B = Breakfast included L = Lunch included D = Dinner included
Overview
Itinerary
Purpose
Arrangements
Price
Apply Now
Journey Overview
Join us in Germany for an inspiring encounter with Reformation sights and a fascinating immersion into German culture and cuisine including Oktoberfest.
We warmly invite you to join us in Germany as we celebrate 100 years of ministry offered by Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, Indiana. Your journey will offer you the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful German landscape from mountains to rolling farmland. Our daily adventures will take us to destinations of compelling historical, religious and cultural significance including one of the most famous cultural experiences in Germany–Oktoberfest. The fall air will surely enhance our taste of German cuisine and the refreshment of Lutheran Tea.
Your Hosts for Our Journey
Our hosts for Journey of the Century will be Pastor Rich Heinz and his wife, Kristi. Since 2020, Pastor Heinz has served the people of God gathered around Christ’s Gifts at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, Indiana. Pastor Heinz and Kristi love to travel. They also love to offer their gift of hospitality to others. Pastor Heinz and Kristi are so looking forward to sharing the experience of traveling to Germany with all fellow travelers who join them on this Journey of the Century in celebration of 100 years of ministry offered by Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, Indiana.
Pastor Rich was born in Peoria, Illinois He grew up at Christ Lutheran Church & School. Kristi was raised at Trinity Lutheran Church & School in Centralia, Illinois. Pastor and Kristi attended Concordia College—River Forest, Illinois/Concordia University Chicago in the late 1980’s. While at Concordia River Forest, Kristi was involved with the Kapelle – the touring choir, while Pastor Heinz was involved with theatre productions.
Due to different extracurricular activities and groups of friends, Pastor Heinz and Kristi did not get to know each other well in college. After his ordination, during their first call to Mt. Greenwood Lutheran Church in Chicago, a mutual friend reintroduced Pastor and Kristi. They were married just over a year after their reintroduction. They were married July 12, 1997. Their son, Ben, was born the next year.
Pastor Heinz served Mt. Greenwood for four years before accepting a call to a church in southern Indiana at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lanesville, Indiana (near Louisville, Kentucky). While in Lanesville, Pastor served as a den leader, then as Cubmaster for scouts. Kristi taught, directed children’s music and adult handbells, and was active in the Martha Society. They both were active with Farm Bureau meetings and the local Heritage Festival.
While at St. John’s, Pastor Heinz began serving Higher Things – an LCMS Recognized Service Organization that provides resources for youth, building up youth in the Scriptures, and encouraging youth in their Lutheran identity. Pastor is passionate about this awesome group. He held their national office of Worship Coordinator for 11 years.
Pastor and Kristi are fans of theatre and most styles of music. They are Anglophiles, and love afternoon tea, baking, cooking, and hosting others. They also are huge Disney fans, who enjoy traveling and shopping. Kristi is creative and is talented with jewelry making, painting with watercolors, sewing, home decorating, and more! Pastor enjoys reading, church art and architecture, and loves all things regarding catechesis and liturgy. He also is a proud Hufflepuff-fan of Harry Potter.
Day 1 – Wheels up!
Sunday, September 20, 2026
Journey of the Century fellow travelers depart on an overnight flight to Germany. The destination airport will be determined at a future date.
Day 2 – Weimar, Herzlich Willkommen!
