Germany
2 – 12 Aug 2020
Spiritual Director: Rev Dr Peter Poon
In 1633, the Oberammergau villagers promised to perform the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ every tenth year, so that no one was to die of the plague anymore. The villagers were answered by God and in 1634, the first Passion Play took place. Ever since, the Oberammergau’s Passion Play has become a theatrical tradition. The world-famous production is a re-enactment of the life of Christ Jesus – from His entry into Jerusalem to His Resurrection – presented once every decade and performed solely by the villagers of Oberammeragau.
Don’t miss this opportunity to watch the recreation of the life of Jesus in the Passion Play and be captivated by the beautiful sights of Germany which brings you through Wittenberg, Erfurt, Mainz, Worms, Stuttgart, Oberammergau and Munich. You will also visit Brandenburg Gate Museum in Berlin, Wartburg Castle (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) in Eisenach, and the picturesque Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau.
Be inspired as you walk in the footsteps of Martin Luther and enjoy the guided tours at prominent Reformation sites such as the famed Castle Church where Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses.
Day 1 – Sun, 2 Aug
SINGAPORE
Assemble at Changi Airport to begin your journey to Germany.
Departure Flight: SQ2203 SIN-MUC 2255-0525 Check-in starts from 8pm (Changi Airport, Terminal 2)
Meals on board the plane.
Day 2 – Mon, 3 Aug
BERLIN > LUTHERSTADT WITTENBERG
Transit in Munich for flight to Berlin
Transit Flight: SQ2176 MUC-TXL 0745-0850
Arrive in Berlin and begin your journey with a city tour. Visit the historical sites of Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and Nicolai quarter. Then explore boulevard area of Unter den Linden and stop by Checkpoint Charlie, a crossing point of the Berlin wall. Before heading to Brandenburg Gate Museum to learn more about the history of Berlin, explore the outside grounds of Charlottenburg Castle and take a picturesque photo of the Palace.
Travel to Lutherstadt Wittenberg. D
Day 3 – Tue, 4 Aug
LUTHERSTADT WITTENBERG > ERFURT
(Check out in the morning)
Begin with a guided walking tour of historic town centre, where we visit the famed Castle Church where Martin Luther famously nailed his 95 Theses in 1517. We visit the beautiful St Mary’s Church which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the oldest church in the city. Martin Luther preached here many times and the interiors feature artwork by his good friend Lucas Cranach, who was the Elder and another Wittenberg resident.
We will also tour Luther Hall which is preserved with artifacts from Martin Luther’s life along with other important Cranach paintings. Travel to Erfurt, where Martin Luther was ordained as a priest and studied theology. Explore the Luther trail in the historical old town and visit the Augustinian Monastery where Luther served as a monk. We will be able to see his monastic quarters, including one cell furnished to look as it would have been when he lived there.
Check-in to the hotel. B/D
Day 4 – Wed, 5 Aug
ERFURT > MAINZ
(Check out in the morning)
In the morning, explore the town of Erfurt and see the local sites like the Fish Market, the Town hall and Karmer Bridge. Next see the historical St Mary’s Cathedral and St Severin. It houses the famous “Gloriosa”, the largest free-swinging medieval bell in the world with a diameter of 2.56 metres. Then continue on with the Luther trail and visit Luther memorial and the Collegium Maius where Luther lived as a student.
The group will depart Erfurt for Eisenach and visit the famous Wartburg Castle. It was the first German castle to be desig- nated a UNESCO World Heritage site and it presents an impressive overview of 1,000 years of German history. Martin Luther took refuge here from 1521 – 1522 after his excommunication. We will visit Luther’s study room in the Castle and it was here where he finished translating the New Testament into the German language in just 11 weeks.
