Presbyterian Heritage + Reformed Tradition in Scotland

June 29 – July 11, 2022 | with Rev. Dr. Gregory Faulkner

from $4,395/person, double occupancy

Join this 13-day journey across Scotland to discover the roots of Presbyterianism and the vibrant congregations living out their Reformed heritage today. This pilgrimage travels throughout the south of Scotland including Glasgow, Iona, Perth, Stirling, St. Andrew’s, and Edinburgh. See the towering cathedrals of Glasgow and Edinburgh; the home and burial site of John Knox; majestic Iona Abbey; and local congregations still worshiping and ministering today. Enjoy the best of Scottish hospitality and, of course, a wee sip or two of Scotch. Those wishing to extend their travels can add five days in Ireland including Dublin, Glendalough, County Down, and Belfast.

Presbyterian Heritage with Rev. Greg Faulkner

June 29, 2022 | Depart USA

Depart Trinity Presbyterian Church via private coach to Newark Liberty International Airport. The group is traveling on United 36 to Edinburgh, departing at 8:15 pm.

June 30, 2022 | Glasgow

After your arrival in Scotland, transfer to Glasgow by private motorcoach. You’ll have a free afternoon to settle in, rest, or explore the city on your own. The group gathers for a celebratory welcome dinner (included), orientation, and opening worship.

Overnight at Holiday Inn Express Theatreland in central Glasgow.

July 1, 2022 | Glasgow

Spend the morning on a walking tour of the central city including a visit to Glasgow Cathedral. After lunch (included) visit Govan Old Church to see a collection of early medieval stones carved in the 9th – 11th centuries to commemorate those who ruled the region at the time. Finally, gain understanding about one branch of modern Presbyterianism in Scotland today with a visit to St. Jude’s Free Church.

Enjoy dinner on your own in any of Glasgow’s lovely restaurants. Overnight in Glasgow.

July 2, 2022 | Glasgow to Fionnphort

Today is largely a travel day, moving from Glasgow to Fionnphort – the gateway to Iona – in the Inner Hebrides. Lunch enroute is included. You’ll travel by coach, ferry, and coach again to reach our overnight destinations: a series of charming B&Bs in the hamlet of Fionnphort. Enjoy a world-class dinner at the Ninth Wave Restaurant.

Overnight in Fionnphort B&Bs. Please note the inns do not have elevators. You may need to carry your luggage up one flight of stairs.

July 3, 2022 | Iona

Take the early ferry from Fionnphort to reach the island of Iona in time for morning worship at Iona Abbey. After worship enjoy a guided tour of the Abbey and neighboring ruins with our guide. We’ll have lunch together then a private outdoor worship service. Enjoy free time to explore the island on your own before catching a return ferry to Fionnphort for dinner on your own.

Overnight in Fionnphort.

July 4, 2022 | Glencoe, Dundee

Depart Fionnphort in the morning for transfer by coach and ferry back to the mainland. Enjoy a scenic drive through the lower Highlands stopping at Glencoe, the site of a famous 1692 battle where 37 members of the MacDonald clan was massacred by members of clan Campbell allied with King William III. Arrive in the university town of Dundee for dinner (included) and overnight accommodations.

July 5, 2022 | Perth

The city of Perth plays an important role in Scottish history in general and in the Scottish Reformation and the birth to Presbyterianism. See Scone Abbey, the site where Scottish kings were once coronated and St. John’s Kirk where John Knox preached. Lunch will be together as a group and you’ll enjoy a free evening in Dundee to eat at local restaurants. Overnight in Dundee.

July 6, 2022 | St. Andrews

St. Andrews is a stunning coastal city with rich history. Visit the 12th century ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral, once one of the largest churches in Scotland and home to an outstanding collection of early and medieval Christian sculpture. Tour St. Andrew’s Castle which, in it’s 450 year history has served as a bishop’s palace, a fortress and finally a prison that held John Knox, George Wishart, and other reformers. No visit to Scotland would be complete without a whisky tasting, so we’ll visit a scotch distillery before returning to Dundee for dinner (on your own) and overnight accommodations.

July 7, 2022 | Stirling

Our time in Stirling includes a visit to Stirling Castle, the former residence of Stewart kings and queens; the Wallace Monument, dedicated to the Scottish patriot and martyr Sir William Wallace whose story was dramatically portrayed in the film Braveheart; and Church of the Holy Rude – “rude” means “cross” in Scottish – with its important role in history of Scottish rule.

