The Reformation in Scotland—8 day tour
Trace the origins of the Protestant Reformation movement in Scotland. Visit the most important landmarks associated with this religious rebellion and learn about its most important figures including the Covenanters, George Wishart and John Knox who, roused from exile, returned to 15th century Scotland and gained his reputation as the founding father of the Scottish Reformation.
Included Highlights
- John Knox House
- St Giles' Cathedral
- St Andrews
- Stirling Castle
- Iona Abbey
- St Mungo's Cathedral
Hotel Nights
- Edinburgh 3
- Oban 2
- Glasgow 2
Day 1 Edinburgh
Arrive at Edinburgh Airport. Meet and greet by a professional guide who will accompany us by motor coach on a panoramic sightseeing tour of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. Travel along Princes Street and catch a first view of Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile.
Overnight Edinburgh
Day 2 Edinburgh
A local guide joins us for a full day to show us some of the wonders of the city that has played such a significant role in religious history. We visit Edinburgh Castle and then walk down to St Giles' Cathedral, the mother church of the Church of Scotland, birthplace of Presbyterianism and site where John Knox preached his first sermon. A short stroll takes us to the 15th century house where John Knox is thought to have lived and to Greyfriars Kirk. Greyfriars was the first church in Scotland to be reformed.
Overnight Edinburgh
Day 3 Edinburgh
A full day excursion over the Firth of Forth to the ancient Kingdom of Fife and the city of St Andrews, the spiritual capital of Scotland and the place where Scotland's Reformation began. We visit the remains of St Andrews Cathedral, the largest in Scotland, and St Andrews Castle where reformer George Wishart was imprisoned before being burned at the stake. Returning towards Edinburgh we visit Dunfermline Abbey, the foundations of which date back to the 11th Century, and the unique Royal Burgh of Culross.
Overnight Edinburgh
Day 4 Stirling – Oban
Leaving Edinburgh we travel through The Lowlands to visit the walled city of Stirling and its imposing castle, which is associated with Covenanters such as William Guthrie and James Ure. From here we also enjoy a grand view of the "Braveheart" William Wallace Monument and the site of the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Travelling through the scenic landscape of The Trossachs and Breadlbane we arrive in the port of Oban.
Overnight Oban
Day 5 Mull – Iona
An early start today to board the ferry from Oban across to the beautiful Isle of Mull. Admire the breathtaking scenery on the coach journey over the island to catch the foot passenger ferry to the peaceful island of Iona. This small Hebridean island is ideal for gentle walks, and we include a visit to Iona Abbey, one of Scotland's most historic and sacred sites. The Abbey was founded by St Columba and his Irish followers in 563AD and today it is a focus for Christian pilgrimage.
Overnight Oban
Day 6 Oban – Glasgow
Just south of Oban, on the banks of Loch Awe, we 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. Passing Inverary we arrive by the "bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond" and relax on a boat trip enjoying final views of the dramatic mountain scenery. A short journey brings us to Glasgow, a thriving cosmopolitan city that retains some of the oldest and most fascinating buildings in Scotland.
Overnight Glasgow
Day 7 Glasgow
A local professional guide joins us for a panoramic city tour and 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 8 Edinburgh
Group transfer to Edinburgh Airport. We will be pleased to tailor your tour to suit your preferred arrival and departure airports.
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