15 - 30 JUNE 2018

Swiss Reformation Tou r

TOLL FREE 1300 554 654 MORE INFORMATION www.missiontravel.com.au/ref2018

Bible College of South Australia

Our tour traces the reformist wave that swept through Germany and Switzerland, and includes visits to Strasbourg, Basel, Konstanz, Wildhaus, Zurich, Einsiedeln, Neuchatel, Lausanne, Geneva, Avignon, the Waldensian Valleys of Northern Italy and ending in Milan.

We remember heroes of the Reformation – Zwingli, and Bullinger the leading reformers of German speaking Switzerland, William Farel, John Calvin, Theodore Beza in French speaking Geneva, and many others.

The tour, in partnership with the Bible College of South Australia, will highlight the pre-Reformation Church and its doctrines and the work of the Reformers in reclaiming the message of the Gospel for the people of God.

Swiss Reformation

Glenn Clarke Glenn Clarke is Bible College SA’s lecturer in Church History since 2005. He grew up in Victoria and spent 10 years living in the UK where he and Linda met. His area of special interest is the Reformation, particularly in Switzerland and the work of John Calvin and Ulrich Zwingli. Glenn is keen to share his knowledge, enthusiasm and experiences.

Linda was born in Northern Ireland and lived there until she moved to Aberdeen in Scotland to study Art History and Religious Studies. It was during this time that she met Glenn. She is looking forward to visiting places she has heard Glenn talk about for many years, to support Glenn as he leads this tour and to learn more about how God used his leaders in Europe to reform his church.

Glenn and Linda have two adult children and are members of Trinity City Church in Adelaide.

Itiner aryDAY 1: FRIDAY 15 JUNEDepart Australia Departure flight from Adelaide via Singapore to Frankfurt flying Singapore Airlines and Lufthansa.

DAY 2: SATURDAY 16 JUNEFrankfurt – StrasbourgWelcome to Frankfurt! On arrival you will be met by your Tour Director and coach and transferred across the border to Strasbourg. This evening meet your Tour Director and fellow passengers for a welcome drink and dinner at the hotel.

HTOEL: Mercure Palais des Congres Hotel, Strasbourg MEALS: Dinner DAY 3: SUNDAY 17 JUNEStrasbourgStrasbourg lies across the German border in France, formerly known as Alsace and its culture and architecture blend German and French influences.

This morning, attend a local church service before commencing our sightseeing with a local guide. Touring includes a visit to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame, which features daily shows from its astronomical clock and sweeping views of the Rhine River from partway up its 142m spire. We also see St Thomas’ Church, where Martin Bucer preached and is buried, and St Nicholas Church, where Jean Calvin preached and led services in 1538. Afterwards there is some free time to explore on your own. Perhaps visit the Oeuvre Notre Dame Museum at the foot of the cathedral which houses one of the finest collections of medieval art in France.

HOTEL: Mercure Palais des Congres Hotel, Strasbourg MEALS: Breakfast and Dinner

DAY 4: MONDAY 18 JUNEBasel – ZurichWe depart Strasbourg and cross into Switzerland and the town of Basel. The city of 200,000 is home to Switzerland’s oldest university, founded in 1460. Basel was heavily involved in the early days of the Reformation movement. Starting in 1521 the city council renounced their obligations to the Bishop, and many of the Catholic church’s practices were abolished. An influx of Protestant religious refugees from other countries gave the city an economic boost, especially in the silk trade and eventually silk ribbon weaving, which for decades was the city’s most important industry.

Basel’s importance to the Reformation is also said to stem from printing and paper manufacturing. Key reformist texts were printed in Basel, as were writings which prepared the way for the Reformation, such as the edition of the Greek New Testament in a new Latin translation prepared by Erasmus of Rotterdam, as well as a second edition.

Erasmus, one of Europe’s most famous and influential scholars, died in Basel in 1536 and is buried in the Basel Münster. Calvin’s famous Institutes of the Christian Religion was also printed in Basel in 1536.