Continue on the journey to Mainz. B/D
Day 5 – Thu, 6 Aug
MAINZ > WORMS
(Check out in the morning)
Visit the St Martin’s Cathedral (Mainz Cathedral), located near the historical center of the city of Mainz and Gutenberg Museum, home of the first printing press. The invention of the printing press enabled common people access to the Bible. Next travel to Rudesheim and explore the town before taking the Rhine river boat ride to St Goar. See the scenic view of the town and the Rhine river valley.
Travel to Worms and check-in to the hotel. B/D
Day 6 – Fri, 7 Aug
WORMS > STUTTGART
(Check out in the morning)
Visit the Luther Monument (Luther-Denkmal) which tells the to early history of the Reformation. It is also the largest Reformation monument in the world. Next, travel to the Diet of Worms (Reichstag) site, now a park, with a plaque commemorating Martin Luther’s brave stand of faith and truth. He had defended his beliefs before Emperor Charles V and refused to recant (1521). Proceed to visit the German Bible Society (TBC), which publishes the Luther Bible on behalf of the German Protestant Church. The Society is also a centre for textual research and is renowned for their expertise in biblical translation and publishing.
Travel to Stuttgart. B/D
Day 7 – Sat, 8 Aug
STUTTGART > OBERAMMERGAU
(Check out in the morning)
We will have a stop at the Metzingen Outlet Village for shopping. Visit Ulm Minister which has the highest church spire in the world and the largest Protestant church in Germany. Climb the 768 steps to the highest observation platform at 141 metres and you will be rewarded with a spectacular view.
Arrive in Oberammergau (Murnau area) and check-in to hotel. B/D
Day 8 – Sun, 9 Aug
OBERAMMERGAU
After breakfast, depart for the picturesque village of Oberammergau, widely known for its Passion Play that is performed every 10 years. This charming town is also known for its woodcarvers who have been skilled at this craft since medieval times and there are many shops that offer these wonderful carvings in a variety of sizes. Free and easy to explore the village. B/D Note: Lunch on your own
Passion Play (Part 1): 2.30-5pm
Dinner time: 5-8pm back at the hotel
Passion play (Part 2): 8-10.30pm
Day 9 – Mon, 10 Aug
OBERAMMERGAU>HOHENSCHWANGAU>MUNICH
(Check out in the morning)
Visit the beautiful Neuschwanstein Castle, the fairytale castle which is one of the most visited sights in Germany. The castle was built by order of King Ludwig II to escape public life. After his passing in 1886, the construction was paused and the fairytale castle was opened to the public. Walt Disney visited this castle and used it as inspiration for the castle of Sleeping Beauty in Disneyland. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure to explore more about Munich City (Free and easy). B/D
Day 10 – Tue, 11 Aug
After breakfast, depart for the airport.
Departure Flight: SQ327 MUC-SIN 1310-0700
Day 11 – Wed, 12 Aug
Arrive back in Singapore at 7am.
Spiritual Director
Rev. Dr Peter Poon is currently serving part-time at The Bible Society of Singapore in the Sower Institute for Biblical Discipleship (SIBD) and International Bible Experiences (IBEx). He has been involved in Walk thru the Bible Ministry since 1988. Rev. Poon has also served in four Presbyterian Churches since 1981, but is currently retired from full-time pastoral ministry. He is passionate about teaching and training as well as coaching and mentoring emerging leaders. He has also led tours to the Holy Land of Israel from way back in 1989.
Tour Information:
Date: 2 – 12 Aug 2020
Price: ≥20pax: $5,700*
NO HIDDEN COST
Registration closes: 1 March 2020
*Terms and Conditions.
– Tour cost includes airfare, airport & fuel taxes and land package as in itinerary.
– Excludes any increase in taxes.
Note:
– The itinerary and flight schedules are subject to change without prior notice in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
– Hotel confirmations will be given 2 weeks before departure.
Tel: (65) 6304 3762 | Whatsapp: (65) 8424 7072 | Email: info@ibex.sg.
Kindly note that Bible Land Tour enquiries and payments can only be attended to and collected @Armenian Office.