Depart the USA

Welcome to Scotland! Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by your guide and drive to Stirling, where we will stop at the Old Bridge, the site of the battle between William Wallace and the Scots against the British. Look out across Scotland from Abbey Craig and the Wallace Monument. Built to commemorate the Scottish hero in 1869, it is said Wallace watched the armies of King Edward I of England gathering from this spot prior to the Battle of Stirling. You’ll also visit Stirling Castle, one of the best-preserved castles in Scotland. From here, visit the Church of the Holy Rude, founded in 1129. King James VI was crowned here in 1567. Stop at the monument and visitor’s center at Bannockburn, the site of the pivotal battle in the Scottish Wars of Independence in 1314. Dinner and overnight in Stirling. 

This morning, you’ll walk the streets of Perth to St. John’s Kirk. John Knox spoke here with a sermon against “idolatry” that helped spark the grassroots level of the Reformation. Stop in the village of Glencoe, the site of the massacre of Glencoe of the Clan MacDonald by the forces of King William II. Then, pass through Fort William, nestled on the shores of Loch Linnhe. Dinner and overnight in Inverness.

Enjoy a walking tour of the beautiful and historic city of Inverness, a source of inspiration for Macbeth, as well as Inverness Castle and Cathedral. Keep your eyes out for ‘Nessie’ as you take a relaxing afternoon boat ride on Loch Ness. Visit Urquhart Castle, which saw great conflict during its 500 years as a medieval fortress. Dinner and overnight in Inverness.

Visit  Culloden, the site of the last battle fought on the British mainland. It was here that the dreams of Bonnie Prince Charlie to capture the British Crown were shattered. Then, visit one of Scotland’s most evocative prehistoric sites—Clava Cairns—the remains of an ancient cemetery that is around 4,000 years old. Next, visit the historic Kirk of St. Nicholas, also known as ‘the mither kirk’ (mother church) of the city. Learn the history of commerce and politics in Aberdeen. Evening and overnight in Aberdeen. 

Explore the remains of Scotland’s largest and most magnificent medieval church. Even in its ruined state, the cathedral remains a prominent landmark, visible from the sea. Continue on your journey to Dunfermline Cathedral, a Church of Scotland Parish Church. In 2002 the congregation had 806 members. The church occupies the site of the ancient chancel and transepts of a large medieval Benedictine abbey, which was sacked in 1560 during the Scottish Reformation and permitted to fall into disrepair. Dunfermline Abbey remains one of Scotland’s most important cultural sites. Dinner and overnight in Edinburgh. 

Attend a church service this morning at St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, and enjoy a guided tour afterward. Then, head to Edinburgh Castle, where James VI, who authorized the King James Bible, was born. Afterward, walk the ‘Royal Mile,’ which stretches between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Continue on and tour the palace and explore its close associations with some of Scotland’s most well-known historical figures, such as Mary, Queen of Scots, and Bonnie Prince Charlie. Overnight in Edinburgh. Dinner is on your own.

This morning on your journey, visit Rosslyn Chapel, founded on a small hill above Roslin Glen as a Catholic church in 1446. Then, walk the halls of the John Knox House, a historic home in Edinburgh, Scotland, reputed to have been owned and lived in by Protestant Reformer John Knox during the 16th century. Enjoy a visit to the Scotland Museum. Afterward, make your way to the Elephant House, where author JK Rowling first imagined and wrote the Harry Potter series. Then, visit the statue of Greyfriars Bobby located next to the Elephant House and hear a heartwarming story of loyalty about a dog and his master. Overnight in Edinburgh. Dinner is on your own.

Enjoy a day to explore, shop and relax in Edinburgh. *Optional – A full-day coach will bring you to a meet and greet with Mission To The World in Glasgow, the missions organization of the Presbyterian Church in America. Learn about their work in Scotland and how you can pray for and support them in the field! Return on the coach to overnight in Edinburgh. Dinner is on your own.

Return home with beautiful memories of the Highlands to share with family and friends!