Skip to content 
Planning a
Reformation Pilgrimage
A typical Reformation pilgrimage is 11 days and costs around $4,950 per person with a group of 16-25 pilgrims, plus airfare. The 11-day length balances affordability while providing sufficient time to explore the sites of Martin Luther in Germany or John Calvin in France and Switzerland, as well as Ulrich Zwingli's Zurich. The best time to plan your Reformation pilgrimage is April to June, or September to early November. Progressive Pilgrimage's prices include guides, hotels, ground transportation, entry fees, many meals, and all gratuities.
Although the term Reformation implies a single event, the Reformation was really a collection of movements, largely centered around individual leaders in specific locations, that challenged the polity and theology of the Catholic Church. Protestants seeking to explore the Reformation find ample sites throughout Western Europe, including Germany, Switzerland, and France, with smaller centers located in Romania and Czechia.
When should we plan a Reformation pilgrimage?
Our groups have traveled to Germany, Switzerland, and France throughout the year, but the most popular times are April through June and September through early November. Summer in Western Europe is expensive and crowded with secular tourists, so we discourage summer travel due to the cost.
If you desire to combine a Reformation trip with an exploration of Christmas markets or Christmas celebrations, November and December are ideal times.
For a particularly meaningful trip, we enjoy traveling toward the end of October and celebrating Reformation Sunday in one of the centers of the movement.
What should we do on a Reformation pilgrimage?
The first decision you should make when planning a Reformation pilgrimage is to decide which of the Reformation thought leaders you're most interested in exploring. An itinerary focused on Martin Luther will spend significant time in Germany. An itinerary focused on John Calvin will spend time in France and Switzerland. Either itinerary can include visits to Zurich, the center of Ulrich Zwingli's reform movement.
How much does it cost to go on a Reformation pilgrimage?
While budget and luxury accommodations are available, most groups choose to stay in mid-range hotels, and our pricing is based accordingly. It's important to remember that Geneva and Zurich, often highlights of the Reformation pilgrimage, are among the most expensive cities in Europe.
For a group of 16-25, expect a land cost of $450 per person per day, or about $4,950, plus airfare, for an 11-day trip. These are averages, and the final price is determined by the activities on your itinerary. Our prices are always transparent and inclusive of entry fees, many meals, and all gratuities. There will be no hidden costs for your travelers.
It's difficult to estimate airfare since it can vary widely depending on your airport and departure date. Group airfare rates are generally not lower than what is available to individual travelers; however, group airfare allows a much higher level of flexibility. We can help you estimate your airfare during the planning process. The actual airfare prices cannot be quoted more than 11 months before your departure date.