Group members will make their own arrangements for air travel or may contact Progressive Pilgrimage for assistance. Most trans-Atlantic flights depart in the afternoon or evening and include an overnight leg. Flights should be booked so that pilgrims arrive at Hampton by Hilton, London – Waterloo before 2:00pm on Saturday, December 5.

Group members will make their own arrangement for arrival in London and transfer to Hampton by Hilton in London’s Waterloo district. The program begins at 2:00pm with a guided tour of St. Paul’s Cathedral or Westminster Abbey concluding with Evensong worship. Private celebratory welcome dinner (included) in a local restaurant. Overnight in London.

Begin the day with morning prayer at either Westminster Abbey or St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. Continue in a spirit of worship at St. Martin-in-the-Fields. Following lunch (included) in their cafe, we will meet with a rector to learn more about the contemporary congregation. In the afternoon, visit the Southwark area of London. This area was home to the Tabard Inn, where Geoffrey Chaucer’s pilgrims laid their plans for a journey to Canterbury. It is also home to Southwark Cathedral, the traditional London starting point for Canterbury pilgrims. After a full day of touring, the evening is free to explore London on your own. Dinner is at your discretion. Overnight in London.

Departing London in the morning, we will travel by motorcoach to the prehistoric monument at Stonehenge. After lunch (included), we will travel to the coastal city of Southampton: the start of the Old Way pilgrimage route and also home to the harbor that launched both the Mayflower and the Titanic. Noting that 2020 marks the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower sailing, we will visit commemorative sites in Southampton. In the evening, the group will be joined by a representative of the British Pilgrimage Trust (pending availability) to learn more about the Old Way, its rediscovery, and plans for pilgrimage-related improvements. Dinner (included) and overnight accommodations in Southampton.

Today the entire group will begin with morning worship at the ruins of Netley Abbey, a 13th century Cistercian monastery in Southampton.

Following worship, those wishing to walk will do so along a section of the South Downs Way, one of 15 National Trails within England. The trail follows the ridgeline of England’s white, chalky cliffs. It includes iconic scenery, crosses Bronze Age barrows, and Iron Age forts. Those not wishing for a long walk may visit the Fishbourne Roman Palace – the remains of the largest Roman home in Britain dating from 75 CE – and/or the ruins of Boxgrove Priory. The two groups will meet for lunch (included).

In the afternoon, walkers may opt to hike another section of The Old Way. Those not walking will visit the Battle Abbey, site of the 1066 Battle of Hastings, marking the Norman conquest of England.

The group will meet again in the evening for dinner and overnight accommodations in a location near the route of The Old Way.

The group will begin the day with a visit to St. Dunstan’s Church in Cranbrook, a congregation which has ancestral connections with members of Holy Trinity in Greensboro. Next, visit Saltwood Castle, in Kent – the place where a group of knights hatched the plan to murder Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral.

After lunch (included) the group will walk together into Canterbury. Those unable to walk may ride the bus and meet the group at Canterbury Cathedral. We will celebrate Evensong worship together in the cathedral. Dinner and overnight accommodations will be at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge, whose rooms overlook the cathedral itself.

Begin the day with a tour of the Canterbury Cathedral, the mother church of the worldwide Anglican Communion and the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the head of the Church of England. The origins of the cathedral go back to the arrival of St. Augustine, the first Archbishop of Canterbury who came as a missionary to England in the sixth century.  In 1170, Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered during a vespers service in Canterbury Cathedral by knights loyal to King Henry II. He was soon canonized a saint and the king made penance for Becket’s death. Canterbury became one of Europe’s most important pilgrimage centers. During the Reformation in England, the monastery was dissolved and the cathedral became the seat for the head of the Church of England. In addition to visiting the Cathedral, your group will visit St. Augustine’s Abbey, part of the Canterbury World Heritage Site.

After lunch (included) enjoy a free afternoon to explore Canterbury on your own. Dinner is at your own discretion. Overnight at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge.

Those wishing to walk may do so this morning along the route from Canterbury to Dover along a section of the North Downs Way. Those opting not to walk may enjoy a leisurely morning in Canterbury followed by a visit to the Dover Museum, housing a Bronze Age boat. The group will reunite for lunch (included) and an afternoon visit to Dover Castle. Conclude the day with worship and Eucharist at Kearsney Abbey before a celebratory parting dinner. Overnight accommodations near London’s Heathrow Airport.

