Click this link to print a general Tour Brochure: Christian Heritage Tour – General Brochure
Day 1: Depart USA: Your exciting journey begins as we depart from the USA on an international flight to London, ready to explore the deep Christian heritage and inspiring landscapes of the United Kingdom.
Day 2: Arrival in London / Hampton Court Palace: After arriving in London, we’ll be greeted by our local guide and begin with a visit to the historic Hampton Court Palace. Here, King James I convened the Hampton Court Conference, which led to the commissioning of the King James Bible. We’ll tour the palace, visiting the Chapel Royal and learning about the influence of Catherine Parr, Henry VIII’s final wife, on the English Bible. The serene gardens and famous hedge maze await us after the tour. We conclude our first day with a welcome dinner at our hotel in London. Overnight: London
Day 3: Westminster Abbey / Buckingham Palace / Thames River Cruise: Today, we start at Westminster Abbey, the historic site of royal coronations and the final resting place of many influential figures, including poets, monarchs, and C.S. Lewis. We’ll also view Poets’ Corner, dedicated to British literary greats. Afterward, we’ll witness the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, a truly iconic British ceremony. The afternoon is highlighted by a scenic Thames River cruise, with views of London’s most recognizable landmarks, including the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. The evening is yours to explore London at your leisure. Overnight: London
Day 4: St. Paul’s Cathedral / John Wesley’s Chapel / Tower of London: Our journey today takes us first to St. Paul’s Cathedral, where Sir Christopher Wren’s architectural masterpiece will inspire us. Following this, we visit John Wesley’s Chapel, also known as “The Mother Church of World Methodism,” where we’ll learn about Wesley’s incredible contributions to Christianity. We then tour Bunhill Fields, where John Bunyan and other notable nonconformists are buried. Finally, we explore the Tower of London, home to centuries of history and the stunning Crown Jewels. Overnight: London
Day 5: Oxford – University Tour / C.S. Lewis: After leaving London, we arrive in Oxford, one of the world’s most prestigious university cities. Here, we’ll embark on a walking tour that touches on the Reformation’s influence and the theological debates that shaped modern Christianity. We visit Christ Church College and sites connected to famous alumni like C.S. Lewis and John Wesley. Our afternoon includes a visit to The Kilns, C.S. Lewis’ home, where he wrote much of his Christian works. Dinner is at a local restaurant in Oxford. Overnight: Oxford
Day 6: Stonehenge / Salisbury Cathedral: Today we venture to the mystical Stonehenge, one of the world’s most iconic prehistoric monuments. We’ll ponder the significance of this ancient stone circle before continuing to Salisbury Cathedral. At Salisbury, we view one of the best-preserved original Magna Carta manuscripts and explore the soaring Gothic architecture. After some free time in this charming medieval city, we return to Oxford for an evening of relaxation. Overnight: Oxford
Day 7: Stratford-upon-Avon / Shakespeare’s Birthplace: After breakfast, we depart Oxford and head towards the beautiful town of Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. We’ll take in the picturesque surroundings of the Cotswolds along the way, stopping to enjoy some of its quaint villages. In Stratford, we visit Shakespeare’s birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s cottage, gaining insights into the bard’s life and times. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy this charming town before we travel to York in the evening. Overnight: York
Day 8: York Minster / Christian History: Our exploration of York begins with a visit to York Minster, a stunning Gothic cathedral that has been central to the city’s Christian heritage since medieval times. We’ll admire its magnificent stained glass windows and learn about its historical significance in the spread of Christianity throughout Northern England. Following a walking tour along York’s ancient walls, we’ll have free time to explore the city’s winding streets and shops. Overnight: York
Day 9: Durham Cathedral / Lindisfarne (Holy Island): Today we travel to Durham to visit Durham Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a jewel of Norman architecture. After exploring this extraordinary site, we continue our journey to Lindisfarne, known as Holy Island, a tidal island rich in early Christian history. We’ll explore the ruins of Lindisfarne Priory, a center for Christian evangelism in Anglo-Saxon England, before crossing the causeway back to the mainland. In the evening, we arrive in Edinburgh. Overnight: Edinburgh
Day 10: Edinburgh Castle / John Knox House / St. Giles Cathedral: We begin our day in Scotland’s capital with a tour of Edinburgh Castle, which towers over the city and has played a pivotal role in Scotland’s history. From the castle, we’ll walk down the Royal Mile, stopping to visit the 15th-century John Knox House, the home of the leader of the Scottish Reformation. In the afternoon, we visit St. Giles Cathedral, where John Knox preached his powerful sermons, shaping the future of Presbyterianism. The evening is free for you to explore Edinburgh’s vibrant dining scene. Overnight: Edinburgh
Day 11: St. Andrews / Stirling Castle: Our final full day takes us to St. Andrews, a center of Christian scholarship during the Reformation. We’ll explore the ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral and reflect on the lives of Reformation martyrs like George Wishart. In the afternoon, we visit Stirling Castle, where Scottish monarchs were crowned and where battles for independence were fought. We’ll also visit the nearby Church of the Holy Rude, which hosted the coronation of James VI of Scotland. We return to Edinburgh for a memorable farewell dinner. Overnight: Edinburgh
Day 12: Return Home: After a spiritually enriching and historically fascinating tour, we bid farewell to the UK and return home with cherished memories of our Christian Heritage journey.