Pictures from Scotland and England

Exploring Our Anglican Heritage

A Pilgrimage to England and Scotland

Led by:

The Rev. Kit McLean & Matthew Holt
Trinity Episcopal Church
New Orleans, LA

July 21 – August 1, 2015

Trip map

DAY 1: Tuesday, July 21, 2015 - We Depart the New Orleans Airport on United Airlines to Chicago O’Hare.  There, we will connect. to United Airlines for our trans-Atlantic flight into Edinburgh, Scotland. M

DAY 2: Wednesday, July 22, 2015 - Upon arrival in Edinburgh, we meet our guide and transfer to our waiting motor coach.  Our journey begins as we explore Edinburgh Castle where the views from the Battlement are breathtaking.  We visit St. Margaret’s Chapel, Queen Mary’s Apartments and the Crown Room.  Dinner and overnight Edinburgh. D

DAY 3: Thursday, July 23, 2015 - This morning we attend the 9 AM Eucharist at St. John’s Episcopal Church, a thriving Scottish Episcopal church at the heart of Scotland’s beautiful capital city.  After Eucharist we enjoy a walking tour to visit St. Giles Cathedral, the historic City Church of Edinburgh which is located on the Royal Mile between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, home to the royal family when they are in Edinburgh.  The rest of the day we will be free to explore on our own in small groups with a chaperone.  Dinner and overnight Edinburgh. BD

DAY 4: Friday, July 24, 2015 - Today we visit Rosslyn Chapel and continue south to Lindisfarne, England.  We enjoy a walking tour of the island including the “Old Road”. Aidan and his monks came from the Irish monastery of Iona, and with the support of King Oswald (based at nearby Bamburgh), worked as missionaries among the pagan English of Northumbria.  In their monastery, they set up the first known school in this area and introduced the arts of reading and writing, the Latin language and the Bible and other Christian books (all in Latin).  They trained boys as practical missionaries who later went out over much of England to spread the Gospel.  Aidan also encouraged women to become nuns and girls to receive education but not in this monastery.  In time, Lindisfarne became known for its skill in Christian art of which the Lindisfarne Gospels are the most beautiful surviving example.  We return to Edinburgh for dinner and overnight. BD

DAY 5: Saturday, July 25, 2015 - Today we begin our journey to Iona.  We drive through the beautiful Scottish countryside to the Highlands of Scotland.  Upon arrival in Oban, we will board the ferry (about a 45 minute ride) to the Isle of Mull.  We transfer by public transportation (to be paid for at the time of services) from Craignure across the largest of the Inner Hebridean Islands, Mull, through the moorlands to Fionnphort where we will board another ferry for a short ride (5 -10 minutes) to Iona.  Overnight Iona. BD

All meals, accommodations, and activities on Iona have been arranged by the group leaders and are not provided by Worldwide Pilgrimage Ministries.

DAY 6: Sunday, July 26, 2015 - Today we begin our exploration of the enchanting Island of IonaIona is the preeminent site “in Scotland.”  A monastery was established by St. Columba in the 6th century and he died here in 597.  The island is a true “thin space” where pilgrims have sensed the nearness of the Holy throughout the ages.  We gather for morning worship service at Iona Abbey.  Following services, we will walk to the Chapter House where we will participate in the introductory session “What is the Iona Community?”  In the afternoon and evening, our group leaders will introduce us to Celtic Christianity and provide an overview of the island and how we will spend our time here for the next several days.  We will be invited to enter into the rhythm of morning and evening prayers at the Abbey.  Dinner and overnight Iona. BLD

DAY 7: Monday, July 27, 2015 - Sail to Columba’s Bay / Labyrinth Walk. This evening we will go to the Village Hall for a Ceilidh (pronounced Kay-lee), a Scottish get-together held at 10 PM. Dinner and overnight Iona. BLD

DAY 8: Tuesday, July 28, 2015 - Today we step back into the Celtic spiritual history of Scotland.  We will worship in Iona Abbey at the 9:00 AM service.  Surrounding the chapel is the Reilig Odhrain, the sacred burial ground which is said to contain the graves of 48 Scottish kings including that of Macbeth’s victim, Duncan.  Every Tuesday the Iona Community hosts a pilgrimage walk across the island.  This is an all day event that will be somewhat challenging visiting places of both historic and religious significance.  The pilgrimage begins from the Abbey grounds at 10:15 AM and you must dress for all weather and bring sturdy boots.  There is also an “On Road” pilgrimage that begins at 12 Noon and returns around 3:30 PM.  We will be visiting places of both historic and religious significance.  The remainder of the day there will be time to explore the several shops unique to Iona or spend time in quiet prayer and reflection.  We attend evening services at the Abbey.  Dinner and overnight Iona. BLD

DAY 9: Wednesday, July 29, 2015 - We spend our last day on the island reflecting.  Overnight Iona. BLD

DAY 10: Thursday, July 30, 2015 - We travel to Stirling by way of Fort William where we will see Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest mountain.  We continue on through the spectacular Trossachs to Loch Lomond, the largest of Scotland’s lakes and, according to Sir Walter Scott, “The Queen of Scottish Lakes.”  Our journey ends at the gateway to the Highlands, Stirling.  It is here that William Wallace led a battle where the English army was routed in 1297.  We visit Stirling Castle and see Stirling Bridge before dinner and overnight in Stirling. BD

DAY 11: Friday, July 31, 2015 - We return to Edinburgh where we are free to explore on our own or shop in small groups with a chaperone.  This evening we attend Evensong at St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral.  Dinner and overnight Edinburgh. BD

DAY 12: Saturday, August 1, 2015 - After breakfast in our hotel, we depart for the Edinburgh Airport and board United Airlines for our departure to Chicago O’Hare.  There we will transfer to United Airlines for our flight into the New Orleans Airport arriving in the evening. BM

Price: See Group Leader for Pricing.  Price based on multi share occupancy and excludes airline taxes and fuel surcharges.  Roundtrip air from New Orleans Airport.  Air transportation available from other cities.  Single supplement is: See Group Leader for Pricing.

*Pricing does not include airline taxes and fuel surcharges currently at $660.90 per pilgrim and subject to change until the tickets are issued.  The price is not guaranteed and may change due to the fluctuation of the British Pound and the US dollar.  We make every effort to avoid any increase and will only do so if the value of the dollar falls against the British Pound.  Your pricing was based on the exchange rate of $1.47 to the British Pound.

Final Payment due April 21, 2015

Price includes Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance only for services purchased through and provided by Worldwide Pilgrimage Ministries.

Worldwide Pilgrimage Ministries provides the following basic travel insurance for you at no additional cost:
◊ Accident and Sickness Medical Expense    $50,000
◊ Common Carrier A D & D                              $25,000
◊ Trip Delay, Missed Connection                       $1,000
◊ Medical Evacuation/Repatriation                $250,000
◊ Baggage/Baggage Delay                        $1,500/$250
◊ Emergency Assistance

Cancellation Penalties
◊ Until April 20, 2015: $100.00 plus any unrecoverable fees.
◊ After April 21, 2015: NO REFUND

$300.00 per person deposit due with registration and copy of passport.

Meals: B Breakfast, L Lunch, D Dinner, M Meals on Aircraft

The itinerary is subject to change due to local conditions or at the discretion and direction of the leader or guide.