Group members will make their own arrangements for air travel and may utilize the hotel shuttle for a transfer to London’s Heathrow Airport. Those departing from other airports may need to arrange their own airport transfer.

Group members will make their own arrangement for air travel or may contact Progressive Pilgrimage for assistance. Most trans-Atlantic flights depart in the afternoon or evening and include an overnight leg. Flights should be booked so that pilgrims arrive at the hotel in historic Dublin before 2:00pm on Saturday, August 29.

Group members will make their own arrangement for arrival in Dublin and transfer to a hotel in the historic city center. The program begins at 1:00pm with a guided walking tour of Dublin including a tour of Dublin Castle and the State Apartment.  End the day with a private celebratory welcome dinner (included) in a local restaurant featuring Irish music and storytelling. Overnight in the historic center of Dublin.

Begin the day with morning worship with Eucharist at St. Patrick’s Cathedral (Church of Ireland) followed by a guided tour of the Cathedral. After lunch (included) in a local restaurant, enjoy a self-guided visit to the Book of Kells and Trinity College. Conclude the day with a tour and tasting at the Guinness Storehouse. You will have free time to explore Dublin in the evening and enjoy dinner at your leisure. Overnight in Dublin’s historic center.

Visit Glendalough Monastic Site in the scenic Wicklow Muontains. Your pilgrimage walk will be hosted by Tearmann Spirituality Centre. Following lunch in a Glendalough restaurant (included), we continue to Kilkenny for a guided tour of Kilkenny Castle.

Conclude the day in Kilkenny for dinner and overnight accommodations. Enjoy optional evening pub visits in Kilkenny.

Christian worship has taken place at the site of St. Canice’s Cathedral since the sixth century. Pilgrims will visit the grounds, an 11th century cathedral, and round tower with a guided tour. Continuing on to Tipperary, we visit the medieval castle and ruins at the Rock of Cashel.

Following lunch (included) we arrive in Limerick for a Limerick walking tour including Bishop’s Palace, King John’s Castle (exterior only), St. Munchin’s Church, and St. Mary’s Cathedral. Conclude the day with a private evening liturgy at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Dinner (included) and overnight accommodations in Limerick with optional evening pub visits.

Visit the lunar-like landscape of Ireland’s Burren National Park and the surrounding area. Today’s itinerary includes a guided nature walk (1.5 – 2 hours) and the 7th century monastic ruins of Temple Cronan.

After lunch (included), we continue to the oldest dated megalithic monument in Ireland, Poulnaborne Dolmen Tomb. Finally see the majestic Cliffs of Moher with a self guided walk and visitor center experience. We continue on to Galway for dinner, overnight accommodations, and optional evening pub visits. We remain in Galway for the rest of the pilgrimage.

Take the ferry from Galway to Inis Mor, the largest of the Aran Islands (weather permitting). The rugged limestone islands are filled with ancient sites and traditional Irish culture. Enjoy a guided walk on Inis Mor including Dun Aengus Celtic Fort and the Seven Churches ruins. Lunch on the island is included. In the late afternoon take the return ferry to Galway for a free evening and dinner on your own. Choose from Galways many fine pubs and music venues to enjoy an evening of good craic. Overnight in Galway.

From Galway, we take a morning excursion to Kylemore Abbey, a working Benedictine nunnery with beautiful gardens, church, tea room, and buildings. We will take time to celebrate the Eucharist here. After lunch (included), we return to Galway for an afternoon walking tour and behind-the-scenes access at O’Connor’s Bar. The night concludes with a celebratory final group dinner in a Galway restaurant (included). Overnight in Galway.

Group members will make their own arrangement for air travel. From Galway, Progressive Pilgrimage will provide a group transfer to Shannon airport in the morning. Travelers with flights departing earlier than 10:30am may need to arrange their own airport transfer.

The group will depart together from Raleigh Durham International Airport on United Airlines September 9 at 2:00 PM.

Any travelers coming from outside of the Raleigh area may work with Progressive Pilgrimage to find airfare that compliments the group schedule. Fare increase may apply.

