Overnight: Frankfurt

3 NIGHTS

We are driving to Coburg, where Luther took refuge in the Veste Coburg Fortress in 1530, at the time of the Augsburg Imperial Diet. The work Luther did during this crucial phase of the history of the Reformation is of outstanding importance and we tour the Veste Coburg to see the rooms where he lived and worked, including the Luther Chapel. Our scenic bus tour takes us through the Thuringian Forest, travelling on one of Germany’s newest autobahns we will cross some of the country’s highest bridges and through its longest road tunnel. We travel on to Erfurt, one of Germany’s most intact medieval cities and our home for the next three nights.

Overnight: Erfurt

Our day trip to Eisenach takes in the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage listed Wartburg Castle; it was here that Luther took refuge after refusing to recant his writings at the Diet of Worms. Luther’s defiance of the Pope and Holy Roman Emperor lead to his excommunication. Luther was declared an outlaw but found safe haven at Wartburg where he lived from 1521-1522. It was in the castle that Luther wrote the first translation of the New Testament into the German language.
Our walking tour of Eisenach includes the Lutherhaus Eisenach, one of the oldest surviving half-timbered houses in Thuringia and believed to be where Martin Luther lived during his schooldays from 1498 to 1501.
Eisenach is also famous as the birthplace of Johann Sebastian Bach, widely regarded as the greatest of all composers of music for Christian worship. A member of the Lutheran church, Bach was strongly knowledgeable in theology as well as heavily influenced by the Reformation and Martin Luther.

Luther Writing states that music and theology are complementary of one another, and that music in the church is one of the strongest ways through which to communicate theology and the truth of scripture.

We visit the Bach Museum where the highlight is the demonstration of historical musical instruments.

Overnight: Erfurt

Erfurt is closely associated with the education of Martin Luther; Erfurt’s University was founded in 1379 and Luther was its most famous student, studying here from 1501 before he joined the Augustinian Order. A guided walk through the beautiful Altstadt (Old Town) takes us to both the University and the Augustinian monastery which Luther called his spiritual home. As we will stroll through the little streets with their rich, timber framed buildings we will visit the marketplace, with its magnificent St Mary’s Cathedral, and cross the famed Merchant’s Bridge.

Overnight: Erfurt

4 NIGHTS

We travel to Wittenberg, the cradle of the Reformation, where, on October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Schlosskirche. Luther often preached here and, in his time, the Schlosskirche was the University Chapel and its doors were used as a bulletin board.

Enjoy a walking tour of the Wittenberg after which you have your choice to explore the town at leisure and enter many of its wonderful museums using our special “Wittenburg Pass”. Visit the Lutherhaus, where Luther had his “Tower Experience” and first grasped the gift of grace by faith alone and later lived with his wife, Katharina von Bora, and their six children.

Not to be missed is the UNESCO listed Melanchthon House; this architectural gem and one of Wittenburg’s most beautiful town houses was built for Philip Melanchthon, an intellectual leader of the Lutheran Reformation. Some of the other options available include the Cranach-Museum and the exhibition of Modern Christian Art. Alternatively, you may wish to just enjoy a coffee or ice-cream and soak up the atmosphere in the town where Martin Luther and his fellows lived, taught, and preached.

We continue on to Leipzig, a city which played a significant role in instigating the fall of communism in Eastern Europe; in 1989 thousands of Leipzigers joined together in prayers for peace in the Nikolai Church and started marching along the ring road. This action garnered international media attention and is seen as one of the main contributing factors to the fall of the Berlin Wall just a few weeks later.

Overnight: Leipzig

Leipzig is a major intellectual and cultural centre which is renowned as the hometown of the composer Johann Sebastian Bach. Bach spent most of his life in Leipzig and was the cantor for the Thomas Boys’ Choir for whom he composed a new cantata every Sunday.

