Today we depart from Miami International Airport (MIA) on an overnight air journey to Dublin, Ireland.
This morning we arrive in Ireland at Dublin Airport (DUB). Visit Trinity College to view the Book of Kells, a 9th-century illuminated Gospel manuscript. In the Old Library, examine two ornate pages and learn how the manuscript survived from around AD 800. Continue to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, built beside the sacred well where Saint Patrick baptized converts. Discover its 800-year-old Gothic interior and graves of figures like Jonathan Swift. Return to the hotel for a welcome dinner. Overnight Dublin. Green Isle Hotel (4*) or similar. D.
After enjoying breakfast and checking out of the hotel, the journey continues through the heart of the Emerald Isle toward the historic city of Limerick. Here we will stop for a short refreshment break. From Limerick, the adventure leads westward to one of Ireland’s most iconic natural wonders—the Cliffs of Moher. Towering over the Atlantic Ocean, these majestic cliffs offer breathtaking views and an unforgettable atmosphere. The route then turns northward, following the scenic coastline toward Galway. Upon arrival, a brief sightseeing tour introduces the city’s vibrant charm, blending medieval streets with a lively cultural spirit. Overnight Galway. Clayton Hotel (4*) or similar. B, D.
After breakfast and check-out, the group sets off by coach toward Clonmacnoise, a sacred site nestled in the peaceful countryside of County Offaly. Upon arrival, there’s time to explore the remarkable monastic ruins—an early Christian settlement rich with Celtic crosses, ancient churches, and centuries of history. We cross the border into Northern Ireland, arriving in Downpatrick. Here, the group visits the St. Patrick’s Centre, a fascinating exhibit dedicated to Ireland’s beloved patron saint. The experience continues with a visit to Down Cathedral and the nearby grave traditionally believed to be St. Patrick’s final resting place. Overnight Belfast. Leonardo Hotel (4*) or similar. B, D.
Today we visit the Titanic Experience in Belfast’s shipyard district to learn about the ship’s construction, launch, and legacy. Then we board a ferry to Cairnryan, Scotland. Enjoy onboard amenities during the 2¼-hour crossing. Upon arrival we drive through the Scottish Lowlands to Glasgow. Overnight Glasgow. Moxy Glasgow SEC (4*) or similar. B, D.
Today we head to Oban for the ferry to the Isle of Mull. Cross the island by coach and take a short ferry to Iona, where St. Columba founded a monastery in AD 563. Visit Iona Abbey, walk its grounds, and learn how its monks shaped Christianity in Scotland and beyond. See the museum’s crosses and gravestones enjoy the island’s natural beauty, white sand beaches, and turquoise waters. Overnight Tyndrum. Ben Doran Hotel (3*) or similar. B, L (pre-packed), D.
After breakfast and check-out, we travel through the scenic landscapes of Trossachs National Park and along Loch Lubnaig en route to Stirling, where we visit the historic Church of the Holy Rude—originally founded in 1129 and rebuilt after a 1405 fire, featuring Scotland’s oldest surviving hammer beam roof. In Edinburgh we explore Edinburgh Castle, home to St. Margaret’s Chapel, the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Honours of Scotland, and the Stone of Scone, all set against panoramic views of the city. From the castle, we walk down the Royal Mile to St. Giles’ Cathedral—central to the Scottish Reformation and the ministry of John Knox. The day continues with a visit to John Knox House, one of the oldest medieval buildings in the city, and ends with a reflective stroll through Greyfriars Kirkyard and a visit to Greyfriars Kirk, the first church to be built in post-Reformation Edinburgh. Overnight Edinburgh. Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge (4*) or similar. B, D.
Leaving Edinburgh, we journey south across the English border to the tidal island of Lindisfarne, or Holy Island—an early hub of English Christianity. After carefully crossing the causeway, we explore the evocative ruins of Lindisfarne Priory, founded in 635 by Saint Aidan with support from King Oswald of Northumbria. The site became a beacon of Celtic Christianity, home to saints like St. Cuthbert and the famed Lindisfarne Gospels, before suffering a notorious Viking raid in 793. Standing beneath the red sandstone arches, we imagine the chaos of that first attack of the Viking Age and also visit St. Mary’s Parish Church nearby. After enjoying lunch with views of the coast and seabirds, we travel inland to Durham to visit its grand cathedral—final resting place of St. Cuthbert, whose legendary life was chronicled by the Venerable Bede and who became one of Britain’s most beloved saints. We end the day in the historic city of York. Overnight York. Ibis Styles (3*) or similar. B, L (prepacked), D.
We begin the day exploring the historic city of York, starting with a guided visit to York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe. Inside, we’re struck by the vast nave and intricate stained glass, including the monumental East Window, while learning about York’s early Christian roots and its role in aligning Celtic and Roman church traditions. The Minster, built over centuries, showcases stunning stonework and the iconic ‘Heart of Yorkshire’ window. Continuing on foot, we stroll along York’s medieval city walls and the charming Shambles, with time to explore shops and enjoy lunch (not included). In the afternoon, we journey south through the scenic Peak District, pausing for views of Ladybower Reservoir and Derwent Dam, tied to the legendary WWII ‘Dambusters’ training. The day concludes with our arrival in Stratford-upon-Avon, the idyllic hometown of William Shakespeare. Overnight Stratford-upon-Avon. MacDonald Alveston Manor Hotel & Spa (4*) or similar. B, D.
Our day begins with a walking tour of Stratford-upon-Avon, where we admire the town’s Tudor architecture before visiting Shakespeare’s Birthplace, a preserved 16th-century home brought to life by costumed guides who share insights into Elizabethan life. We then stroll to Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare was baptized and buried. We travel to Oxford, and visit Magdalen College, where C.S. Lewis taught, and walk along Addison’s Walk—the serene path where he conversed with Tolkien and Dyson about Christianity, a pivotal moment in his conversion. We pause at a commemorative plaque and reflect on Lewis’s faith and literary legacy, including works like Mere Christianity. If time permits, we view the exterior of The Kilns, his home and writing haven. Back in central Oxford, we pass the Eagle and Child Pub (where Lewis and Tolkein famously met every week) and the Martyrs’ Memorial, which commemorates Protestant Oxford martyrs Cranmer, Latimer, and Ridley. We end with a visit to the University Church of St. Mary, where Thomas Cranmer was tried. Overnight Oxford. Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House Hotel (4*) or similar. B, D
We drive to Stonehenge, the world-famous prehistoric stone circle on Salisbury Plain. We continue to Salisbury Cathedral to view the Magna Carta and discuss its influence on democracy and church-state relations. Overnight London. Ibis Styles London Ealing (3*) or similar. B, D.
Today we visit Westminster Abbey: see the Coronation Chair, Confessor’s Shrine, Poets’ Corner, and royal tombs. At the Tower of London, a formidable fortress on the River Thames, we will see the White Tower, Crown Jewels, and St. Peter ad Vincula chapel. End the day by enjoying a live performance at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Overnight London. Ibis Styles London Ealing (3*) or similar. B, D.
Tour the British Museum, viewing among other things the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon Marbles, and Mesopotamian and Anglo-Saxon artifacts like Sutton Hoo helmet. The afternoon is free for individual exploration. Overnight London. Ibis Styles London Ealing (3*) or similar. B, D.
After breakfast, transfer to London Heathrow Airport for your return flight to Miami. If time permits, breakfast is included today. Later today, we will arrive back in Miami.
