Day 1 EUROPE BOUND
Overnight flight from the United States to Glasgow.
Day 2 GLASGOW
After meeting with our guide, we'll be given an orientation tour by motor coach of some of the city's important landmarks. These include the University, which overlooks the sloping terraces of one of Glasgow's many parks. We'll drive by Victoria Park and the Botanical Gardens and other famous buildings. It's then on to our hotel and the rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight in Glasgow. Breakfast and Dinner included.
Day 3 GLASGOW
Our day begins with a visit to St. Mungo's Cathedral. This famous, gothic structure is the only church in Scotland to survive the challenging Reformation in 1560. Nearby is the oldest house in the city, which was built in 1471. We'll also visit the Necropolis to see the statue of John Knox, which stands as memorial to all those who have preached the word of God during times of persecution. A trip to the Govan Old Parish Church will be our last visit before lunch. We then drive to view the impressive Burrell Collection, which is housed at Pollock Country Park. This world famous assortment of furniture, ceramics, artwork and stained glass was a gift by Sir William and Lady Burrell to the city of Glasgow.
If time permits, the afternoon will be at leisure. Overnight in Glasgow. Breakfast and Dinner included.
Day 4 GLASGOW/LOCH LOMOND/OBAN
We head north this morning along the majestic shores of Loch Lomond to Inveraray where we'll visit the famous castle. For centuries, the impressive fortress was the seat of Clan Campbell. The Castle features many remains of days gone by as well as grand portraits. Our trip continues past extraordinary scenery to the port town of Oban, also known as the "gateway to the islands". We'll visit the incomplete replica of Rome's Colosseum and other points of interest before settling into our hotel. Overnight in Oban. Breakfast and Dinner included.
Day 5 OBAN/MULL
Following breakfast we board our ferry to the Island of Mull and the exhibit of Saint Columba. This informative exhibition will provide an insightful glance into this dedicated man of God. Mull is one of the more picturesque of the Scottish isles. It's beautiful landscape features small forests, beaches and rivers. We head north along the coastline to the quaint village of Tobermory with it's colorful houses and then on to Derrvaig and the Old Byre Heritage Center. The center features exhibitions on the culture and wildlife on the island. Overnight in Mull. Breakfast and Dinner included.
Day 6 MULL/IONA/MULL
Our stay on the Scottish Isles brings us to the Island of Iona via Fionnphort. Saint Columba fled to this island in 536 AD after being outcast from Ireland due to religious persecution. Columba and his disciples built a monastery which was conducive in spreading Christianity throughout the northern part of Britain and parts of Europe. We'll visit the famous Abbey and have some time to discover the islands hidden treasures before returning to Mull. Overnight in Mull. Breakfast and Dinner included.
Day 7 MULL/PERTH/EDINBURGH
Back to Oban and a scenic drive through the beautiful Highlands to the city of Perth. This noble city is situated on the River Tay and boasts the well known Black Watch Museum. The museum features over two centuries of British military history. We'll visit Balhousie Castle and the Cathedral before heading towards Edinburgh this afternoon. Overnight in Edinburgh. Breakfast and Dinner included.
Day 8 EDINBURGH
The stately capital city and one time home of John Knox, Edinburgh awaits us. We begin with a tour of some of the city's focal points, the distinguished University, Greyfriars and the Mound. We'll view the Martyrs Monument, built in memory of those who's faith would not waiver. A drive along the Royal Mile leads us to St. Giles Cathedral where John Knox preached and his home. Our tour day ends with a visit to the imposing Edinburgh Castle to cast our eyes on the spectacular Scottish Crown jewels as well as marvel at the sprawling city below. If time permits, the day will also include a visit to the Holyrood Palace. Overnight in Edinburgh. Breakfast and Dinner included.
Day 9 SAINT ANDREWS/EDINBURGH
We're off to Saint Andrews, home of Scotland's patron saint, Holy Trinity Church and the birthplace of golf. We'll stroll the grounds of Saint Mary's College and visit the Cathedral ruins which date back to 1160. George Wishart, the Scottish Protestant reformer, was executed in Saint Andrews for heresy in 1546. Following his martyrdom, John Knox preached in the castle and church. After some free time to enjoy the shops or visit the old golf course, we head back to Edinburgh. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 10 HADDINGTON/ GIFFORD/ MELROSE/ JEDBURGH/ EDINBURGH
A day of pleasant adventure is our itinerary for the day. Our first stop is Haddington, the birthplace of John Knox and the location of the lovely gardens of Haddington House. Next we'll visit the picturesque village of Gifford and the Yester Parish Church. Onward to the ruins of Melrose Abbey, once the gem of Scotland and then to the ruins of Jedburgh Abbey. Our day ends in Edinburgh. Overnight in Edinburgh. Breakfast and Dinner included.
Day 11 EDINBURGH/USA
This morning we are transferred to the airport for our flight home.
Attention Group Leader: A pre-tour to Germany or Switzerland to include Reformation history fits perfectly on to this schedule, as does the Christian heritage of England. Customize this tour for your group with a variety of tour lengths, beginning at 7 days and up to 21 days. Call the professional tour planners today. |