2025 Southern Seminary Tours

Depart from John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York.

GENEVA – After arriving in Geneva,we will be met by our tour guides, and we’ll be taken to our hotel in the city center. Then, we will be transferred to the harbor to enjoy a one-hour cruise for a great getaway! We’ll enjoy an unparalleled view of Mont-Blanc, Europe’s highest mountain, monuments, famous villas, the Jura, as well as parks and gardens. After checking in to your hotel, we will enjoy a welcome reception and dinner with Dr. and Mrs. Mohler.

GENEVA – Our first stop on the city tour is the International Museum of the Reformation. Here we will be introduced to 500 years of Reformation history. We will have the opportunity to see how the Reformation impacted people’s lives, from their faith to their education, and even how it affected these areas economically. Located right next to the museum, we will have the chance for an individual inside visit of St. Peter’s Cathedral. It is here that John Calvin preached from 1536 – 1564. Next, we will walk to the Reformation wall. This memorial was built into the area that would have been the old city wall; a representation of the reclaiming and protection of the Gospel that happened here. Some of the reformers presented in the Wall are John Calvin, William Farel, Theodore Beza and John Knox. Dinner will be provided for guests during the tour. Most dinners will be followed by a session led by Dr. Mohler which will include lecture, Q&A, and a live recording of The Briefing.

GENEVA – ZURICH – On this morning, we will board our train that will take us to Zurich, the unofficial capital of Switzerland. Zurich is definitely a combination of the old and the new. It is divided into the modern cosmopolitan district and the Altstadt (old city). Much of our time will be spent seeing the sights connected with Ulrich Zwingli. It was in Zurich where the Swiss branch of the Reformation got its start under his leadership beginning in 1520. We’ll see his monument, the church where he was pastor (the Grossmünster), and the Guild Hall and Museum, where we’ll find artifacts and works of art associated with the Reformation. Zurich is also the origin of the Swiss Brethren Anabaptist Movement. It had its start in the home of Felix Manz in 1525, only a few blocks from Zwingli’s church where Manz and others were rebaptized as adults by Conrad Grebel. The Anabaptists (re-baptizers), then became a target of Protestants and the Catholics for persecution and martyrdom, with over 3,000 dying in a “mini-holocaust” over the next decades. Dinner and overnight will be spent in the heart of Zurich.

ZURICH DAY OF LEISURE

ZURICH-HEIDELBERG-WORMS-MAINZ –

After breakfast, we will drive to Germany (by bus) and visit Heidelberg, a gorgeous town on the Neckar River where romanticism is both past and present. Our walking tour includes the Old Town, the famous Stone Bridge over the Neckar River, and the Heidelberg Castle (where the Heidelberg Catechism was written in 1653). We’ll stop for lunch, then continue to Worms, one of the oldest towns in Germany. We’ll visit St. Peter’s Cathedral, an exquisite example of Romanesque architecture. In 1521, Martin Luther was summoned here by Emperor Charles V to recant his teachings before the Diet of Worms. We also see where Luther made his famous “Here I Stand” declaration. We will also visit the world’s largest memorial to the Reformation. Another Reformer named William Tyndale finished his printing of the English Bible in Worms, escaping persecution in England. After an amazing day of touring, we will check in our hotel in Mainz.

MAINZ – EISENACH – WARTBURG CASTLE – ERFURT – In the morning, we will depart for Eisenach. Today we’ll drive to Wartburg Castle for a guided tour of the Palais (Great Hall), the Elisabeth Hallway, and the Luther Room where Luther, under his disguise as “Junker Jörg,” translated the New Testament into German. After our tour we’ll board the bus and make our way to Erfurt, where we will have lunch before a guided visit of the Augustinian Monastery, with a permanent exhibit depicting Luther’s life as a monk. We will visit St. Mary’s Cathedral where Luther was ordained as a priest, and St. Severus Church. Dinner and overnight will be spent in Erfurt.

ERFURT – BUCHENWALD CONCENTRATION CAMP – LEIPZIG – BACH CONCERT – BERLIN – We’ll continue to Buchenwald Concentration Camp, where we’ll visit the Bonhoeffer Commemorative Site. The memorial commemorates the Protestant theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Wehrmacht General Friedrich von Rabenau, and Wehrmacht Captain Ludwig Gehre, who were held in the detention cellar of the SS casern as “special prisoners” of the Main Security Office of the Reich. We will then drive to Leipzig, the cradle of the Peaceful Revolution of 1989. Leipzig is also the place of work for one of the world’s most famous composers: Johann Sebastian Bach. We’ll conclude the day in St. Thomas Church, where we will hear a brief organ concert followed by a brief lecture from Dr. Mohler at the Bach gravesite. Dinner and overnight will be spent in Berlin.

EXPLORE BERLIN – We will see Berlin, the capital of the reunified Germany, on a guided tour that includes all the most important highlights like the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag (Parliament), the impressive boulevard “Unter den Linden”, the Gendarmen-Market, the Alexanderplatz and Check- Point Charlie. There will be free time in the afternoon, and dinner and overnight will be spent in Berlin.

