Trip Itinerary

Please note this itinerary is copyrighted.

Key: IF = In Flight Meals, B= Breakfast, D = Dinner

Day 1: Overnight Flight
Our journey begins with an overnight flight to London, England. We can arrange pre-tour hotel nights if you would like extra time in London. (IF)

Day 2: Arrival in London
Our tour director will meet us at the airport with our deluxe air-conditioned bus and we will begin the tour at Hampton Court Palace. In 1604, James I commissioned the King James Version of the Bible during the Hampton Court Conference and we will discuss this in the room where it happened. In the Chapel Royal, we will hear how Henry VIII’s decision to allow production of the Bible was influenced by his last wife, Catherine Parr. After the tour we will have time to stroll through the beautiful gardens and try and find our way to the center of the maze. After checking into our hotel, we will enjoy our welcome dinner, then take a flight aboard the London Eye, the world’s highest observation wheel offering amazing panoramic views of the capital. (IF/D)

Day 3: London
After breakfast, we begin our day at St. Paul’s Cathedral, a marvelous building designed by Sir Christopher Wren and recently renovated to its former splendor. We then continue to magnificent Westminster Abbey where most British Kings and Queens since 1066 have been crowned and it is the final resting place of many monarchs, heroes and poets. Although not open to the public now, we will hear about how 17 men translated the first third of the King James Bible Old Testament and the last half of the New Testament, in the Jerusalem Chamber. In the afternoon we will have an optional excursion to John Wesley’s Chapel, Wesley’s Home and the Museum of Methodism, which provides an excellent history of the denomination, from Wesley to the present day. John Wesley (1703-1791) has been called the most influential Protestant leader of the English speaking world since the Reformation. Here we will see the small room he used for his quiet times of prayer, his home, his burial site and monument. Just across the street is the legendary Bunhill Field’s Cemetery, where we can see the burial place of Susanna Wesley, Isaac Watts, John Bunyan, Daniel Defoe, and other eminent nonconformist Protestants. The evening is free to explore London. (B)

Day 4: Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon
C.S. Lewis is a much loved Christian author and we will visit many of his favorite places today. On our way into Oxford, we will visit his home, the Kilns. We will have an inside visit if it is not being used for a conference. Lunch will be in the Eagle and Child pub, where he used to meet with fellow “Inklings”. In the afternoon we will have a walking tour of Oxford, including a visit to Christ Church College. No tour of England would be complete without afternoon tea, so we will stop in the charming Cotswolds for an opportunity to enjoy a cream tea. We will end the day in Shakespeare’s home town, Stratford-upon-Avon, with the option of seeing a Shakespeare play. (B/L)

Day 5: Epworth, York
This morning we drive to Epworth, where Wesley was born on June 17, 1703. He was the 15th of 19 children, born to Susanna Wesley and her husband Samuel, an Anglican clergyman. We will begin the tour with lunch at the Rectory, then visit the birthplace of John and Charles Wesley, the Wesley Memorial Church, and St. Andrew’s parish church, before finishing our journey in the walled city of York. On arrival, we will have the option to attend Evensong in York Minster, before dinner. (B/D)

Day 6: York, Edinburgh
This morning we explore York and learn more about its rich heritage. Constantine the Great was crowned emperor here in 306 and after the Northumbrian king Edwin was converted, York became a center for Christian scholarship. York Minster was originally a small wooden church built for the baptism of King Edwin in 627. It was later rebuilt in stone and has been added to several times. The term “Minster” normally refers to a church in a monastery, but this cathedral was never part of a monastic institution. It is the biggest medieval church in England and has breathtakingly beautiful stained glass, including the 16th century rose window. In the afternoon we will drive up to Edinburgh, ready to explore Bonnie Scotland. (B/D)

Day 7: Edinburgh, Oban
Our sightseeing tour of the city includes the Walter Scott Monument, St. Giles’ Cathedral, and the Royal Mile. The highlight will be an inside tour of Edinburgh Castle, with its foreboding ramparts and walls, amazing city views, Crown jewels, and the siege gun, Mon’s Meg.  In the afternoon, we will drive across Scotland to the port town of Oban. After some free time to enjoy fish and chips or other local delicacies, we will try our hand at Scottish dancing at the Skipinnish Ceilidh House.  (B)

Day 8: Mull ,Iona, Oban
This morning we will board a ferry to the Isle of Mull, then take another short foot passenger ferry from Fionnport to St Columba’s Island of Iona. Iona, the site of the first Christian settlement of Scotland, has been known as a place of spiritual power for centuries. It was founded in 563 by St. Columba (521-97) and was a leading center for Christian scholarship throughout Europe. Iona Abbey dates back to the 11th Century. We will return to Oban for dinner and overnight. (B/D)

Day 9: Oban, Glasgow
After a brief photo stop by Loch Lomond, we will continue on to Glasgow. Alexander Campbell, like his father, studied at the University. We will also visit St. Mungo’s Cathedral, which was founded by David I on the site of an earlier church. In the chapter house we will see the graves of nine Covenanters who lost their lives in 1645 for being Presbyterian. The afternoon is free to relax, shop or maybe browse the St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art. We will dine at our hotel this evening. (B/D)

Day 10: Armagh, Dublin
Leaving Glasgow after breakfast, we will take a leisurely drive to Troon and take the ferry across to Larne in Northern Ireland. There is plenty to do on the ferry, which departs at 11 AM and arrives at 1:15 PM. We will learn more about the early life of Alexander Campbell as we visit the parish of Broughshane, where he was born on 12 September, 1788. We will end the day in Dublin, the capital of Ireland. (B/D)

Day 11: Dublin
Our morning tour will begin with a tour of Dublin University, better known as Trinity College, to see the famous Books of Kells. This book was penned by monks in the 9th-century and is considered the most striking manuscript ever created in the Western world. We will also see the Old Parliament House, Temple Bar, City Hall, Dublin Castle, Wood Quay, Christ Church Cathedral, and the Four Courts. The afternoon is free to enjoy this exciting city. We will meet up again at our hotel for our farewell meal. (B/D)

Day 12: Return
We will transfer to Dublin Airport for our return flights to the States or take the ferry across to Wales for a post-tour. (B)

Reformation Tours reserves the rights to alter itineraries without notice should it become necessary. While on tour, if conditions necessitate changes, or if certain features are unavailable or limited, we reserve the right to vary or substitute alternatives. All prices are calculated at the exchange rate in effect at the time of this quotation. Should currency fluctuations necessitate an adjustment in tour price the adjusted price will be reflected in the final invoice. The tour was priced at 1 Euro = 1.36 US dollars.

What are accommodations like?

Our hotels are chosen for their quality, amenities and proximity to areas of interest. Whenever possible, we choose hotels in town centers, so that you are able to go off and explore in your free time. It may be necessary for us to substitute hotels for others of equal quality. You will be fully informed of any changes that affect you. Enjoy your stay!

If you are interested in a quote for your group, please CLICK HERE to tell us more about your tour requirements or call (800) 303-5534.