Mediterranean Christian cruises
Christian cruise

Itinerary - May 31 to June 9

Day 1

Arrive Berlin - After arrival in Berlin, transfer together to our hotel in the city. On our way to the hotel, we will see the 3 centers of Berlin: the west around Kurfuerstendamm Boulevard and the Memorial Church, the new center around Potsdamer Square, and finally the eastern section around Unter Den Linden, Brandenburg Gate and Alexanderplatz. The driver will then deliver you to your hotel. You’ll have time to rest before meeting Pastor Lutzer for an early welcome dinner and evening walk. (D)

Day 2

Potsdam-Wittenberg - This morning we travel to Potsdam, the Brandenburg state capital located opposite the Berlin metropolis. We will visit the Palace Cecilienhof, where in 1945 the Potsdam Agreement was signed among the Allied Powers. Take a walk through the beautiful garden with impressive terraces and fountains at the Palace Sanssouci. Here the Prussian Kings ruled. Dr. Lutzer will help us connect the Hitler Era with these locations. This evening we drive to charming Wittenberg for 2 nights.  (B,D).

Day 3

Wittenberg - Today’s journey in Wittenberg recalls the life and work of Martin Luther. See the gates of Schlosskirche (Castle Church) where he nailed his 95 Theses in 1517 challenging the Catholic Church; then visit the Stadtkirche (City Church), where Luther and his associates preached the gospel to the common people. Take advantage of buying your lunch of bratwurst or Wiener-schnitzel in the town square dominated by the monuments of Luther and Melanchton. We will visit the Lutherhalle, an important museum located in the Augustinian monastery in which Luther lived, first as a monk and later as owner with his wife Katharina von Bora and family.  Lutherhalle’s collection of objects related to the history of the German Reformation include Luther’s own desk, the pulpit from which he preached at the Stadtkirche, his teaching robe, and first editions of his books. We share dinner together this evening. (B,D)

Day 4

Eisleben-Erfut - Our journey continues in to the countryside of the Harz Mountains to Eisleben, where Martin Luther was born and baptized. Continue on to Erfurt, the spiritual home of Martin Luther. Sights include a visit to the Augustinian Monastery where Luther served as a monk. We will also visit the Franciscan church where Luther preached in 1529 and St. Mary’s Church where he was ordained as a priest.   (B,D)

Day 5

Eisenach-Nuremberg - Depart for Eisenach in the Thuringian Forest, where little has changed since the Middle Ages.  Visit the Luther House where Luther was educated from 1498-1501.  Then it's on to the Wartburg Castle, where Luther took shelter from the wrath of the Pope and translated the New Testament from Greek to German. We'll drive through Nurnberg to see the stadium where Nazi rallies took place and the Coliseum that Hitler built.  Overnight in Nuremberg.  (B,D)

Day 6

Augsburg – Neuschwanstein - Oberammergau - On to Augsburg for a guided tour that reveals the city where Luther and his followers proclaimed their beliefs. Continue through the lovely alpine upland, the 'Allgäu' and enjoy a tour of Mad King Ludwig’s fairytale castle – Neuschwanstein Castle.  We enjoy a beautiful drive overlooking the German Alps to the Oberammergau area. Overnight. Dinner together this evening. (B,D)                                                                

Day 7

Passion Play - The highlight of your vacation starts at lunchtime: the original PASSION PLAY, held every 10 years and performed by the community of Oberammergau. (B,L,D).

Day 8

Munich - Continue to Munich, capital of Bavaria, and enjoy an orientation drive. This afternoon Dr. Lutzer will take us on a Third Reich walking tour of the city.  We’ll walk through the streets where Hitler fought his way to power in the government in Berlin from where he bullied the world.                           

Day 9

Berchtesgaden - This morning you board your coach for the quaint town of Berchtesgaden, located in the picturesque Bavarian Alps. The road leading from Obersalzberg (formerly Hitler's home and southern headquarters) to the Eagle's Nest parking lot is considered to be a feat of engineering. Perched at 1,834 m (6,017 ft), the building itself was a project of Martin Bormann's and given to Adolf Hitler for his 50th birthday as a teahouse for diplomats. The Eagle's Nest remained unscathed from the bombing of the Allied Forces during WWII. Visit the documentation centre, enjoy the breathtaking panorama view and have lunch at the Eagle’s Nest restaurant. In the afternoon, stroll through the historical town centre with its many charmingly decorated facades. We return to Munich and celebrate our farewell dinner together this evening outside  at Marienplatz under the famous Glockenspiel (weather permitting).  (B,D) 

Day 10

Departure - Transfer to Munich airport and flight home.

Optional Pre-Tour of Berlin -- May 29 to May 31

Day 1

Arrive Berlin - After arrival in Berlin, transfer together to our hotel in the city. On our way to the hotel we will see the 3 centers of Berlin: the west around Kurfuerstendamm Boulevard and the Memorial Church, the new center around Potsdamer Square and finally the eastern section around Unter Den Linden, Brandenburg Gate and Alexanderplatz. Visit the Pergamon Museum, one of the five wonderful museums that sit on Berlin’s Museum Island. The Pergamon Museum is divided into three distinct sections: the Antiquity Collection, the Islamic Art Museum, and the Near East Museum. The driver will then deliver you to your hotel. You’ll have time to rest before meeting Pastor Lutzer for an early welcome dinner and evening walk. (D)

Day 2

Berlin - We continue to the Bonhoeffer-House, home of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s parents. Bonhoeffer was a pastor and professor of theology who resisted National Socialism and was murdered by the Nazis in April 1945. Today his parents’ home houses a permanent exhibit on the life and work of this heroic martyr. (B,D)

Day 3

Berlin - Explore the Jewish Berlin of the past and present. Visit the New Synagogue, built in 1866 to seat 3200 people. As the largest Jewish place of worship in Germany, the Neue Synagogue was literally a symbol of the thriving Jewish community. You continue to the Holocaust Memorial, dedicated to the Jewish victims of the WWII Nazi genocide . In the afternoon you visit the Jewish Museum. A timeless monument to Jewish history and life in Germany, Daniel Libeskind’s Berlin Juedisches Museum is one of the world’s undisputed museums and architectural gems. In the evening meet the core group and enjoy dinner together. (B,D)