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Home , Eisleben, Lutherhaus, Marburg Colloquy, Veste Coburg, Wittenberg

In the Footsteps of Martin July 14-28, 2011 Hosted by Dr. Dale Meyer Concordia Seminary, St. Louis MO

14-Day Pilgrimage to GERMANY Routes of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod JULY 14- 27, 2011

Presented and Hosted by

Dr. Dale Meyer and Mr. John Klinger Concordia Seminary, St Louis, MO

For More Information or for Reservations Contact ~ LutherTours ~ 1.866.777.1517 or [email protected]

Itinerary

DAY 1 Depart USA for flight to Germany

DAY 2 Arrive Frankfurt, Worms (D) Willkomme nach Deutschland! After completing the immigrations and customs process our group will be met by our European Tour Manager and escorted to the waiting deluxe motor coach. We’ll begin our journey “In the Footsteps of ” in the city of Worms, said to be one of the oldest towns in Germany. It was here in Worms where Luther was summoned in 1521 to appear before an Imperial Diet to justify his conduct. We’ll view the world’s largest memorial to the , the Luther Memorial. We’ll have time for lunch on our own before we drive to the quaint and charming village of Rudesheim, which dates back to before the Roman era. We’ll check-in to our hotel and have time to freshen-up before our group meets for our welcome to Germany dinner this evening. Overnight Rudesheim

DAY 3 Oberursel Seminary Visit, Mainz, Rhine River Wine TastingCruise (B) This morning we’ll enjoy a full-German breakfast before we drive to the nearby city of Oberursel. Today we’ll visit and meet with staff from the Lutherische Theologische Hochschule (Lutheran Theological Seminary). Next we drive to Mainz, here we’ll visit the Cathedral of St. Martin, also known as “the Dom” and the Gutenberg . After lunch on our own we return to Rudesheim. We’ll enjoy a relaxing sightseeing Rhine River cruise, including the history in wine-making and wine tasting along the Rhine River, one of the most picturesque stretches of this majestic waterway, with its magnificent castles. Tonight our group will have time to enjoy dinner on our own at one of the weinstube or restaurants in town. Overnight Rudesheim

DAY 4 , Eisenach, Castle (B, D) We continue our journey to , along the way we’ll stop in Marburg. It was here in 1529 where Luther met with Zwingli at the to attempt to unite Lutherans and Zwinglians. This meeting was a major event in the Reformation, and we will stand in the location where it happened. Next we visit Eisenach for a guided walking sightseeing tour of the Center and a visit to the and Bach Museum. Our highlight today will be the magnificent Wartburg Castle, where Luther took refuge while he translated the New Testament into the German language. Afterwards we drive to Erfurt where we’ll stay for the next two nights. Our group will meet for dinner. Overnight Erfurt

DAY 5 Erfurt, , Buchenwald (B) In Erfurt, Luther took the decisive step to turn to theology and the monastic life when he was caught in a violent thunderstorm nearby and took a vow to become a monk. It was here that Luther obtained a degree in 1502 and a doctorate in the faculty of philosophy in 1505. We’ll join our tour guide for a walking city tour including St. Mary’s Cathedral where Luther was ordained a priest, the Augustinian Monastery where Luther lived as a monk. We will have time to enjoy the lovely restored market place for lunch on our own at one of the many cafes in the market square. Those who wish may join us for a visit to the Buchenwald concentration camp nearby. Along the way, we’ll stop briefly to visit Weimar and the church of St. Peter and Paul. Inside is arguably the most important of the Cranach altar pieces and the last one painted before his death. Time for shopping and exploring lovely Erfurt this evening. Overnight Erfurt

DAY 6 , , (B, D) This morning we’ll travel north to Eisleben. We drive through Mansfeld to see where Luther’s parents lived and the castle visited by Luther many times. Upon arrival in Eisleben, we’ll begin our visit with a city tour including the houses where Luther was born in 1483, and where he died in 1546. Other sites include St. Peter’s Church where Luther was baptized, St. Andrews Church where Luther preached his last four sermons and where his body was laid in state. Afterwards, we travel to the medieval town of Quedlinburg in the Mountains. Quedlinburg is surely one of the most beautiful towns in all of Europe. The town is still in its original condition, with over 1,000 timber-framed buildings still existing today. We’ll stroll through the maze of cobblestone streets up to the castle and church of St. Severatii where empress Theophano ruled over 1,000 years ago. Most interesting here is the world famous “Treasures of Theophano” including an alabaster urn some have suggested being one of the urns used by Jesus during the miracle of Cana. How did it get here? You’ll find out. We’ll have a special dinner in the town Weinkeller tonight. Overnight Quedlinburg.