Monday, September 21, 2026
Upon our arrival in Germany, we will travel to our beautiful four-star hotel where we will have time to unpack, relax, or maybe even explore a bit before we gather for our spectacular welcome dinner. D
Day 3 – Truly Medieval Experience
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Erfurt was a thriving city situated at the economic crossroads of the medieval world. We will visit a park that commemorates a significant event in the life of Martin Luther before we visit the Augustinian monastery where Luther lived as a monk in the in the early sixteenth century. After our tour of the monastery, our exploration of this fascinating town will include some shopping on the famous Merchant’s Bridge which is the oldest inhabited bridge north of the Alps. B, D
Day 4 – The Reformation in Global Perspective
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
We will enjoy a beautiful ride to Coburg where we will are sure to be fascinated by the Veste Coburg. This wonderfully preserved castle houses some fascinating reformation era artifacts as well as an amazing art collection including works by Lucas Cranach the Elder. We will return to Weimar in time to relax before dinner. B, D
Day 5 – The Reformation 500 Years On
Thursday, September 24, 2026
When we visit Wittenberg, the birth of the European age of Reformations will be more than 500 years old. We will visit sites and churches made famous by their association with Martin Luther and the Reformation including his house, the church where he posted the 95 Theses, the church where he preached most of his sermons, and the Old Latin School. We will stop for a quick meal en route back to Weimar. B, L
Day 6 – A Mighty Fortress
Friday, September 25, 2026
In Eisenach, the birthplace of Johann Sebastian Bach, we will visit the Bachhaus Museum and Wartburg Castle. For 1,000 years, the Wartburg Castle has provided the setting for understanding critical intersections of German history. Living in exile disguised as a knight, Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German while living here. B, D
Day 7 – A Romantic Journey
Saturday, September 26, 2026
Today, we will journey south via the Romantic Road. The Romantic Road is highlighted by fascinating medieval locations including the walled city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. We will stop along the way to enjoy the scenery as we leisurely wind our way south toward Oberammergau with a stop at Neuschwanstein Castle. B, D
Day 8 – An Artful Day
Sunday, September 27, 2026
We will spend our day in beautiful Oberammergau. Our activities today include our plans to tour the theater and museum where the world renown Passion Play has been presented every 10 years since 1634. We should have plenty of free time to explore this wonderful town. B, D
Day 9 – A Day of Celebration, Prost!
Monday, September 28, 2026
Following breakfast at our wonderful hotel in Oberammergau, we will visit Albl Wood Carving before our comfortable ride to magnificent Munich. In Munich, we will enjoy a driving tour of the city before attending Oktoberfest. This day promises to be quite a day of celebration. B,D
Day 10 – The Formal End to our Purposeful Journey
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
The memories will indeed last a lifetime. We hope your journey will continue with your new friends. Our journey concludes with the departure of our flight home.
Fellow travelers participating in the Rhine River cruise will depart for Strasbourg.
Day 1 - Cruz’n to Our Cruise
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
We will depart from our hotel in Munich after breakfast for our drive to Strasbourg where we will board our ship for a wonderful Rhine River cruise. Once we board our ship, and settle into our cabins, we will be introduced to the crew and enjoy a welcome cocktail before enjoying dinner onboard. We will cruise through the night. B, D
Day 2 - The Romantic Rhine
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
We will wake up to sailing what is arguably the most beautiful section of the romantic Rhine River. We will pass the towns of Kaub, Oberwesel, and Saint-Goer before docking in Koblenz. We will arrive in Koblenz in the late afternoon where we may explore the old city in the company of our hostess. B, L, D
Day 3 - Wine and Song
Thursday, October 1, 2026
In the morning, we will cruise the beautiful Rhine River between Koblenz and Rüdesheim passing numerous castles along our way as well as the celebrated rock of the Lorelei. We plan to arrive in Rüdesheim in the early afternoon. We will disembark for a tour and wine tasting in a wine cellar followed by a visit to the music box museum. B, L, D
Day 4 - Hello Heidelberg
Friday, October 2, 2026
In the morning, we will cruise past the towns of Wiesbaden, Nierstein, and Worms before arriving in Heidelberg for a visit. We will return to the ship in the late afternoon to rest before we experience our gala evening and dinner. B, L, D
Day 5 - Frankfurt Farewell
Saturday, October 3, 2026
We will enjoy one last breakfast onboard our ship before disembarking and heading to Frankfurt for one last overnight before departing for home. In the evening, we will enjoy a wonderful farewell dinner. B, D
Day 6 - The Formal End to our Purposeful Journey
Sunday, October 4, 2026
The memories will indeed last a lifetime. We hope your journey will continue with your new friends. Our journey concludes with the departure of our flight home.
Purpose
The purpose of this journey is to celebrate 100 years of ministry offered by the people of God at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, Indiana. Fellow travelers are sure to be inspired and inspire others for the next 100 years of ministry at Trinity Lutheran Church. We will explore what living more than 500 years after the Reformation means for us today. As we reflect on the Protestant Reformation in Germany, we may want to ask: How can events and ideas that took place more than 500 years ago continue to exert such powerful influence today that millions of people around the world consider “Lutheran” to be an indelible part of their identity?
At the turn of the sixteenth century, breathtaking change created an increasingly complex world demanding of Europeans a reassessment of their place in the cosmos and God’s relationship to the natural world. Along this purposeful journey, we will visit sights of the Protestant Reformation which continues to exert influence on us today.
Our Philosophy
We hope you will measure the quality of your journey, not by the quantity of sights you see, but by the invaluable experiences you absorb.
Balance of stimulating experience, serious reflection… …and just plain fun.
One word describes our intention for your journey: balance. We believe each place we visit should relate to whole story, the arc of a narrative. We believe in creating journeys formed and shaped as narratives; journeys that are serious, purposeful, and fulfilling with time to reflect with fellow travelers or alone while providing opportunity for experiences that are just plain fun.
Expert interaction and rich personal encounters
Rather than a trip led by a tour guide trained to disseminate information from a script, we endeavor to seek experts to lead you on a journey who are available as a resource for as much depth as you desire or to leave you to your own reflection.
One beautiful base location
Too often, group travel can leave you feeling like you are part of a herd of a large group of strangers hustled from sight to sight, packing and unpacking everyday of your trip. With us you will stay in one beautiful base location that serves as a base for our excursions. Changing hotels as few times as possible during a journey allows greater opportunity to experience people and culture.
Meticulously planned; yet flexible journey
How does a trip become a journey? Carefully selected excursions that form a narrative, staying in one beautiful base location, with time and flexibility for reflection, and activities that are just plain fun.
Cuisine as a delectable complement to culture and conversation
Cuisine, and the wonderful dining experiences we share in an eclectic array of venues, provide a delectable complement to your rich encounters with the culture and the delightful conversation you enjoy with fellow travelers.
Arrangements
Flight Information
Purposeful Journeys will likely arrange a group flight departing from Chicago O’Hare International Airport. While the specific price of the group flight cannot be determined until the flights are booked, based on current market conditions flights will likely cost around $1250.
As a fellow traveler, you will have the flexibility to choose how you will join your cohort to formally begin your journey. Purposeful Journeys marks the formal beginning of your journey with the welcome reception and dinner at our destination hotel. If there is a group flight, you will want to strongly consider flying with your group of fellow travelers. Below are the options for joining your cohort with the primary advantage for each option:
- Join Your Cohort on Our Group Flight: If the group meets the requirements for booking a group flight, Purposeful Journeys will arrange a group flight from Chicago O’Hare International Airport as this airport will likely be the closest proximity and convenience for the majority of your cohort. The group flight will include a transfer from the destination airport to the hotel.
Advantage: This is often the most cost effective and certainly the most convenient option. - Meet Your Cohort at the Destination Airport: For a number of reasons, you may want to choose a flight other than the group flight and still meet your cohort in time to transfer from the destination airport to the hotel. Fellow travelers who choose this option will incur an additional cost for the transfer from the destination airport to the destination hotel.
Advantage: Fellow travelers may find a balance between the convenience of choosing their own flight from an origination airport other than the airport where the group flight will depart while still taking advantage of the group transfer to the destination hotel. - Meet Your Cohort at the Destination Hotel: As a fellow traveler, you may want to choose to meet your cohort at the destination hotel in time for the formal beginning of your journey with the welcome reception and dinner.
Advantage: This option offers fellow travelers the most flexibility. Fellow travelers will need to weigh the flexibility of this option with what will likely be additional costs.