After your morning arrival in Dublin, a coach will transport the group into the city’s historic center for a visit Trinity College and the Book of Kells. Located in the heart of Dublin City, a walk through the cobbled stones of Trinity College Dublin will bring visitors back to the 18th century, when the magnificent Old Library building was constructed which displays the Book of Kells. The Book of Kells is Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure and the world’s most famous medieval manuscript. The 9th century book is a richly decorated copy of the four Gospels of the life of Jesus Christ. It is one of only a few such manuscripts that survived Viking raids. The group will also visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland. Construction on the current cathedral began around 1250 on a site associated with St. Patrick since the fifth century.

If time allows, you will be able to explore Dublin on your own before the group continues on to Newgrange for dinner and overnight accommodations.

Glendalough is home to one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland. This early Christian monastic settlement was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century and from this developed the “Monastic City”. Most of the buildings that survive today date from the 10th through 12th centuries. Despite attacks by Vikings over the years, Glendalough thrived as one of Ireland’s great ecclesiastical foundations and schools of learning until the Normans destroyed the monastery in 1214 A.D. and the dioceses of Glendalough and Dublin were united. The visit includes a guided pilgrimage walk with ample time for prayer and reflection. Lunch is included.

After lunch we will visit the Hill of Tara, an ancient site known as the seat of the High King of Ireland. The site is rich with mythical and sacred meaning. Return to Newgrange for dinner and overnight accommodations.

Begin the day with a tour at the passage tombs at Knowth and/or Newgrange, Stone Age monuments dating from 3,200 B.C., making them older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza. Knowth and Newgrange provide an excellent introduction to ancient pre-Christian spirituality of the area.

As we make our way toward Northern Ireland, we will stop at the early Christian settlement of Monasterboice. It was founded in the late 5th century by Saint Buithe and was an important center of religion and learning. The site houses two churches built in the 14th century or later and an earlier round tower, but it is most famous for its 10th century high crosses.

In the after noon, we will continue to Armagh for an introduction to Celtic Spirituality with Rev. Grace Clunie of the Celtic Spirituality Center. At the same location, the Navan Fort one of Ireland’s most famous and important archaeological sites, the legendary Emain Macha. Legends say that Macha, the ancient goddess of war and fertility, scored the earth with her brooch pin and traced the famous outline of this sacred stronghold of the hero Cu Chulainn, home of the famous Red Branch Knights and Ulster Cycle of tales. Dinner and overnight at Armagh City Hotel.

St. Columba (Colum Cille in Gaelic), founder of the famous Iona Abbey, is also known as the founder of Derry. The Columcille Centre provides an excellent introduction to his life and ministry. Our group will also visit the St. Augustine’s Monastery and the Long Tower Church, sites associated with early Christianity in Derry.

After lunch (included), we remain in Derry but switch from ancient Christian sites to the political history of the city. Our guide will take us on a walk around the city walls to introduce how the city came to be divided. We will visit the Bogside neighborhood, site of the Bloody Sunday massacre and now home to 12 giant murals known as the People’s Gallery. Enjoy dinner on your own and overnight accommodations at Derry City Hotel.

We begin the day at the Holywell Trust in Derry, a center for peace and community building. Here we will here the stories of two local people, one Republican and one Loyalist, who were once engaged in The Troubles but are now doing the work of healing themselves and their community after 40+ years of conflict.

From Derry we head east along the Antrim Coast, of one of Europe’s most magnificent coastlines, arriving at the Corrymeela Community in the late afternoon. We’ll have a brief introduction to their peacemaking work before dinner, evening prayers, and overnight accommodations.

Please note that Corrymeela is an intentional Christian community, not a tourist hotel. Accommodations are comfortable but simple. Travelers will have private rooms with a sink, but bathrooms are shared and toiletries are not provided. Each bathroom is self-contained with a toilet, sink, and shower for plenty of privacy.

Today provides time for a leisurely visit to the natural wonders at Giant’s Causeway. At this UNESCO World Heritage Site, he unique rock formations have, for millions of years, stood as a natural rampart against the unbridled ferocity of Atlantic storms. The rugged symmetry of the columns and the associated folklore never fails to intrigue and inspire visitors. Those who desire may participate in a hike along the coastline.