We’ll move from Stirling to Edinburgh for dinner (included) and overnight accommodations at Apex Grassmarket Hotel near Edinburgh Castle and the Greyfriars Kirk.

July 8, 2022 | Edinburgh

Begin your time in Edinburgh with a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle. After lunch visit Greyfriars Kirk, with it’s important place in Reformation history and an original copy of Scotland’s National Covenant. Conclude the afternoon with a visit to the National Museum of Scotland with galleries dedicated to history, art, science, the natural world, and more.

July 9, 2022 | Edinburgh

See more of the city today on a walking tour that includes St. Giles Cathedral, the John Knox home, John Knox’s burial site, and the Royal Mile. After lunch, enjoy free time to explore the city on your own or join your guide at the Edinburgh Museum. Dinner is on your own in any of Edinburgh’s many restaurants. Overnight Edinburgh.

July 10, 2022 | Worship in Edinburgh

Today is Sunday, so the group will worship together at two Edinburgh congregations: the historic St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh’s center city followed by St. Mary’s Parish Church in the suburb of Haddington. Enjoy some free time on your last afternoon in Edinburgh followed by a celebratory group dinner (included) to close the pilgrimage. Overnight in Edinburgh.

July 11, 2022 | Return to US or Continue to Ireland

The Scottish portion of the pilgrimage ends today. After breakfast, the group will transfer to Edinburgh airport for return flights to Newark, on United 37, departing at 9:40 am, or to continue on to Dublin, flights TBD>

Ireland Extension with Rev. Greg Faulkner

July 11, 2022 | Dublin

After your late morning arrival in Dublin, the group will have lunch together before visiting the Book of Kells at Trinity College. In the evening, kick off the Irish section of your pilgrimage with a private dinner (included) with Irish music and dancing in a local restaurant. Overnight at Hyatt Centric The Liberties near Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

July 12, 2022 | Dublin

Go deeper into the history of Dublin with a walking tour of the city concluding at Dublin Castle. Then enjoy a private tour of the castle. In the late afternoon, we’ll have a tour of St. Patrick’s Cathedral with the option to stay for the choral evensong service. Dinner tonight is on your own in any of Dublin’s restaurants. Overnight in Dublin.

July 13, 2022 | Glendalough Monastic Site

Savor Irish Christian history and Celtic spirituality with a walking pilgrimage through stunning ruins of Glendalough Monastic Site. After lunch near Glendalough, the group returns to Dublin where you have a free afternoon and evening to take in the city’s sites. Dinner (on your own) and overnight in Dublin.

July 14, 2022 | County Down

Move from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland to visit Downpatrick. Nearby is the Saul Church where St. Patrick launched his mission to Ireland. Downpatrick Cathedral holds the burial site of St. Patrick and St. Columba. Time permitting, we will visit other sites in this scenic corner of Northern Ireland to better understand the roots of the conflict between Irish Republican and those loyal to the British crown. Dinner tonight is on your own. Overnight accommodations at Belmont House Hotel.

July 15, 2022 | Belfast

Take a deep look at the political and religious conflict that divided Irish people for more than thirty years during the turmoil known as “The Troubles.” We will walk up both sides of the Falls and Shankill Roads with Loyalist and Republican guides to hear them each speak in their own voice. After lunch, we continue to the scenic Antrim Coast to visit Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your pilgrimage concludes with a celebratory group dinner and overnight accommodations at Belmont House Hotel.

July 16, 2022 | Return to USA

This morning the group will transfer to Dublin International Airport for your return flight to Newark on United 22, departing 9:20 am.

What’s Included

The total cost for the Scotland portion of this pilgrimage is $5,420 per person, double occupancy. Single occupancy is available for a supplement of $1,020.

The land cost for the Ireland extension is $2,295 per person, double occupancy with 10-13 travelers. With 14+ travelers, the cost is reduced to $1,995 per person. Single occupancy is available for a supplement of $520. There is no additional airfare cost.

 

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A $500/person deposit is due at time of registration, payable online via credit card. The deadline to register is March 1, 2022 though we cannot guarantee space, as the group is limited to 23 travelers. Full payment is due by May 15, 2022. Participants will be invoiced for the balance due which may be paid by check, ACH, or credit card. Credit card payments of the remaining balance will incur a 3% fee.

Terms and Conditions

The initial deposit is fully refundable until September 30, 2021 (after airfare prices are announced). After September 30, the regular cancelation policy applies. Please read the complete Terms and Conditions online. ENROLLMENT IN AND PAYMENT FOR THE TOUR CONSTITUTES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THE CONDITIONS AND STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY.