Itinerary
May 17 (pre-tour)
We suggest arriving a day early to help your body adjust to the time change and to prepare for an early start tomorrow.
May 18 Volendam, The Netherlands D
Meet your travelling companions in Amsterdam. (Please note: flights should arrive by no later than 9:00 AM). Visit Asperen to hear the story of Dirk Willems, and Zaanse Schans for traditional Dutch experiences. Enjoy free time in Volendam before an orientation dinner at your hotel.
May 19 Volendam, The Netherlands B, D
Following an early breakfast, tour the impressive Aalsmeer flower auction where 20 million flowers from around the world are traded daily! Browse the Rijksmuseum, known for its collection of Dutch Golden Age works, to see pieces by world-renowned artists like Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Jan Steen. Be sure to see the museum’s collection of Mennonite works too! Then, take to the streets of Amsterdam on a guided city tour. Climb aboard a river boat for a leisurely tour of Amsterdam’s canals and end your afternoon with a visit to the Singel Mennonite Church.
May 20 Berlikum, The Netherlands B, D
Cross over to Friesland where our hosts will welcome us to Witmarsum: Menno Simons’ hometown. Gain greater insights into the life of this influential Anabaptist leader, and learn about the local Mennonite community today. A visit to the hidden church at Pingjum will also be a feature of today. Tonight, enjoy the warm hospitality of your host family in Berlikum.
May 21 Dortmund, Germany B, D
Over breakfast, say goodbye to your new friends at Berlikum. Depart for Giethoorn, a charming town known as the “Venice of the Netherlands”. During some free time, enjoy a canal cruise or stroll Giethoorn’s streets. This afternoon, travel to Münster, Germany and take a walking tour to gain greater insight into the darker times of Anabaptist history. Hear about the violent uprising of radical Anabaptists during the Münster Rebellion. Visit the city museum to see the room of the Anabaptist uprising. See the cages where the bodies of Anabaptist leaders were displayed—the cages which still hang from the St. Lamberti Church tower today. Transfer to your hotel in Dortmund for the evening.
May 22 Worms, Germany B, D
Begin the day in Köln, with a visit to the twin-towered Gothic cathedral. Then drive to the historic town of Boppard where you will relax and enjoy the scenery on a Rhine River cruise to St. Goar.
May 23 Strasbourg, France B
This morning, visit the Weierhof: a semi-communal Mennonite village in the Palatinate, and be introduced to the Weierhof archives. Step into the cellar at Steinsfurt where 53 Anabaptists worshipping in secret were arrested. Time permitting, climb the Steinsburg Tower for a panoramic view of farms and villages. Transfer to your hotel in Strasbourg for the evening.
May 24 Bern, Switzerland B, D
Take a walking tour of Strasbourg, where Pilgram Marpeck was once a local Anabaptist leader. This afternoon, drive the famous wine route through the Alsace Region to Switzerland. En route, stop at the old walled town of Riquewihr, where there will be free time for exploring, shopping, and lunch. Transfer to Bern for tonight’s stay.
May 25 Bern, Switzerland B, D
Worship with the Langnau Mennonite congregation this morning. Take in stunning views as you drive over the Emmental hills to reach a typical Swiss homestead in Hinterhutten. Here, see a secret room that once hid Anabaptists on the most wanted list from their pursuers. Later, visit Trachselwald Castle, a fortress once used to imprison radical Anabaptists, such as Hans Haslibacher. Hear Haslibacher’s story and visit the farm where some of his descendants still live today.
May 26 Bern, Switzerland B, D
The charming town of Bern is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage site. In the morning, take a walk through this quaint town and see the well-known clock tower, cathedral, and illustrious bear park. Reflect at the harbour, where a group of Anabaptists was exiled from Bern. Later, visit the historic Reformed church at Würzbrunnen which has an abundance of Anabaptist stories. See the 12th-century Thun Castle and admire the frescoed walls of the Reformed church at Erlenbach where Jakob Amman was baptized. To top it off, take a cable car up the Stockhorn mountain for breathtaking panoramic views.
May 27 Zürich, Switzerland B, D
Make the drive to Zürich this morning. Upon arrival, stretch your legs and see the city on a walking tour. This evening, enjoy traditional Swiss Raclette.
May 28 Zürich, Switzerland B, D
Visit a former secret worship site: the Anabaptist Cave at Bäretswil, for worship, communion, and reflection. Enjoy lunch at the famous Rhine Falls. Travel to the municipality of Schleitheim where the first Anabaptist confession was forged in 1527 and visit the local museum to gain more insights into this history.
May 29 Zürich, Switzerland B
Gather with Anabaptists from around the world to partake in the 500th anniversary celebration, hosted by Mennonite World Conference. Expect workshops, musical concerts, theatrical performances, panel discussions and more scattered throughout the downtown. The day will culminate in an ecumenical worship service that recognizes the many steps toward reconciliation that have occurred in recent decades and an act of public witness.
May 30 Zürich, Switzerland B
Depart for home with new insights and memories that will last for years to come.
FAQs
Q: How much walking will I do on this tour?
A: This tour is rated as “Active”. Expect up to 2-3 hours of walking each day including well-paced walking tours with regular breaks. Please consider if this level of activity will be feasible for you before you register. Read more about our activity levels here.
Please note: itinerary is subject to change.
Check the pricing page for what is included and excluded in the tour fare.
For further information, please contact us. We would be happy to be of assistance.
