Heritage Stories · Europe
Vienna to Venice: The Untold Stories of Women, Peasants & the Anabaptist Witness
OVERVIEW
Vienna to Venice: The Untold Stories of Women, Peasants & the Anabaptist Witness
May 6 - 19, 2026
From $6,995 USD / $9,395 CAD
Journey from Vienna to Venice on a powerful exploration of the often-overlooked women, peasants, and artisans who shaped the Anabaptist story. Trace their courage across Austria, Czechia, and Northern Italy as you visit historic sites of faith, resistance, and resilience. Alongside profound history, enjoy Europe’s cultural and natural treasures—from Vienna’s grand artistry to the Dolomites’ serene beauty—guided by storyteller and historian, Dr. Kimberly Schmidt.
Kimberly Schmidt & Richard Bergmann
Tour Experts
14 Days
Duration
Austria, Czechia, Italy
Countries Visited
Moderately Active
Activity Level
Trip Highlights
Walk in the Footsteps of Reformers – Explore key sites tied to early Anabaptist leaders and movements.
Uncover Hidden Stories – Learn about the women and working-class believers who shaped the faith.
Discover Cultural Landmarks – Visit Vienna’s museums, Melk Abbey, and baroque Salzburg.
Experience Alpine Beauty – Wander flower-filled meadows and mountain trails in the Dolomites.
Reflect in Venice – Conclude your journey amid the canals and historic light of this storied city.
DAY 1 • May 6, 2026
Vienna
Arrive in Austria's imperial capital and settle into your hotel. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at charming local cafés. In the evening, gather with fellow travelers for a welcome reception as we introduce the inspiring journey ahead.
DAY 2 • May 7, 2026
Vienna
Art & Everyday Life
Step into Vienna's rich artistic legacy with a guided tour of the Kunsthistorisches Museum, featuring paintings of peasant life by Bruegel and others. After lunch in the museum café, explore Vienna on foot with Dr. Kimberly Schmidt, delving into the social and cultural backdrop of the early Anabaptist movement. Conclude with dinner at a traditional Viennese restaurant and a scenic stroll along the Ringstrasse.
DAY 3 • May 8, 2026
Vienna
Anabaptist Footprints
Uncover the lesser-known stories of Anabaptists in Vienna through conversations with local historians and scholars. Savor lunch at the vibrant Naschmarkt, Vienna’s famed open-air market filled with international flavors. The afternoon is yours to explore independently or rest ahead of the travel days ahead. Dinner is on your own—perhaps sample one of the city’s cozy taverns or elegant cafes.
DAY 4 • May 9, 2026
Lower Austria & Czech Borderlands
Depart Vienna as we begin our journey toward Czechia. Visit the open-air Niedersulz Museum to experience rural village life, then continue to Falkenstein Castle and the town of Mikulov (Nicholsburg) in Czechia. End the day with a communal dinner hosted at a Bruderhof, reflecting on faith traditions.
DAY 5 • May 10, 2026
Salzburg
Abbeys, Memorials & Music
Start the day at the magnificent Melk Abbey, perched above the Danube, before visiting the sobering Mauthausen Memorial and Concentration Camp. In the evening, enjoy free time in Salzburg and an optional historical stroll with Kimberly through the musical heart of the city.
DAY 6 • May 11, 2026
Kitzbühel
Salzburg to Kitzbühel
After a relaxed morning, join an optional Sound of Music-themed excursion before we travel to the Tyrolean Alps. Visit Freyberg Castle and settle in for the evening in a mountain village surrounded by alpine charm.
DAY 7 • May 12, 2026
Innsbruck
Faith in the Habsburg Heartland
Explore Rottenburg and Hall in Tirol, two key sites where Anabaptists lived, worked, and were persecuted. Walk through Innsbruck, dine at a beloved local café, and visit the "Remaining Fragments" Memorial commemorating Anabaptist martyrdom.
DAY 8 • May 13, 2026
Brixen
Into Südtirol
Travel through the Brenner Pass into Italy's Dolomite region. Stop in the historic town of Sterzing and continue to Uttenheim for a visit to the Neuhaus Castle. Arrive in Brixen, your home base in the Puster Valley.
