Itinerary
July 24 Prague, Czech Republic
Our tour begins in Prague, a city renowned for its enchanting medieval and Baroque architecture, which remarkably escaped widespread WWII bombing. Meet your fellow travellers and transfer to your hotel and relax or join in a group activity. Flights should arrive by noon if possible. Take an afternoon visit to Vyšehrad, which is considered to have been the beginning of Prague as a capital. Have a chance to stroll in the gardens (park) and maybe visit the famous 11th century Cathedral, where famous composer Bedřich Smetana was buried.
July 25 Prague
Following a good night’s rest, you’ll be ready for a guided city tour to see the magnificent sights of Prague, including the Old Town Square. Here, you will see the larger-than-life sculpture of early reformer, Jan Hus (1369-1415), and the famous Astronomical Clock. Also along the way see Charles Bridge, St. Vitus Cathedral, and much more. Free time in the afternoon for further exploration, shopping, or rest as time permits. Optional evening concert.
July 26 Bratislava / Brno
This morning, visit a Hutterite house in Veľké Leváre, dating from 1717, giving you insight into their communal way of life. Continue on to Brno for the night.
July 27 Kraków, Poland
Relax and enjoy the countryside as you journey to Krakow, Poland. Stretch your legs and take in the scenery at stops en route.
July 28 Kraków
Take a guided tour of the Wieliczka Salt Mine—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mines are sometimes called “The Underground Salt Cathedral” because they contain historic statues and mythical figures, as well as contemporary sculptures, all carved from salt. Visit Kraków’s bustling market square, and the fascinating Rynek underground museum below it.
July 29 Warsaw
Travel on to Warsaw, Poland’s capital. On a guided city tour, see the beautifully restored Old Market Square, the Cathedral of St. John, the Barbican outpost fort and adjoining city wall, the monument to the 1944 uprising, and more.
July 30 Vistula Delta / Toruń
On this portion of our tour, you’ll begin to be immersed in the Mennonite story. Visit scattered villages and historic Mennonite sites in the Vistula delta region. At Deutsch Kazun, see a former Mennonite Church that was still in use during the Second World War. In Deutsch Wymysle, some Mennonite homes still stand. As you walk around the former church and cemetery, look for the names of your ancestors. Next, travel to Toruń—the birthplace of famous astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus—for a walking tour of one of the oldest urban centers in Poland.
July 31 Gdańsk
Continue along the Vistula Valley towards Gdańsk via a number of Mennonite towns, possibly including Schoensee and Nickelstein. Visit Montau, formerly a prosperous Mennonite community. Stop at the well-preserved cemetery in Montauerweide.
August 1 Gdańsk
Visit with Father Ropiejko at the Pentecostal church in Gdańsk, which was once a Mennonite church. Spend time in the beautiful Oliwa Gardens and enjoy an organ concert at the Oliwa Cathedral. Tour the historic city centre of Gdańsk including a museum in the town hall and the Church of St. Mary.
August 2 Gdańsk
Visit Stutthof Concentration Camp. Then continue to delve into the Mennonite history of Poland during visits to the Tiegenhagen cemetery; Nowy Dwor (Tiegenhof) with its Mennonite Museum; Elbing with its former Mennonite church that now belongs to a Polish National Catholic congregation; and Ellerwald, a former church site and cemetery where many Mennonites are buried.
August 3 Gdańsk
Begin the day with a tour of Malbork Castle, once the fortress of Teutonic Knights who came to Poland in the 1300’s and built this expansive, fortified monastery. Enjoy lunch at the castle before exploring more historic Mennonite centres including Neumuensterberg, featuring stately farm homes; and Heubuden, once the center of a large Mennonite community, and its cemetery.
August 4
Depart for home enriched with new experiences and new friends.
Please note: itinerary is subject to change.
Check the pricing page for what is included and excluded in the tour fare.
For further information, please contact us. We would be happy to be of assistance.
