Presbyterian Tour of Scotland

The Church of Scotland is the national church of Scotland. It is a Presbyterian church, decisively shaped by the Scottish Reformation.The Church of Scotland traces its roots back to the beginnings of Christianity in Scotland, but its identity is principally shaped by the Scottish Reformation of 1560.

The Presbyterian Tour of Scotland is 9 Days long and available only through Lynott Tours.  Emphasis is made on the Presbyterian heritage in Scotland a well as on Scottish history, the magnificent landscapes, and the welcoming, friendly people. On this trip you'll experience the many wonders of this magical land - the large cities and towns and villages alike, all steeped with a rich culture and history; spectacular scenic drives in the highlands; plus some of the fascinating islands to the west and north! Learn about Scotland's role in the Protestant Reformation and key Reformer John Knox, its turbulent history of kings and queens, and gain insight into the politics of this proud land.

Your vacation begins the moment you board your flight to Scotland, the land of tartans and heather. Destination: GLASGOW.

Day 2 - ARRIVE GLASGOW Welcome to Scotland, the land of Rob Roy, and the setting for the film, Braveheart. Visions of highland games, golf, haggis, remote islands, and tartans come to life. You arrive in Glasgow. Enjoy your panoramic tour including the Museum of Transport and Glasgow Cathedral.

Day 3 - STIRLING & GLEN COE Stirling Castle, once the home of Scottish kings, is perched high on a sheer cliff above Bannockburn, where the Scots turned the English back in their attempt to subdue the Highland clans. Castles mark the strongholds of ancient clans, villages hug the banks of coal-black lochs, and tiny cottages in stone-walled fields line your way to Glen Coe. Your hotel overlooks Loch Linnhe.

Day 4 - ISLE OF MULL/IONA DAY TRIP The Sacred Isle After breakfast we join the modern car ferry for the 40 minutes crossing to the Island of Mull. As we sail into the Sound of Mull look out for wonderful views of the stronghold of the Maclean clan. On arrival at Craignure we re-board our coach for the scenic drive through Glen More en-route to Fionnphort where another ferry awaits us for the short crossing to the Island of Iona. It was here in 563 AD that St Columba landed to found a monastery and bring Christianity to Scotland, and many early Scottish Kings and chiefs were buried here including Macbeth. The sense of peace and history that pervades the island will remain us as we retrace our steps to Oban.

Day 5 - LOCH NESS/INVERNESS/ABERDEEN Explore Loch Ness to search for "Nessie", the world famous monster. Admire vast expanses of heather on the way to Inverness - an area of high mountains, deep glens and battlefields. Craft shops filled with kilts, sweaters, or shortbread abound in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. Pass Culloden Moor, one of the battlefields where Bonnie Prince Charlie was defeated. Visit a working distillery for a "wee dram".

Day 6 - ABERDEEN & CRATHES CASTLE You visit Crathes Castle, which dates from 1533. See Aberdeen and travel along the banks of the River Dee, through picturesque Ballater, where many shops show a royal warrant indicating patronage by the Royal Family. Enjoy tea and scones at a local farmhouse.

Day 7 - ST. ANDREWS/EDINBURGH Head south to Glamis Castle, the legendary setting for Macbeth. Visit the cathedral in the charming university town of St. Andrews, known as the birthplace of golf. Travel over the Forth Road Bridge to exciting Edinburgh. Enjoy a banquet and sample Scottish specialties, while listening to the skirl of bagpipes.

Day 8 - EDINBURGH High above the city, atop the volcanic "crag where Edinburgh began", is the majestic Edinburgh Castle. Here, King James, son of Mary Queen of Scots, was born. James eventually became king of England and Scotland, and the two crowns have been united ever since. Scotland's religious history can be seen at St. Giles' Cathedral, regarded as the mother church of Presbyterianism. After the Reformation, John Knox became St. Giles' first minister. This morning you will continue your tour of Edinburgh with a visit to the historic John Knox House. The afternoon is free for shopping along Princes St. or exploring the city on your own. (Departures between the last weekend in July and mid-August will enjoy the Tattoo - a military band competition at Edinburgh Castle).

Day 9 - HEADING HOME You bid your fond farewell to Scotland as you travel to Glasgow Airport for your flight to Ireland or your return flight home.

Estimated land only prices: 35 full paying passengers plus 1 free place $2321; 30 full paying passengers plus 1 free place $2531; 25 full paying passengers plus 1 free place $2726; per person sharing a twin room. Single supplement is $442. Airfare is extra.

Ellen McNulty is President of Lynott Tours, a tour operator in Ireland and Great Britain.  www.lynotttours.com