Friday, May 15

Depart the U.S.

---

Our spiritual adventure begins as we depart from the U.S. for our long-awaited destination!

Saturday, May 16

Welcome to Ireland

---

Your Day Includes

• Arrive Dublin - you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel
• Chester Beatty Library - this collection includes texts, illuminated manuscripts, and miniature paintings from the world’s great religions and systems of belief across the East Asian, Islamic, and Western regions
• Dublin Castle - the historic heart of the city – constructed in the early 13th century on the site of a Viking settlement
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral - a private guided tour through the largest church in Ireland

Overnight

The Merrion Hotel – Dublin

Sunday, May 17

Glendalough

---

Your Day Includes

• Trinity College / Book of Kells - established in 1592, this library has over 6 million printed volumes with extensive collections of journals, manuscripts, maps, and music, including the Book of Kells which contains the four gospels and has been resident at Trinity College since the 17th century
• Powerscourt Gardens - 47 acres filled with formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statues and ornamental lakes, secret hollows, and rambling walks
• Glendalough (Valley of the Two Lakes) - the verdant “Valley of the Two Lakes” is an area of great natural beauty and the site of a monastic community established here during the Dark Ages where the ruins of churches and a perfectly intact round tower remain
• Wicklow Mountains National Park - the largest uninterrupted upland area in the country which became a National Park in 1998
• NIS thoroughbred horse breeding facility - Learn about the rich history and heritage of Irish horseracing and spend time in the Japanese Gardens – the finest of its kind in Europe.

Overnight

The Merrion Hotel – Dublin

Monday, May 18

Belfast

---

Your Day Includes

• Boyne Valley - the birthplace of Ireland’s Ancient East and the largest and one of the most important prehistoric megalithic sites in Europe
• Belfast City Tour - a visit to the Renaissance-style City Hall and St. Anne’s Cathedral, with its imposing neo-Romanesque façade
• C.S. Lewis Square - the square features bronze sculptures inspired by characters from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, a life size sculpture of C.S. Lewis, and a plaque which marks the spot of Lewis’ birth

Overnight

The Merrion Hotel – Dublin

Tuesday, May 19

Irish Countryside

---

Your Day Includes

• Rock of Cashel - set on a dramatic rocky outcrop, this site was one of the most significant medieval centers of ecclesiastical power in the country, and includes Cormac’s Chapel which contains the only surviving Romanesque frescoes in Ireland
• Waterford Crystal Factory - a tour of the renown House of Waterford, encompassing all aspects of glass production including moulding, glass blowing, sculpting, and engraving

Overnight

The Merrion Hotel – Dublin

Wednesday, May 20

Depart for Scotland

---

Your Day Includes

• Fly to Edinburgh
• Rosslyn Chapel - founded in 1446 and still used as a place of worship, this chapel is located in the beautiful countryside of Midlothian
• Royal Yacht Britannia - the former royal yacht of the British monarchy, which was in service from 1954 to 1997
• Royal Botanic Garden - one of the world’s leading botanic gardens

Overnight

The Balmoral Hotel – Edinburgh

Thursday, May 21

Edinburgh

---

Your Day Includes

• Edinburgh Castle - a royal fortress that symbolizes the Scottish nation, the Castle is home to the “Honours of Scotland,” the oldest set of Crown Jewels in the British Isles
• Royal Mile
• St. Giles Cathedral - this fascinating Gothic church was founded in 1124, has been a working church for 900 years, and was John Knox’s parish church during the Reformation
• John Knox House - dating from 1470, making it the only original medieval building left surviving in Edinburgh, this house is associated with one of the most dramatic and turbulent times in Scottish History – The Scottish Reformation
• Museum of Edinburgh - this museum houses a wide and varied collection covering centuries of Edinburgh’s history from the Old and New Towns and featuring a rich history of Scottish craftsmanship
• Greyfriars Kirk - this beautiful, landmark building in the heart of the city is used today as a parish church and world-class concert venue
• Holyroodhouse Palace - a private, after-hours tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King’s Official Residence in Scotland

Overnight

The Balmoral Hotel – Edinburgh

Friday, May 22

Hadrian's Wall

---

Your Day Includes

• Holy Island of Lindisfarne - the Island is internationally famous both for its medieval religious heritage and also its more recent picturesque 16th century castle
• Segedunum Roman Fort/ Hadrian’s Wall - the highlights of this site include the recently discovered foundations of the original Roman bath house, a 80-metre section of the original Hadrian’s wall foundations, and dramatic views of the ancient site
• Arbeia Roman Fort - standing above the entrance to the River Tyne, this fort was a key garrison and military supply base to the other forts along the Wall and the Great North Museum

Overnight

The Balmoral Hotel – Edinburgh

Saturday, May 23

St. Andrews

---

Your Day Includes

• Walking tour of St. Andrews - the ecclesiastical and educational capital of Scotland in the Middle Ages, including Trinity Church, Castle Ruins, and a beautiful overlook of Trinity College
• St. Andrews Golfing (optional) - enjoy a round of golf on the famed St. Andrews course (optional, additional charge)
• High Tea - a traditional experience to be savored as you take in the beautiful setting and unrivalled views across the Old Course while you enjoy sandwiches, pastries, scones, and a wide selection of teas
• Farewell Dinner - a special dinner to rejoice and reminisce over the extraordinary days spent together

Overnight

The Balmoral Hotel – Edinburgh

Sunday, May 24

Homeward bound

---

With heart-changing memories of our walk in the footsteps of history, we arrive back home. May we never be the same!