Inaugural Reformation & Christmas Markets Tour
Step into the story of the Protestant Reformation, a movement that reshaped faith, culture, and the course of Western history while experiencing the magic of Europe at Christmas.
From the streets of Berlin to the university towns of Germany, from the trial halls of Worms to the Reformation cities of France and Switzerland, you’ll trace the lives and ideas of reformers who challenged authority and changed the church. Along the way, you’ll experience historic towns, festive Christmas markets, and the landscapes that formed these pivotal moments.
Join this Reformation journey to be one of the first 16 to experience this immersive and thoughtfully guided tour with us.
Reserve your spot with a non-refundable $500 deposit. The balance is split into four payments, with the final payment due three months before the tour start date. Please view our Booking Terms & Refund Policy.
13-DAY
TOUR
December 8-21, 2026
$2,770 / person
$800 Single Room Supplement
Book travel to arrive in Berlin, Germany (BER) and depart from Geneva, Switzerland (GVA).
A Scholar-Led Learning Experience & Spiritual Encounter
Your journey through the Protestant Reformation will be guided by Darren Wilkins along with our resident scholar for this tour—Dr. Katherine Koh—who is an expert in Protestant Reformation history.
Morning lecture: Each day of this journey begins with a morning session in which Dr. Koh provides historical context, key themes, and guiding questions to frame the sites and stories you will encounter. These talks are designed to deepen understanding while remaining accessible, engaging, and grounded in place.
Evening Reflection: Each evening, the day concludes with a time of spiritual reflection led by Darren. Together, the group will process what was seen and learned, connecting historical events to enduring questions of faith, conscience, and belief.
This rhythm of learning, exploration, and reflection transforms the itinerary into a cohesive educational pilgrimage rather than simply a sightseeing tour.
Dr. Katherine Koh
After earning degrees at the University of Cambridge and the University of California, Riverside, Dr. Katherine Koh has taught Church History and European History at La Sierra University for twenty years. She is currently an Associate Professor and has served as Chair of the Department of History, Politics, and Sociology. Her edition of letters by Sir William Cordell, Master of the Rolls for Elizabeth I, for the Oxford Historical Society, is due to be published in 2026.
13-Day Tour Itinerary
This itinerary is a sample and small items may be changed or rearranged to capitalize on additional opportunities and build the best adventure possible.
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Day 1
Berlin, Germany
When you arrive in Berlin we will pick you up from the airport and help you get oriented to the city. Those arriving in the morning will have time to explore significant historical sites and museums (like Checkpoint Charlie, Remnants of the Berlin Wall, the Pergamon Museum) before settling in for the night and preparing to begin the Reformation journey.
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Day 2
Wittenberg, Germany
Our tour will begin two hours from Berlin at the church doors where Martin Luther posted his 95 theses. At this historic location, Dr. Koh will orient us to the events that reshaped Christianity and point out several other sites of Protestant Reformation significance in Wittenberg. In the evening, you’ll explore your first Christmas market.
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Day 3
Erfurt, Germany
After a good German breakfast, we will drive to Eisleben to pick up our tour and add to our understanding of Martin Luther’s life. This is the town where Luther was both born and died and so holds many key sites connected to his life. In the afternoon we will continue on to Erfurt where the years Luther spent as a student and monk deeply shaped his theology. Settle in for two nights in this beautifully preserved medieval city and a magical Christmas market that will beguile you.
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Day 4
Erfurt, Germany
Today we’re going back to school with Dr. Koh and Martin Luther. This is where Luther enrolled as a law student at the university and, later, as a monk in the Augustinian Monastery. These young adult years were difficult ones for him. We’ll track him around town at a number of sites that Dr. Koh will bring to life for us. Enjoy your second night in the same bed. Tomorrow we’re continuing on the Reformation trail.