In the nearby village of Bushmills, you’ll find the oldest working distillery in Ireland. At Bushmills, family and friends have worked over 400 years, keeping to the philosophy that hand crafting small batches is the way to produce beautifully smooth Irish whiskey. Enjoy a tour of the distillery and the option for a tasting. Return to Corrymeela for dinner and overnight accommodations.

Today is largely a travel day as the group makes its way from Belfast in Northern Ireland to Fionnphort on the Isle of Mull in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides. We will travel from Belfast to Glasgow by air. We will take a short driving tour of Glasgow (or, time permitting, walk a little to stretch our legs) before heading north through Loch Lomond. At Oban, we will take the ferry to Craignure on the Isle of Mull. From there we will continue by coach to the westernmost point on Mull for dinner and overnight accommodations.

One piece of checked baggage is included on the flight from Belfast to Glasgow. Additional checked baggage will be assessed a fee by the airline. We recommend you travel light and only bring one piece of checked luggage.

Our hefty travel schedule yesterday makes it possible for the group to spend the entire day on the Isle of Iona. Catching the first ferry of the day allows us to arrive in time for morning worship at the Abbey Church. After worship we will tour the abbey as a group. At lunch time you will be set free to explore on your own, or take time to meditate and pray in the beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces. Take the 10-minute ferry ride back to Fionnphort at your leisure for dinner on your own at the local pub or seafood shack.

We depart Fionnphort this morning for a leisurely trip back to Edinburgh. Along the way we will visit a Scotch distillery, a woolen mill, and other cultural sites. We arrive in Edinburgh in time to rest or explore on your own a bit before dinner (not included). Overnight accommodations in Edinburgh’s historic center.

Spend the day today touring Edinburgh with our guide. We will visit the Greyfriar’s Kirk, the first church to be built in post-Reformation Scotland, and St. Giles Cathedral where John Knox preached and ministered in the 1560s. You will have the option to attend a noon-time service or concert in one of these historic churches. Continue touring Edinburgh in the afternoon before closing the day with a celebratory group dinner. Overnight accommodations in Edinburgh’s historic center.

Today the group will depart from Edinburgh to Raleigh-Durham. Those wishing to extend their stay in Scotland may add additional nights in Edinburgh or work with Progressive Pilgrimage to make arrangements to visit other parts of this country.

The return flight arrives at Raleigh Durham International Airport at 6:58 PM.

We depart as a group from Savannah Hilton Head International Airport at 5:59 PM, transiting through JFK for an overnight flight to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv.

Travelers coming from outside the Savannah area may work with Progressive Pilgrimage to originate in their home city and join the group at JFK. Fare increases may apply.

Group members will arrive at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. A private coach will transport the group from Tel Aviv to our hotel on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. After dinner, we will share together in a short opening worship service and orientation.

Enjoy and “off the beaten path” tour of the Arab-Israeli city of Nazareth and the Basilica of the Annunciation, commemorating the angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary. In the afternoon, visit the Mar Elias Educational Institute in Ibillin, dedicated to educating Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Druze youth in the ways of peace. Meet with students who are eager to practice their English language skills. Pending his availability, the group will also have a visit with Archbishop Elias Chacour. Return to the Sea of Galilee for dinner and overnight accommodations.

Today we explore Jesus’ adult ministry in Galilee led by a Palestinian Christian guide. Highlights include the Mount of Beatitudes, the churches at Tabgha, the ruins of Capernaum (home of Simon Peter), a lunch of “St. Peter’s Fish,” a museum with a 2,000 year-old boat, and a sunset boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. Enjoy a final dinner and overnight accommodations on the shores of the sea.

This morning we will travel down the Jordan Valley and into Jerusalem, stopping along the way at the Jordan River baptism site in the area where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. We will arrive in Jerusalem from atop the Mount of Olives where we will enter the city as Jesus would have, on foot, passing through Gethsemane and stopping to pray along the route. We will make our way through the city’s Christian Quarter to our hotel. Dinner and overnight accommodations in Jerusalem’s Old City.