Enjoy Sunday worship at St Thomas’ before visiting Bach’s gravesite. A walking tour of the city will include the Renaissance town hall, the University with its reconstructed facade, the Gewandhaus concert hall and a visit to Bach’s house, now the Bach Museum, to listen to a short harpsichord recital.

Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in this fascinating city before dinner at Auerbachs Keller, Leipzig’s most famous (and second oldest) restaurant. First mentioned in 1483, the restaurant is renown as the first place Goethe’s Mephistopheles took Faust on their travels and is also a place Martin Luther met with supporters.

Overnight: Leipzig

Today you have the choice of a day trip to Berlin, Germany’s fascinating capital city, or a day of rest and relaxation in Leipzig.

Dating from the 13th century, Berlin has had a turbulent history; it first became the capital of the German Empire in 1871, saw the rise to power of Hitler and the Nazis following the burning of the Reichstag (parliament), was badly bombed at the end of WWII before being divided during the Cold War. From the 1950s until the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the 18th Century Brandenburg Gate became a symbol of reunification. Today we will view these main symbols of this resilient city as well as the moving Gedächtniskirche (Memorial Church) which is located on the bustling Kurfürstendamm. Composed of bombed ruins of the original church, as well as a modern church building, this memorial for peace and reconciliation is a place of contemplation and commemorates Berliners’ determination to rebuild after the war.

Overnight: Leipzig

This morning we travel to Halle, the birthplace of Georg Friedrich Handel. Our local guide will take us on a walking tour of the town centre including the Handel House Museum where the famous composer was born and grew up. We visit the Market Church where Luther preached three times, Handel was baptised and J.S Bach inaugurated the grand organ. This church also houses Germany’s oldest Protestant church library including several Luther Bibles with handwritten notes from the Reformer. Downstairs Luther’s death mask can be viewed in the crypt.

We head to Eisleben, the town where Martin Luther was born in 1483 and where he died almost 63 years later. Our walking tour takes us to the Luther Monument, Luther’s birthplace as well as the churches of St Peter and Paul, where he was baptised, and St Andrews, where Luther preached his last sermon.

Overnight: Leipzig

2 NIGHTS

We are leaving Germany but not before we stop in Dresden, arguably its most beautiful city. Prior to WWII it was called the “Jewel Box of Europe” due to its numerous baroque and rococo buildings and the priceless art and treasures lodged within its many museums and churches. Although Dresden was extensively bombed during the war, today much of the magnificent architecture has been painstakingly rebuilt and restored to its former glory.

We will visit the Semper Opera House, the vast Zwinger Palace courtyard and the beloved Frauenkirche where we will join the noon prayer. When the magnificent church was originally built Johann Sebastian Bach was the first to play the famous Silberman organ.

We are travelling to Czechia to stay in the historic city of Prague; often called “the City of a Hundred Spires” it is renowned for its great beauty. Whilst famous for its glorious baroque buildings, Art Noveau flourishes also adorn much of Prague’s architecture including grand arcades and riverside apartment buildings.

Overnight: Prague

We discover the Golden City of Prague with a morning walking tour. The Old Town Square, full of colorful baroque buildings, is the historic heart of the Golden City; soak up the beauty of its Gothic Tyn Church and medieval Town Hall with its Astronomical Clock, which gives an animated hourly show.We also cross the historic statue-lined Charles Bridge to tour the Castle district and St Vitus Cathedral.

We visit the Bethlehem Chapel where Jan Hus preached from 1402 to 1412. This modest building in a quiet square is considered the cradle of the Bohemian Hussite Reformation.

We finish up at the Jan Hus Memorial which commemorates the Czech priest and theologian whose work to reform the Catholic Church predated the Lutheran Reformation by a whole century.

This afternoon you will have time at leisure to further explore this glorious city, before an evening Dinner Cruise along the Vltava River caps off a magnificent day!

