Whatever your religion you will find this church tour a fascinating glimpse into the history of British heritage. You will travel through Scotland and England visiting churches, cathedrals, chapels and many other heritage sites as well
Below is only a suggestion, we will custom build this tour to suit both your requirements and budget.
Day 1
Arrive in Scotland. Afternoon tour of Glasgow to include Glasgow Cathedral and the St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life. The parish church for Glasgow, the Cathedral is a rare example of an almost complete original 13th century church, built over the supposed tomb of St Kentigern, whilst the Museum, with its unique focus on things spiritual, has 3 galleries dedicated to religious art, world religions and religion in Scottish history. Overnight Glasgow
Day 2
North to Loch Lomond with a stop at the new Visitor Centre. The loch is the largest stretch of freshwater in the UK, so, in addition to offering recreation to the citizens of Glasgow, also provides much of the water for the city. Continue towards Oban, skirting Loch Long and Loch Fyne, with a stop at the pleasant town of Inveraray, an early example of town planning, as the original settlement was moved to accommodate the present Castle. This multi-turreted mock Gothic palace has been the home the Chief of the powerful Clan Campbell, the Dukes of Argyll, since 1701. Take the afternoon ferry to Craignure then across Mull to Fionnphort to take the passenger ferry to Iona.
Overnight Iona.
Day 3 & 4
Time for reflection and contemplation in this place of pilgrimage and retreat. Overnight Iona.
Day 5
Early departure for the return to the mainland. From Oban, head north, with perhaps a side trip into the magnificent Glencoe, before arriving in Fort William, nestled at the foot of Ben Nevis. Weather permitting, take the path up the mountain, or, for the less energetic, a trip in the Gondola up Anaoch Mor, for a fine view over the surrounding countryside. Overnight Fort William.
Day 6
Continue north, following the line of the Caledonian Canal, through the Great Glen to Loch Ness, where St Columba of Iona reportedly saw Nessie, the famous Monster. Visit the ancient ruins of Urquhart Castle, before continuing on to Culloden, scene of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s final defeat, which changed Highland life for ever. Overnight Inverness area
Day 7
South through the Grampian Mountains with a stop in the pleasant village of Dunkeld to visit the Cathedral. In Perth, a stop at St John’s Kirk, where John Knox delivered a sermon on 11 May 1559 that served to launch the Reformation in Scotland, before continuing on to Stirling, where the historic Castle dominates the old town. Overnight Edinburgh
Day 8
Time to explore Edinburgh, in particular the Royal Mile, which winds is way through the historic Old Town from the Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the queen when she is in Scotland. Places of note include St Giles Cathedral and John Knox House.
Day 9
South today to the exquisite Rosslyn Chapel (the reported hiding place of the Holy Grail and ancient home of the Knights of Templar), then via Melrose and Jedburgh, home to two of the 4 great Cistercian abbeys, founded in the 12th century. Continue over the border into Northumbria for a visit to the Holy Island (Lindisfarne) with its Priory and Castle. Note that access to and from the island is via a causeway and therefore governed by local tides. Overnight Holy Island (or area)
Day 10
After a stop at one of the Roman forts on Hadrian’s Wall, continue to the medieval city of York, dominated by the fine Minster. Places of interest include the historic walls, the fine Castle Museum and the Shambles, a narrow Medieval street where the houses almost touch at the second story level. Overnight York
Day 11
Further time to explore York with a visit to York Minster with the interesting museum in the undercroft, followed by a tour of the Jorvik Viking Centre, offering an experience of the sights, sounds and smells of Viking York. Later transfer to the Manchester area for overnight.
Day 12
Depart for airport for return home.
The above package includes:
- 11 nights’ accommodation
- Breakfast daily
- Dinner daily (if required – groups bookings only)
- Sightseeing pass (individuals) or entrance fees to places of interest (groups)
- Hire of self-drive automatic car or minibus and driver (individuals) OR Coach and driver (groups)
- Return ferry fare: Oban-Craignure; Fionnphort-Iona
- VAT at 20%
Note: As mentioned, Lindisfarne is accessible only via a causeway that is flooded twice daily. Any visit to the island is governed by the tides. Accommodation on the island itself is very limited.
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