DAY 7 / Lutherstadt (B, D) This morning we’re going to visit nearby Magdeburg ,where we’ll see St. Johns church where in 1524, Martin Luther gave his historic sermon to a overflowing congregation and thus Magdeburg was one of the first important cities to join the reformation and publish works by Luther himself. Our fascinating day continues as we travel to Lutherstadt Wittenberg, home to the most historic sights of Luther’s life and work. We’ll tour the inspiring Castle Church, and the historic "Theses Door". We’ll visit the beautiful Stadtkirche with its marvelous Cranach altarpiece, the Cranach Museum and the Lutherhalle, home to the largest collection of Reformation artifacts in the world. We’ll visit the Melanchthon House museum, a tribute to Philipp Melanchthon, who presented the Confession of Peace. Melanchthon was second only to Luther as the key person in the Reformation in Germany. He was also a strong advocate of education. This evening we’ll attend the weekly service of the Wittenberg English Ministry (date specific) in one of the historic churches where Luther himself preached. This evening our group will meet for dinner with Rev. David Mahsman, Managing Director of the International Lutheran society of Wittenberg. Overnight Wittenberg

DAY 8 /Pergamon Museum (B) Today we’ll take a short drive to exciting Berlin. Our sightseeing begins with a guided tour to view the City Center with the Kaiser Wilhelm Church, the Berliner Dome, the Museum, Nikolai Quarter, Unter den Linden, Checkpoint Charlie, the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, and Charlottenburg Palace. This afternoon you may choose to visit the magnificent Pergamon Museum to view the collections of Grecian and Babylonian art and architecture or some may prefer leisure time to explore Berlin on their own. Afterwards, our group will visit the popular KaDeWe Department Store for some fabulous shopping and to enjoy dinner on our own at the world-famous food stalls before we return to Wittenberg. Overnight Wittenberg

DAY 9 Torgau / Dresden (B, D) This morning we’ll travel to the nearby city of Torgau, final home of Katherine von Bora (Luther). We’ll see the magnificent Hartenfels Palace and chapel which was consecrated by Luther in 1544. Then we’re off to Dresden. A fascinating city of art and culture, the exceptional artistic and architectural heritage makes Dresden one of the most prestigious cultural centers of Europe. Dresden’s magnificent Baroque buildings, featuring world-class art, and its lovely setting on the , combine to make it a stunning and beautiful city. We’ll be joined by a local city guide to show us the Old City of Dresden, including the Semper Opera, the court Church, and the Zwinger Gallery. We’ll view the Frauenkirche, the most important Protestant Church in pre-war Germany, destroyed in 1945 in a massive firebombing so intense the city of Dresden burned for nearly a week. Reconstruction of the Frauenkirche began in 1994 and after many years of rebuilding and anticipation the church was reopened in 2006. Our group will meet for dinner this evening. Overnight

DAY 10 Leipzig (B) This morning, our local guide will share the history of this majestic city, where we’ll visit the St. Nicholas Church, the home of the faithful “Pray for Peace” Christians and the powerful force that transformed Germany’s East and West. We’ll visit the magnificent St. Thomas Church where Luther preached and Johann Sebastian Bach performed and directed the St. Thomas Boy’s Choir. It was here Schiller wrote his immortal Ode to Joy, later to be adopted as the principal theme of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, written in Leipzig as well. Our afternoon is free for exploring and shopping. You may want to attend an optional evening concert of Bach Motetes at Thomaskirche this evening. Overnight Leipzig

