Switzerland & France
John Calvin & the Protestant Reformation
This fascinating trip will teach you more about key reformationists of the 16th century, including Calvin, Constance & Berne. We will focus on the contributions made by John Calvin as he moved through Switzerland & France.
For groups of 15+
Highlights
- Geneva's Reformation Museum, Cathedral St. Pierre, Auditoire De, Calvin, Reformation Monument, Calvin College & Ariana Park
- The Old City of Berne
- Fraumunster & the Old City of Zurich
- Basel's Museum of Fine Arts
- Strasbourg's Gothic Cathedral & St. Thomas's Church
Itinerary
Day 1: Geneva
Transfer to your hotel. Afternoon walking tour to include the Reformation Museum & the Cathedral St. Pierre, where John Calvin preached reformation according to the letters of the Apostle Paul. Evening at leisure.
Day 2: Geneva
Begin the day with a visit to the Auditoire De Calvin, the Protestant Lecture Hall, the Reformation Monument & Calvin College. Afternoon sightseeing includes the Red Cross Headquarters, Ariana Park & the Old Town.
Day 3: Geneva & Berne
After breakfast, we will proceed to Berne, a key Reformation city & a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. This is where Calvin had to defend himself before the presbytery. Enjoy an early evening stroll through the old city's six kilometers of arcades.
Day 4: Berne & Zurich
Morning departure to Zurich. Upon arrival, we will take a walking tour of this city where Ulrich Zwingli, a reformation leader was born. We'll see the Fraumunster & the Old City.
Day 5: Zurich & Basel
After breakfast, we'll depart for Basel. This is one of the primary cities where the Reformation began, alongside Constance & Berne, in the 1500's. Spend the day enjoying its 18th century buildings - a reflection of the city's historical & cultural past. Sightseeing suggestion: the Museum of Fine Arts featuring the works of Dali & Picasso.
Day 6: Basel & Strasbourg
After breakfast, we cross the border into France to Strasbourg, where John Calvin settled fearing persecution in Paris. We'll have the remainder of the day at leisure. Sightseeing suggestions: visit the European Parliament & the National Theatre.
Day 7: Strasbourg
Our day begins by exploring this city where Calvin wrote his first draft of the Institutes in 1535. We will visit the Gothic Cathedral & St. Thomas's Church, a principle protestant church since 1549. Marin Bucer, a Reformation leader is buried here. This evening, we'll enjoy a farewell dinner.
Day 8: Strasbourg
Depart Strasbourg mid-morning for the return trip home.
Optional Add-Ons Available Upon Request
Customize Your Itinerary
You can adjust the number of days, choose the level of accommodations or change the sites visited. We'll create a complete package, including: flights, meals, meetings space or whatever else you may need.
