Lutherland Summer Tour - July 22nd - August 2nd, 2023

Come visit the Heart of Germany and learn about one of the most transformative events in European history. Enjoy visits to beautiful medieval cities in the Thüringen, Franconian, and Bavarian regions of Germany.  This tour is packed full of German culture with traditional beer festivals, historic castles, and plan old fun!

Destinations: Freising - Nuremberg - Coburg - Weimar - Wartburg Castle - Eisleben - Wittenberg - Erfurt - Munich - Englischer Garten - Garmisch-Partenkirchen - Garmisch Volksfest - Ettal Monastery - Oberammergau

Overnights:  Freising (3 nights) - Weimar (5 nights) - Garmisch (3 nights)

Price: €3,295/person* - based off a double occupancy room

Day 1 - Arrival Day and Welcome Reception - Saturday, July 22nd

Shortly after landing at the Munich International Airport you will be greeted by your Bavaria & Beyond tour guides. Enjoy a beverage on us as you get acquainted with your fellow travelers. Once the group has gathered, it's time to load up and head out to the nearby town of Freising. Here, you can settle in before we head out to the world’s oldest brewery for a welcome dinner with freinds.

Overnight: Freising

Day 2 - Nuremberg & Coburg Castle - Sunday, July 23rd

From Freising we travel through one of the world’s largest hops producing regions enroute to Nuremberg. We’ll enjoy an afternoon in this historic city before visiting Coburg Castle where Luther once took refuge. From there, a short drive brings us to the quaint town of Weimar where we settle in for a 5 night stay.

Overnight: Weimar

Day 3 - Weimar City Tour - Monday, July 24th

Enjoy a leisurely day discovering the cultural and historical significance of Weimar. This small town, once a focal point of German culture during the 18th century, was home to giants of the Enlightenment such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schriller. Our day begins with a locally guided tour visiting the sites within the city. The small city of Weimar boasts three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and over 16 UNESCO objects.

Guests will have the afternoon to themselves. Book a horse and carriage ride around the town. Visit the delightful shops and boutiques scattered throughout pedestrian zone. A visit to the Goethe National Museum or Bauhaus Architecture museum is sure to delight the arts & culture enthusiast. History buffs can visit the city museum and learn more about the founding of the Weimar Republic and the pivotal role it played early 20th century German national history. For guests seeking another type of history, the sobering Buchholz Concentration Camp Memorial Site is a short 20 minute drive from the city center, with public busses departing hourly.

Highlights: Lucas-Cranach-Haus, Democracy Square - Stadt¬schloss Weimar, Fürsten¬haus und Anna Amalia Bibliothek - Ginkgo¬baum – Goethe House – Schriller House - Bauhaus-University and Museum – Belvedere Palace – Buchenwald Concentration Camp (optional)

Overnight: Weimar

Day 4 - The Wartburg Castle - Tuesday, July 25th

The Wartburg Castle, located just outside of Eisenach, is one of the most influential fortresses in all of Germany. Dating as far back as 1067, the castle has aged magnificently over the centuries defying the tells of time. Built in no more than 16 years, an astonishing 70 percent of the building is still in its original form. However, the true significance of this Neo-Romanesque fortress lies not only in its construction, but rather in the events which it facilitated. During his time at the Wartburg Castle, Luther or “Junker Jörg” as he was called while incognito, translated the New Testament from Greek to German in just 12 weeks! This monumental event was a key point in the Reformation and all German speaking regions. Luther’s translation made the Word of God accessible to the common man and furthermore created a foundation for a standardized written German language. Guests will be able take in all the history this spectacular sight has to offer.

Highlights: Wartburg Castle - Luther's study - Eisenach

Overnight: Weimar

Day 5 - Eisleben & Wittenberg - Wednesday, July 26th

One Hammer, Four Nails and The 95 Theses: that’s how it all began. Long before the reformation, on November 10th, 1483, Martin Luther came into the world. On our way to Wittenberg, we will make a short visit to his birth town of Eisleben, Germany. Upon arriving in the Lutherstadt Wittenberg we will be greeted by the imposing Castle Church where Luther proclaimed his grievances with the Catholic church by posting the 95 Theses. A short stroll through this historic town takes us to the Luther Museum; renovated and reopened in 2017 to celebrate the reformations 500th anniversary. Here guests can visit this exception museum and historic building. Following the museum visit, we will enjoy a hearty German meal at the local town brewery before a short walking tour through town.

