Reformation II
Portugal - Spain - Gibraltar - Morocco- Southern France
-
Airfaire
-
4 to 5-star hotel
-
2 Meals per day
-
Entrance fees to all scheduled sites
-
English speaking guide
-
AC deluxe transportation
-
1 Checkin Luggage (62 inches including handles and wheels & 50 lbs)*
Typical Itinerary for Reformation II
Example
Day 1
Depart for Lisbon, Portugal.
Day 2
Upon arriving in Lisbon at Humberto Delgado Airport, we embark on a day of exploration. After breakfast, our journey includes visiting Cabo de Roca, the picturesque Sintra, highlighted by Quinta da Regaleira and Castelo dos Mouros. We then explore the Navigators Museum, Belem Tower, and significant sites like the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Carmo Convent, bearing witness to the impact of the Lisbon earthquake in 1755. Our day concludes with an overnight stay in Lisbon.
Day 3
Begin your day in Lisbon with a visit to Edward VII’s Park, Estufa Fria botanical garden, Vasco da Gama Garden, and Praca dom Pedro IV, among other nearby sites. Following the morning tour in Lisbon, embark on a two-hour drive to cross the border into Spain, reaching Palos de la Frontera, Huelva. Explore the Muelle de las Caravelas (Caravel’s Museum), featuring replicas of Christopher Columbus’s boats for his first voyage to the Americas—Niña, Pinta, and Santa María. Conclude the day with a visit to the nearby monument of Christopher Columbus and an overnight stay in Seville, Spain.
Day 4
Explore Seville with visits to Jeronimo Monastery of San Isidoro del Campo, Plaza de España, Barrio Santa Cruz, and Catedral de Sevilla, known for the auto-da-fe ritual. Discover the history of Callejon de la Inquisicion in the Castle of San Jorge. While there are numerous sites in Seville, including Alcazar Real de Sevilla, Metropol Parasol – Setas de Sevilla, Jardines de Murillo, Torre del Oro, and Basilica de Macarena, don’t miss Santiponce’s Itálica Archaeological Park, birthplace of Emperors Hadrian and Trajan. Conclude your day with an overnight stay in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.
Day 5
Depart from Jerez de la Frontera to Tarifa for a morning boat ride to Tangier, Morocco. Explore the Medina, discover the Casbah for insights into Morocco’s history, and visit Cap Spartel to witness the meeting of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Experience Tangier’s largest market, Grand Soco, before returning to Tarifa, Spain. Conclude the day with an overnight stay in La Linea de la Concepcion, Spain.
Day 6
Spend the Sabbath at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in La Linea de la Concepcion, Spain, enjoying warm hospitality, fellowship, and worship. In the afternoon, explore the famous rock of Gibraltar for stunning views of the island-country, Pillars of Hercules, and North Africa. Witness the meeting point of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, the only entrance to the Mediterranean. Visit St. Michael’s Cave and encounter the intriguing Barbary apes. Conclude the day with a journey to Granada for an evening of relaxation and an overnight stay.
Day 7
Explore Granada by visiting the 13th-century Alhambra, including the Alhambra palace of Charles V, the former Nasrid palace complex Generalife, and the Palacio de los Olvidados, before heading to Baeza cemetery to visit the tomb of Walter Bond, a pioneer of the SDA work in Spain, concluding the day with an overnight stay in Ciudad Real, Spain.
Day 8
Explore the ancient city of Toledo, renowned for its medieval Arab, Jewish, and Christian monuments, before delving into the bustling Spanish capital, Madrid. Witness iconic sites such as Gran Via, the Opera District, Plaza de Colon, the Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol Plaza, and Plaza de España, with an optional 2-hour shopping session, culminating in an overnight stay in Madrid.