On arrival, walk with your Tour Director through the delightful Old Town featuring cobblestone streets and historic landmarks before some free time to explore on your own. Later, continue onto Zurich for a 3 night stay. After dinner we will visit the University of Zurich for a private viewing of the Bullinger Exhibition. Heinrich Bullinger, Zwingli’s successor, knew the potential of information early on. The exhibition provides insights into Bullinger’s letters, a unique treasure trove of the history of the Reformation, most of which has survived and has been continuously updated at the University of Zurich for over forty years. The correspondence bears witness to the personal exchange with people from all walks of life and shows a busy networker, who consolidated the Reformation in the then small state and worked far beyond.

HOTEL: H+ Hotel, Zurich MEALS: Breakfast and Dinner

DAY 5: TUESDAY 19 JUNEBaretswil – Konstanz – Wildhaus Today we travel to Konstanz to visit the site of the Council of Constance in 1415, the Jan Hus Museum for a guided visit, the site of his burning before continuing to Wildhaus to visit the house where Ulrich Zwingli was born. It is one of Switzerland’s oldest intact farmhouses. Nobody knows when it was built or by whom. The building served as a schoolhouse in the 19th century, and was then renovated around 1900 and gifted to the Evangelical Reformed Church of Canton St. Gallen, which now runs it as a museum. Dinner tonight at a local restaurant.

HOTEL: H+ Hotel, ZurichMEALS: Breakfast and Dinner

DAY 6: WEDNESDAY 20 JUNEZurich – Baretswil – EinsiedelnThe Reformation in Zurich began when Huldrych Zwingli came to Zurich and announced a new interpretation of the Bible. In late 1518 Huldrych Zwingli became the pastor and“people’s priest” of the Grossmünster church and on 1 January 1519 gave his first sermon in Zurich; continuing, together with the city government, to reform the church as well as social life. This morning visit the Grossmünster church for a guided tour and then travel to the village of Baretswil to meet a local guide for a walk to the Anabaptist Cave, a small cave, a huge portal with a single cavern behind, with bare walls. (Please note that there is quite a bit of walking to reach this cave). It is located in the forest, and from the dry interior one has a nice view downhill into the forest. This cave became famous and named in the 16th century, when Täufer (Anabaptists) used the cave as a hiding place. Then enjoy the beautiful surrounds with an included lunch in the Swiss countryside.In the afternoon we travel to Einsiedeln to visit the Abbey Church with Vespers at 4.30pm. Continue Later return to Zurich.

HOTEL: H+ Hotel, Zurich MEALS: Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 7: THURSDAY 21 JUNEZurich – BernThis morning explore some of the important sites of Zurich, including a visit to the Helferei (subject to availability). The unassuming office building at 13 Kirchgasse belies the importance of the work that was accomplished within its walls. Here is the “Helferei”, the office where Huldrych Zwingli studied and wrote the sermons that forever altered Zürich and Switzerland. We also

visit the Swiss National Museum for the religious history section of the Museum. and importantly. a visit inside Grossmunster Church with an in-house guide There’s some free time before travelling to the Swiss Capital Bern.

HOTEL: Hotel Bristol, Bern MEALS: Breakfast and Dinner

DAY 8: FRIDAY 22 JUNEBern –Bern - Lausanne - GenevaNot many cities have managed to retain their historic features quite as successfully as Bern, the capital of Switzerland. The old town of Bern is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the medieval air of this city with its many fountains, sandstone facades, narrow streets and historic towers is unique. The elevated Rose Garden above the Bear Park and the platform of the 101-metre-high cathedral tower offer the best views of the old town round which the River Aare flows. We take a walk around the Old Town with our Travel Director before travelling to Neuchatel for a special visit to the State Archives which houses a large quantity of original Reformation documents for the 16th century. Continue on to the old town in Lausanne, dominated by the cathedral which is regarded as Switzerland’s most impressive piece of early Gothic architecture. We visit the cathedral and learn about Pierre Viret’s work here. Late in the afternoon, we drive through to Geneva.