Overnight: Prague

2 NIGHTS

Today we transfer to the Bavarian capital of Munich and enjoy a city walking tour. We visit historic Marienplatz, the city’s central square since 1158; famous for the Glockenspiel, Marienplatz is named for the Marian Column and is dominated by the New Town Hall and the reconstructed gothic Old Town Hall. We also visit Frauenkirche (Our Lady’s Church), the most familiar landmark of Old Munich.

Overnight: Munich

Enjoy a day at leisure to relax or explore Munich. One of the top attractions is the stunning Residenz Museum, the former royal palace of the Bavarian monarchs. It offers grand architecture and displays from the former royal collections – if you love jewellery, then the Treasury is a must!

We meet later at a cosy and authentic Bavarian biergarten, the perfect place for warm fellowship, a traditional dinner & a German beer!

Overnight: Munich

Enjoy Sunday worship with locals when we travel through the glorious Bavarian Alps to Füssen. Located along the country’s “Romantic Road” this quintessential German village is famed for the neighbouring “fairytale” castle of Neuschwanstein. Enjoy a tour of this architectural fantasy said to be the inspiration for “Sleeping Beauty’s” castle in Disneyland.

Overnight: Füssen

We continue south towards Switzerland, stopping in Constance, a city built on the shores of Lake Constance with views across to the Swiss Alps. Enjoy a walking tour of its beautifully preserved medieval centre including the historic Council building, the seat of the European Catholic Church from 1414-1418. In 1415, the Czech Reformer Jan Hus was called before the Council of Constance and sentenced to death; we visit the Hussenstein, which marks the spot where he was burned at the stake.

Crossing the border we travel to Zürich, the largest city in Switzerland and a global centre for banking and finance. Our walking tour of the city’s historic centre will focus on its Reformation history and the life and legacy of its leader Huldrych Zwingli (1484-1531). In 1519 he began to preach at the Grossmünster, writing his sermons at the nearby Helferei. We visit both these sites as well as the Zwingli Statue and the Guild Hall and Museum which offer interesting displays and art from the Swiss Reformation.

Overnight: Zurich

A day of stunning scenery awaits as we travel to the lake district of Interlaken and then to the picturesque village of Grindelwald set in the Swiss Alps. From Zürich we first detour to Bäretswil to visit the Anabaptist cave, once used as a refuge and place of worship for reformed Christians. Having separated from the Catholic church in 1524 this persecuted group advocated adult baptism, religious freedom, and social rights. Their beliefs became very popular amongst ordinary farmers and craftsmen yet simultaneously feared by the government and church who considered them a danger to the political order.

Take in the fresh mountain air and beautiful surrounds of Grindelwald – glory in God’s Creation!

Overnight: Grindelwald

2 NIGHTS

Get ready for the breathtaking experience of standing on the Jungfraujoch, a glacier saddle in the Bernese Alps known as the “Top of Europe”. We travel on Europe’s highest railway, by both train and rack railway, to the highest accessible point in Europe, 3,454 metres above sea level.

Surrounded by 4000-metre-high peaks you can take in stunning views, mail a letter from Europe’s highest post office or delight in Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven, the world’s highest chocolate shop!

We have a short stop in the walled medieval town of Murten which, in 1530, was converted to Protestantism by French reformer, Guillaume Farel. Farel is considered one of the Founding Fathers of the Reformation and worked with Calvin to train missionary preachers to spread the Protestant cause to other countries. We then journey to the French-speaking city of Geneva. This city has a truly beautiful location being set on the tip of Lake Geneva and offering dramatic views of Mount Blanc and the surrounding Alps and Jura Mountains. Wow!

Overnight: Geneva

Geneva is a modern, global city, a financial centre, and a worldwide centre for diplomacy due to the presence of numerous international organisations that include the United Nations and Red Cross.

