Discover Germany and Switzerland: Pilgrims through Times of Change 2026

Description

Join us on this ten day journey through the cities and landscapes that shaped one of Europe’s most transformative eras. Designed for travelers of all backgrounds—Roman Catholic, Protestant, or simply curious—Pilgrims through Times of Change explores how communities of faith navigated a period marked by new ideas, shifting traditions, and cultural renewal.

Beginning in Wittenberg, our tour follows the unfolding story of religious change through Leipzig, Nuremberg, Augsburg, and Worms before continuing into Switzerland, where Zurich, Lausanne, and Geneva each contributed their own perspectives to Europe’s evolving spiritual and cultural landscape.

The tour highlights the shared Christian heritage that shaped these communities and the ways people of faith responded to times of change. Guests gain a clear sense of how ideas, practices, and daily life evolved, while also recognizing the enduring threads that connect Christians across centuries and traditions.

Pilgrims through Times of Change 2026 Itinerary

Day 0 – Friday, 3 October – Travel Day

Departure for Western Hemisphere participants. Overnight flight with next day arrival in Berlin, Germany. Meals served aloft.

Day 1 – Sunday, 04 October – Wittenberg Arrival and Welcome

Guests arrive in Wittenberg throughout the afternoon and check in at the hotel. After settling in, there’s free time to rest or take a short walk around the nearby market square. Group meets in the hotel lobby at 18:00 for a brief welcome and orientation. This includes introducing Pilgrims through Times of Change, a quick overview of the schedule, and practical notes for the next day. After the meet‑and‑greet, the group walks together to Brauhaus Wittenberg for the first shared dinner. It’s a relaxed, traditional Saxon meal—an easy way to get to know one another and begin the journey. The evening ends with a short walk back to the hotel and time to rest before the next day’s program.

Day 2 – Monday, 05 October – Wittenberg Reformation Landmarks and Local History

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a guided walk through Wittenberg’s historic center. The first major stop is the Castle Church, where Luther posted his 95 Theses and where both he and Melanchthon are buried. From there, the group continues to the Lutherhaus, exploring the former monastery where Luther lived, taught, and raised his family. The walk continues to the Cranach Courtyards, once home to Lucas Cranach’s workshop and printing house. Guests then visit St. Mary’s Town Church, Luther’s preaching church and the birthplace of many early Reformation practices. The morning concludes at the Melanchthon House, offering insight into the life and work of Luther’s closest collaborator. We will enjoy lunch together at a nearby restaurant, with the rest of the afternoon left open for rest, personal exploration, or optional museum visits. Dinner tonight is on your own, giving guests a chance to enjoy Wittenberg at their own pace.

Day 3 – Tuesday, 06 October – Leipzig, the City of Music

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by check out. We will travel by coach to Nuremberg, stopping at Leipzig along the way. Visit to St. Thomas Church, known for its connection to Johann Sebastian Bach and its role in shaping Lutheran musical tradition. Lunch at Auerbachs Keller, one of Germany’s oldest restaurants and a historic gathering place for students and thinkers in Leipzig. After lunch we will make a brief stop at St. Nicholas Church before continuing by coach to Nuremberg. Hotel check in and free time before dinner near the hotel.

Day 4 – Wednesday, 07 October Nuremberg and Bamberg

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, the group begins the morning with a guided walk through Nuremberg’s historic center. The first major stop is the Imperial Castle, offering an overview of the city’s medieval importance and panoramic views of the old town. From there, the walk continues to the Albrecht Dürer House, where guests learn about the life and work of Germany’s most influential Renaissance artist. The tour continues through the Hauptmarkt and surrounding streets, with time to see key landmarks such as the Frauenkirche and the Beautiful Fountain. Late morning, the group boards a coach for the short drive to Bamberg. Group lunch in Bamberg, followed by visits to the Old Town and the Cathedral area, with time to explore the surrounding lanes and river views. Free time to explore Bamberg on your own before returning to Nuremberg. Dinner tonight is at Zum Gulden Stern, one of the city’s historic bratwurst kitchens.

