Scotland & Ireland In the Footsteps of John Knox and C.S. Lewis with Doug and Maureen Husen | Sept. 18, 2027
Join Doug and Maureen Husen for Scotland & Ireland In the Footsteps of John Knox and C.S. Lewis, starting at $7,598* from Los Angeles on September 18, 2027. You will see Edinburgh, Perth, Holy Rude, Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond, Fort William, Loch Ness, Culloden, Aberdeen, Angus District, Dundee, St. Andrews, Dunfermline Cathedral, Belfast, Carrickfergus Castle, Glenariff Forest Park, and much more!
What's Included
- All Inclusive Pricing
- First Class Hotels
- Deluxe A/C Motor Coaches
- Fuel Surcharges and Gov't Taxes
- International Airfare
- Entrance and Program Fees
- Guided Tours
- Overseas Airport Transfers
- Administrative Fee
- Hotel Gratuities
- Select Meals on Itinerary
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 September 18 - Depart the USA
Depart the USA
Day 2 September 19 - Arrive in Edinburgh / Perth, Holy Rude & Stirling Castle
Welcome to Scotland! This morning, you’ll walk the streets of Perth to St. John’s Kirk. John Knox delivered a sermon here against “idolatry” that helped spark the grassroots of the Reformation. Visit the Church of the Holy Rude, founded in 1129. King James VI was crowned here in 1567. Visit Stirling Castle, one of the best-preserved castles in Scotland. Dinner and overnight in Stirling. (B, D)
Day 3 September 20 - Loch Lomond & Fort William
Start your morning with a visit to 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. Depart Stirling and continue to Loch Lomond. Stop at Luss for a photo stop. Continue to the village of Glencoe, the site of the massacre of Glencoe of the Clan MacDonald by forces of King William II. Then, travel to Fort William, nestled on the shores of Loch Linnhe. Dinner and overnight in Fort William. (B, D)
Day 4 September 21 - Loch Ness
Depart Fort William and search for ‘Nessie’ as you take a relaxing boat ride on Loch Ness. Enjoy a walking tour of Inverness’s beautiful and historic city, a source of inspiration for Macbeth, including Inverness Castle and the Cathedral. Afterward, enjoy some time to explore Inverness on your own. Dinner and overnight in Inverness. (B, D)
Day 5 September 22 - Culloden & Aberdeen
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. 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. (B, D)
Day 6 September 23 - Angus District & Dundee
Before leaving Aberdeen, visit the historic Kirk of St. Nicholas, also known as ‘the mither kirk’ (mother church) of the city. Drive through the Angus district and visit Glamis Castle for a tour. Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother spent her childhood here, and Princess Margaret was born here. Learn about other historical figures that passed through the doors, such as Mary, Queen of Scots, James V of Scotland, and James VIII. Enjoy free time in Dundee, Scotland’s 4th largest city. You can visit the Royal Research Ship Discovery, which pioneered in the Antarctic, or wander the waterfront at your leisure before checking into your hotel. (B, D)
Day 7 September 24 - St. Andrews & Dunfermline Cathedral
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. Enjoy some time to explore the ruins before continuing 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. (B, D)
Day 8 September 25 - Edinburgh
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. Continue and tour Holyrood 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 on your own. (B)
Day 9 September 26 – 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’ between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. This afternoon, you are free to explore Edinburgh on your own. You can choose to visit the Scottish Museum, or go to the Elephant House, where author JK Rowling first imagined and wrote the Harry Potter series, or visit the statue of Greyfriars Bobby located next to the Elephant House. Dinner on your own. (B)
Day 10 September 27 – Day On Own
Enjoy a day exploring, shopping, and relaxing in Edinburgh. Edinburgh overnight—dinner on your own. (B)
Day 11 September 28 – Fly to Belfast
Bid Edinburgh farewell and travel to Belfast. Upon arrival, enjoy a driving orientation tour of the city, including City Hall, Stormont Estate, the University Quarter, and the Titanic Quarter. Enjoy some time late this afternoon to wander Belfast on your own. Check in to your hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D)
Day 12 September 29 – Belfast
Explore Belfast today and see the birthplace of C. S. Lewis. Start your walk today at “The Searcher” statue and go down Hollywood Road to C. S. Lewis Square to see the 7 Narnia-inspired sculptures. Visit St. Mark’s Church, where his grandfather was a rector and where Lewis was baptized. Walk down Dundela Avenue to No. 47 to see the plaque denoting where Lewis was born and see Little Lea, his boyhood home on Circular Road. Your afternoon is free to explore on your own. (B, D)
Day 13 September 30 – Irish Countryside
Explore the beautiful northern coast of Ireland today. Start with a photo stop at Carrickfergus Castle, built on the shores in 1177. Visit Glenariff Forest Park, an inspiration for C. S. Lewis’ Narnia. Drive along the scenic Torr Head route and admire the high cliffs of the Antrim Coast. Stop at Marina Ballycastle, a seaside resort, and enjoy some free time to grab lunch. Arrive at Giant’s Causeway and marvel at its collection of over 40,000 basalt columns. Visit the impressive ruins of Dunluce Castle, the seat of Clan MacDonnell, before returning to Belfast. (B, D)
Day 14 October 1 – Return to the USA
Return to the USA
Departure Dates
-
Saturday, September 18, 2027From $7598






