Youth Pilgrimage to England and Scotland

Day 1, Saturday, August 3, 2019– Depart Norfolk, VA to London, England.     M

Day 2, Sun.– Arrive at London Heathrow Airport, meet our guide and continue to our waiting coach.  We transfer to central London for a short orientation sightseeing tour and then arrive at our hotel.  The afternoon we are free to explore on our own in small groups with chaperones.  Dinner and overnight London.     D

Day 3, Mon.– After breakfast, we depart for a full-day sightseeing tour of London. Enjoying a panoramic tour featuring iconic London sites such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Trafalgar Square.  Experience a trip on the London Eye, offering a bird's-eye view of the city. We drive past a few locations that have been featured in the Harry Potter movies, such as St Pancras International Station, Piccadilly Circus, the Millennium Bridge and make a stop at Leadenhall Market in the City of London (Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone). We conclude with a visit to the Tower of London.  This evening we transfer to Kings Cross Station (of Hogwarts Express fame) for the train to Edinburgh.  Overnight Edinburgh.     B

Day 4, Tues.– Today we explore Edinburgh and visit St. Giles Cathedral, the historic city church of Edinburgh located on the Royal Mile. Also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, the church is sometimes regarded as the Mother Church of Presbyterianism and is historically linked with the Scottish Protestant leader John Knox.  Explore Edinburgh Castle, see St Margaret's Chapel, Queen Mary's Apartments, and the Crown Room.  We visit the John Knox House, an original medieval building on the Royal Mile where Knox lived for a short time in 1572. Time permitting this afternoon we are free to explore on our own in small groups with chaperones.  Dinner and overnight Edinburgh.     BD

Day 5, Wed. – Morning departure to the historic coastal town of St. Andrews, home of the third-oldest university in the English-speaking world. We tour the town including the Cathedral and Castle, learning the historical connections to John Knox and the Protestant thinker and preacher George Wishart who were martyred here.  Our journey continues to Oban on Scotland’s west coast.  Dinner and overnight Oban.   BD

Day 6, Thurs.– This morning we take the ferry to the Isle of Mull.  Once we have crossed Mull, we take a short ferry ride to the Isle of Iona.  Iona is the preeminent Holy 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. Upon arrival, we visit the Heritage Centre, walk to Columba's Bay, a pebble beach on the southern coast of the island. This charming bay is said to be where St. Columba landed on Iona in AD 563. This afternoon we will take the return ferry.  Dinner and overnight Oban.     BD

Day 7, Fri.– Our journey continues to Glasgow.  We will enjoy views towards the Trossachs National Park and we will stop for a short cruise on lovely Loch Lomond, considered by many to be Scotland's most beautiful loch.  Upon arrival in Glasgow, we will enjoy a panoramic tour featuring George Square, Glasgow City Chambers, Glasgow Cathedral, Glasgow Green and other sights.  This evening we will enjoy a “farewell to Scotland” dinner.  Overnight Glasgow.     BD

Day 8, Saturday, August 10, 2019– Morning transfer to Glasgow airport for our return flights to Norfolk, VA.

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.