Highlights: Castle Church & the 95 Thesis Door –St. Anne Church – Luther House - Philipp Melanchthon House – Luther’s Burial Site

Overnight: Weimar

Day 6 - Erfurt & Luther - Thursday, July 27th

Spend the day discovering the fascinating city of Erfurt as our guide, Martin Luther himself, leads us on a walking tour through the town in which he studied and committed his life to the service of God. After Luther’s Erfurt orientation, take in the sights and further explore the lay of the land at your leisure. Marvel at the beauty of the awe-inspiring domes and cathedrals in Erfurt or wander the towns picturesque pedestrian streets. A must see is the Kramer Bridge and its half timbered homes sandwiched across its span.

Highlights: Tour Guided by Luther – Merchants Bridge - Church of Saint Severus – Petersburg Citadel – Old Medieval Synagogue - Medieval Mikveh – Luther’s Augustinian Monastery -

Overnight: Weimar

Day 7 - Historic Bamberg - Friday, July 28th

Enjoy a day spent discovering Franconian Christmas traditions in Bamberg. Take in the beauty of the Old Town Hall which clings to the city’s medieval bridge. Try a glass of the famous “Rauchbier” or “smoke beer” direct from the wooden barrel while visiting the over 600 year-old Schlenkerla brewery.

Overnight: Freising

Day 8 - Regensburg Old Town - Saturday, July 29th

Enter the historic city of Regensburg just as thousands of Medieval Crusaders did by crossing the Steinerne Brücke (Stone Bridge). The city was used as gathering point for many of the campaigns to the Holy Lands. Learn about its intriguing medieval history and later enjoy a leisurely cruise down the Danube River. Upon the cruises conclusion, guests will have the opportunity to savor beer & brats at Germany's longest operating sausage stand, established more than 500 years ago.

Overnight: Freising

Day 9 - Lake Starnberg & Sissi - Sunday, July 30th

Following a two-night stay, we say one last goodbye to Freising before heading to the Bavarian capital: Munich! We’ll enjoy some time in the historic city center before continuing onward to the scenic Lake Starnberg. Once home to the beloved Empress Elisabeth or “Sissi” of Austria the lake is still called home by Munich’s high society. From there our journey continues to the beloved alpine town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen!

Overnight: Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Day 10 - Garmischer Volksfest - Monday, July 31st

Following a relaxed morning our day begins with a tour of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. A highlight of the day is sure to be our visit to the town’s local festival with local traditions on display each day. The festival will continue on throughout our time in Garmisch.

Overnight: Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Day 11 - Free Day & Farewell Dinner - Tuesday, August 1st

Our Bavaria & Beyond vacation is slowly drawing to a close. Relax and visit your favorite local cafe and take in the alpine beauty one last time. In the evening, enjoy the last event of your Bavaria and Beyond vacation - the Farewell Dinner Reception. Enjoy an exquisite four course meal as we reflect on the memories that will last a lifetime. A custom video, highlighting the best of your Bavaria & Beyond vacation, will premier at the start of this special evening. Embrace the terrific friendships which were made, while reminiscing on your time in Bavaria & Beyond!

Overnight: Garmisch-Pa.

Day 12 - Departure Day - Wednesday, August 2nd

Our Bavaria & Beyond vacation has come to a close. Enjoy a continental breakfast before saying Auf Wiedersehen to your Bavarian "home-away-from-home". Our private airport shuttle will depart punctually on time to arrive at the Munich International Airport by 08:00.

Hotel Bayerischer Hof, Freising ***S

Freising (One Night)

Check In: July 22nd, 2023

Check Out: July 23rd, 2023

After arriving at Munich International Airport make the short drive to the nearby town of Freising. Check in and relax in the centrelly located Hotel Bayerischer Hof before a welcome dinner reception at the world’s oldest brewery!

Hotel Dorint, Weimar ****

Weimar (Five Nights)

Check In: July 23rd, 2023

Check Out: July 28th, 2023

Unpack and relax for four nights at the modern and eloquent Hotel Dorint. Enjoy being at the center of the culturally significant city of Weimar, while still enjoying tranquillity of staying directly across from Goethe Park. The pedestrian zone with its many boutique shops and superb restaurants is at your doorstep waiting to be discovered.

Hotel Bayerischer Hof, Freising ***S

Freising (Two Nights)

Check In: July 28th, 2023

Check Out: July 30th, 2023

After a several nights stay in Weimar, we return to Freising for two more nights with an exciting day trip to nearby Regensburg.

Hotel Rheinischer Hof, Garmisch-Pa. ****

Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Three Nights)

Check In: July 30th, 2023

Check Out: August 2nd, 2023

The final hotel of this trip will be at the family owned Hotel Rheinischer Hof in beautiful Garmisch-Partenkirchen. While the friendly staff have always ensured a spectacular stay, the hotel’s recent renovations are sure to make this visit even better than before!