Journey To Germany
Join us for an exciting and impactful 10-day trip through Germany led by Pastor Jay and Lara Beth Hardwick.
10-DAY JOURNEY TO GERMANY, CRADLE OF THE REFORMATION
with Pastor Jay and Lara Beth Hardwick
When?
Start Date: June 27, 2027
End Date: July 6, 2027
Location: Germany & Austri
You will experience Germany’s rich reformation history and culture. Martin Luther was one of the big reformers who touched off something much larger than himself, namely, the Reformation—the sundering of the Church and a fundamental revision of its theology. Once he had divided the Church, it could not be healed. His reforms survived to breed other reforms, many of which he disapproved of. So, this trip is a way back to our Christian roots. On this unique tour, you will learn not just about the Reformation but also what happened prior and its aftermath. We will be involved in the process of the Reformation and throughout the must-see Reformation sights with Germany’s finest cities & towns. In addition to this deep spiritual heritage, the itinerary also incorporates critical educational stops regarding Europe's modern history, including significant World War II and Nazi era historical sites.
Pricing?
$6,295 per person based on double occupancy.
$5,295 per person Land Only (purchase your own air).
Single room supplement - $1,795
$500 per person with registration to secure space.
50% of the total amount is due on or before December 25, 2025
Balance due on or before March 27, 2027
DAILY ITINERARY
Sunday, June 27 BEGINNING OF OUR TOUR (BNA)-(BER)
Depart Tennessee for Berlin, Germany
Monday, June 28 BERLIN
Arrive in Berlin. Explore the city and see famous sites such as Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, Unter den Linden, Checkpoint Charlie. Head over to the East Side Gallery to witness the world's longest open-air mural collection painted on a preserved section of the Berlin Wall. Enjoy a early hearty traditional dinner at Augustiner Bräu at the Gendarmenmarkt. Finally, retreat to your accommodation for your overnight stay.
Tuesday, June 29 BERLIN - BONHOEFFER HOUSE - LUTHERSTADT WITTENBERG
After breakfast, start your day with a visit to the Dietrich Bonhoeffer House in Berlin, the former residence of the influential theologian and resistance fighter, before departing for Lutherstadt Wittenberg. Upon arrival in the cradle of the Reformation, embark on a walking tour of the most historic sites associated with Martin Luther’s life. Begin at the inspiring Castle Church to marvel at the door where Luther famously nailed his 95 Theses. Visit the beautiful St. Mary’s Church, where Luther regularly preached and where his children were baptized. Continue the journey to the Luther House Museum, which houses the largest collection of Reformation artifacts in the world. After a break for lunch, learn about Melanchthon. His revolutionary approach to schooling and theology did not just reshape local classrooms but left an indelible mark on Western intellectual history, establishing a legacy of systematic education that continues to impact pedagogical methods around the world today. Dinner and an overnight stay in Lutherstadt Wittenberg.
Wednesday, June 30 EISLEBEN – LUTHER STONE - ERFURT
In the morning, travel to Eisleben, the city where Martin Luther was born, baptized, and died. Take a short walking tour of the historic old town. Visit two award winning museums - Martin Luther’s Birth House and his Death House. Before arriving in Erfurt, make a meaningful stop at Stotternheim to visit the Luther Stone, the very site where a terrifying lightning storm in 1505 prompted Luther to cry out to St. Anna and vow to become a monk, a pivotal spiritual crisis that redirected the course of his life and world history. Continue to Erfurt, where Martin Luther was ordained as a priest and studied theology, and enjoy a guided tour of the Luther Trail in the picturesque old town. Experience significant sites such as the Augustinian Monastery, where he served as a monk, the Luther Memorial, and the Collegium Maius, where he lived as a student. Conclude your day with dinner and an overnight stay in Erfurt.
