In the Footsteps of St Columba

With interest growing in Celtic Christianity, we are finding that tours including places associated with St.Columba are becoming more increasingly more popular. Visiting Iona is, for most people, a highlight and the considerable time that it takes to get there makes the journey feel like a true pilgrimage. If you are a church group and have a priest with you, we can normally arrange for you to have your own services in a many of the ecclesiastical sites included on the trip. A group with an itinerary not unlike this one held their own services in Iona Abbey, Whitby Abbey and Canterbury Cathedral.

As always, this itinerary is an example and can be adapted to suit your groups specific interests and budget.

Day 1 FLIGHT

Depart Atlanta en route for Dublin

Day 2 ARRIVE IN DUBLIN (2 Nights)

Introductory sightseeing tour of Dublin

Day 3 DUBLIN

Trinity College (Book of Kells), additional sightseeing of your group's choice

Day 4 FLY FROM DUBLIN - EDINBURGH (1 night)

Edinburgh Castle, some free time in Edinburgh

Day 5 EDINBURGH – IONA (2 nights)

Drive through dramatic scenery on the mainland, ferry to Mull, drive across Mull, ferry to Iona

Day 6 QUIET DAY ON IONA

Guided tour of Iona Abbey, service in the chapel of the abbey for your group

Day 7 IONA – MELROSE (1 night)

Melrose Abbey

Day 8 MELROSE - HEXHAM (1 night)

Lindisfarne, Bede’s church at Jarrow

Day 9 HEXHAM – YORK (2 nights)

Chesters Roman Fort (Hadrian’s Wall), Durham Cathedral, Whitby Abbey(informal service in the ruins)

Day 10 YORK

Walking tour of the medieval walls, York Minster. Free afternoon

Day 11 YORK – LONDON (3 nights)

Coventry Cathedral

Day 12 LONDON

Westminster Abbey, Thames Cruise, Tower of London, Choral Evensong at St.Paul’s

Day 13 DAY TRIP TO CANTERBURY

Guided tour of Canterbury Cathedral, St.Martin’s Church, St.Augustine’s Abbey

Day 14 DEPARTURE

Transfer to airport for flight back home