Day 5 – Thursday, 08 October Augsburg

Breakfast at the hotel. Travel by coach to Augsburg. Our visit starts at the Fuggerei, the world’s oldest social housing complex still in use. The site offers a straightforward look at civic life, charity, and the influence of the Fugger banking family during the Reformation era. Next, the group walks to the Augsburg Town Hall, including the Golden Hall, one of the finest Renaissance interiors in Germany. From there, the tour continues to St. Anne’s Church, an important site connected to the 1530 Augsburg Confession. Group lunch at Ratskeller Augsburg, followed by free time in the surrounding old town area, where guests can explore shops, cafés, and nearby landmarks. Late afternoon return to Nuremberg for free time and dinner on your own.

Day 6 – Friday, 09 October – Nuremberg Slow Day and Cooking Experience

Breakfast at the hotel. , the group begins the day with a hands‑on cooking workshop at Cookionista, where guests prepare a simple regional meal under the guidance of local instructors. The session is relaxed and practical, offering a change of pace from the historical program. Lunch is enjoyed on site, featuring the dishes prepared during the workshop. Afternoon, the group returns to the city center for a short walking visit to several nearby landmarks. Stops include the Hauptmarkt, the Heilig‑Geist‑Spital area, and surrounding streets, with time for photos and brief explanations. Guests then have free time for shopping, additional sightseeing, or rest at the hotel. Dinner tonight is at Heilig‑Geist‑Spital, one of Nuremberg’s most historic dining settings.

Day 7 – Saturday, 10 October – Worms, Zurich and Geneva

Early breakfast and hotel checkout. Group departs for Worms by coach. Upon arrival, the first stop is the Luther Monument, commemorating Luther’s stand before the emperor at the Diet of Worms. The visit continues with a short walk to the surrounding historic area, with time to see the site of the former Bishop’s Palace, where Luther delivered his famous declaration. Late morning, the group continues by coach to Zurich. Upon arrival, there is a brief walking visit to the Grossmünster, the church associated with Huldrych Zwingli and the start of the Swiss Reformation. Group lunch. Depending on timing, the group may also stop at the nearby Fraumünster or enjoy a short walk through Zurich’s old town. In the afternoon, the journey continues to Geneva for hotel check-in and dinner near the hotel.

Day 8 – Sunday, 11 October – Highlights of Lake Geneva: Lausanne, Chillon, Lavaux

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning departure for a day trip along the northern shore of Lake Geneva. The first major stop is Lausanne Cathedral, a landmark of Swiss Gothic architecture with views over the city and lake. After a short visit, the group continues along the lakeside to Château de Chillon, one of Switzerland’s best‑preserved medieval castles. At Chillon, guests take a guided tour through the castle’s halls, courtyards, and lakeside ramparts. Group lunch. Afternoon, the group continues to the Lavaux Vineyards, a UNESCO‑listed terraced wine region overlooking the lake. Wine tasting and dinner at the Lavaux estate.

Day 9 – Monday, 12 October – Geneva Reformation Landmarks and Old Town

After breakfast, the group begins the day with a guided walk through Geneva’s Old Town. The first major stop is the Reformation Wall in Parc des Bastions, a central monument honoring Calvin, Farel, Beza, and Knox. From there, the group continues uphill to St. Pierre Cathedral, the church where John Calvin preached and a key site of the Swiss Reformation. The visit includes time to explore the cathedral interior and the surrounding square. The walk continues through the Old Town to Place du Bourg‑de‑Four, Geneva’s oldest public square and a historic gathering point for merchants and refugees. Guests then have free time for lunch in the Old Town or along the lakeside. In the afternoon, the group visits the International Museum of the Reformation, located just steps from the cathedral. The museum provides a clear overview of Geneva’s role in shaping Protestant thought and global religious history. After the visit, guests have free time before dinner. Our farewell dinner tonight is at Café Papon, a traditional Genevan restaurant located near the Old Town’s historic ramparts, the perfect setting to consider one last time what it means to be pilgrims through times of change.

Day 10 – Tuesday, 13 October – Farewell and Departures Home

After breakfast, guests check out of the hotel. Depending on individual flight times, there may be free time in the morning for a short walk through the Old Town or along the lakefront. Airport transfers take place throughout the day according to each guest’s schedule.