Presbyterian Tour of Scotland

Welcome to Edinburgh:

Upon arrival in Edinburgh, your coach will meet you at the airport.
You’ll enjoy a panoramic tour of the city, taking in all the iconic sites such as Edinburgh Castle, the Scottish Parliament and the Royal Mile; the main street in Edinburgh since the 13^th century leading from the castle to Holyroodhouse Palace.

You’ll then check in your hotel and relax before enjoying your welcome dinner as a group at the hotel. The rest of the evening will be free to spend at your leisure.

Discover Edinburgh

After a traditional Scottish breakfast at your hotel, you’ll head to Edinburgh Castle to enjoy a guided tour of one of the oldest fortified palaces in Europe. There has been a royal castle dominating the Edinburgh skyline for nearly a thousand years. With a long history as a royal residence, military garrison and fortress – the castle is alive with countless exciting tales. When you climb Castle Hill, you’ll walk in the footsteps of soldiers, kings, queens and even the odd pirate or two. After a guided tour you’ll have free time to explore the castle at your own pace.

The rest of the day will then be free to spend at your leisure, exploring the closes, wynds and hidden gems of this incredible city.

John Knox House, St. Giles Cathedral and Holyroodhouse Palace:

After a traditional breakfast at your hotel, you’ll begin following in the footsteps of John Knox, starting with his former home – the John Knox House. One of the oldest houses in Edinburgh, with parts dating back to 1470, it has been described as ‘impossibly picturesque.’ Tradition states that a small window on the first floor was once used by Knox, leaning out of it to preach to people in the street below. The houses connection with John Knox saved the building from demolition and today it tells the story of the Reformation and how people lived 400 years ago.

The next stop on your Knox tour will be St. Giles cathedral; founded in 1124 it became the focal point for the Scottish Reformation in the 16^th century.  On his return to Scotland in 1559, Knox marched an army of followers into St. Giles and preached there for the first time.  The following week he was elected minister of the church and today it is regarded as the Mother Church of World Presbyterianism. You’ll have the chance to partake in a short prayer service before enjoying some free time for lunch.

After lunch, your guide will lead you down the historic Royal Mile to Holyroodhouse Palace.  The palace was home to Mary Queen of Scots between 1561 and 1567  and was where she had numerous confrontational audiences with John Knox. Enjoy a guided tour of the Palace and some free time exploring its majestic splendours and fascinating history.

Time permitting, you’ll then visit Canongate Kirk on the way back to your hotel; this is the parish church of Holyroodhouse, Scottish Parliament and Edinburgh Castle. Upon returning to your hotel, the rest of the evening is free to spend at your leisure.

Stirling and Aberfoyle

After a traditional breakfast at your hotel, you’ll head to the city of Stirling where James VI was educated by Scottish reformer George Buchanan.  Visit the church of the Holy Rude, which was once a Royal Cathedral where John Knox preached for the James VI’s baptism in 1566.

Enjoy a guided tour of Stirling Castle, dating back to the 15^th century and nestled between the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland, it is known as the ‘broach’ fastening Scotland together.

After some time exploring the castle and an independent lunch, you’ll head to the traditional Scottish Village of Aberfoyle.  Here you will visit the delightful Scottish Woollen Centre and see its dog and duck show where the shepherd will give you an insight into the history of Scottish sheep and work his dog ‘on hand’ with the ducks.
You will have some free time to wander around, see the rare breeds of sheep, goats and miniature horses and do some local shopping.

You’ll then return to your Edinburgh hotel to spend the rest of your evening at your leisure.

Return Home (or extend your stay)

Breakfast in the hotel, and there may be some free time before your transfer to Edinburgh (or Glasgow Airport) to connect with your homeward flight

Alternatively, extend your stay in Scotland or another part of the UK