Custom Tours · Heritage Stories · Europe
Oregon Friends and Family
Anabaptist Roots in Europe
OVERVIEW
Oregon Friends and Family
Anabaptist Roots in Europe
May 14 - 28, 2027
From $5,975 USD
Trace the Anabaptist story across the landscapes where the movement took root, spread, and endured. Beginning in the Netherlands, this journey connects Amsterdam, Friesland, and places tied to Menno Simons before continuing through Germany’s Reformation cities and historic Anabaptist communities.
Along the way, travelers will explore the Rhine, the Kraichgau, Alsace, and Strasbourg, hearing stories of Mennonite and Amish faith shaped by migration, persecution, and resilience. In Switzerland, visits to cemeteries, castles, hiding places, Schleitheim, and a secret worship cave bring the history into vivid focus, while the Alps offer space to slow down and reflect.
The journey continues into Austria and Bavaria, where the story of Jakob Hutter, Augsburg, and Dachau broadens the conversation around faith, conscience, and courage. Blending heritage, local encounters, cultural experiences, and beautiful landscapes, this tour invites travelers to walk thoughtfully through an enduring story of belief.
This is a custom tour. Registration by invitation only.
John Sharp
Tour Expert
Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria
Countries Visited
15 Days
Duration
Moderately Active
Activity Level
Trip Highlights
Trace the Roots of Anabaptism - Follow the story from Amsterdam and Friesland to Schleitheim and Augsburg, visiting places connected to Menno Simons, Jakob Hutter, and early Anabaptist communities.
Encounter Living Mennonite Connections - Spend time with local communities in Friesland and at Weierhof, including a family homestay that brings today’s Mennonite story into conversation with the past.
Walk Through Stories of Faith and Resilience - Visit cemeteries, castles, hidden worship sites, and Schleitheim, reflecting on the choices, risks, and convictions that shaped generations of Anabaptists.
Experience Europe Beyond the Heritage Sites - Explore Amsterdam’s canals, the Rhine by boat, Alsatian villages, Swiss Alps, and Tyrolean traditions, adding cultural richness and beautiful landscapes to the journey.
Reflect on Conscience Across History - From Reformation-era cities to Dachau, consider how questions of faith, freedom, persecution, and moral courage have echoed across different periods of European history.
DAY 1 • May 14, 2027
A Journey Begins
Arrive in Amsterdam. Transfer by train or taxi to Haarlem and enjoy time to settle into your hotel. Your tour begins as you gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner, setting the stage for a meaningful exploration of Anabaptist history, European culture, and shared discovery.
Overnight: Haarlem
DAY 2 • May 15, 2027
Dutch Landscapes and Traditions
Step into the landscapes and traditions of the Netherlands with visits to Zaanse Schans and Asperen. Return to Haarlem for time to explore at your own pace before gathering for dinner at a local Indonesian restaurant, reflecting the cultural influences that have shaped Dutch life.
Overnight: Haarlem
DAY 3 • May 16, 2027
Faith and Memory in Amsterdam
Spend the day in Amsterdam, where layers of history, faith, and memory come together. Visit the Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank House, then step inside the Singel Mennonite Church before seeing the city from its canals on a boat ride. Return to Haarlem for dinner together.
Overnight: Haarlem
DAY 4 • May 17, 2027
Into the Heart of Friesland
Begin with the color and energy of the Aalsmeer Flower Auction before traveling north into Friesland, a region closely connected to Mennonite history. Explore Witmarsum, Pingjum, and Leeuwarden with local hosts, then experience warm hospitality over dinner and an overnight stay with a local family in Berlikum.
Overnight: Berlikum
DAY 5 • May 18, 2027
Waterways and Reformation Stories
Leave Friesland behind and travel through the storybook waterways of Giethoorn before continuing into Germany. Arrive in Münster, a city deeply connected to the turbulent Reformation era, and explore its historic center on foot. The evening is yours to continue discovering the city at your own pace.
Overnight: Münster
DAY 6 • May 19, 2027
Along the Rhine
Travel south with a possible visit to Cologne Cathedral before joining the Rhine. Pause in a riverside town for lunch and exploration, then cruise from Boppard toward St. Goar or Oberwesel as castles and vineyard-covered hills unfold. Continue to Worms, with an optional evening walk to the Luther Monument.
