Custom Tours · Europe
Iowa Anabaptist Heritage Tour in Europe
OVERVIEW
Iowa Anabaptist Heritage in Europe Tour
October 5 - 17, 2026
From $5,475 USD
This immersive Anabaptist heritage journey traces the story of faith and reform across Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Beginning in Zürich and concluding in Amsterdam, the tour brings to life the stories of early Anabaptist leaders through visits to significant historical sites. Highlights include the Anabaptist Cave in Bäretswil, Trachselwald Castle, the Weierhof Mennonite community, a Rhine River cruise, and a visit to the Anne Frank House. Woven throughout are opportunities for worship, reflection, and a meaningful homestay, offering a deeper connection to the Anabaptist story and shared life.
This is a custom tour. Registration by invitation only.
Frank Yoder, Ayold Fanoy
Tour Experts
13 Days
Duration
Switzerland, France, Germany, Netherlands
Countries Visited
Moderately Active
Activity Level
Trip Highlights
Trace the Anabaptist Story – Follow the journey of faith across Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, visiting places central to the Radical Reformation.
Explore Historic Faith Sites – Visit meaningful locations including the Anabaptist Cave in Bäretswil, Trachselwald Castle, and the Weierhof Mennonite village.
Experience Scenic Europe – Take in the beauty of the Swiss Alps and enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Rhine River through castle-lined landscapes.
Engage Stories of Courage and Faith – Visit powerful sites like the Anne Frank House and Corrie ten Boom House.
Connect Through Shared Experience – Participate in worship, shared meals, and a meaningful homestay that fosters connection and community.
DAY 1 • October 5, 2026
Arrivals & Welcome Orientation
Touch down in beautiful Zürich and ease into European time with a simple train ride into the city. Stroll its lakeside promenades before a guided Old Town walk featuring the Grossmünster, Huldrych Zwingli Statue, the site of Conrad Grebel’s home, and the Felix Manz Execution Site. In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner to connect and begin the journey together.
DAY 2 • October 6, 2026
Zürich → Bäretswil → Schleitheim
Embark on a meaningful pilgrimage to the Anabaptist Cave in Bäretswil, a secret worship site nestled in the forest. Visit the poignant Schleitheim Monument—commemorating the first Anabaptist confession of faith. Share in reflection and worship where faithful believers once gathered in hiding.
DAY 3 • October 7, 2026
Emmental Region
Travel into Switzerland’s Emmental region of rolling hills and deep Anabaptist roots. Visit Trachselwald Castle, where Anabaptists were once imprisoned, and reflect on their resilience. Continue through surrounding valleys, including Langnau, one of the oldest Mennonite communities, and enjoy a casual lunch at Kambly. At the Haslibacher farm, consider Hans Haslibacher’s story, then explore Wasen’s local craftsmanship. Conclude with a quiet visit to the Hinterhütten hiding place before returning to the hotel for dinner.
DAY 4 • October 8, 2026
Bern & Thun
We travel to Bern today, where the story of Anabaptist persecution is etched into the fabric of the city. Walking through its historic streets, we visit significant sites including the execution place of Hans Haslibacher, the Läuferbrunnen fountain, and the Aare River, associated with exile and forced galley service. In the afternoon, visit Thun Castle and the village church in Erlenbach, where Jakob Amman was baptized.
DAY 5 • October 9, 2026
Swiss Alps
Today offers a breathtaking turn toward the Swiss Alps. Travel by mountain rail into the high alpine region surrounding the Schilthorn, taking in sweeping vistas and dramatic peaks along the way. Enjoy an included group lunch at the summit, followed by time to take in the beauty of the alpine landscape and nearby villages at your own pace. In the late afternoon, we return to the Emmental region, carrying with us both the stillness and grandeur of the mountains.
DAY 6 • October 10, 2026
Thun/Bern Area → Alsace/Strasbourg
Journey into France’s Alsace region, where vineyards, timber-framed villages, and mountain views frame a deeper look at Anabaptist heritage. Along scenic country roads, reflect on the Amish story shaped by this historic borderland. Time permitting, stop in a picturesque village for lunch and exploration, experiencing the blend of French and German culture. Conclude in Strasbourg, rich in Reformation history and once home to Anabaptist leader Pilgram Marpeck.
