Cultural Learning Tours

In 1880-1881, five wagon trains of Mennonites left European Russia and headed east to Central Asia along the famous Silk Road. Seeking freedom from conscription and new economic opportunities, this group went east instead of west to North America as 18,000 did a decade earlier. In the last decade, new details of the Great Trek have emerged in the remarkable Silk Road cities of Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara. Amidst the splendour of the Islamic architecture and often mountainous landscape, the Mennonite Great Trek story will emerge through journals and letters of trekkers, archival documents, and current reflections. Tour leader John Sharp is a retired college history and Bible professor whose passion for and knowledge of the Mennonite Great Trek along the Silk Road will give you valuable insight into this chapter of Mennonite history. John has led several tours to Central Asia and has developed relationships with locals who will give you insight into Uzbek life and culture.

See intriguing animals such as kangaroos, koalas, and penguins plus many species of birds and reptiles. Enjoy dinner in the Outback and see more stars than you thought possible. Observe an incredible array of sea life as you tour the Great Barrier Reef in a glass-bottomed boat. Learn about the Australian Aboriginals and visit one of their most sacred and beautiful natural sights—the giant Uluru rock formation. Visit world-famous sites in the cities of Melbourne, Cairns, and Sydney. You won’t be disappointed by this action-packed trip of a lifetime!

After a two-day voyage from Australia, continue your relaxing cruise along the North and South Islands of New Zealand. Experience the rural and urban beauty all across this country without the tedium of long coach rides and changing hotels each night. Learn about the indigenous Maori people as well as the history of the Scottish, French, and British settlers. Daily excursions suit a variety of activity levels and interests—from nature, history, and wine to animals, architecture, and the local foodie scene. You can even explore a Lord of the Rings movie set or cruise through underground caves lit by thousands of tiny glow worms.

This fabulous tour combines interacting with locals and enjoying incredible natural sights in Tanzania. Visit with Christians who are helping Tanzanian children at the Che Che Community Library and St. Catharines Monastery. Learn about the Maasai way of life in a traditional village. Buy unique crafts at a local market and a social enterprise for people with disabilities. Also, see big game and other wildlife plus a large assortment of colourful birds on not one, but three game drives! Stay at beautiful new lodges built by our long-time in-country partners. This locally owned and operated company invests in their employees and their community. Plus they are game drive experts!

Morocco is home to spectacular landscapes, a vibrant cultural history, and welcoming people. On this unforgettable tour, you’ll experience firsthand why Morocco is so irresistible. See Africa’s largest mosque in Casablanca. Discover Morocco’s spiritual and intellectual history in Fes, including the world’s first university. Stay overnight in a luxurious camp in the Sahara Desert and take a sunrise camel ride through the sand dunes. Get a taste of local culture in marketplaces and city centres.

A sneak peek at future tours for next year