Heritage Stories · Faith & History · Europe
Classic Anabaptist Tour
The Schleitheim 500 Commemoration Edition
OVERVIEW
Classic Anabaptist Tour
The Schleitheim 500 Commemoration Edition
July 1 – 15, 2027
From $6,564 USD | $8,862 CAD
Commemorating the Schleitheim Confession and Tracing the Anabaptist Story Across Europe
In 1527, Anabaptist leaders gathered in the Swiss village of Schleitheim to shape a confession of faith that would guide generations. Five hundred years later, this journey begins by joining a special commemorative gathering, where travelers are welcomed into a living community through shared meals, storytelling, music, and worship.
From this meaningful beginning, the tour traces the Anabaptist story across Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Walk through places of courage, refuge, and renewal, and connect with the landscapes where faith took root and continues to inspire today.
John Sharp
Tour Expert
15 Days
Duration
Switzerland, France, Germany, Netherlands
Countries Visited
Moderately Active
Activity Level
Trip Highlights
Commemorate Schleitheim 500 - Join a once in a generation gathering in Schleitheim, sharing meals, worship, music, and storytelling with a global Anabaptist community
Explore Zürich’s Origins - Walk the streets and surrounding villages where the first Anabaptist baptisms took place and a movement of renewal began
Discover Historic Regions - Travel through the Emmental, Alsace, and Kraichgau, where stories of persecution, resilience, and faith are woven into the landscape
Reflect in Sacred Spaces - Visit meaningful places of refuge and worship, including hidden caves and quiet countryside settings that sheltered early believers
Follow the Menno Simons Story - Journey into the Dutch homeland to explore places of renewal and hospitality connected to Menno Simons and enduring Anabaptist witness
DAY 1 • July 1, 2027
Arrival in Zürich
Arrive in Zürich and settle in at your own pace, easing into the rhythm of the journey. In the afternoon, participate in a walking tour through the historic streets where reform movements once stirred. In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner, meeting fellow travelers and anticipating the story that will unfold together.
Overnight: Zürich
DAY 2 • July 2, 2027
Tracing Courageous Beginnings
Embark on a pilgrimage to the Anabaptist Cave near Bäretswil, a hidden forest refuge of early worship. Visit Grüningen Castle, once home to Conrad Grebel and later a prison for Anabaptist leaders. Enjoy lunch at the Castle, then travel through Zollikon, passing homes tied to the days following the first baptism. Return to Zürich.
Overnight: Zürich
DAY 3 • July 3, 2027
A Living Celebration
Enjoy a slow start to the day, then travel to Schleitheim, where a meaningful gathering begins. Participate in a cultural evening of music, storytelling, and shared heritage, as voices from many backgrounds come together in celebration of faith, memory, and community. Enjoy a meal with local flavours over conversations with new friends – an evening to bring cultures together.
Overnight: Schaffhausen
DAY 4 • July 4, 2027
Remembering and Rejoicing Together
Spend the day immersed in a vibrant commemoration of the Schleitheim gathering. Worship, storytelling, and shared experiences bring history to life, while exhibitions and local traditions offer deeper understanding. Enjoy time outdoors and fellowship before closing the day with a shared meal in the surrounding countryside.
Overnight: Schaffhausen
DAY 5 • July 5, 2027
Hidden Faith in the Hills
Journey into the Emmental region, where stories of perseverance unfold in quiet valleys and remote farmsteads. Visit a hidden refuge once used in times of danger and share a meal in this meaningful place. Continue to a Trachselwald Castle that reflects both authority and resistance in the Anabaptist story.
Overnight: Bern
DAY 6 • July 6, 2027
An Amish Story Unfolds
Explore Bern on foot, uncovering layers of history within its medieval streets. Beyond the city, visit Thun Castle and the church and cemetery at Steffisburg in the early Amish homeland, where conviction and division shaped a distinct path that would extend far beyond Europe.
Overnight: Bern
DAY 7 • July 7, 2027
Roots and Mountain Views
Visit the church in Erlenbach where Jacob Amman was baptized, a formative place in the shaping of Amish identity. Continue to Stockhorn Mountain, where sweeping alpine views invite reflection on faith across generations. In this striking landscape, consider the clarity, conviction, and cost that defined these early Anabaptist journeys.
Overnight: Bern
DAY 8 • July 8, 2027
Crossing Borders and Beliefs
Travel through the picturesque Alsace region, where shifting borders reflect a complex history of culture and faith. Arrive in Strasbourg, a place of relative tolerance, and learn about Pilgram Marpeck’s influence. The evening invites exploration of this charming city, where past and present meet along its canals and streets.