Day 9
Embark on a journey from the vibrant city of Zaragoza, capital of the Aragon region, along the banks of the Rio Ebro, to the cultural hub of Barcelona. Explore iconic landmarks like the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell, with limited time determining our exploration of Barcelona’s museums, galleries, beaches, and cafes, concluding the day with an overnight stay in Girona, Spain.
Day 10
Explore Beziers and the Tower of Constance in Aigues-Mortes, France, a significant Protestant memorial honoring the tragedy of imprisoned Protestant women, including Marie Durand. Continue the journey to Mialet, where the Musee Du Desert recounts the history of Protestantism in France, particularly in the Cevennes, and conclude the day by visiting the village of Merindol, known for the tragic 1545 massacre of the Vaudois or Waldenses due to their steadfast faith in Christ, before settling in Nimes, France for the night.
Day 11
Explore Avignon, the “City of Popes,” visiting the Palais de Papes, and journey to Lyon, the third-largest city in France’s Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region, to uncover the connections between Peter Waldo, the Waldensians, and the French Reformation, culminating in an overnight stay in Lyon, France.
Day 12
Explore Meaux, a site where the success of the German Reformation could have transpired in France, and then visit Versailles to marvel at the Palace, Gardens, and Parks. Conclude the day with a walking tour of iconic Parisian landmarks, including the Sacre-Coeur Basilica and the Louvre Museum, before an overnight stay in Paris.
Day 13
In Paris, experience worship and fellowship at the Filipino Paris Seventh-day Adventist Church, followed by visits to iconic landmarks such as Plaza de la Concorde, Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe, Napoleon’s tomb, Notre Dame, and the enchanting Eiffel Tower illuminated by shimmering lights at night. Conclude the day with an overnight stay in Paris.
Day 14
In Paris, enjoy free time for exploration, including nearby attractions, and indulge in a full day of shopping, complemented by meals of breakfast and dinner. Conclude the day with an overnight stay in Paris.
Day 15
Departing from Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport for home.
We conclude our trip with a deeper appreciation for the unwavering faith and sacrifices of those who shaped the Protestant Reformation, all while enjoying a final breakfast before our flight.
Details
Tour Package Basic Info
How to Join
- Download registration form
- Submit the completed registration form by postal mail or email
- submit a clear colored copy of your passport by emailing to awesomelifetours@gmail.com
- Deposit payments
Payment Schedule
To facilitate a smooth and transparent transaction process, we have established the following payment schedule.*
- Initial Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of $495 is required upon confirmation of the trip. This is necessary to secure your reservation.
- Milestone Payment #1: To be paid four months prior to the tour departure date.
- Final Payment: The remaining balance for the tour is required to be paid 45 days before the departure date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Passports must have an expiration date at least six months beyond the last day of the tour.
Yes, there is an additional charge for single occupancy.
Yes, we will do our best to accommodate your dietary restrictions. Keep in mind that Europe may not be as accommodating for vegans/vegetarians as some other destinations while we travel.
Unfortunately no. Local tour guide may change itineraries/schedules depending on availability and security. This is especially common in the Holy Land Tour in Israel
Absolutely, you’ll have a minimum of 60 minutes to explore the city for individual exploration.
While your local bank typically offers the best exchange rate, you can still change currency at the airport.
The cash contribution may vary significantly based on the services provided, with some being mandatory, such as for drivers, tour guides, and porters.
While cash is often considered crucial when traveling, there are typically alternative payment methods available in most cases.
- Airfare
- 1 Checkin Luggage (62 inches including handles and wheels & 50 lbs)*
- 4 to 5-star hotel
- Hotel accommodation with an optional single occupancy upgrade for an additional cost
- 2 Meals per day
- Access to all planned (as per the itinerary) sites – availability permitting
- AC deluxe transportation
- English speaking guide
- Visa & Border fees
- Tax Fees
- Travel insurance
- Entry clearing fees
- Gratuity
- Airport meals
- Pick up drop off (Leaving and arriving to your home place)
- Emergencies
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Drinks and bottled beverages including water
- Single room accommodations
- Trip cancellation insurance
- Activities not specified in the itinerary
- Additional personal expenses or any costs not specified in the “included” list are not covered.
More Information
Tips on Traveling with Awesome Life Tours
- Now: Submit Registration Form
- Now: Make payments
- 1-2 weeks before: Pack essentials
- 3 days before: Check weather forecast
- Day before: Charge devices, ready travel documents
- Day of departure: final packing check
- En Route: keep essentials handy, stay updated
Whether it’s your first or repeat tour, here are essential details:
Be prepared to pay:
- Restroom Facilities: Local currency required at most locations
- Specific additional entrance fee
- Gratuity
- Luggage: Additional fees for extra luggage
- Meals: 3rd meal of the day not included
- Church Offering
- Hotel Stay: Extra fees may apply
- Bottled water: Recommended at your own expense
Additional Notes:
- Flexibility: Consider flexibility in your plans.
- We will do our best to accommodate your dietary restrictions. Keep in mind that Europe may not be as accommodating for vegans/vegetarians as some other destinations while we travel.
- Join us at the pre-tour preparation meeting, where we’ll provide essential information to help you thoroughly prepare for the trip. Your attendance is greatly appreciated!
Disclaimer: Changes to the itinerary may occur due to the local guide’s suggestions, group preferences, and considerations such as weather and scheduling constraints.
Clothing:
- Underwear
- Socks
- T-shirts/tops
- Pants/shorts
- Sweater/jacket (depending on the weather)
- Sleepwear
- semi formal clothes for church
- Swimsuit (if applicable)
Footwear:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sandals/flip-flops (if applicable)
Toiletries:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Body wash/soap
- Deodorant
- Razor
- Hairbrush/comb
- Personal hygiene items
Health and Medications:
- Prescription medications
- Basic first aid kit (bandages, pain relievers, etc.)
- Medication for motion sickness
Electronics:
- Phone and charger
- Camera and charger
- Travel adapter/converter
- Power bank
Documents:
- Passport/ID
- Travel itinerary
- Boarding passes
- Insurance information
Money and Essentials:
- Wallet with cash and cards
- Travel-sized laundry detergent
- Snacks
- Reusable water bottle
Miscellaneous:
- Sunglasses and/or hat
- Travel pillow
- Notepad and pen
- Book or e-reader
- Toilet seat covers
- Plastic ziplock bags
Research Before You Go:
- Learn about local customs and traditions to adapt more easily.
Dress Appropriately:
- Respect local dress codes, especially in conservative or religious settings.
Learn Basic Phrases:
- Familiarize yourself with a few local language phrases to show effort and respect.
Be Mindful of Body Language:
- Understand that gestures may be interpreted differently in various cultures.
Respect Local Traditions and Customs:
- Follow local customs and rituals to show respect for the way of life.
Show Respect in Religious Sites:
- Dress modestly and adhere to rules when visiting religious places.
Understand Social Norms:
- Adapt to local expectations regarding personal space and social interactions.
Photography Etiquette:
- Ask for permission before taking photos, especially of people.
Adapt to Local Mealtime Customs:
- Be open to trying local cuisine and follow mealtime customs.
Be Open-Minded:
- Embrace cultural differences and approach new experiences with an open mind.
Respect Local Laws:
- Familiarize yourself with local laws to act within the legal framework.
Listen and Observe:
- Actively listen and observe local behavior to gain insights into the culture.
Handle Disagreements Diplomatically:
- Approach cultural misunderstandings with diplomacy and a willingness to learn.
"I was shown the wisdom of God in choosing these two men (Luther & Melanchthon) to carry on the work of reformation." - EGW p.224
Reserve Your Spot
Don't Miss Out
Our upcoming Reformation II trip promises exciting experiences and new friendships. Reserve your spot today to ensure you don’t miss out on the chance to create lasting memories.