Short answer: a church group can walk the Protestant Reformation across Germany and Switzerland on one private Christian tour. Mission Travel Faith Tours builds custom trips that start in Martin Luther's towns in Germany and continue to Zurich and Geneva, where Zwingli and Calvin shaped the Reformed tradition. We plan for churches, pastors, Christian schools, ministries and Bible study groups of 10 to 500 travelers, with licensed English-speaking guides, private transportation and on-call support from arrival to departure.
Many congregations already know the Luther story from Wittenberg. Fewer have stood where Zwingli preached in Zurich, or walked the streets Calvin taught in Geneva. Putting Germany and Switzerland on the same itinerary lets a Protestant church see how the Reformation spread, and how different streams of the same gospel renewal took root in different cities. It is a natural fit for a church teaching through church history, a Reformation Sunday series, or a Christian school that wants students to see the places behind the names in their textbooks.
This page focuses on the Germany-plus-Switzerland route. For a Luther-only overview, see our guide to Reformation tours for church groups. For England and Scotland (Wycliffe, Tyndale, Wesley, Knox and C.S. Lewis), see church history tours of England and Scotland.
Where a Germany and Switzerland Reformation tour usually goes
- Wittenberg: the Castle Church door connected with the Ninety-Five Theses, Luther's house, and the town church where he preached.
- Erfurt and Eisenach (Wartburg Castle): the university and monastery years, and the castle where Luther was hidden and translated the New Testament into German.
- Worms: where Luther stood before the emperor and refused to recant.
- Frankfurt: a common arrival and departure hub for the German portion.
- Zurich: the city of Ulrich Zwingli and the Swiss Reformation.
- Geneva: John Calvin's city, and a natural stop for churches in the Reformed tradition.
- Lucerne, Interlaken and the Alps: rest days and scenery that many groups add between or after the teaching stops, often with Mt. Titlis or Jungfrau.
Optional teaching stops can include Eisleben (Luther's birth and death) and Bern. Groups that want Rome after Germany can continue with our Rome and early church tour, or follow Paul in Turkey on a Footsteps of Paul Turkey tour for church groups.
Sample itineraries you can customize
Every itinerary on our site is a sample created by experts. It is ready to be customized to your group's interests, pace and budget, departing whenever you choose. You can browse the full set on our Reformation tours and Christian history tours pages.
- Martin Luther Reformation Group Tour: 8 days and 7 nights through Wittenberg, Erfurt, Eisenach, Worms and Frankfurt, moderate activity, guide as needed.
- Martin Luther Reformation Tour: 8 days and 7 nights on a similar German route, with breakfasts daily at the hotel.
- Essence of Germany Tour: 10 days and 9 nights through Frankfurt, Baden, Stuttgart, Munich and Nuremberg for groups that want broader German culture alongside Reformation teaching.
- Switzerland at a Glance: 7 days and 6 nights in Zurich, Lucerne and Interlaken, with Mt. Titlis and Jungfrau, a strong Switzerland block to pair after Germany.
- Soaring over Switzerland: 10 days and 9 nights including Zurich, St. Moritz, Lugano, Montreux, Lausanne, Geneva, Bern, Interlaken and Lucerne — the fullest way to add Calvin's Geneva and alpine rest days.
- Grand overview of Switzerland: 10 days and 9 nights with Zurich, St. Moritz, Lugano, Montreux, Geneva, Interlaken and Lucerne.
Three ways churches usually shape the Germany-Switzerland trip
- Luther first, then Switzerland (about 14 to 17 days): an 8-day German Reformation block followed by a 7- to 10-day Switzerland block with Zurich and Geneva. Best for Reformed and Lutheran churches that want both stories.
- Luther only (about 8 days): Wittenberg, Erfurt, Eisenach and Worms. Best for a first church history trip or a shorter calendar.
- Switzerland teaching plus Alps: Zurich and Geneva with Lucerne and Interlaken for churches that already know the German Luther route and want the Swiss Reformation next.
Questions pastors ask before announcing the trip
Is this a Protestant trip? Yes. Mission Travel Faith Tours focuses on Protestant church groups. This route is built around Luther, Zwingli and Calvin — the places that shaped Protestant preaching, Scripture in the common language, and congregational life.
How big does our group need to be? Private custom Christian group tours run from about 10 travelers up to 500. The larger your group, the lower the rate per person, and for every 20 paid travelers one spot is free. Groups of 20 or more travel with one of our tour managers.
How much walking is involved? Plan on a moderate activity level. Old town centers, castle approaches and alpine days mean uneven ground and some climbing. Tell us early if some of your travelers need a slower pace, and we will build in rest.
Who teaches at each site? Licensed local guides handle history and place names. Your pastor or group leader carries the biblical and doctrinal teaching. A simple plan works well: read a short passage or hymn stanza on location, pray together, and give the group one question for the bus ride.
What every private group tour includes
Every private custom Christian group tour starts with a one-of-a-kind itinerary designed for your group, then adds private sightseeing, airport meet and greet, private transfers, 24/7 on-call support, English-speaking local guides, full breakfast daily, and entrance fees and taxes. Whether your budget is large or small, we adjust the itinerary to fit your church.
A simple planning timeline
- 12 to 18 months out: choose Germany only, Switzerland only, or both; pick your season and trip leader; ask us for a written outline.
- 9 to 12 months out: announce the trip to your church, open registration and collect deposits.
- 3 to 6 months out: confirm passports and entry requirements, teach a short series on Luther, Zwingli or Calvin, and set the room list.
- The final month: hold the pre-trip meeting and share the packing list, reading plan and emergency contacts.
Start planning
You bring the group. We take care of the details. Start with our pastor planning page, read our FAQ, or contact us and call 407-377-7912. Bring your headcount, your preferred season and whether your church most needs Luther's Germany, Calvin's Geneva, or both, and we will tell you what is realistic before you announce the trip.
