Reformation Journey Through Central Europe with Rev. Tim Wrenn

Day 1 – September 18: Departure from the USA

Your journey begins today as you depart the United States on an overnight flight to Munich, Germany. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure through the heart of Central Europe, filled with Bavarian traditions, magnificent castles, breathtaking Alpine scenery, musical history, charming medieval towns, and the cultural treasures of Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic.

Day 2 – September 19: Arrival in Munich

Welcome to Germany! Upon arrival at Munich International Airport, meet your professional English-speaking tour escort and transfer to your hotel. After checking in, take some time to settle in and relax following your international journey.

This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at the hotel and celebrate the beginning of your Central European adventure. Dinner and overnight in Munich.

Day 3 – September 20: Munich & Oktoberfest

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Munich with a guided sightseeing tour of Bavaria’s vibrant capital. Visit Marienplatz, the historic heart of the city, and see the world-famous Glockenspiel and the twin-towered Frauenkirche, one of Munich’s most recognizable landmarks. Continue through the Old Town to see the ornate Asamkirche, the historic Town Hall, and the grand boulevards and monuments created during the reign of King Ludwig I, including the Feldherrnhalle, Ludwigstrasse, and Siegestor. You will also see the Residenz, the former royal palace of the Bavarian monarchs, and the beautiful Hofgarten. Then it is time to experience one of Germany’s greatest traditions: Oktoberfest! Enjoy lunch together in one of the festival’s famous beer tents, surrounded by Bavarian music, food, and festive atmosphere. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore Oktoberfest at your own pace. Dinner is on your own this evening. Breakfast and lunch are included. Overnight in Munich.

Day 4 – September 21: Neuschwanstein Castle, Ettal & the Bavarian Alps

After breakfast, depart Munich and travel into the beautiful Bavarian Alps toward Hohenschwangau. Here, visit the magnificent Neuschwanstein Castle, one of Germany’s most iconic landmarks and the inspiration for countless fairy-tale castles around the world. Built for King Ludwig II of Bavaria, Neuschwanstein is a masterpiece of 19th-century Romantic architecture, dramatically situated above the Pöllat Gorge and surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. Enjoy a guided visit inside the castle and discover the fascinating story of the legendary “Fairy-Tale King.” Lunch is on your own.

Continue to the village of Ettal, where you will visit the impressive Ettal Abbey and its magnificent Baroque basilica. Founded in the 14th century, the monastery remains an important center of Benedictine life and is known for its beautiful architecture and centuries-old traditions. Return to Munich for dinner and overnight.

Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight in Munich.

Day 5 – September 22: Munich, Eagle’s Nest & Salzburg

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and travel toward Berchtesgaden for a visit to the famous Kehlsteinhaus, better known as the Eagle’s Nest. Situated high on the Obersalzberg at approximately 1,820 meters above sea level, the Eagle’s Nest offers extraordinary panoramic views of the Bavarian Alps and surrounding countryside. Originally constructed during the Nazi era, the mountaintop building is today preserved as a historical site and restaurant.

After time for lunch on your own, continue across the border into Austria and travel to the beautiful city of Salzburg. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy dinner together. Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight in Salzburg.

Day 6 – September 23: Salzburg & the Austrian Lake District

After breakfast, spend the day exploring Salzburg and the beautiful surrounding countryside made famous by The Sound of Music.

Begin at the elegant Mirabell Palace and Gardens, where Maria and the children famously sang “Do-Re-Mi.” Continue through Salzburg’s historic center, passing Mozartsteg Bridge, Karajan Square and the Horse Pond, and the historic Festival District.

Enjoy views of the impressive Hohensalzburg Fortress overlooking the city, with a round-trip funicular ride included. Continue to St. Peter’s Abbey and Cemetery and explore Residenzplatz, one of Salzburg’s grandest squares and home to the magnificent Baroque Residenz Fountain.

The tour continues to several locations associated with The Sound of Music, including Hellbrunn Palace and the famous gazebo, Frohnburg Palace, which was used as the exterior of the von Trapp family home, and the actual von Trapp family residence, now a hotel. Exterior views are included where applicable.