Thursday, July 1 ERFURT - EISENACH - WARTBURG CASTLE- MARBURG
Drive to Eisenach. Begin the day at the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage site, Wartburg Castle. See the place where Martin Luther took refuge from 1521-1522 after his excommunication. Stand in awe of Luther’s study, where he first translated the New Testament into the German language. Next, take a guided tour of Eisenach. Visit St. George’s Church, where Luther sang as a boy and where Johan Sebastian Bach was baptized. In the evening, visit the birthplace of the most important figure in Protestant Church music—Johann Sebastian Bach. Today, the Bachhaus is one of the largest musician's museums in Germany. Experience a short, memorable concert on five Baroque keyboard instruments. Finally, continue to Marburg to visit the site of the historic Marburg Colloquy, where a "who’s who" of reformers—including Luther, Zwingli, and Melanchthon—debated the nature of the Lord's Supper. Though the meeting ended in a theological split between the Lutheran and Reformed wings, the city remains a landmark of the Reformation. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Marburg.
Friday, July 2 MARBURG – WORMS - HEIDELBERG- ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER
Start the morning with a city tour of Marburg before continuing to Worms, where Luther’s defiant refusal to recant at the Diet of Worms in 1521 finalized his break with the Roman Catholic Church. After exploring the history of his excommunication and outlawing, drive to Heidelberg, a city of immense theological significance as the birthplace of the Heidelberg Catechism. This 1563 confession became the most influential document of the Reformed tradition, successfully bridging diverse Protestant views into a unified statement of faith that still resonates globally. Following the time in Heidelberg, travel to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the jewel of the Romantic Road, to wander its pristine medieval streets. Conclude the day with a relaxing dinner and an overnight stay in the heart of this impeccably preserved city.
Saturday, July 3 ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER - AUGSBURG
Spend the morning exploring Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the most iconic stop on the Romantic Road, as you wander through a perfectly preserved medieval walled city free of modern architecture. Be sure to step inside St. Jakob’s Church to marvel at the Holy Blood Altar, an intricate masterpiece carved by the famous sculptor Tilman Riemenschneider. Afterward, travel to Augsburg to admire the historic Town Hall and visit St. Anna Church, where Martin Luther stayed in 1518 and where the Fugger Chapel stands as a prime example of German Renaissance art. Embark on a guided journey through the city’s rich history, from its Roman roots to its vital role in the Reformation, before finishing your day with a traditional dinner and an overnight stay in Augsburg.
Sunday, July 4 AUGSBURG - DACHAU CONCENTRATION CAMP - EAGLESNEST- SALZBURG - KUFSTEIN
Begin the morning with a deeply meaningful visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site to learn about the dark history of the first and longest-running Nazi concentration camp. As today marks Independence Day, this visit carries a profound significance; it provides a powerful moment to reflect on freedom and stand proud of the brave US troops who liberated Dachau from tyranny, bringing an end to the horrors endured within its gates. Afterward, travel into the breathtaking Bavarian Alps to Berchtesgaden to visit the Eagle’s Nest, situated 6,000 feet above sea level. This site and the surrounding Obersalzberg served as the Nazi regime's second-most important seat of power after Berlin, where catastrophic decisions regarding war and genocide were finalized. Following this sobering look into history, continue to Salzburg for a guided city tour of its iconic Baroque landmarks and musical heritage. Conclude your day by driving to Kufstein for dinner and an overnight.
Monday, July 5 KUFSTEIN - HOHENSCHWANGAU - NEUSCHWANSTEIN - KUFSTEIN
Continue through Innsbruck, the stunning "Capital of the Alps," toward the Bavarian mountains to immerse yourself in the world of King Ludwig II, the "Fairytale King." See the neo-Gothic Hohenschwangau Castle, his childhood home, before ascending to the magnificent Neuschwanstein Castle, his most ambitious masterpiece. Perched high above the cliffs, this Romanesque revival palace was a private retreat dedicated to the king's obsession with the operas of Richard Wagner and famously served as the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. After discovering the tragic life and extravagant legacy of Ludwig II, return to Kufstein to enjoy a special farewell dinner to conclude your journey.