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Day 5
Eisenach, Germany
Today we stop in MuhlHausen and we encounter Luther in a complicated role as an established leader in Germany with influence in matters of politics and war. In the afternoon we take a short drive to Eisenach, the place that Martin Luther considered home. Here he preached and sang in the town church choir and said of the place “no town knows me better.” We will hit some of his haunts and spend the night in his home town.
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Day 6
Worms, Germany
Today we visit “the room where it happened” in Marburg. This was where Luther had a consequential meeting with Ulrich Zwingli in an attempt to resolve their theological differences and reunite the fracturing protestant movement. You’ll hear the story where it unfolded and then we will continue on to Worms where things begin to get serious for Luther.
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Day 7
Colmar, France
It’s unlikely you’ll ever forget your day in Worms. We’ll spend the morning reliving one of history’s most dramatic, and courageous moments as Luther stands trial for heresies against the Catholic church. After lunch, we’ll make a two hour drive to Colmar, France where you will encounter a full day of Christmas magic.
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Day 8
Colmar, France
We are at the halfway point of the trip. This day is yours to explore this town that does Christmas like no other. Amble along the canals of the “Little Venice Quarter”. Try out some coffee and pastry joints. Get your shopping in. Then, watch the streets and squares transform into a Christmas wonderland after dark. This is your postcard day.
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Day 9
Bern, Switzerland
We’re off to Switzerland! On the three hour drive to Bern, we’ll make a stop at Kappel where Protestant leader, Huldreich Zwingli, met his end in a battle against Catholic forces. Bern is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you’ll have the afternoon to explore it at your own pace and soak in the brilliant glacial water and jagged Alps looming in the distance. There will be another stunning Christmas market to enjoy in the evening.
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Day 10
Bern, Switzerland
The day will begin with a walking tour of historic Old Town Bern, including Berner Munster church (a significant Reformation site). You’ll have the afternoon to take in the city on your own and include other activities like a visit to The Albert Einstein Museum.
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Day 11
Aigle, Switzerland
Today we will head to the Lake Geneva region which will include a visit to the beautiful Temple du Bas (a 17th century church). In the town of Aigle you will be treated to a Swiss Therme—a hot spring with healing mineral waters, saunas, and steam rooms.
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Day 12
Collonges, France
On our way to Geneva we’ll take a gorgeous side trip to Annecy—a medieval old town on a crystal clear lake surrounded by the Alps. We’ll have a traditional lunch of Fondue and Raclette and you’ll have time to explore what many call the most beautiful town in Europe. In the evening we will arrive at Collonges—a Seventh-day Adventist College just across the French border from Geneva, Switzerland. This is where we will spend our last two nights.
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Day 13
Geneva, Switzerland
Spend the day in Geneva, the city most closely associated with John Calvin and the mature Reformation movement. Reflect on the ideas, tensions, and lasting influence of the Reformation as the journey comes full circle.
What to expect
This is a group adventure right from the beginning and from the moment you sign up, we will make sure you feel prepared, excited, and supported. You'll hear history where it actually happened, gain confidence as a traveler, and experience the kind of camaraderie that only comes from shared adventure.
Before departure:
Group calls: You’ll be invited to two group calls where you can ask questions, meet fellow travelers, and get a feel for what’s ahead.
Packing lists & recommended reading: To help you prepare, we’ll send a packing list and recommended reading list ahead of time—so when you step off the plane, you're ready to immerse yourself in the journey.
While traveling:
Arrival: When you arrive, we’ll be there to greet you at the airport and take you to our hotel to drop your bags—no stress, no guesswork. You’ll receive a detailed itinerary booklet, and everything you need to start exploring immediately.
Balance of structure & freedom: Each day begins with breakfast at your hotel before setting out on that day's adventure. Expect a mix of guided walking tours that bring history to life and free time to explore at your own pace. Lunchtime? We’ll point you to the best local spots. When it’s time to meet for an afternoon activity, a quick WhatsApp notification will keep you on track.* Evenings are for sharing stories and enjoying great meals together. As we walk to dinner as a group, you'll find yourself laughing over the day’s experiences and forming friendships that will last long after the trip ends. Before bed, you'll receive a message with any updates for the next day’s itinerary.