Begin the day with morning walk along the Via Dolorosa, updated with reflections from modern residents of this ancient land. After lunch, visit the the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the traditional site of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Take a stroll through Jerusalem’s winding markets and enjoy free time to explore the Old City. In the evening, we will conclude the day by celebrating Shabbat with with a Jerusalem synagogue.

A Palestinian guide will lead our visits to Bethlehem holy sites beginning with the Church of the Nativity, the traditional site of Jesus’ birth. In the late morning, we visit with a cooperative of Palestinian women who are caring for disabled children. After a tour of their neighborhood, they will lead us in a cooking class that concludes in a delicious lunch. Following lunch, we visit the Shepherd’s Field church and an olive wood workshop. During our time in Bethlehem, you may also spot some original Banksy artwork. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.

Begin the day by worshiping at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Jerusalem’s Old City. Following worship, we will meet with Pastor Carrie to learn about Lutheran ministries in Jordan and the Holy Land. After lunch, we will visit the Israel Museum. Here an impressive model of Jerusalem in the first century provides a helpful introduction to the rest of our time in this holy city. The Israel Museum is also the home of the Dead Sea Scrolls, an extensive Judaica collection, and impressive works of classical and modern art. After the museum, we will visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial and Museum. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.

Our group will travel to the ancient Jewish fortress of Masada, built by Herod the Great. After touring Masada, experience the ruins of Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. End the day with a relaxing bob in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea. We will share a final celebratory dinner together and final overnight accommodations in Jerusalem.

We will conclude our pilgrimage with a visit to the ruins of the ancient Temple built first by Solomon, rebuilt under Ezra and Nehemiah, expanded by Herod the Great, and destroyed by Rome in 70 CE. Led by an expert local Jewish guide, we will explore the original foundations of Jerusalem dating to before King David, sit on the Temple’s Southern Steps, and pray at the Western Wall. In the late afternoon, the group will transfer to Tel Aviv and board an overnight flight to Savannah via New York (JFK). Those continuing to Petra will transfer to Jordan by private motorcoach.

Following an overnight trans-Atlantic flight, the group will arrive at Savannah Hilton Head International Airport at 11:42 AM.

Experience the treasures of Jordan on this exciting private tour of the ancient cities of Jerash, Amman and Petra. Beautiful desert landscapes and fascinating historical sites await you. When the group for the airport on October 29, you will travel from Jerusalem to Jordan. Your English speaking guide will meet you at the border and accompany you for the duration of your time in Jordan. First you will visit the ancient city of Jerash, an incredibly well-preserved Roman city of colonnaded streets, mosaics, baths, temples, and a marvelous hippodrome. Continue on to Amman for dinner and overnight accommodations.

The next day enjoy a short tour of ancient and modern Amman in the morning. In the afternoon, begin your journey to Petra via Mt. Nebo and Madaba. Dinner and overnight accommodations near Petra.

On October 31, you have a full day for exploring Petra with your guide. This UNESCO World Heritage site is often called one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The city was carved into the canyon walls by the Nabateans in the first centuries BC and AD and served as an important desert trading post. Today visitors can explore over 2,600 acres of buildings, paths, mountaintops, and caves. After a full day in Petra, return to your hotel for dinner and overnight accommodations.

In the morning of November 1, return to Tel Aviv for your return flight to the United States.

This excursion includes round-trip transportation between Israel and Jordan and throughout Jordan; overnight accommodations in Jerusalem, Amman and Petra (double occupancy); meals: 4 breakfasts, 2 dinners; entrance fees; licensed guides; border assistance and border fees. Does not include additional meals, beverages, or tips. Single supplement is $150. The listed price is based on a minimum of 4 participants. If less than 4 people which to participate in the Petra extension, a price will be quoted for a smaller group.

Add an additional day of touring or relaxing at your own pace in Tel Aviv. This is a thoroughly modern city filled with lush gardens, history and art museums, and gorgeous beaches. Add an extra night at a beach-front hotel in central Tel Aviv to give yourself a little more time to unwind at the end of your pilgrimage.

This excursion includes one additional night (double occupancy) in a beach-view Tel Aviv hotel with breakfast and transportation between the hotel and Ben Gurion Airport. Travelers may add as many additional nights as desired.