Overnight: Worms
DAY 7 • May 20, 2027
Faith Across the Kraichgau
Explore the Kraichgau region, where Anabaptist history is woven into rural communities and hidden places. Visit Weierhof and its archives as time allows, continue to the historic Steinsfurt cellar, and climb the Steinsburg Tower for a wider view of the landscape that shaped generations of faith communities.
Overnight: Sinsheim
DAY 8 • May 21, 2027
The Beauty of Alsace
Discover the beauty and charm of Alsace as you travel along its scenic wine route. Wander through the picturesque village of Riquewihr, surrounded by vineyards and colourful half-timbered homes, before continuing to Strasbourg. Explore the city on an Anabaptist-focused tour, with its remarkable cathedral and historic connections to the Amish story, then enjoy time to discover Strasbourg independently.
Overnight: Strasbourg
DAY 9 • May 22, 2027
Stories of Swiss Anabaptists
Cross into Switzerland and trace stories of faith, persecution, and perseverance in the Emmental region. Visit the Langnau Mennonite Cemetery and Trachselwald Castle before continuing to Bern for a walking tour. Later, travel into the Alps and settle into Grindelwald beneath the surrounding peaks.
Overnight: Grindelwald
DAY 10 • May 23, 2027
Among the Swiss Alps
Spend a day surrounded by the beauty of the Swiss Alps. In the mountains, choose time for hiking, exploring by gondola, or simply enjoying Grindelwald’s dramatic scenery. The day concludes with a traditional Swiss dinner shared together.
Overnight: Grindelwald
DAY 11 • May 24, 2027
Hidden Places of Faith
Leave Grindelwald and travel toward Zurich, stopping at the Hiding Place in Hinter Hutten, where stories of Anabaptists seeking safety bring the past into focus. Share lunch there before continuing to Zurich for a walking tour and free time to explore the city on your own.
Overnight: Zurich
DAY 12 • May 25, 2027
Worship in Secret Places
Explore two places closely tied to early Anabaptist identity and worship. Visit the Schleitheim Museum and share lunch in the countryside, then continue to the Anabaptist Cave near Bäretswil, once used as a secret worship site. Gather there for worship and communion before returning to Zurich.
Overnight: Zurich
DAY 13 • May 26, 2027
Austrian Traditions & Tyrolean Spirit
Continue east into Austria and the stunning Tyrolean Alps, discovering the region’s rich culture and traditions. Visit Hutter Park and learn about the story of Jakob Hutter and his connection to the Anabaptist journey, then enjoy time along Innsbruck’s Maria Theresien Strasse. In the evening, gather for dinner and traditional Tyrolean music.
Overnight: Innsbruck
DAY 14 • May 27, 2027
Conscience, Memory and Reflection
Visit Dachau Concentration Camp for a sobering reflection on persecution, conscience, and human responsibility. Later, travel to Munich and enjoy the afternoon exploring the city. Gather for a farewell dinner in the evening and reflect on the journey shared together.
Overnight: Munich
DAY 15 • May 28, 2027
Carrying the Story Home
After days of tracing Anabaptist history across the Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland, and Austria, the journey comes to a close in Munich. Depart for home carrying new perspectives, meaningful encounters, and a deeper understanding of the courage, conviction, and communities that shaped the Anabaptist story.
Pricing
Tour fare per person based on shared and single occupancy.
This is a custom tour. Registration by invitation only.
Shared Occupancy:
$5,975 USD
Single Occupancy:
$7,590 USD
What’s Included
Carefully selected premium accommodations in well-located three- and four-star boutique and centrally located hotels
Daily breakfasts, along with 2 lunches and 9 dinners, including thoughtfully hosted group dining experiences featuring multi-course menus at local restaurants
The full-time services and leadership throughout the journey with Tour Expert, John Sharp
Transportation throughout the tour by private coach, including complimentary bottled water
Knowledgeable local guides in select destinations, offering deeper cultural insight and enriching on-the-ground perspective
All admission fees to included sightseeing, excursions, and cultural sites as detailed in the itinerary
Gratuities for drivers, local guides, and included group meals
What’s Not Included
International airfare and associated fees
Airport transfers
Meals not specifically listed in the itinerary
Beverages with meals, unless otherwise noted
Optional activities, additional transportation, and personal expenses
ETIAS authorization
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?
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or by phone at (877) 668-2732.