After lunch on your own, travel through the spectacular Austrian Lake District and the Salzkammergut region, enjoying beautiful views of lakes, mountains, and traditional villages. Continue to Mondsee, home to the beautiful basilica used for the wedding scene in The Sound of Music. Enjoy time to explore before returning to Salzburg.

Dinner will be served at the hotel this evening.

Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight in Salzburg.

Day 7 – September 24: Silent Night Chapel & Český Krumlov

After breakfast, check out and travel to Oberndorf, near Salzburg, to visit the Silent Night Chapel. This special site commemorates the beloved Christmas carol “Silent Night” and its creators, Joseph Mohr and Franz Xaver Gruber.

Continue across the border into the Czech Republic and travel to the enchanting town of Český Krumlov, one of Central Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns. Lunch is on your own along the way.

Upon arrival, enjoy a guided walking tour through the town’s winding streets, historic squares, and beautifully preserved architecture. Visit Český Krumlov Castle, one of the largest castle complexes in Central Europe, overlooking the picturesque Vltava River and the red-roofed Old Town.

After the tour, check into your hotel and enjoy some free time before gathering for dinner.

Please note: Due to bus restrictions in the historic center of Český Krumlov, travelers will need to walk approximately 10 minutes, or about 600 meters, from the bus parking area to the hotel. Porterage service will be provided for luggage.

Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight in Český Krumlov.

Day 8 – September 25: Český Krumlov, České Budějovice & Prague

After breakfast, check out and travel to České Budějovice, the historic capital of South Bohemia.

The city has preserved much of its historic character while remaining a vibrant modern regional center. Explore its impressive Old Town, where Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and 19th-century architecture come together. See highlights including the historic Dominican monastery and the Gothic Church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary.

Lunch is on your own.

An optional visit to the Budějovický Budvar Brewery may be available, subject to confirmation. During the guided brewery tour, learn about the traditional brewing process and enjoy a tasting of unpasteurized, unfiltered lager directly from the cellar.

Later, continue to Prague, one of Europe’s most beautiful and historic capital cities. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy dinner together.

Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight in Prague.

Day 9 – September 26: The Best of Prague

After breakfast, begin a full day of sightseeing in magnificent Prague. Travel through the historic Castle District, passing the Strahov Monastery and the Loreto before visiting the impressive Prague Castle complex. Explore St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, and St. George’s Basilica while learning about the kings, emperors, saints, and reformers who shaped the history of Bohemia. After lunch on your own, continue across the iconic Charles Bridge and explore Prague’s atmospheric Old Town. Visit Old Town Square and see the famous Astronomical Clock, one of the city’s most beloved landmarks. Continue toward Wenceslas Square and the historic Josefov Jewish Quarter, with exterior views of its important sites. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Prague at your own pace.

Dinner is included this evening. Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight in Prague.

Day 10 – September 27: Prague & the Legacy of Jan Hus

After breakfast, continue your exploration of Prague with a guided walking tour focused on the city’s rich religious and Reformation history. See the impressive Jan Hus Monument in Old Town Square, dedicated to the influential Czech theologian and reformer whose teachings helped inspire the Protestant Reformation more than a century before Martin Luther. Continue to the historic Bethlehem Chapel, where Jan Hus preached and where many of his ideas took shape. The chapel remains one of Prague’s most important sites connected to the early Reformation movement.

After the tour, enjoy lunch on your own and a free afternoon to explore Prague. You may wish to shop, visit a museum, relax at a café, or simply wander through the beautiful streets of the Old Town. An optional one-hour cruise on the Vltava River may be available, subject to weather conditions and confirmation. Gather this evening for a final dinner together as you reflect on the unforgettable experiences shared throughout Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic.

Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight in Prague.

Day 11 – September 28: Departure from Prague

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to Prague International Airport for your return flight to the United States. Return home with wonderful memories of Bavarian traditions, Oktoberfest, magnificent castles, Alpine landscapes, the music and beauty of Salzburg, medieval towns, and the historic treasures of Prague.

Breakfast included.