2025 Southern Seminary International Tours with Dr. Mohler

2025 Southern Seminary Tours Led by Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr.

Two Tour Opportunities: The Reformation Tour, May 17-27, and Istanbul, Ephesus, and Athens, October 25-November 5.

The Reformation Tour May 17-27, 2025 | $6,295

The first tour that Dr. Mohler will be leading in 2025 is the Reformation Tour.

The Reformation Tour recounts the rich history of the Reformation as you travel through some of the most scenic and historic cities and towns in Germany and Switzerland. Dr. Mohler will teach about the men – Martin Luther, Philipp Melanchthon, John Calvin, Erasmus of Rotterdam, Ulrich Zwingli, Martin Bucer, Felix Manz, Heinrich Bullinger – and the events of the 1500s which led to a Reformation of the church that shook the world, and the effects of which we still feel today. Dr. Mohler will provide lectures and time for Q&A throughout the tour and invites guests to live recordings of The Briefing most evenings following dinner.

Istanbul, Athens, and Ephesus

October 25 - November 5, 2025 | $6,295 Join Dr. Mohler on a tour through Istanbul, Athens, and Ephesus. On this trip, you will gain insights into the rich historical and cultural heritage of Turkey and Greece. Dr. Mohler will teach about the grandeur of ancient empires, the significance of religious sites, and the origin of early civilizations. The journey provides a broad understanding of how these regions shaped history and culture. Dr. Mohler will provide lectures and time for Q&A throughout the tour and invites guests to live recordings of The Briefing most evenings following dinner.

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The Reformation Tour Last year I shot a prize wild boar. It is now mounted on a wall in my library, tusks open and in full attack mode. Mary thinks it is hideously ugly. I agree about the ugliness, but that is part of the point. Under the mounted boar I have hung a beautiful image of Martin Luther. Why? In 1520, Pope Leo X issued a death sentence against Martin Luther, the great reformer. His warrant, known as a papal bull, began with these words: “Rise up O Lord, a wild boar has invaded your vineyard.” You see the point. Luther was the wild boar and his ministry in leading the Protestant Reformation was epic. To Luther you can add John Calvin, the great reformer in Geneva. They and their colleagues led a great Reformation of the church that reshaped the world and rested upon the Word of God. Wouldn’t you like to see the sites where all this history took place?

That is exactly what we will do in late spring, 2025. I want to invite you to join us as we walk the fabled streets of Wittenberg and Geneva and Zurich, Heidelberg and Worms and Erfurt. We will visit the historic Wartburg Castle, where Luther was protected as he translated the New Testament (and struggled with the Devil).

Add to that time in Berlin and Buchenwald, where we will seek to learn some of the most important historical lessons of the twentieth century as well.

We have only a limited number of such opportunities in this life, and I am looking forward to this one in excitement. Mary and I hope that you can come with us. I will be teaching day by day and we will learn and experience these things together. It’s going to be a great trip. I sincerely hope you can join us.

Sincerely, R. Albert Mohler, Jr., President

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Reformation Tour Itinerary DAY 1 (MAY 17) – Depart from John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York.

DAY 2 (MAY 18): GENEVA – After arriving in Geneva,

we will be met by our tour guides, and we’ll be taken to our hotel in the city center. Then, we will be transferred to the harbor to enjoy a one-hour cruise for a great getaway! We’ll enjoy an unparalleled view of Mont-Blanc, Europe’s highest mountain, monuments, famous villas, the Jura, as well as parks and gardens. After checking in to your hotel, we will enjoy a welcome reception and dinner with Dr. and Mrs. Mohler.

DAY 3 (MAY 19): GENEVA – Our first stop on the city tour

is the International Museum of the Reformation. Here we will be introduced to 500 years of Reformation history. We will have the opportunity to see how the Reformation impacted people’s lives, from their faith to their education, and even how it affected these areas economically. Located right next to the museum, we will have the chance for an individual inside visit of St. Peter’s Cathedral. It is here that John Calvin preached from 1536 – 1564. Next, we will walk to the Reformation wall. This memorial was built into the area that would have been the old city wall; a representation of the reclaiming and protection of the Gospel that happened here. Some of the reformers presented in the Wall are John Calvin, William Farel, Theodore Beza and John Knox.

Dinner will be provided for guests during the tour. Most dinners will be followed by a session led by Dr. Mohler which will include lecture, Q&A, and a live recording of The Briefing.

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DAY 4 (MAY 20): GENEVA - ZURICH – On this morning,

we will board our train that will take us to Zurich, the unofficial capital of Switzerland. Zurich is definitely a combination of the old and the new. It is divided into the modern cosmopolitan district and the Altstadt (old city). Much of our time will be spent seeing the sights connected with Ulrich Zwingli. It was in Zurich where the Swiss branch of the Reformation got its start under his leadership beginning in 1520. We’ll see his monument, the church where he was pastor (the Grossmünster), and the Guild Hall and Museum, where we’ll find artifacts and works of art associated with the Reformation. Zurich is also the origin of the Swiss Brethren Anabaptist Movement. It had its start in the home of Felix Manz in 1525, only a few blocks from Zwingli’s church where Manz and others were rebaptized as adults by Conrad Grebel. The Anabaptists (re-baptizers), then became a target of Protestants and the Catholics for persecution and martyrdom, with over 3,000 dying in a “miniholocaust” over the next decades. Dinner and overnight will be spent in the heart of Zurich.

DAY 5 (MAY 21): ZURICH DAY OF LEISURE 5

DAY 6 (MAY 22): ZURICH-HEIDELBERGWORMS-MAINZ –

After breakfast, we will drive to Germany (by bus) and visit Heidelberg, a gorgeous town on the Neckar River where romanticism is both past and present. Our walking tour includes the Old Town, the famous Stone Bridge over the Neckar River, and the Heidelberg Castle (where the Heidelberg Catechism was written in 1653). We’ll stop for lunch, then continue to Worms, one of the oldest towns in Germany.

We’ll visit St. Peter’s Cathedral, an exquisite example of Romanesque architecture. In 1521, Martin Luther was summoned here by Emperor Charles V to recant his teachings before the Diet of Worms. We also see where Luther made his famous “Here I Stand” declaration. We will also visit the world’s largest memorial to the Reformation. Another Reformer named William Tyndale finished his printing of the English Bible in Worms, escaping persecution in England. After an amazing day of touring, we will check in our hotel in Mainz.

DAY 7 (MAY 23): MAINZ - EISENACH WARTBURG CASTLE - ERFURT – In the morning, we

will depart for Eisenach. Today we’ll drive to Wartburg Castle for a guided tour of the Palais (Great Hall), the Elisabeth Hallway, and the Luther Room where Luther, under his disguise as “Junker Jörg,” translated the New Testament into German. After our tour we’ll board the bus and make our way to Erfurt, where we will have lunch before a guided visit of the Augustinian Monastery, with a permanent exhibit depicting Luther’s life as a monk. We will visit St. Mary’s Cathedral where Luther was ordained as a priest, and St. Severus Church. Dinner and overnight will be spent in Erfurt.

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DAY 8 (MAY 24): ERFURT - BUCHENWALD CONCENTRATION CAMP - LEIPZIG - BACH CONCERT - BERLIN – We’ll continue to Buchenwald

Concentration Camp, where we’ll visit the Bonhoeffer Commemorative Site. The memorial commemorates the Protestant theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Wehrmacht General Friedrich von Rabenau, and Wehrmacht Captain Ludwig Gehre, who were held in the detention cellar of the SS casern as “special prisoners” of the Main Security Office of the Reich. We will then drive to Leipzig, the cradle of the Peaceful Revolution of 1989. Leipzig is also the place of work for one of the world’s most famous composers: Johann Sebastian Bach. We’ll conclude the day in St. Thomas Church, where we will hear a brief organ concert followed by a brief lecture from Dr. Mohler at the Bach gravesite. Dinner and overnight will be spent in Berlin.

DAY 9 (MAY 25): EXPLORE BERLIN – We will see

Berlin, the capital of the reunified Germany, on a guided tour that includes all the most important highlights like the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag (Parliament), the impressive boulevard “Unter den Linden”, the Gendarmen-Market, the Alexanderplatz and Check- Point Charlie. There will be free time in the afternoon, and dinner and overnight will be spent in Berlin.

DAY 10 (MAY 26): BERLIN - WITTENBERG –

We’ll drive to Wittenberg, where we will go on a guided walking tour with a visit to the Castle Church, the famous site where Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door, sparking the beginning of the Reformation. It is here that Luther is buried alongside his fellow reformer, Philipp Melanchthon. On our tour, we will also have the chance to see the City Church also known as the “Mother Church of the Reformation” which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. We take a break for lunch and then continue with a visit to the temporary exhibition “Luther” located in the Augusteum that was built in the mid-1580s. Luther Hall was once an Augustinian monastery where Luther lived as a monk and again later, in 1525, as owner with his wife and family. Luther Hall is the largest museum of Reformation history in the world. After our visit, we will board the bus and drive back to Berlin for our farewell dinner.

DAY 11 (MAY 27): BERLIN/USA – Transfer to Berlin Airport for your return flight home with your luggage packed with keepsakes and your heart full of memories!

Further Trip Info AIR: The Standard Tour includes round-trip, economy-class airfare from the departure city listed in the itinerary.

LAND ONLY: Participants who wish to arrange their own air should choose the Land Only option. $1,000 per person will be deducted from the standard tour price when selecting this option. Participants arranging their own air should notify Signature Tours at least 6 months prior to the departure date.

HOTELS: Superior first-class hotels throughout.

Priced based on two people per room with a private bath and shower.

MEALS: Breakfast and dinner provided each day.

SIGHTSEEING: Entrance fees to all places of interest listed in the itinerary as well as an expert English-speaking guide are included.

SERVICE CHARGES AND TAXES: Tips, taxes, and airport taxes ARE INCLUDED in the selling price.

To register, scan the QR code Below:

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For more information contact Signature Tours: Phone: (800) 915-3527 Email: info@signaturetours.com

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Istanbul, Ephesus, and Athens Have you ever experienced history come into focus when standing before a wall? That is what happened to me as I stood at the Justinian Wall outside ancient Constantinople. A massive brick and masonry wall separated two worlds and two worldviews. History stood on both sides and on the wall itself. Standing there, I could imagine the clash of massive armies and the final fall of the Roman Empire. Several years ago, I had the rare opportunity to visit Istanbul and other historic sites in Turkey, where this experience took place.

Mary and I hope you will join us as we visit ancient Constantinople, today’s Istanbul, and see one of the most historic cities in all the world.

We will visit the fabled Hagia Sophia, now a mosque, and other sites so central to church history. We will trace the rise, fall, and conflict of worldviews and civilizations. We will walk the ancient streets and consider the epic encounter of Christianity with Islam. We will visit ancient Ephesus and learn of the famed seven churches of Asia Minor, so important to the New Testament. And we will travel to Athens, also so crucial to our understanding of western civilization and to the New Testament.

Furthermore, we will mark the 170th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, where the ancient church affirmed the historic Nicene Creed, where the church declared: “I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made.” That is how the great creed begins, and the history and doctrine of the Christian church was shaped and affirmed.

This is a trip you will never forget. I will be teaching as we go, and we will learn together as we stand where history was made and where the faith of the church was shaped.

Sincerely, R. Albert Mohler, Jr., President

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Istanbul, Ephesus, and Athens Itenirary DAY 1 (OCT 25): BEGINNING OF YOUR TOUR –

Depart from John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York for an overnight flight to Istanbul, Turkey (if including air).

DAY 2 (OCT 26): ARRIVE IN ISTANBUL – Meet

with your guide and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a welcome reception and dinner with Dr. and Mrs. Mohler. Overnight will be spent in Istanbul.

DAY 3 (OCT 27): ISTANBUL – This morning a delight awaits you at Eminönü's Spice Bazaar. Known as the Egyptian Bazaar, this exotic covered market was the international trade center of the Ottoman Empire. In the afternoon, we’ll take a special cruise on the Bosporus, a natural waterway that separates the continents of Europe and Asia and serves as the only connection between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. As we float along the strait, we’ll enjoy the picturesque views of old wooden mansions, Ottoman palaces, and ancient fortresses that dot the coast. Dinner and overnight will be spent in Istanbul. Dinner will be provided for guests throughout the tour. Most dinners will be followed by a session led by Dr. Mohler which will include lecture, Q&A, and a live recording of The Briefing.

DAY 4 (OCT 28): CONSTANTINOPLE – Today, we’ll

enjoy a day tour of Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire.

We stroll through Hippodrome Square, the social and sporting center of Constantinople, 11

which hosted chariot races during the Roman period. We’ll view the incredible majesty and splendor of the Sultan Ahmet Mosque.

Popularly known as the “Blue Mosque”, this 17th-century Ottoman sanctuary is adorned with six minarets and more than 20,000 hand-painted Iznik tiles. We’ll experience the Hagia Sophia, a breathtaking architectural masterpiece designed to be the major basilica of the Byzantine Empire. In the afternoon we will drive to the outer circle of Istanbul to view the Justinian Wall.

Dinner and overnight will be spent in Istanbul.

DAY 5 (OCT 29): ISTANBUL – Today, we will visit

Topkapi Palace, the main residence and headquarters of the Ottoman sultans. Located on the cape of the peninsula where Constantinople was founded, Topkapi Palace still houses a legion of treasures. This afternoon enjoy shopping in the Grand Bazaar.

Dinner and overnight spent in Istanbul.

DAY 6: (OCT 30): ISTANBUL/IZMIR – We’ll travel to

Izmir, Turkey, where we will be met at the airport for our transfer to our hotel. Enjoy the afternoon exploring Izmir’s wonderful shops and historic buildings. Dinner and overnight will be spent in Izmir.

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DAY 7 (OCT 31): EPHESUS – After breakfast, we will

drive to Ephesus. Located in the modern town of Selcuk, ancient Ephesus is one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Turkey. Originally an ancient Greek Ionic city built in the 11th century BC, Ephesus grew to become the largest metropolis and capital of the Roman province of Asia Minor.

This political influence and the city’s large Jewish community attracted the attention of the apostles, including Paul and John. Here, John carried out his mission for two years and was Bishop of the Ephesian Church before he was exiled to the Island of Patmos. We will also see the Library of Celsus, which adorns the site’s most impressive square, and sit in the theater. This massive theatre (capable of entertaining up to 25,000 spectators) was the scene of an uprising provoked by a merchant named Demetrius against Paul and his teachings (Acts 19:23). We will return to Izmir for dinner and overnight.

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DAY 8 (NOV 1): PERGAMUM/ATHENS –

This morning, we will drive north through farmlands, low ranges, and along the Aegean Sea into the town of Bergama to visit Pergamum, one of the most powerful cities in the ancient world. The city rose to prominence following the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC and eventually came under Roman control in 133 BC. Although this city benefited from immense wealth, in the Book of Revelation, the risen Christ instructs John to convey the message that the people of Pergamum, the site of “Satan’s throne,” needed to repent (Rev 2:13-16). Nearby are the remains of the famous Library of Pergamum. In the evening, we will depart for Athens, Greece.

Dinner and overnight will be spent in Athens.

Corinthian Canal before touring the extensive ruins of the ancient city. Gaze at the temple of Apollo towering above the remains of the influential metropolis. See the ruins of the agora and the shop believed to be where Paul stayed with Aquila and Priscilla. Marvel at the bema where Paul stood before the proconsul, Gallio. Return to Athens for dinner and overnight.

DAY 11 (NOV 4): ATHENS DAY OF LEISURE DAY 12 (NOV 5): ATHENS/USA – We’ll transfer

to Athens airport for our return flight to the USA with our hearts full of memories from unforgettable experiences.

DAY 9 (NOV 2): ATHENS – Welcome to Athens, the

birthplace of democracy. View the world-renowned Acropolis and wonder at the glory of the Parthenon, built 2400 years ago. Gather at Mars Hill, where Paul addressed the intellectual men of the most informed city of the time, pleading for the cause of Christianity. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the historical neighborhood of Plaka at the foot of the Acropolis. Stroll along the narrow roads, peruse the quaint shops, and spend dinner and overnight in Athens.

DAY 10 (NOV 3): CORINTH – Travel through the Bay

of Salamis and the Saronic Gulf to the city of Corinth. This city was home to the apostle Paul for over a year and inspired two of his most familiar letters. Spend time at the impressive 14

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Further Trip Info AIR: The Standard Tour includes round-trip, economyclass airfare from the departure city listed in the itinerary.

LAND ONLY: Participants who wish to arrange their own air should choose the Land Only option. $1,000 per person will be deducted from the standard tour price when selecting this option. Participants arranging their own air should notify Signature Tours at least 6 months prior to the departure date.

HOTELS: Superior first-class hotels throughout.

Priced based on two people per room with a private bath and shower.

MEALS: Breakfast and dinner are provided each day.

SIGHTSEEING: Entrance fees to all places of interest listed in the itinerary as well as an expert Englishspeaking guide are included.

SERVICE CHARGES AND TAXES: Tips, taxes, and airport taxes ARE INCLUDED in the selling price.

To register, scan the QR code Below:

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For more information contact Signature Tours: Phone: (800) 915-3527 Email: info@signaturetours.com

About Dr. Mohler Dr. R. Albert Mohler Jr. serves as president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary – the flagship school of the Southern Baptist Convention and one of the largest seminaries in the world. He is also president of Boyce College, the undergraduate college at Southern Seminary.

Dr. Mohler has been recognized by such influential publications as Time, calling him the “reigning intellectual of the evangelical movement in the U.S.” In addition to his presidential duties, Dr. Mohler hosts two podcasts: “The Briefing,” a daily analysis of news and events from a Christian worldview; and “Thinking in Public,” a series of conversations with the day’s leading thinkers. He also serves as the editor of WORLD Opinions, writing regular commentary on moral, cultural and theological issues. Dr. Mohler is a theologian and an ordained minister, having served as pastor and staff minister of several Southern Baptist churches. He came to the presidency of Southern Seminary from service as editor of The Christian Index, the oldest of the state papers serving the Southern Baptist Convention.

He is the author of several books, including The Conviction to Lead: 25 Principles for Leadership That Matters (Bethany House); Tell Me the Stories of Jesus: The Explosive Power of Jesus’ Parables (Thomas Nelson); The Gathering Storm: Secularism, Culture, and the Church (Thomas Nelson); The Apostles’ Creed: Discovering Christianity in an Age of Counterfeits (Thomas Nelson); and We Cannot Be Silent: Speaking Truth to a Culture Redefining Sex, Marriage, & the Very Meaning of Right & Wrong (Thomas Nelson).

He is married to Mary, and they have two children, Katie and Christopher. Dr. and Mrs. Mohler are the proud grandparents of Benjamin, Henry, and Margaret, all born to Katie and her husband Riley.

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Phone: (800) 915-3527 Email: info@signaturetours.com

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