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Down the Rhine: The Swiss Mennonite Exodus

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OVERVIEW

Down the Rhine: The Swiss Mennonite Exodus

June 2 - 10, 2026
From $4,145 USD | $5,685 CAD

This 9-day journey follows the path of Swiss and Alsatian Anabaptists—families whose faith and convictions led them to be exiled from their homelands and floatdown the Rhine River in search of refuge and peace. Along this unforgettable route, explore powerful landscapes and historic towns, discover stories of resilience and hospitality, and walk in the footsteps of those who shaped the Mennonite and Amish identities.

Special attention will be given to family names with deep ties to these regions and stories—including Beachy, Bontrager, Gingerich, Gnagy, Hostetler, König/King, Mast, Shrock/Schrag, Stucki, Stutzman, Yoder —while warmly welcoming anyone interested in the Anabaptist faith legacy, shared migration history, and meaningful intercultural experiences.

John Sharp & JB Miller
Tour Experts

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9 Days
Duration

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Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria
Countries Visited

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Moderately Active
Activity Level

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Trip Highlights

  • Follow the Path of Migration – Journey from Zurich to Amsterdam along the historic Rhine River route taken by Swiss and Alsatian Anabaptists.

  • Discover Stories of Resilience – Explore towns and regions that shaped Mennonite and Amish identities through faith, exile, and perseverance.

  • Connect with Ancestral Roots – Learn about family names and histories tied to this migration, including Beachy, Gingerich, Yoder, and more.

  • Experience Rich Culture and Heritage – Visit historic churches, scenic river valleys, and vibrant European cities.

  • Reflect and Renew – Deepen your appreciation for the enduring legacy of faith, community, and hospitality.

Aerial view of a lakeside European city with historic buildings, church steeples, and boats in the harbor at sunset.

DAY 1 • June 2, 2026

Zurich

Zurich & Anabaptist Origins 

Arrive in Zurich and join fellow travellers with a mid afternoon walking tour of the city’s Old Town featuring the Grossmünster Church—birthplace of the Swiss Reformation.

A group of people hiking on a trail through a forest, following a wooden railing near a large rock formation or cave entrance - the Bäretswil, Switzerland Anabaptist Cave.

DAY 2 • June 3, 2026

Interlaken

Susten Pass & the Bernese Oberland 

Reformation City to Hidden Worship Sites Travel into the hills to visit the Bäretswil Anabaptist Cave, a hidden site of early worship. Pass through Grüningen and Zollikon, locations of the first adult baptisms. Ascend the Susten Pass, one of the most breathtaking alpine routes in Switzerland, passing the Stein Glacier and rugged cliffs that echo the hardships of Anabaptist exile.

Scenic view of green rolling hills, mountains, a lake, and a cable car in a mountainous region.

DAY 3 • June 4, 2026

Sumiswald

Alpine & the Emmental 

Begin the day with an Alpine ascent up the Stockhorn mountain. In the afternoon, travel through the Emmental, homeland to many Mennonite ancestors. Drive through pastoral farms, and tour Trachselwald Castle, where persecuted Anabaptists were imprisoned before exile.

Large tree with sprawling branches and lush green leaves in a grassy area against a backdrop of a forest with tall, thin trees under a clear blue sky.

DAY 4 • June 5, 2026

Strasbourg

Alsace – Montbéliard, Peace Oak & Mennonite Homesteads 

Refuge in a Storybook Landscape Travel across the border into France and visit Montbéliard, a duchy that offered refuge to Swiss Anabaptists in the 17th century. Then continue into the Vosges foothills to see the Peace Oak of Salm, symbol of asylum for Amish and Mennonite refugees. If available, stop at the Küperschmitt/Gerber farmhouse, preserving Alsatian Mennonite rural life.

Statues of historical figures on pedestals in a park with trees and buildings in the background.

DAY 5 • June 6, 2026

Worms

Strasbourg to Worms

Begin the day in Strasbourg with a visit to the magnificent Strasbourg Cathedral and a stroll through the charming Petite France district, known for its half-timbered houses and winding canals. In the afternoon, travel to Worms to explore the Luther monument - an essential chapter in the story of faith and conviction that shaped Europe.

A river scene with a white boat named Rheinland on the water, colorful pink and orange flowers in the foreground, and green hills with trees and a church steeple in the background.

DAY 6 • June 7, 2026

Cologne (Köln)

Weierhof Mennonite Village & Rhine Cruise

Visit the historic Mennonite community of Weierhof, where local historians share stories of faith, endurance, and connection across generations. Explore the archives that preserve centuries of Anabaptist heritage before enjoying a scenic Rhine River cruise from St. Goar to Boppard, passing legendary castles and vineyard-covered hills. Continue on to Cologne for the evening.

Colorful historic buildings lining a canal with reflected water in Amsterdam under a clear blue sky.

DAY 7 • June 8, 2026

Amsterdam

Cologne to Amsterdam 

Travel from Cologne to Amsterdam, where the story of the Dutch Mennonite hospitality unfolds. Learn how compassionate congregations in the Netherlands welcomed and supported Swiss Anabaptists seeking refuge, helping shape the next chapter of the Mennonite journey to North America.

Interior view of a historic church or concert hall with high arched windows, ornate chandeliers, a grand pipe organ, and rows of chairs arranged for a performance or service.

DAY 8 • June 9, 2026

Amsterdam

Refuge and Flourishing  

Explore Amsterdam’s deep Mennonite roots with visits to the historic Singel Mennonite Church and Dam Square. Later, enjoy world-class art at the Rijksmuseum before free time to wander the canals and share a farewell dinner with fellow travelers.

Sunset over a canal lined with boats and historic buildings, with trees on both sides and a cloudy sky.

DAY 9 • June 10, 2026

Amsterdam

Departure 

Reflect on the meaningful stories, landscapes, and connections shared along the way as you bid farewell to new friends and the rich heritage of this unforgettable journey.

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Pricing

Registration By:

Black Friday Deal + Early Bird Rate until December 5, 2025 (save $350 USD | $500 CAD)

After December 5, 2025

Double Occupancy:

$4,145 USD | $5,685 CAD

$4,495 USD | $6,185 CAD

Single Occupancy:

$4,990 USD | $6,860 CAD

$5,240 USD | $7,210 CAD

Inclusions

  • 9 nights hotel accommodations in premium quality properties

  • Coach transportation within tour, group transfers

  • All breakfasts and dinners

  • Expert tour leaders and local guides

  • All entrance fees included in itinerary

  • Tips and donations

  • Water with Dinner

Exclusions

  • International airfare and any associated fees

  • Airport transfers

  • Lunches & optional activities

  • Beverages with meals

  • Schengen Visa

  • Visas (if required)

  • Travel Insurance

Tour Experts

A middle-aged man with gray hair, glasses, and a beard, smiling outdoors with green foliage and red berries in the background.

John Sharp

MORE ABOUT JOHN
Older man with white hair in a blue and white checkered shirt, smiling outdoors with green foliage in the background.

JB Miller

MORE ABOUT JB

Questions?

Reach out to our team at office@tourmagination.com
or by phone at (877) 668-2732.

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