*We use a WhatsApp group to communicate with everyone in-country and alert you to potential schedule changes. You will be required to use this platform during our trip. A key benefit of using WhatsApp is that it doesn’t require cell service to function—as long as you have a data package, you will be able to stay in contact with everyone. This can be a significant cost savings if you opt for purchasing an eSIM card for the country.
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You can expect 3-star accommodations in central, walkable locations with lots to see and do right outside the hotel door. Rooms will be comfortable but not luxurious. You’ll want to be prepared to climb stairs because many of the prime-location hotels that we stay in do not have elevators.
Rooming assignments: Our tour is priced based on double occupancy, so if you’re joining us as a solo traveler you will be paired up with a roommate unless you purchase a single room supplement at the time of booking.
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Breakfast and most dinners are included in your trip fee (see list of inclusions below for more details). Each morning you’ll eat breakfast in the hotel and each evening our group will gather for dinner together in delicious local restaurants. You will be responsible for your own lunch, but we will always be happy to make recommendations.
Vegetarian options are always available. Other special diet requests should be made at the time of booking. While we will make every effort to accommodate you, we cannot guarantee options for all dietary needs in every location.
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Once you’ve signed up for a trip we will send you a packing list. We always plan an opportunity to do laundry approximately halfway through the trip and most pack in carry-on sized luggage.
While not required, packing in a carry-on can avoid logistical nightmares if an airline loses your luggage. And they’re easier to carry up hotel stairs!
What’s included—and what’s not
We want you to feel confident about what’s covered in your trip cost and what extra expenses to plan for. By covering the essentials and giving you flexibility in other areas, we ensure a balance of structure and freedom—so you get the most out of your trip. Here’s a breakdown of what’s included in your tour fee and what you’ll need to budget for separately:
Included
✔️ Airport Transfers – From the moment you arrive, we’ve got you covered. We’ll pick you up at the airport and ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel. At the end of our journey, we’ll get you back to the airport for your flight home. Please be prepared to provide your flight information so we can coordinate your pickup.
✔️ Lodging – You’ll stay in well-located accommodations chosen for their character, convenience, and welcoming atmosphere. They will be comfortable, but not luxurious. Be prepared to climb stairs as many hotels in Europe do not have elevators.
✔️ All Major Ground Transportation – Whether it’s trains, buses, or private coaches, all necessary transportation between tour destinations is arranged for you.
✔️ Breakfast & Most Dinners – Start each day with breakfast at the hotel, fueling up for a full day of exploration. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a group dinner, featuring local flavors and great conversation. Exception: Of the 13-days we spend on this tour, there will be 3 evenings when we do not eat together and you will have the opportunity to explore the local cuisine on your own.
✔️ All Site Entrance Fees – No surprise costs at the door. Your entry to historical sites, museums, and major attractions is covered, so you can focus on the experience.
✔️ Experienced Tour Coordinator – Your dedicated coordinator ensures everything runs smoothly, answers your questions, and helps create a seamless, stress-free travel experience.
Not Included
❌ Airfare & Baggage Fees – You’ll book your own flights to and from the tour destination. Be sure to check your airline’s baggage policies and budget accordingly.
❌ Lunches – Midday meals are on your own, giving you the flexibility to explore local cafés, grab a quick bite, or indulge in something special that catches your eye.
❌ Passport Application Fees – Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity past the end of this tour. If you need a new passport or renewal, be sure to take care of this in advance. Please be prepared to provide us a photo of your passport.
❌ Gratuities – Tips for local guides, bus drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
❌ Travel Insurance – Deposits are non-refundable. For peace of mind, each participant is highly encouraged to protect their travel investment by purchasing CFAR (Cancel For Any Reason) insurance immediately after booking your trip.