Wartburg College Tour Germany and France

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Monday April 26: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States from either Chicago or Minneapolis.

Day 2, Tuesday April 27: Under Own Arrangements

Arrive in Frankfurt and transfer independently to Eisenach (~3–4 hours). Settle into this historic city closely associated with Johann Sebastian Bach and Martin Luther. Evening at leisure to explore or relax..

Day 3, Wednesday April 28: Under Own Arrangements

Today, you experience Eisenach under your group's own arrangements.

Day 4, Thursday April 29: Under Own Arrangements

Enjoy a day under your own arrangements. Explore the historic Old Town, visit Bach House or Luther sites, or stroll the charming streets. Evening at leisure

Day 5, Friday April 30: Under Own Arrangements

This morning, present Performance #2 at St. George’s Chapel, a meaningful musical experience in a historic sacred setting. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 6, Saturday May 1: Halle

Meet your Encore Tour Manager and travel to Halle (~1.5 hours). After checking in to your hotel, present Performance #3, followed by Group Dinner #1, a perfect introduction to the culinary culture of the region.

Day 7, Sunday May 2: Halle

Travel to Leipzig (~1 hour), one of Germany’s most important musical centers and home to Johann Sebastian Bach. Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of key landmarks before presenting Performance #4 at St. Thomas Church or a similar historic venue. Return to Halle for Group Dinner #2.

Day 8, Monday May 3: Halle

Journey to Dresden (~2–2.25 hours), renowned for its baroque architecture and arts scene. Explore the historic city center with a guided tour, followed by Performance #5 at Frauenkirche Dresden or a comparable venue, potentially as a side-by-side concert. End the day with Group Dinner #3 before returning to Halle or remaining overnight in Dresden.

Day 9, Tuesday May 4: Heidelberg

Depart early and travel to Würzburg (~3.25 hours) for Performance #6, then continue to Heidelberg (~1.5 hours). Check in to your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure. Dinner is on your own, allowing you to explore local restaurants and cafés.

Day 10, Wednesday May 5: Heidelberg

Spend the day exploring Heidelberg, starting with a guided tour of the Old Town, including the Marktplatz and Heiliggeistkirche. Visit Heidelberg Castle perched above the Neckar River, stroll along the scenic Philosophers’ Path, or cross the Old Bridge for classic photo opportunities. Optional excursions include a Neckar Valley drive, Odenwald Forest, Speyer, or Stuttgart for museums or wine regions. Dinner on your own tongiht

Day 11, Thursday May 6: Heidelberg

Enjoy a morning at leisure in Heidelberg including free time for lunch. Conclude the day with Performance #7 at a local venue such as Heidelberg University Aula, with dinner on your own.

Day 12, Friday May 7: Lucerne

Following breakfast, check out of your hotel and depart for Lucerne, Switzerland. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Dinner this evening is on your own. (B)

Day 13, Saturday May 8: Lucerne

Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Lucerne, exploring this picturesque lakeside city set against a backdrop of dramatic Alpine peaks. This afternoon, rehearse in preparation for your evening concert at a local venue such as the Gallus Kirche. Dinner is independent. (B)

Day 14, Sunday May 9: Lucerne

Ascend to the nearly 7,000-foot summit of Mount Pilatus aboard the world’s steepest cog railway, where, on a clear day, panoramic views stretch across 73 peaks in the surrounding Swiss Alps. This evening, enjoy a special Alpine hut dinner complete with traditional Swiss games and activities. (B,D)

Day 15, Monday May 10: Strasbourg

Travel to Speyer (~1 hour)a scenic journey, and present Performance #8 at the magnificent Speyer Cathedral, offering a memorable Mass experience in this historic Romanesque landmark. After the performance, continue on to Strasbourg (~3 hours) and check in to your hotel, where you can settle in and refresh. In the evening, gather for Group Dinner #5, enjoying traditional Alsatian cuisine and the warm ambiance of this charming French city.

Day 16, Tuesday May 11: Strasbourg

This morning, enjoy a guided walking tour of Strasbourg, discovering the city’s rich history and remarkable architecture. Stroll through the charming quarter of Petite France, admire the iconic Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, and explore the medieval streets that reflect Strasbourg’s distinctive blend of French and German influences. Later, enjoy a scenic boat cruise along the Ill River. This evening, gather for a group dinner featuring regional Alsatian cuisine.

Day 17, Wednesday May 12: Strasbourg

Begin the day at leisure, allowing time to explore Strasbourg at your own pace, perhaps strolling through the charming streets of La Petite France or visiting local cafés and shops. In the afternoon, gather for rehearsal in preparation for Performance #9 at Église Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune, depending on availability. The evening is free for dinner on your own, giving your group the flexibility to experience Strasbourg’s vibrant dining scene.

Day 18, Thursday May 13: Paris

Depart for Paris. En route, stop in Reims (3.5 to 4 hours)for a guided walking tour, including a visit to the magnificent Reims Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Continue to Paris and check into your hotel before enjoying a scenic cruise along the Seine River, offering a unique perspective of the city’s iconic landmarks. Dinner this evening is independent. (B)

Day 19, Friday May 14: Paris

Discover Paris with a guided sightseeing tour featuring iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Perhaps visit renowned landmarks such as the Louvre Museum or the Musée d'Orsay. In the evening, attend a professional concert performance at a renowned venue such as the Philharmonie de Paris, Salle Pleyel, Opéra Garnier, or a similar location, offering an inspiring cultural highlight to your time in the city.

Day 20, Saturday May 15: Paris

Travel to the Palace of Versailles for a guided tour of its opulent halls and gardens. Return to Paris for Performance #10 at La Madeleine or a similar venue. Conclude the day with a special farewell dinner #7 on the Eiffel Tower, celebrating your journey.

Day 21, Sunday May 16: Departure

Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the United States. (B)