Overnight: Strasbourg
DAY 9 • July 9, 2027
Witness in Changing Times
Enter the Kraichgau region, exploring Sinsheim and Bammental, where Anabaptist communities faced both growth and persecution. Descend into the Steinsfurt cellar, once used for hidden worship, and climb Steinsburg Tower for sweeping views of the landscape. Engage with stories linking past witness to present faith before continuing to Worms.
Overnight: Worms
DAY 10 • July 10, 2027
Along the Rhine’s Story
Pause at the Luther Monument, a landmark of the Reformation. Continue to Weierhof – Germany’s unique semi-communal Mennonite village to visit its important archive. Enjoy some free time for lunch and exploring a charming Rhine town, then follow the Rhine by boat, passing castles and vineyards. This scenic journey offers a fresh perspective on history as it flows into the present.
Overnight: Koblenz
DAY 11 • July 11, 2027
Power and Turmoil in Münster
Visit the towering Cologne Cathedral before travelling to Münster, a city marked by a dramatic chapter in Anabaptist history. On a walking tour, hear the story of the Anabaptist kingdom, then visit the city museum’s Anabaptist room, where exhibits and artifacts bring this complex story to life. The afternoon offers time to explore and reflect at your own pace.
Overnight: Münster
DAY 12 • July 12, 2027
Hospitality and Living Faith
Travel into the Dutch countryside and continue to Witmarsum, where Menno Simons began his journey of leadership and renewal. Here, visit the Menno Simons monument and experience warm hospitality, local stories, and living faith as you are welcomed into homes and community life.
Overnight: Witmarsum
DAY 13 • July 13, 2027
Stories of Rescue and Renewal
Cross the remarkable 22-mile Afsluitdijk, a feat of engineering that holds back the sea and reshapes the land. Continue to Zaanse Schans, where working windmills and traditional crafts bring Dutch heritage to life. Later in Asperen, hear the powerful story of Dirk Willems, whose act of compassion continues to inspire.
Overnight: Haarlem
DAY 14 • July 14, 2027
Memory, Art, and Reflection
Discover Amsterdam on a guided walk that weaves together its layered history, including a visit to the Singel Mennonite Church. At the Rijksmuseum, encounter masterpieces that shaped Dutch identity. In the afternoon, glide through the city’s canals by boat, taking in a quieter, more reflective view of its storied streets.
Overnight: Haarlem
DAY 15 • July 15, 2027
Departure from Amsterdam
Depart for home, carrying with you the stories, relationships, and reflections gathered along the way.
Pricing
Registration By
Early Bird Rate until March 1, 2027
Standard Tour Fare after March 1, 2027
Shared Occupancy
$6,564 USD | $8,862 CAD
$7,305 USD | $9,862 CAD
Single Occupancy
$7,582 USD | $10,236 CAD
$8,323 USD | $11,236 CAD
What’s Included
Carefully selected accommodations in well-located three- and four-star hotels, and a unique homestay experience in Witmarsum
Land transportation by private coach throughout the tour
Daily breakfasts, along with select lunches and dinners, including thoughtfully hosted group dining experiences featuring multi-course menus at local restaurants
Bottled water on the bus
All admission fees to included sightseeing, excursions, and cultural sites as detailed in the itinerary
The full-time services of TourMagination Tour Experts to guide and support you throughout your journey
Knowledgeable local guides in select destinations, offering deeper cultural insight and enriching on-the-ground perspective
Gratuities for drivers, guides, and included group meals
What’s Not Included
International airfare and associated taxes or fees
Airport transfers, city transit where necessary
European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)
Meals not specified in the itinerary
Beverages with meals
Optional or additional excursions, and personal purchases
Gratuities for hotel staff, airport porters, and any other services
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
TOUR EXPERT
John Sharp
Historian · Author · Educator · Pastor · Storyteller · Curious Traveler
John Sharp is a retired historian who taught at Hesston College in Kansas. He previously served as Director of the Mennonite Church USA Historical Committee and Archives. John holds an M.Div. from Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary and has 15 years of experience as a pastor.
He has been an instructor for Road Scholar (formerly Elderhostel) courses on Amish life and culture and a frequent presenter for lifelong learning programs. His books include My Calling to Fulfill: The Orie O. Miller Story (Herald Press, 2015) and The Bible as Story: An Introduction to Biblical Literature (WorkPlay Publishing, 2017). Since 2000, John has led numerous TourMagination heritage tours to Western Europe, Prague and Poland, and Central Asia.
Questions?
Reach out to our team at office@tourmagination.com
or by phone at (877) 668-2732.