DAY 11 C. F. W. Walther/Saxon Immigration (B) Today we’ll explore some fascinating and “off the beaten path” towns which are famous in the life of CFW Walther, the first President of the LCMS and first President of what is now Concordia Seminary. Walther was educated at Leipzig University where we begin our day. We’ll visit Saxon “Mother” churches of the LCMS, Langenchursdorf where Walther was born in 1811 and Braunsdorf where he was first ordained. We’ll visit the unique town of Schneeberg in the “Ore Mountains” where Walther attended Latin school. Located in the St. Wolfgangs church in Schneeberg is a very special Cranach alter said to be designed by Luther and executed by . There is also a magnificent organ in the church, one of the most famous in Europe. Remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy this lovely city on our own. Overnight Leipzig

DAY 12 (B, D) We continue on to the city of Coburg to visit the famous . During the Diet of Augsburg in 1530 Martin Luther spent 6 months at the castle while his lord, the Duke of , attended the Diet. Luther was forbidden to attend by the Duke, who feared that he would be imprisoned and burned as a heretic. While stationed at the castle Luther continued with his translation of the Bible into German. Today the Veste Coburg is home to several wonderful museums. One is the Ducal Palace (Fürstenbau), with many furnished rooms of the Dukes of Coburg, including the apartment where Martin Luther lived in 1530. Probably the most notable room in the castle -is the Hunting Room of 1632, which is completely made of marquetry wood inlay, with over 60 panels and deeply coffered marquetry ceilings; and the Armory containing the largest collection of medieval armor and weaponry in Germany. We have time to relax or stroll the old town center from our lovely hotel located in the center of Coburg. Tonight we’ll have dinner and enjoy a wine tasting in the unique wine cellar of our hotel. Overnight Coburg

DAY 13 Munich (B, D) Today we will drive to Munich, the capital of . Our driving sightseeing tour of the city includes the Olympic Stadium, Nymphenburg Castle, the New and Old Pinakothek, Deutsches Museum after we’ll stroll the Marienplatz to view the Frauenkirche, and the “Glockenspiel”. We’ll have free-time for shopping and lunch on our own. Tonight we celebrate the conclusion of our tour with a traditional farewell dinner at the world famous Hofbrauhaus Restaurant for some authentic German food and entertainment, where our group can reminisce about the places visited and the new friends we’ve made along the way. Overnight Munich or nearby

DAY 14 Depart Munich for USA Motor coach transfer from our hotel to the Munich airport for your return flight to the USA.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION A passport valid for at least 6-months beyond your return travel date is required for all travelers. Non US Passport holders contact LT for additional credentials required to travel to the countries included on your tour. LT reserves the right to alter itineraries without notice if necessary. Please be aware of our Terms & Conditions of Travel Policy.

PRICES ARE PER PERSON BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY $2660* Land Tour Price (Air is not included)

ADD AIR AND AIRPORT TRANSFERS IN GERMANY $1000 from St. Louis, MO plus estimated $425 Airline Tax, Fees, Fuel Charge (subject to change) $550 from JFK, NY plus $425 Airline Tax, Fees, Fuel Charge (subject to change) From $200 for Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance-see Reservation Form for additional costs and benefits

YOUR TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES Professional Tour Manager throughout Tour Deluxe Air Conditioned Motor Coach throughout Tour Baggage Handling-1 Bag Per Person Superior- First Class Hotels with private bath and Hotel Tax Rhine River Wine Tasting Cruise and Wine Cellar Tasting Breakfast Daily, 8- Dinners Entrance fees as per Itinerary Local City Guides Gratuity included

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE Meals & Beverages not shown in itinerary. Passport fees, Visa fees- for non-US citizens Tour Gratuity Suggestions- Tour Manager & Motor Coach Driver 3Euro per person per day

*Land Only Travelers will be responsible to meet the group on DAY 2 at the hotel in Rudesheim.

Confirm Your Reservation by January 15th, 2011

Mail or Fax Your Reservation Form -Available online at www.luthertours.com

Along with a $350 Per Person Deposit to:

LutherTours P. O. Box 15126, Newport Beach, CA 92659 Fax 1- 949-548-8974

Toll Free 1-866-777-1517 ~ [email protected]