Day 1, Saturday, June 8, 2019 – Depart the Boston, MA Airport on the Aer Lingus flight into Dublin, Ireland where we transfer to the Aer Lingus flight into Glasgow, Scotland. M

DAY 2, Sun. – Upon arrival in Glasgow, clear immigration, board the private motor coach and enjoy a scenic ride across some of the most beautiful countrysides of Scotland to Oban.  Dinner and overnight Oban.   D

DAY 3, Mon. –This morning we will board the ferry (about a 45-minute ride) to the Isle of Mull. We board our bus that will take us 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, our home for the next four nights. Iona has been called the entryway of Christianity into Scotland and Northern England. We begin our exploration of this enchanting island which is considered by many to be the preeminent spiritual Christian site in Scotland. A monastery was established here by St. Columba in the 6^thcentury 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.  Those who wish may attend evening prayers at Iona Abbey.  Dinner and overnight Iona.   BD

All activities on Iona have been arranged by the group leader/church and are not provided by Worldwide.

DAY 4 – 6, Tues. to Thurs. –Retreat Days. We will be free to explore on our own.  You may wish to visit St. Oran’s Chapel, built in the 11^thcentury and surrounded by Reilig Odhrain, the sacred burial ground which is said to contain the graves of 48 Scottish kings including that of Macbeth’s victim, Duncan. Other sites of interest to explore are:  Nunnery Church; Church of St. Ronan; the Abbey; and St. Martin’s Cross.  The cross, dating from the 8^thcentury is the finest High Cross in Scotland and is decorated on one side with the serpent-and-boss and on the other with Holy figures. You can enjoy an optional boat ride to Staffa for a visit to the natural basalt beauty of Fingal’s Cave to see the many varieties of seabirds living here.  On Monday night you may want to join in on the fun at the Village Hall for a Ceilidh (pronounced Kay-lee), a Scottish get-together held at 10 PM. Every Tuesday the Iona Community hosts an “On Road” pilgrimage walk that begins at 12 Noon and returns around 3:30 PM.  It is on a first come basis and each person must sign up in person the day before at the Welcome Center. Dinner and overnight Iona.   BD

DAY 7, Fri. – After joining in morning prayers and reflection, we say goodbye to Iona and board an afternoon ferry back to the mainland. Dinner on your own and overnight Oban.  B

Day 8, Sat. – We begin with a morning visit to Oban Distillery, famous for its single malt Scotch whisky. Our journey continues as we begin our trek to Edinburgh, driving through the beautiful borders to the Highlands of Scotland and along the shores of one of Scotland’s most scenic and famous lakes, Loch Lomond.  Dinner on your own and overnight Edinburgh.  B

Day 9, Sun.– Free day in Edinburgh or an optional excursion to Lindisfarne, England where you will be free to explore on your own.  Lindisfarne is known worldwide as Holy Island. 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 using 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 an 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

Note that access to and from the island is via a causeway and therefore governed by low tides.

Day 10, Monday, June 17, 2019 –Morning departure for Glasgow Airport where we board our Aer Lingus flight to Dublin, Ireland where we transfer to our Aer Lingus flight back into Boston, MA.  BM                  

B – Breakfast    L – Lunch    D – Dinner     M – Meal on Aircraft

Itinerary is subject to change due to local conditions or at the discretion of the leaders.