Yet during the 1500s Geneva was best known as a refuge for Protestant exiles, attracted by the teachings of the French theologian John Calvin. In 1554 the Scottish theologian John Knox travelled to Geneva to meet Calvin, from whom he gained knowledge of Reformed theology and Presbyterian polity. He became a minister of the English church in Geneva and created a new order of service, which was eventually adopted by the Reformed Church in Scotland.

Our walking tour includes the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre, where John Calvin gave his inspiring sermons during the mid-16th century, and the Reformation Wall, a monument to the founding fathers of the Calvinist Reformation. We also visit the wonderful International Museum of the Reformation which presents the history of Protestantism from its very beginnings as well as its religious and cultural legacy.
Enjoy an afternoon at leisure – stroll around Lake Geneva, visit the world’s best horology (watchmaking) museum, or simply relax with a coffee in the historic town square.

Overnight: Geneva

2 NIGHTS

A morning train journey takes from Geneva to Paris, the famed “City of Lights” (our luggage follows us on our coach). Our train terminates at the magnificent Gare de Lyon, which is more a work of art than a traditional train station boasting a distinctive 67-metre clocktower, richly decorated façade and a grand interior that includes a beautiful fresco 100 meters long.

We walk 2.2 km along the Seine and past the Botanical Gardens to view the awe-inspiring Notre Dame Cathedral. This area is the Latin Quarter where a young John Calvin once lived and studied. We visit the stunning Saint Chapelle, a veritable kaleidoscope of colour with 1113 stained glass windows, built in 1200s by the King of France to house the Crown of Thorns.

Enjoy a cruise on the picturesque River Seine, admiring the city’s enchanting architecture.

Overnight: Paris

Paris is enchanting and we have a full day to immerse ourselves in this most romantic of cities, discovering more of its iconic landmarks and cultural treasures. We will see the très chic Champs Elysees and Arc de Triomphe, explore the bohemian Montmartre area, with its charming streets and the imposing Sacre Coeur Cathedral plus entry to the Eiffel Tower. C’est Magnifique!

Overnight: Paris

This morning we will join locals in Sunday worship and fellowship before enjoying time at leisure – so many wonderful things to see and do!
After an early dinner we bid “adieu” to Paris and transfer to the airport for our evening flight.

Overnight: In-Flight

2 NIGHTS

We arrive early evening in Singapore where we will transfer to our hotel for a well-earned rest.

Overnight: Singapore

Singapore has transformed dramatically over the last few decades to become a top tourist destination but there is much more to this city than just the glitz and glamour of the “Crazy Rich Asians” movie.

We visit the Changi Chapel & Museum to learn of the country’s tragic WWII history and remember the many Allied soldiers who died or were captured during the Fall of Singapore. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, a short city tour and some time to relax at the hotel before our afternoon excursion.

Gardens By the Bay is a truly jaw-dropping take on a Botanic Garden, from the cooled conservatory of the Flower Dome filled with thousands of magnificent flowers and plants, to the Cloud Forest’s spectacular waterfall and mountain cloaked in vegetation of the tropical highlands. Walk along the 22-metre high OCBC Skyway suspended from the iconic Supertrees and admire the views across Marina Bay and Singapore’s Skyline. After dinner the Supertrees light up with a magnificent Sound & Light Show.

Overnight: Singapore

Explore more of Singapore with time at leisure – with an afternoon check-out you can choose to relax by the pool, take in the sights or do some souvenir shopping.
Prior to WWII Singapore was a British colonial outpost from 1824 and no place defines this era more than the famed Raffles Hotel; this afternoon enjoy a last “hurrah” when we dine in style at High Tea.

An evening transfer to the airport before we fly home to Australia after a most memorable tour.

Overnight: In-Flight

A morning arrival in Australia with many memories of a wonderful tour filled with fun, faith and fellowship.

We have seen some incredible sights, famous world cities and landmarks, the beauty of God’s creation, and fascinating history!

Our holiday may be at an end, but we return home feeling blessed by the people we have met, the places we have seen and the incredible experiences we have shared.
What an amazing holiday!