DAY 9 • May 14, 2026
Brixen
Castles & Culture in Brixen
Visit Rodenegg Castle, perched dramatically above the valley, and then explore Brixen’s historic old town and the Prince-Bishop’s Palace. Learn how noble families shaped religious life in the region and experience the cultural fusion of Alpine and Italian influences. The evening is yours to relax, stroll the cobbled streets, and enjoy local cuisine at your own pace—dinner is on your own.
DAY 10 • May 15, 2026
Klausen
Klausen & the Dolomite Meadows
Start your day with an immersive walking tour of the picturesque medieval town of Klausen (Chiusa) — far more than just a scenic stop, Klausen was a central stronghold of the Anabaptist movement in Tyrol. From this place of profound historical significance, pause and reflect before heading into the soaring Dolomite mountains to take in the stunning views and hike among flower-strewn meadows.
DAY 11 • May 16, 2026
Venice
Bozen to Venice - From Mountains to Canals
This morning, stroll through Bozen’s vibrant farmers' market or visit the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology (optional activity) to see the world-renowned Iceman “Ötzi.” In the afternoon, travel by motorcoach to Venice Mestre. Upon arrival, transfer by private water taxi to your hotel in the historic center of Venice—a fitting introduction to the floating city. Enjoy a welcome dinner together at a local Venetian restaurant.
DAY 12 • May 17, 2026
Venice
Venice: Glass, Faith & Hidden Stories
Begin the day with a guided visit to a Murano glass factory, where you'll witness master artisans at work preserving a centuries-old craft. In the afternoon, walk the storied streets of Venice on an Anabaptist-themed historical tour led by Kimberly Schmidt, uncovering faith-filled narratives woven into the city’s fabric. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at your leisure—perhaps indulge in a local café, explore canal-side neighborhoods, or attend an optional Vivaldi concert. Dinner is on your own.
DAY 13 • May 18, 2026
Venice
Venice: Power, Reflection & Food
This morning, join a local expert guide for a tour of Venice’s iconic sites: St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs—evocative places where politics, power, and religious convictions collided. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Optional activities include a scenic gondola ride and a Venetian aperitivo experience. In the evening, gather for a final celebratory dinner and share reflections from your journey.
DAY 14 • May 19, 2026
Venice
Departure from Venice
Bid farewell to your fellow travelers as you transfer to the airport or continue your journey independently, carrying with you unforgettable stories of faith, courage, and cultural richness.
Pricing
Registration:
Early Bird Rate until November 6, 2025
After November 6, 2025
Double Occupancy:
$6,995 USD | $9,395 CAD
$7,495 USD | $9,995 CAD
Single Occupancy:
$8,295 USD | $11,195 CAD
$8,795 USD | $11,795 CAD
Inclusions
13 Nights of curated accommodations in premium, high-quality and unique experiences
All breakfasts, 9 dinners, 1 welcome reception with high quality and unique culinary experiences
Expert story teller & local guides
Private comfortable coach transportation within tour
All listed excursions and entrances in program such as:
Historic churches, castles, museums, cultural sites across Austria and Italy
Murano glass factory, Basilica of St. Mark, Doge's Palace (Venice)
Private boat to Murano
Hotel porterage at most hotels (including Venice)
Private water taxi group transfers in Venice on arrival and departure to Marco Polo Airport
Customary gratuities for driver, meals, local guides
Exclusions
International airfare and all associated fees
Airport transfers on arrival
Departure transfer in Venice if outside of group transfer
Lunches
Beverages with meals (other than water that is included at dinners)
Personal expenses and optional activities not outlined in the itinerary (such as Vivaldi concert, Gondola ride in Venice)
Gratuities to hotel staff, airport porters, or personal service gratuities not explicitly listed
Visas (if required)
Richard Bergmann and Kimberly Schmidt at Rodenegg Castle in Südtirol, Italy.
TOUR EXPERTS
Kimberly Schmidt & Richard Bergmann
Questions?
Reach out to our team at office@tourmagination.com
or by phone at (877) 668-2732.