Journey Through Reformation Germany with Rev. Ashley Updegraff

Day 1 – October 5: Departure from the USA

Your Reformation journey begins as you depart the United States on an overnight flight to Germany. As you cross the Atlantic, prepare to walk in the footsteps of Martin Luther and discover the places that forever changed the course of Christian history.

Day 2 – October 6: Arrive in Berlin
Welcome to Germany! Upon arrival in Berlin, transfer to your hotel and settle in after your international flight. The remainder of the day is at leisure to rest, explore the area, or begin soaking in the atmosphere of Germany’s vibrant capital. Those interested may choose to visit the magnificent Berlin Cathedral for a midday prayer service and organ music program, followed by free time for lunch in the historic Nikolai Quarter. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Berlin.

Day 3 – October 7: Berlin – Bonhoeffer House – Wittenberg
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and begin the day with a panoramic bus tour of reunified Berlin. Visit meaningful historical sites including the Chapel of Reconciliation and the Berlin Wall Memorial. Continue with highlights such as the Brandenburg Gate, along with exterior views of Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin Cathedral, the Reichstag, and other iconic landmarks connected to Berlin’s powerful history.

After lunch, visit Bonhoeffer House,  Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a Berlin pastor and professor of theology, resisted National Socialism at a time when tyranny and racism ruled Germany, victimizing religious, ethnic, and social minorities. Bonhoeffer applied his Christian faith and theological reflections to his everyday actions, bringing him into conflict with the Nazi regime. He ultimately paid for his convictions with his life. Later, travel to Lutherstadt-Wittenberg, the birthplace of the Protestant Reformation. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy dinner together. Overnight in Wittenberg.

Day 4 – October 8: Lutherstadt-Wittenberg
Spend the day immersed in the story of Martin Luther and the Reformation. Visit the Castle Church, where Luther’s 95 Theses are commemorated, and St. Mary’s Church, where he regularly preached. Explore the Augusteum’s special Luther exhibition, featuring rare manuscripts, early Bibles, and treasures from Luther’s personal library.

Later, enjoy fellowship with members of the Wittenberg English Ministry and, if available, participate in their weekly English-language gathering. The remainder of the day is free for personal exploration. Overnight in Wittenberg.

Day 5 – October 9: Wittenberg – Eisleben – Erfurt
Depart Wittenberg and travel to Eisleben, Luther’s birthplace and the town where he spent his final days. Visit Luther’s birth home and death home, along with several churches connected to his life and ministry, including the church where he was baptized and the church where he preached his final sermon. Continue to Erfurt, one of Germany’s most beautiful medieval cities, and enjoy dinner together this evening. Overnight in Erfurt.

Day 6 – October 10: Erfurt – Buchenwald Memorial – Erfurt
After breakfast, discover the city that played a pivotal role in Luther’s spiritual journey. Visit St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Church of St. Severus, the famous Merchants’ Bridge, and the Augustinian Monastery where Luther entered monastic life. Later, visit the Buchenwald Memorial, one of Germany’s most important sites of remembrance. This solemn visit offers time to reflect on the tragedy of the Nazi period, the suffering of countless victims, and the importance of memory, faith, justice, and human dignity. Return to Erfurt for the evening. Overnight in Erfurt.

Day 7 – October 11: Erfurt – Eisenach – Rüdesheim
Travel to Eisenach and visit the magnificent Wartburg Castle, where Luther found refuge and translated the New Testament into German. Enjoy free time in Eisenach before continuing through the scenic German countryside to the Rhine Valley. Arrive in the charming wine town of Rüdesheim and enjoy dinner together this evening. Overnight in Rüdesheim.

Day 8 – October 12: Rhine Valley – Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Begin the day with a scenic cruise along the Rhine River, passing storybook villages, hillside vineyards, medieval castles, and the legendary Loreley Rock. After the cruise, continue to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval towns. Spend time wandering its cobblestone streets, historic squares, and ancient town walls. Overnight in Rothenburg.

Day 9 – October 13: Rothenburg – Augsburg  – Ettal
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Augsburg, a city deeply connected to the history of the Reformation. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour through Augsburg’s most important historical sites. View the Fugger Houses and learn about Martin Luther’s visit to Augsburg, as well as his questioning there by Cardinal Cajetan.

Continue to St. Anne’s Church, a central site of Augsburg’s Reformation history, before visiting the Bishop’s Palace in the Fronhof near St. Mary’s Cathedral Augsburg. It was here that the Augsburg Confession, known as the Confessio Augustana, was presented in 1530. After lunch on your own, Continue to nearby Ettal and check into your monastery hotel nestled in the Bavarian Alps. Enjoy dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Ettal.

Day 10 – October 14: Neuschwanstein Castle & Linderhof Palace
Today, experience the fairy-tale beauty of Bavaria. Visit the elegant Linderhof Palace, King Ludwig II’s only completed palace, and stroll through its magnificent gardens. Continue to the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle, whose dramatic towers inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Return to Ettal for a relaxing evening surrounded by mountain scenery. Overnight in Ettal.

Day 11 – October 15: Ettal – Munich
Travel to Munich, Bavaria’s lively and historic capital. Enjoy a guided city tour featuring many of Munich’s famous landmarks, followed by free time to explore the city’s markets, churches, cafés, and vibrant squares. This evening, celebrate the conclusion of your journey with a festive farewell dinner in a traditional Bavarian beer garden near Freising. Overnight in Munich.

Day 12 – October 16: Return to the USA
After breakfast, transfer to Munich Airport for your return flight home. As your journey comes to an end, take with you unforgettable memories of Germany’s rich history, inspiring faith heritage, beautiful landscapes, and the remarkable story of the Reformation.