Join us on this 11-day unforgettable journey through Germany, exploring the history and heritage of the Lutheran Church. Walk in the footsteps of Martin Luther as we visit many iconic sites such as the famous city of Wittenberg, where Luther nailed his 95 Theses, and the stunning Wartburg Castle, where he translated the Bible. While traveling, we'll also be able to enjoy the festive spirit of Oktoberfest.

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to deepen your faith and learn in this amazing region of the world!

Your spiritual and historical journey begins as you depart from Fargo, ND (or other starting location), bound for Frankfurt, Germany (FRA). Prepare to step into the world of the Reformation and follow in the footsteps of Martin Luther.

Upon arrival in Frankfurt, you'll be welcomed to the heart of Europe. We will travel together to nearby Mainz, a city steeped in Christian heritage. This is the home of the famous Gutenberg’s printing press, which was instrumental in distributing Luther’s theses. From here, we will enjoy a scenic drive through the German countryside to the charming town of Bad Hersfeld for our overnight stay. (D)

Overnight: Hotel am Kurpark, Bad Hersfeld

After breakfast, we head to Eisenach, where the impressive Wartburg Castle stands. This was Luther’s refuge during his exile and where he translated the New Testament into German. We’ll visit Luther House, his boyhood home, as well as St. George’s Church, where he sang in the choir. In the evening, we continue to Erfurt, a beautiful medieval city where Luther studied and entered the monastic life. (B, D)

Overnight: Best Western Plus Hotel Excelsior, Erfurt

Today, we explore the Augustinian Monastery where Luther lived as a monk. From here, we spend some time in reflection at St. Mary’s Cathedral, where Luther was ordained. We’ll be able to walk across the historic Krämer Bridge and take in the medieval cityscape. Later, we visit the somber site of Buchenwald Concentration Camp, a powerful reminder of our more recent history. From here, we continue to Eisleben, where we visit St. Peter and Paul Church as well as Luther’s Birth and Death Houses. (B)

Overnight: Martas Hotel, Lutherstadt Wittenberg

After breakfast, our day is focused on diving deep into the heart of the Reformation in Wittenberg. Here, we will witness where Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Castle Church; an act that helped ignite a movement that changed history. We will also visit Luther’s Grave, the City Church where he preached, and the Lutherhalle Museum. All of these sites showcase his life, works, and the early Reformation. (B)

Overnight: Martas Hotel, Lutherstadt Wittenberg

Our travel, today, takes us to Germany’s vibrant capital city of Berlin. We’ll embark on a sweeping tour through history, exploring: Charlottenburg Castle, the modern Reichstag Building, the iconic Brandenburg Gate, and remnants of the Berlin Wall. Later in the day, we stroll the elegant Kurfürstendamm, the Gendarmenmarkt, and admire the Berlin Cathedral. All throughout our day, we’ll enjoy the energy of this dynamic city that blends past and present. (B, D)

Overnight: Bernstein Villa Kastania GmbH, Berlin

Today, after breakfast, we head south to Dresden, the "Florence on the Elbe.” Here we will see the Semper Opera and the magnificent Zwinger Palace. Continuing to Leipzig, we’ll spend some time exploring where Luther debated and preached. We In this city, we’ll visit St. Thomas Church, famous not only for Luther’s presence, but also as the home of Johann Sebastian Bach. (B)

Overnight: Best Western Premier Hotel Royal Blue, Leipzig

Today, we drive to Nuremberg, once a stronghold of the Roman Empire and later, the site of the Nazi trials. Here, we’ll also visit the Imperial Castle and the Church of Our Lady, a site rich in gothic beauty and historical significance. (B, D)

Overnight: Das Goldschläger Boutique Hotel, Schwabach

Today, we journey to Augsburg, where Luther famously defended his beliefs before Cardinal Cajetan. We’ll walk the same streets Luther did, before heading to Munich, Bavaria’s capital, full of charm and culture. (B, D)

Overnight: Best Western Plus Hotel Erb, Parsdorf

Today we explore Munich’s historic core, including Königsplatz, Theatiner Church, and Odeonsplatz. We’ll also see the Royal Residence and Hall of Generals. Then, we’ll enjoy a free afternoon to experience the world-famous Oktoberfest, where German tradition comes alive in music, food, and celebration. (B)

Overnight: Best Western Plus Hotel Erb, Parsdorf

With hearts and minds enriched by the deep spiritual heritage of the Reformation and the vibrant history of Germany, we depart for our journey home. After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and transfer to Munich Airport (MUC) for our flights back to the US. (B)

*We are offering a $200 Early Bird Registration Discount through August 30 2025. Use code "EARLYBIRDGML26" at checkout.

*Registration Deadline is December 31, 2025

*Note about activity levels: While we make every effort to accommodate mobility needs, please note that this tour includes walking tours on uneven surfaces and stairs, standing for extended periods of time, bus tours on uneven roads, etc. For more information or questions regarding activity levels and mobility, please contact us.

*We can book your airfare for you or you are welcome to book your own. We would like to work with you on your arrival and departure times so that we can best arrange for transfers to and from the airport. All flights will arrive at Frankfurt Airport (FRA) and depart from Munich Airport (MUC). If booking through Sunlight Tours, airfare payments (not included in trip price) are due upon airfare booking.

*Travel insurance is highly recommended. As a way to help protect your trip experience, Sunlight Tours offers travel insurance options through our trusted travel partner, Yonder. Free quotes are available. Please contact us with any questions.

*A non-refundable deposit required for this trip: $500

Other payments due: first half payment is due by March 14, 2026 and final payment is due by June 14, 2026. If booking through Sunlight Tours, airfare payments (not included in trip price) are due upon airfare booking.

*Cash/Check/Credit Cards accepted.

Sarah Raymond (Sunlight Tours Trip Director) is passionate about travel and the way it opens us up to the world. Learning the stories of other people and places broadens our own perspective and understanding. Sarah has been leading trips for almost 20 years, but in 2019, she made the leap and started her own tour company. Sunlight Tours has taken groups to Israel, the West Bank, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, Belize, Italy, Ireland, Wales, Greece and Turkey. In 2025, Sarah and the team are thrilled to add Scotland and Turks & Caicos to the growing list! Sarah lives near Grand Forks, ND with her children and a lot of plants. Learn more about what we have brewing in our travel mugs (brains) at www.sunlighttours.org.

Pastor Laurie Neill

“I’m thrilled to visit Germany and walk in the footsteps of Martin Luther, as it offers a chance to connect deeply with the history that shaped my faith. Experiencing the places where Luther’s bold actions and teachings sparked the Reformation will be both humbling and inspiring, grounding my ministry in the rich legacy of this transformative movement. It’s a journey that will strengthen my understanding of the faith and reignite my passion for sharing the gospel.”

Pastor Corey Bjertness

"I'm excited about this trip because it's more than sightseeing—it's stepping into the story of our faith. Walking where Martin Luther walked will bring history to life, deepen our understanding of what God was doing in the Reformation, and we will have a lot of fun doing so.”