The Origins of Christianity in Britain, featuring Iona and Lindisfarne—11 day tour
From the tranquil and spiritual islands of Iona and Lindisfarne to the historic cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, we offer an insight into the origins of Christianity in Britain and the life and times of St Columba and St Aidan. Take the rare opportunity to stay on the islands that inspired their faith and which are now centres of great religious and secular interest.
Possible tour extensions include Durham Cathedral, York Minster and London and, in Ireland, Clonmacnoise Monastery and Kylemore Abbey. Please do request further information if required.
Included Highlights
- Glasgow City Tour
- Iona Island Stay
- The Trossachs
- Edinburgh City Tour
- Lindisfarne Island Stay
Hotel Nights
- Glasgow 2
- Iona 3
- Edinburgh 2
- Lindisfarne 3
Day 1 Glasgow
Arrival at one of Scotland's airports. Meet and greet by a professional guide who will accompany us by motor coach on a panoramic sightseeing tour of Glasgow. Glasgow is a thriving, cosmopolitan city that retains some of the oldest and most fascinating buildings in Scotland.
Overnight Glasgow
Day 2 Glasgow
Continuing our exploration of Glasgow with our guide we visit St Mungo's Cathedral, the Provand's Lordship and the Museum of Religious Life. This afternoon is free to relax or explore independently - many of Glasgow's museums such as Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and The Burrell Collection are free to enter.
Overnight Glasgow
Day 3 Loch Lomond – Oban – Iona
Heading north of the city we reach the "bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond", and relax on a boat trip with our first glimpses of the dramatic highland scenery. Travelling through The Highlands we reach Loch Awe and stop to visit St Conan's Kirk. The church was only built in 1881 but the design includes almost every style of church architecture, with embellishments from flying buttresses and cloisters to waterspouts in the shape of a fierce dog. In the small port of Oban we board a ferry to the Isle of Mull and continue by foot passenger ferry to the Isle of Iona.
Overnight Iona
Day 4 Iona
The next 2 days are devoted to this beautiful Hebridean island. Whilst a highlight for many is Iona Abbey itself, the island offers peace and relaxation for all.
Overnight Iona
Day 5 Iona
A full day on Iona for private reflection.
Overnight Iona
Day 6 Trossachs – Edinburgh
We retrace our steps across the Isle of Mull to the mainland at Oban. Travelling south we enter the beautiful area known as The Trossachs before arriving in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland.
Overnight Edinburgh
Day 7 Edinburgh
A local guide joins us for a morning tour and shows us some of the wonders of this city, which played such a significant role in religious history. We visit Edinburgh Castle and walk down the Royal Mile to St Giles' Cathedral, the mother church of Presbyterianism. It was here that John Knox preached his first sermon. A short walk takes us to his final residence, and on to Greyfriars Kirk, the first church to be built in Edinburgh after the Reformation, where we hear the story of the Covenanters.
Overnight Edinburgh
Day 8 Edinburgh – Lindisfarne
Leaving the city we travel to The Lowlands and visit Abbotsford, the home of the author Sir Walter Scott. We also visit Melrose Abbey which has origins associated with St Aidan and St Columba. A short journey takes us to the North Sea coast, across the border to England and over the tidal causeway to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.
Overnight Lindisfarne
Day 9 Lindisfarne
Lindisfarne has a population of fewer than 200 people and visitors enjoy the peace and tranquillity. St Aidan founded the monastery in the 7th century and many forms of retreat are available.
Overnight Lindisfarne
Day 10 Lindisfarne
A full day on Lindisfarne for private reflection.
Overnight Lindisfarne
Day 11 Edinburgh
Group transfer to Edinburgh, Glasgow or Newcastle Airport. We will be pleased to tailor your tour to suit your preferred arrival and departure airports.
You can find out more about our service on the Your Tour and Tour Price page. Please do email or call us to discuss your requirements. All quotations are provided free of charge and without obligation. We look forward to hearing from you.