August 13-14

PRAGUE

Many travelers arrive in this world-renowned city drawn to its romantic skyline and cobblestone streets. Others revere its place at the center of the Czech Reformation, stoked by the powerful sermons of Jan Hus. Explore his legacy as you get to know your fellow travelers.

Sites you'll see include:

• Bethlehem Chapel: Jan Hus preached in this medieval chapel from 1402 to 1413, just a few years after its 1391 founding.
• Charles Bridge: This 14th-century gothic landmark, lined with statues of Christian saints, has endured multiple wars and floods—and has been the subject of thousands of paintings.
• The Clock of the Apostles: Watch the procession of the Twelve Apostles every time this ornate clock, located on the Old Town Hall Tower, strikes the hour.
• Jan Hus Monument: Standing at the end of Old Town Square, this monument to Hus commemorates the reformer’s challenges to the Catholic Church for more than a century before Martin Luther.
• Wenceslas Square: One of Prague’s major landmarks, Wenceslas Square borders Old Town and New Town and has seen centuries of uprisings, demonstrations and mass gatherings—including those of the Velvet Revolution in 1989.
• Hradcany Castle: This awe-inspiring castle is one of the largest in the world and dates back to the 9th century. Also known as Prague Castle, it serves as the office of the President of the Czech Republic.
• St. Vitus Cathedral: This stunning Roman Catholic cathedral is the largest in Prague and has served to coronate kings and queens.
• Golden Lane: The colorful, compact houses on this iconic street have been attracting tourists for decades, and in the 1600s, they were home to Prague’s goldsmiths.

August 15

LEIPZIG

On the way to Wittenberg—where Martin Luther first lived as a monk—you’ll stop in bustling Leipzig, Germany: the village where Johann Sebastian Bach spent much of his career. He served the Lutheran church, and the Reformation inspired many of his stirring compositions.

Sites you'll see include:

• St. Thomas Church: Martin Luther once preached at this charming Lutheran church, and Bach, who is entombed here, served as its music director for more than 25 years.
• Bach Museum: Interact with the life and work of Bach at this hands-on, interactive museum, located in what was once the Bach family home.
• St. Nicholas Church: This massive church is revered as the site of a peaceful 1989 revolt against communism and also premiered Bach’s St. John Passion in 1724.

August 16

WITTENBERG

Enjoy your time walking the quaint streets of Wittenberg, where Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses at Castle Church, launching the Reformation. From the homes of Luther and Melancthon to Castle Church itself, you’ll be standing where history was made.

Sites you'll see include:

• Wittenberg Town Square: During Luther’s day, this village resonated with the controversial sermons of the Reformation.
• Castle Church & Reformation Door: Beneath imposing Gothic steeple towers, you’ll see the iconic doors where Luther’s Theses were posted.
• St. Mary's Church : The site of the very first mass celebrated in German rather than Latin. This World Heritage Site heard many of Luther’s impassioned sermons and is considered the “Mother Church” of the Reformation.
• Luther House: More than 500 years ago, Martin Luther’s family called this iconic half-timbered structure home. Once a monastery, it’s now the world’s largest Reformation museum.
• Melanchthon House: Built during 1536, this World Heritage Site housed Luther’s friend and fellow reformer, Philipp Melanchthon. The carefully preserved home is known for its stunning architecture.

August 17

ERFURT

This centrally located city was one of few medieval German villages to survive World War II with minimal damage.

Sites you'll see include:

• Augustinian Monastery & Cloister Church: Dating back to the 13th century, this is where Luther studied upon becoming a monk.
• Erfurt Old Town: One of Germany’s most well-preserved medieval villages. Luther described Erfurt, where he was ordained, as the “City of Towers.”
• Cathedral Square: Overlooked by the gothic spires of Erfurt Cathedral, this town square is one of the largest historical market squares in Germany.

August 18

EISENACH

Meander through this town, nestled in the lush, forested hills of Germany, and its pleasant collection of squares and narrow streets. Towering above the town is the impressive Wartburg Castle.

Sites you'll see include:

• Georgenkirche: Sit in the pews of the church where Martin Luther preached and Johann Sebastian Bach was baptized.
• Old Town Eisenach: Stroll through the scenic streets of this well-preserved historic district.
• Bach Museum: Explore the world’s leading museum on Bach in this historic house with living quarters from his time, and a modern wing with state-of-the-art exhibits.
• Wartburg Castle: Imagine Luther laboring here to bring God’s Word to the masses as he hid within the walls of this castle.

August 19-20

MAINZ & WORMS

As you visit Mainz, this scenic capital of German’s Rhineland-Palatinate state, you’ll enjoy magnificent castles and terraced vineyards. But this is more than an attractive city: Johannes Gutenberg was born here, and his printing press fueled the Reformation and transformed the world.

Sites you'll see include:

• Gutenberg Bible Museum & Theater Presentation: This museum is home to two of the original Gutenberg Bibles—the most valuable books in the world.
• "Here I Stand" location: Heylshof Garden in Worms was the site of the Edict of Worms. In a defiant speech here, Luther proclaimed, “I cannot and I will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe.”
• Reformation Monument: Admire these 19th-century bronze statues of Luther and other reformers, including Hus, Melanchthon, and Bible translator John Wycliff.

August 21

OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY

The tradition of Easter pageants arose from the medieval Passion Plays, which told the story of Christ’s life. None of these compare to the famous Oberammergau play, now nearly four centuries old—and which takes place only once per decade. Today’s immersion in Christ’s life, death and crucifixion is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

August 22

FUSSEN

Stop in Fussen, before continuing to Zurich, and enjoy the beauty Bavaria is known for: majestic mountains, romantic castles and storybook villages.

Sites you'll see include:

• Fussen: This Bavarian village is famous for its violin- and lute-making industry, with the majestic Tegelberg Mountain looming in the distance.
• Neuschwanstein Castle: Situated on a hilltop in the mountains of Bavaria, the breathtaking Neuschwanstein is one of the most famous castles in the world.

August 23

ZURICH

The largest city in Switzerland is known today for its economic influence.The Reformation Bells ring daily, as a reminder of how this period of history shaped the cities and cultures of Europe. As you explore this city, learn more about the convictions of these reformers.

Sites you'll see include:

• Zurich Overlook: Enjoy stunning hillside views of the largest city in Switzerland—including the twin towers of Grossmunster.
• Zwingli Monument: Located at the Wasserkirche (Water Church), this 1885 sculpture depicts this reformer, who believed in the supreme power and authority of the Bible.
• Grossmunster Church: Zwingli served as a priest here, beginning in 1518. While touring this cathedral, note the stark simplicity of its interior in contrast to its external design—a product of Zwingli’s reforms.
• Fraumunster Church: Considered one of Zurich’s four main churches, it belongs to the Evangelical Reformed Church and was founded in 853. In 1970, celebrated artist Marc Chagall designed and installed it's five large stained glass windows.

August 24

GENEVA

This cosmopolitan city, set against the spellbinding Alps, heard thousands of sermons from John Calvin as the Reformation blossomed. Before long, his Reformed theology spread throughout the world. As you prepare to return home, reflect on the unforgettable memories you have made.

Sites you'll see include:

• Reformation Wall: On the grounds of the University of Geneva—which John Calvin founded—you’ll find this wall dedicated to the reformers.
• St. Pierre's Cathedral: This former Roman Catholic cathedral became Calvin’s home church when it switched to the Protestant faith during the Reformation.
• Calvin Auditorium: The Scottish reformer John Knox preached in this elegant Gothic chapel in the mid-1550s. Calvin founded a Christian academy here in 1559 to educate missionaries.
• Lake Geneva: Spend your free time strolling the shops and restaurants surrounding this iconic lake—the largest in Western Europe—while taking in epic views of the Alps.

August 14-15

LEIPZIG

On the way to Wittenberg—where Martin Luther first lived as a monk—you’ll stop in bustling Leipzig, Germany: the village where Johann Sebastian Bach spent much of his career. He served the Lutheran church, and the Reformation inspired many of his stirring compositions.

Sites you'll see include:

• St. Thomas Church: Martin Luther once preached at this charming Lutheran church, and Bach, who is entombed here, served as its music director for more than 25 years.
• Bach Museum: Interact with the life and work of Bach at this hands-on, interactive museum, located in what was once the Bach family home.
• St. Nicholas Church: This massive church is revered as the site of a peaceful 1989 revolt against communism and also premiered Bach’s St. John Passion in 1724.

August 16

WITTENBERG

Enjoy your time walking the quaint streets of Wittenberg, where Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses at Castle Church, launching the Reformation. From the homes of Luther and Melancthon to Castle Church itself, you’ll be standing where history was made.

Sites you'll see include:

• Wittenberg Town Square: During Luther’s day, this village resonated with the controversial sermons of the Reformation.
• Castle Church & Reformation Door: Beneath imposing Gothic steeple towers, you’ll see the iconic doors where Luther’s Theses were posted.
• St. Mary's Church : The site of the very first mass celebrated in German rather than Latin. This World Heritage Site heard many of Luther’s impassioned sermons and is considered the “Mother Church” of the Reformation.
• Luther House: More than 500 years ago, Martin Luther’s family called this iconic half-timbered structure home. Once a monastery, it’s now the world’s largest Reformation museum.
• Melanchthon House: Built during 1536, this World Heritage Site housed Luther’s friend and fellow reformer, Philipp Melanchthon. The carefully preserved home is known for its stunning architecture.

August 17

ERFURT

This centrally located city was one of few medieval German villages to survive World War II with minimal damage.

Sites you'll see include:

• Augustinian Monastery & Cloister Church: Dating back to the 13th century, this is where Luther studied upon becoming a monk.
• Erfurt Old Town: One of Germany’s most well-preserved medieval villages. Luther described Erfurt, where he was ordained, as the “City of Towers.”
• Cathedral Square: Overlooked by the gothic spires of Erfurt Cathedral, this town square is one of the largest historical market squares in Germany.

August 18

EISENACH

Meander through this town, nestled in the lush, forested hills of Germany, and its pleasant collection of squares and narrow streets. Towering above the town is the impressive Wartburg Castle.

Sites you'll see include:

• Georgenkirche: Sit in the pews of the church where Martin Luther preached and Johann Sebastian Bach was baptized.
• Old Town Eisenach: Stroll through the scenic streets of this well-preserved historic district.
• Bach Museum: Explore the world’s leading museum on Bach in this historic house with living quarters from his time, and a modern wing with state-of-the-art exhibits.
• Wartburg Castle: Imagine Luther laboring here to bring God’s Word to the masses as he hid within the walls of this castle.

August 19-20

MAINZ & WORMS

As you visit Mainz, this scenic capital of German’s Rhineland-Palatinate state, you’ll enjoy magnificent castles and terraced vineyards. But this is more than an attractive city: Johannes Gutenberg was born here, and his printing press fueled the Reformation and transformed the world.

Sites you'll see include:

• Gutenberg Bible Museum & Theater Presentation: This museum is home to two of the original Gutenberg Bibles—the most valuable books in the world.
• "Here I Stand" location: Heylshof Garden in Worms was the site of the Edict of Worms. In a defiant speech here, Luther proclaimed, “I cannot and I will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe.”
• Reformation Monument: Admire these 19th-century bronze statues of Luther and other reformers, including Hus, Melanchthon, and Bible translator John Wycliff.

August 21

OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY

The tradition of Easter pageants arose from the medieval Passion Plays, which told the story of Christ’s life. None of these compare to the famous Oberammergau play, now nearly four centuries old—and which takes place only once per decade. Today’s immersion in Christ’s life, death and crucifixion is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.