As part of a faith tradition that is called to always be reforming, this 11-day pilgrimage to sites of the Protestant Reformation reminds us of where we come from and helps us navigate where we are going. We journey through the cities, towns, churches, and streets of the Reformation, introducing us to Martin Luther and John Calvin in a more intimate way. Highlights include Wittenberg, Worms, Zurich, and Geneva with visits to Wittenberg Castle, worship at Grossmunster, and free time in Geneva. This itinerary is representative and may be adjusted due to opening times and guide availability.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is available from Trawick International while completing your registration or until 48 hours before departure.

1. You should be able to walk, with luggage, for up to half a mile on uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones.

2. On most days, you will be out of the hotel between 9am and 5pm, with breaks along the way and some free time to rest.

3. You should be able to walk 12,000 steps per day and stand while listening to our professional guides

4. You should be able to sleep in hotels located in city centers, which may have road noise. Air conditioning in Europe is less effective than in the US and may not cool your room as much as you're used to back home.

5. You should, after a brief orientation, be able to navigate towns and cities on your own.

Participants will depart the US by today as to arrive by noon on July 12, 2026. The pilgrimage officially begins on June 12.

Please make your flight arrangements so that your flight arrives in Berlin by noon local time today.

After arriving in Berlin, we will depart immediately to Wittenberg by private coach. This university town is where Martin Luther wrote his Ninety-Five Theses, launching the Reformation. Once we arrive in Wittenberg, we will have opening worship at the Castle Church followed by a short tour. After checking in to the hotel, we will have opening dinner. During our time in Wittenberg, we will overnight at Martas Hotel, a social enterprise of the Berlin City Mission. It offers modern, comfortable accommodations and specializes in welcoming Christian groups. The proceeds of the hotel support the ministry to unhoused and impoverished residents of Berlin. Overnight at Martas Hotel in Wittenberg.

Today we will explore the Wittenberg with a walking tour of the city's Lutheran highlights including the "Literally Luther" exhibit at the Augusteum. We will also visit the Cranach Haus and the City Church. Along the way, we will contemplate Luther’s context and perhaps sing a few lines from ‘A Mighty Fortress is Our God.” After lunch (on your own ) you will have free time to further explore the city. Dinner (on your own) and overnight at Martas Hotel in Wittenberg.

This morning we will depart Wittenberg, and travel to Erfurt, stopping in Eisleben along the way. In Eisleben we will see the places where Luther was born, baptized, and died. After lunch (on your own) we will depart for Erfurt where we will have dinner together (included). In Erfurt, we will stay at Augustinian Cloister. Now a Protestant monastery with a small community of sisters, it was once the very monastery where Luther, an Augustinian, studied and where he was ordained. The Cloister offers modern but simple rooms appropriate for a pilgrimage, along with space for worship and meditation. Overnight at Augustinian Cloister, Erfurt.

Today we will explore the old city of Erfurt where Luther was a student. Sites in the Old City include the Luther monument, St. Michael's Church, and the student hostel. After lunch, we will have a tour at the Augustinian Monastery where Luther first served as a monk. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure with an option to walk part of the Luther Trail. Dinner (on your own) and overnight at Augustinian Cloister, Erfurt.

Today we will depart for Worms, stopping in Eisenach along the way. We begin at Wartburg Castle where Luther went into hiding and translated the Bible into German. After visiting the castle, you will have free time in the town of Eisenach for lunch and to explore the local sights. You might be interested seeing Lutherhaus Eisenach, one of the oldest surviving half-timbered houses in town. Tradition holds that Luther resided there during his school days. After lunch (on your own) we will continue to Worms. Dinner (on your own) and overnight at Dom Hotel, Worms.

Worms, the town where Luther was put on trial, is also home to the world’s largest Reformation monument. We will embark on a walking tour of Worms, visiting the Luther Monument, Holy Trinity Church, and the Bishop’s Palace, where Luther’s trial occurred. Following our walking tour, you’ll enjoy lunch on your own and the balance of the afternoon to explore Worms at your own pace.  Dinner (on your own) and overnight at Dom Hotel, Worms. 

Today marks a shift in the pilgrimage, as we leave Luther and Germany behind and start exploring Calvin and Switzerland. We depart Worms early today, stopping in Strasbourg en route to Zurich. We’ll visit Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune Collegiate Church where Calvin worshiped and Temple Neuf where he studied. We'll pass the exterior of Strasboug Cathedral and walk through the Printers Quarter which contributed to the distribution of vernacular Bibles. Finally, we'll visit St. Thomas Church where Martin Bucer was pastor. Lunch is on your own. In the afternoon, we’ll depart Strasbourg for Zurich, arriving in time for dinner (included). Overnight at St. Josef Hotel, Zurich. 

This morning we will worship at Fraumünster, a Protestant church in Zurich, under the awe-inspiring stained glass windows by Marc Chagall. Worship is in German. Following worship, we’ll visit Grossmünster to learn more about this ancient church’s history. This church building has been in use since 1200, and was led by Ulrich Zwingli at the time of Reformation in Switzerland. After our tour of Grossmünster, you’ll have the balance of the day to explore Zurich at your own pace. Dinner is on your own and overnight in Zurich.

Today we will travel to Geneva. The trip to Geneva will take most of the morning. When we arrive, we will leave our luggage at the hotel and you will have the rest of the day free. Geneva is a wonderfully walkable city with excellent public transportation. You will receive a transit pass upon checking in to the hotel to encourage further exploration. Dinner (on your own) and overnight at Bernina Hotel, Geneva. 

On our final day of the itinerary, today we will explore Geneva as a group. We’ll begin with a walking tour around Geneva, visiting important sites related to the Reformation including the Reformation Wall, the International Museum of the Reformation, and St. Pierre’s Cathedral. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Madeleine Church. Madeleine Church is one of the oldest churches in Geneva, located on the site of a Roman temple. The current structure dates from the 15th century. Espace Madeleine is an “open church” welcoming all people, regardless of their background, and encouraging dialogue across our differences. Following our walking tour, we’ll return to the hotel to rest before closing worship and dinner together (included). Overnigh at Bernina Hotel, Geneva.

The pilgrimage concludes at breakfast today. If you’re departing from Geneva, the airport is a short train ride from the hotel.