HOTEL: Novotel Geneva Centre, GenevaMEALS: Breakfast & Dinner DAY 9: SATURDAY 23 JUNEGenevaEmbedded between nearby alpine peaks and the hilly terrain of the Jura, the French-speaking city of Geneva has a unique humanitarian tradition and cosmopolitan flair. As the European seat of the United Nations and headquarters of the Red Cross, it is known as the ‘Capital of Peace’. The old town, the heart of Geneva is dominated by St. Peter’s Cathedral and the Place du Bourg-de-Four, which is the oldest square in the city. Quays, lakeside promenades, countless parks, lively side streets in the old town and elegant shops invite guests to stroll, and we take a walking tour with a local guide. We also visit the UN. A visit to Geneva University and a lecture on the Reformation has been scheduled.

HOTEL: Novotel Geneva Centre, GenevaMEALS: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 10: SUNDAY 24 JUNEGenevaAfter a local church service this morning our sightseeing continues with a guided visit to the International Museum of the Reformation (MIR). The Museum retraces the history of the Reformation movement initiated by Martin Luther, John Calvin and others. Through objects, books, manuscripts, paintings and engravings, the museum tells the story of the movement that spread in part from Geneva during the 16th century and grew into one of the main families of Christian churches. We also take a cable car ride to Mount Saleve 1,100 metres above sea level. Nature lovers will enjoy the fresh air, the fauna and flora and the stunning vista of Geneva.

HOTEL: Novotel Geneva Centre, Geneva MEALS: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 11: WEDNESDAY 25 JUNEAvignonWe travel today to Avignon by coach. We stop at the charming French city of Annecy before continuing through the French countryside and onto Avignon. Our sightseeing of the historic centre includes the Palais des Papes, the cathedral and the Pont d’Avignon, which together became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Once a fortress and palace, the Papal residence was the seat of Western Christianity during the 14th century.

HOTEL: Novotel Avignon Centre, AvignonMEALS: Breakfast and Dinner

DAY 12: THURSDAY 26 JUNEAvignon - TurinFrom Avignon, we travel to Grenoble and onto visit the Grand Chartreuse Museum in Saint Pierre de Chartreusse. Located in the most beautiful section of the Chartreuse mountain range, this Museum – housed in a 12th century building – was once part of the Monastery and was the home of the Chartreuse Brothers

from the 12th to the 17th century before arriving at our overnight accommodation in the Waldensian valleys.

HOTEL:Hotel Barrage, Pinerolo MEALS: Breakfast and Dinner

DAY 13: FRIDAY 27 JUNEWaldensian ValleyA full day to take in the beauty of this region centred around the town of Torre Pellice. We will explore the secluded valleys where the Waldensians lived to escape persecution and visit a Waldensian church and museum. We may also visit the College of the Barbes where their people were trained to go out and spread the gospel.

HOTEL:Hotel Barrage, Pinerolo MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 14: FRIDAY 28 JUNETurin - MilanWe travel into Turin today and visit the Museum of the Holy Shroud if available (Note: The Museum is currently showing as closed for renovations. A visit has been included but this is purely subject to availability). We also visit the cathedral before enjoying some free time .

Continue to the city of Milan for our final night.

HOTEL Holiday Inn Garibaldi, Milan MEALS: Breakfast and Dinner

DAY 15: FRIDAYTour ends in MilanYour tour ends after breakfast with a transfer to the airport.

Tou r Cos ts

Inclusions• Return economy class airfares to into Frankfurt and out of Milan,

flying Singapore Airlines/Lufthansa

• 13 nights hotel accommodation in 4 star hotels

• Half board meals (breakfast and dinner daily)

• Licenced Travel manager and local guides

• Entrance to all sights mentioned in the itinerary

• Tips to guides and drivers

• Transport in air conditioned motorcoaches

• Porterage of 1 bag per person

• Donation to the ministry of the Bible College of SA

Not included• Travel insurance - go to missiontravel.com.au/insurance for a

20% discount

• Lunches (unless stated)

• Drinks with meals

• Personal expenses - laundry, internet (most hotels offer free wifi), shopping

• Any other items not mentioned

Early Bird Price

EARLY BIRD PRICEPer person twin shareMust deposit before 29 December 2017(The tour price will increase by $250.00 per person thereafter)

$ 7,499.00

Single room supplement $1,425.00

TOLL FREE 1300 554 654 MORE INFORMATION www.missiontravel.com.au/ref-2018

Price is based on a minimum of 35 passengers