WITTENBERG –We’ll drive to Wittenberg, where we will go on a guided walking tour with a visit to the Castle Church, the famous site where Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door, sparking the beginning of the Reformation. It is here that Luther is buried alongside his fellow reformer, Philipp Melanchthon. On our tour, we will also have the chance to see the City Church also known as the “Mother Church of the Reformation” which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. We take a break for lunch and then continue with a visit to the temporary exhibition “Luther” located in the Augusteum that was built in the mid-1580s. Luther Hall was once an Augustinian monastery where Luther lived as a monk and again later, in 1525, as owner with his wife and family. Luther Hall is the largest museum of Reformation history in the world. After our visit, we will board the bus and drive back to Berlin for our farewell dinner.

BERLIN/USA – Transfer to Berlin Airport for your return flight home with your luggage packed with keepsakes and your heart full of memories!

BEGINNING OF YOUR TOUR –Depart from John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York for an overnight flight to Istanbul, Turkey (if including air).

ARRIVE IN ISTANBUL – Meet with your guide and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a welcome reception and dinner with Dr. and Mrs. Mohler. Overnight will be spent in Istanbul.

ISTANBUL – This morning a delight awaits you at Eminönü’s Spice Bazaar. Known as the Egyptian Bazaar, this exotic covered market was the international trade center of the Ottoman Empire. In the afternoon, we’ll take a special cruise on the Bosporus, a natural waterway that separates the continents of Europe and Asia and serves as the only connection between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. As we float along the strait, we’ll enjoy the picturesque views of old wooden mansions, Ottoman palaces, and ancient fortresses that dot the coast. Dinner and overnight will be spent in Istanbul. Dinner will be provided for guests throughout the tour. Most dinners will be followed by a session led by Dr. Mohler which will include lecture, Q&A, and a live recording of The Briefing.

CONSTANTINOPLE – Today, we’ll enjoy a day tour of Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. We stroll through Hippodrome Square, the social and sporting center of Constantinople,

which hosted chariot races during the Roman period. We’ll view the incredible majesty and splendor of the Sultan Ahmet Mosque. Popularly known as the “Blue Mosque”, this 17th-century Ottoman sanctuary is adorned with six minarets and more than 20,000 hand-painted Iznik tiles. We’ll experience the Hagia Sophia, a breathtaking architectural masterpiece designed to be the major basilica of the Byzantine Empire. In the afternoon we will drive to the outer circle of Istanbul to view the Justinian Wall. Dinner and overnight will be spent in Istanbul.

ISTANBUL – Today, we will visit Topkapi Palace, the main residence and headquarters of the Ottoman sultans. Located on the cape of the peninsula where Constantinople was founded, Topkapi Palace still houses a legion of treasures. This afternoon enjoy shopping in the Grand Bazaar. Dinner and overnight spent in Istanbul.

ISTANBUL/IZMIR – We’ll travel to Izmir, Turkey, where we will be met at the airport for our transfer to our hotel. Enjoy the afternoon exploring Izmir’s wonderful shops and historic buildings. Dinner and overnight will be spent in Izmir.

EPHESUS – After breakfast, we will drive to Ephesus. Located in the modern town of Selcuk, ancient Ephesus is one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Turkey. Originally an ancient Greek Ionic city built in the 11th century BC, Ephesus grew to become the largest metropolis and capital of the Roman province of Asia Minor. This political influence and the city’s large Jewish community attracted the attention of the apostles, including Paul and John. Here, John carried out his mission for two years and was Bishop of the Ephesian Church before he was exiled to the Island of Patmos. We will also see the Library of Celsus, which adorns the site’s most impressive square, and sit in the theater. This massive theatre (capable of entertaining up to 25,000 spectators) was the scene of an uprising provoked by a merchant named Demetrius against Paul and his teachings (Acts 19:23). We will return to Izmir for dinner and overnight.

PERGAMUM/ATHENS –This morning, we will drive north through farmlands, low ranges, and along the Aegean Sea into the town of Bergama to visit Pergamum, one of the most powerful cities in the ancient world. The city rose to prominence following the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC and eventually came under Roman control in 133 BC. Although this city benefited from immense wealth, in the Book of Revelation, the risen Christ instructs John to convey the message that the people of Pergamum, the site of “Satan’s throne,” needed to repent (Rev 2:13-16). Nearby are the remains of the famous Library of Pergamum. In the evening, we will depart for Athens, Greece. Dinner and overnight will be spent in Athens.

DAY 9 (NOV 2): ATHENS – Welcome to Athens, the birthplace of democracy. View the world-renowned Acropolis and wonder at the glory of the Parthenon, built 2400 years ago. Gather at Mars Hill, where Paul addressed the intellectual men of the most informed city of the time, pleading for the cause of Christianity. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the historical neighborhood of Plaka at the foot of the Acropolis. Stroll along the narrow roads, peruse the quaint shops, and spend dinner and overnight in Athens.

CORINTH – Travel through the Bay of Salamis and the Saronic Gulf to the city of Corinth. This city was home to the apostle Paul for over a year and inspired two of his most familiar letters. Spend time at the impressive 15

Corinthian Canal before touring the extensive ruins of the ancient city. Gaze at the temple of Apollo towering above the remains of the influential metropolis. See the ruins of the agora and the shop believed to be where Paul stayed with Aquila and Priscilla. Marvel at the bema where Paul stood before the proconsul, Gallio. Return to Athens for dinner and overnight.

ATHENS DAY OF LEISURE

ATHENS/USA – We’ll transfer to Athens airport for our return flight to the USA with our hearts full of memories from unforgettable experiences.