DAY 7 • October 11, 2026
Strasbourg → Weierhof → Worms
Continue to Weierhof in the Palatinate region—Germany’s unique semi-communal Mennonite village—and visit its important archive. Share in a local church service and enjoy time for coffee, tea, and lunch together in this historic community. A visit to the Weierhof Mennonite Archives offers deeper insight into the lived experience of faith in this region. Later, in Worms, we explore the historic city centre, including the site of the Diet of Worms, where key moments of Reformation history unfolded. We conclude the day with a shared group dinner.
DAY 8 • October 12, 2026
Worms → Mainz → Rhine River Cruise → Cologne
Our day begins with a visit to the Gutenberg Museum, where the story of print and its role in shaping faith movements comes to life. There will be time for an individual lunch in Mainz or Boppard before continuing into the stunning Middle Rhine Valley. Unwind on a Rhine River cruise, through castle-studded landscapes. Following the cruise, we continue to Cologne for the evening.
DAY 9 • October 13, 2026
Cologne → Münster
Stand in awe beneath the towering spires of Cologne’s Gothic cathedral. Cross into Germany to explore Münster, the dramatic site of a radical Anabaptist uprising. Walk the old town, visit the city museum’s Anabaptist room, and reflect on the lessons of history. Optional free time for outdoor museums or cycling through the city’s medieval streets.
DAY 10 • October 14, 2026
Münster → Friesland (Witmarsum & Pingjum Region)
Depart Münster and travel north into the Friesland region of the Netherlands, arriving mid-afternoon. Explore Witmarsum, hometown of Menno Simons, and visit the hidden church in Pingjum, where lunch is provided. In the evening, gather in Berlikum for dinner and a short time of worship, followed by a relaxed evening. Overnight includes a meaningful homestay, deepening the sense of connection and shared life.
DAY 11 • October 15, 2026
Friesland → Haarlem
Depart Friesland and travel south, stopping in Asperen, a place closely connected to the story of Dirk Willems. From here, we continue toward the Amsterdam area, with visits through Haarlem and Heemstede woven into the day. In Haarlem, there is an opportunity to visit the Corrie ten Boom House Museum (scheduled in smaller groups), along with time to explore the city at your own pace. The day concludes with a traditional Indonesian rice table dinner (rijsttafel) hosted at the Mennonite Church in Heemstede—an experience that reflects both history and hospitality. We arrive at our hotel in Haarlem later in the evening.
DAY 12 • October 16, 2026
Haarlem & Amsterdam
We travel into Amsterdam by train and gather at the Singelkerk, where lunch is included. Later, a visit to the Anne Frank House offers a moving and intimate encounter with one of history’s most powerful personal stories. A canal boat tour then provides a unique perspective on the city’s history and daily life. The day concludes with dinner in Amsterdam or at the hotel, providing space to reflect on the stories encountered.
DAY 13 • October 17, 2026
Departure from Amsterdam
As the journey comes to a close, depart from Amsterdam with gratitude for the stories shared and connections formed along the way. Departure transfers are not included; however, the airport is conveniently reached by train, making independent travel simple and efficient.
Pricing
Tour fare per person based on shared and single occupancy.
Shared Occupancy:
$5,475 USD
Single Occupancy:
$6,135 USD
Inclusions
Carefully selected accommodations, including a special homestay in Berlikum, Netherlands
All breakfasts and dinners, plus 4 included lunches
Transportation within the tour by coach and train as indicated in the itinerary
Admission fees to all sites and attractions featured on the journey
Full-time, knowledgeable local guide to enrich your experience
Gratuities for drivers, guides, and group meals
Exclusions
International airfare
Airport transfers
9 lunches not specified in the itinerary
Beverages with meals
Schengen Area Visa Waiver (ETIAS)
TOUR EXPERT
Ayold Fanoy
Historian · Guide · Adventurer · Storyteller · Outdoor Enthusiast
Ayold lives in the Netherlands and has devoted much of his life to serving a Mennonite congregation in Haarlem. He enjoys adventure travel—including an annual snowshoe trek in Norway.
Through his theological studies at the Dutch Mennonite Seminary and VU University Amsterdam, Ayold developed a deep interest in European Mennonite history. Wanting to share that passion, he began organizing Mennonite Heritage Tours. “For me, a Mennonite Heritage Tour is not just a heritage tour,” he says, “but also a spiritual journey into the faith and life of our forbearers.”
Ayold’s tours invite travelers to explore what early Anabaptists discovered about Jesus—truths so compelling they were willing to give up their homes, and even their lives, to follow him.
Questions?
Reach out to our team at office@tourmagination.com
or by phone at (877) 668-2732.