Tuesday, July 6 KUFSTEIN – MUNICH(MUC) – Tennesse (BNA)
On the final morning of the journey, enjoy one last breakfast in the shadow of the Tyrolean mountains before departing for Munich Airport. Take a moment to reflect on the historic footsteps of the Reformers, the breathtaking alpine vistas, and the rich cultural legacy one has experienced. Upon arrival at the airport, check in for the return flight home, carrying with you the lasting memories and inspiration from this remarkable exploration of faith and history.
TOUR INFORMATION
GROUND/TRANSFERS: The group will be met on arrival by a Signature Tours representative and transferred to the hotel/airport. Land Only travelers not traveling with the group are responsible for scheduling ground transfers.
HOTELS: Superior first-class hotels throughout. Priced based on two people per room with a private bath and shower.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: A limited number of single rooms are available at additional supplement prices. Signature Tours and/or the tour leader will make every attempt to pair single travelers requesting a roommate. However, the single supplement fee will be charged for each person occupying a single room, whether by choice or circumstance.
MEALS: Breakfast provided daily. Lunch and dinner is provided on days as noted in the itinerary.
SIGHTSEEING: Entrance fees to all places listed in the itinerary are included, as well as an expert English-speaking guide.
LUGGAGE: Space is limited on the tour buses. Travelers are allowed one suitcase weighing 50lbs or less and will be transported in storage under the bus. Travelers are allowed one backpack/daypack or personal bag to carry on the bus during the tour. These requirements will meet most airline carrier restrictions. See the carrier website for airline-specific baggage restrictions and requirements. Medical devices are not included in these restrictions.
TIPS, SERVICE CHARGES, AND TAXES: Tips, service charges, and taxes ARE INCLUDED in the selling price. Taxes, as imposed by national and/or local governments, that are not included at the time of booking are the responsibility of the traveler.
NOT INCLUDED: Country-specific visas or ETAs, excess baggage fees, passport fees, food or drink items not listed on the regular table menu for included meals, and items of a personal nature such as room service, laundry, etc. Any service not indicated in the itinerary and/or the list of included features.
PASSPORTS: Passports must be valid with an expiration date of at least six months beyond the return home date of the tour. Travelers with non-US passports are responsible for country-specific entry requirements.
AIR: The Air Included option covers round-trip, economy-class airfare from the departure city listed in the itinerary. All group seating is assigned by the airline and cannot be changed by Signature Tours. Seat changes can only be made during check-in at the airport. Upgrades such as Comfort, Premium, Business, or First Class are not available with the Air Included option. Travelers who wish to upgrade or purchase a specific seat should choose the Land Only option when registering. Frequent flyer, TSA Precheck, and Global Entry numbers can only be added at check-in.
LAND ONLY: Travelers who wish to arrange their own air should choose the Land Only option. Travelers arranging their own air should notify Signature Tours at least 6 months prior to the departure date. Land Only Passengers arriving with or before the group are welcome to join the group bus at no additional charge.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: This tour requires a substantial amount of walking. Many of the sites are not accessible by wheelchair, and the uneven terrain is not feasible for rollators. Signature Tours reserves the right to refuse individuals who may require special attention beyond what the tour guide and tour host can provide.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: Travel Insurance is not included in the purchase price. For your convenience, we offer travel insurance through Trawick International. Please click here for more information or to enroll in the plan. A preexisting medical condition waiver is available if purchased within 21 days of registration.
CANCELLATION POLICY: The $500 per person deposit is nonrefundable. Other payments exceeding the $500 per person are refundable in full up to 180 days prior to departure. After this date, refunds for unused accommodations and services will be limited to the amount received from and/or credited by all carriers, sightseeing operators, and hotels. All funds, including the deposit, are non-transferable.
PAYMENT: I understand and agree that Signature Tours accepts no responsibility for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity that may occur in connection with these services. I also declare that I am aware that restrictions may apply to the services purchased and that I am satisfied that such restrictions have been explained. I the cardholder, take full responsibility for the charges on the account described above. By clicking Order, I agree to receive emails, SMS text messages, and phone calls from Signature Tours.