Group flights will usually be announced between 90 and 180 days prior to departure of your purposeful journey. Fellow travelers will be kindly requested to choose the option for meeting their cohort to formally begin their journey soon after group flight arrangements are announced.
Hotel Accommodations
Arrangements have been made for fellow travelers at hotels rated four star and above.
Ground Transportation
Ground transportation by deluxe travel coach will be provided throughout the journey. Transfers to and from the arrival flight into and departing flight from Europe will be provided as specified in the final itinerary.
Meals
Most meals are included in this purposeful journey. Dining in Europe tends to be a leisurely event that offers much more than a means of sustenance. Meals provide time for us to relax, experience the culture, and discuss all that we have seen and experienced as fellow travelers that day. See the current, tentative itinerary for details.
Sightseeing and Events
This purposeful journey includes entrance fees to attractions as specified in the final itinerary.
Journey of the Century Land Only Cost—$4,450
(Over $700 in discounts available!)
Journey of the Century Rhine River Cruise Extension—$1,650
Current Discounts and Incentives:
- Save $300 with a special journey host discount code
- Save $150 if you apply to travel early
- Save $150 if you choose to settle your balance prior to the due date of your first payment
- Save 3% if you choose to settle your balance by check rather than credit card
Your journey includes:
- Taxes and airline surcharges
- Deluxe coach transportation throughout your itinerary
- Double occupancy hotel room ($800 single supplement for Germany, $350 for the cruise extension)
- Meals as specified in the final itinerary
- Admission fees as specified in the final itinerary
- Only goods, services, or activities as explicitly included in the General Terms and Conditions.
- An offer for Cancel-for-Any-Reason (CFAR) travel insurance at about the cost of a Basic Travel Insurance policy
Your journey does not include:
- Round trip airfare
- Gratuities for service staff, coach driver(s) and guides
- Alcoholic beverages, bottled water, after dinner drinks
- Any goods, services, or activities expressly excluded in the General Terms and Conditions.
- Travel insurance
Remittance Schedule:
- A decision on travel insurance is required for approval of your application
- Once your application is approved, you will receive an invoice/statement that reflects your choice for settling your balance. Your first payment will be due approximately 60 days after your application has been approved.
- If you choose to avail yourself of the Pay-in-Full discount, you must settle your balance in full before your first payment is due as reflected on your invoice/statement.
- If you choose to make payments, your payments will be divided into monthly payments with a final payment due as specified on your invoice/statement.
- Payments will become due as specified in your remittance schedule.
- Final payment must be received no later than the date specified on your invoice/statement and remittance schedule.
When approved as a fellow traveler…
…you will receive an invoice and a remittance schedule from Malone Clan Expeditions, LLC doing business as Purposeful Journeys and eventually a link to a password protected page on our website that will offer details and updates about your journey.
General Terms and Conditions
Malone Clan Expeditions, LLC doing business as Purposeful Journeys will administer your journey. You must accept the General Terms and Conditions at the time you submit your application. Please refer to the General Terms and Conditions for any applicable additional fees that may apply in certain situations and circumstances such as any deviation from the group flight itinerary or your requirement of a single room.
We cordially invite you to apply to join us as a fellow traveler
Our journey application process has changed. We now offer Cancel-For-Any-Reason (CFAR) travel insurance for about the cost of Basic travel insurance. We no longer collect any deposit at the time you submit your application.
Your application now requires a decision on travel insurance. Your application will not be deemed complete until you have either declined to purchase NTA Travel Connect travel insurance or paid your travel insurance invoice. Once you complete your application form, you will receive a quote from Purposeful Journeys for CFAR travel insurance. Your quote will be about the cost of Basic Travel insurance, a large discount. You will also receive a more detailed explanation about NTA Travel Protect travel insurance. By using this process Purposeful Journeys can guarantee that fellow travelers purchase their CFAR travel insurance policy within the 14-day window allotted for purchasing CFAR travel insurance. You may also decline your purchase of travel insurance.
We are delighted you are taking the step of submitting your application to become a member of a journey with us. We look forward to notifying you of your acceptance as a fellow traveler.
