2023 English & Scottish Reformation Study Tour (5-star)
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ITINERARY
Day 1, September 10 - Arrival in London
Guests arrive in London and will be greeted and transported via private vehicles to our official hotel. Upon arrival at the hotel, guests will be given the Day 1 British Reformation Tour newsletter that will identify the day’s events at the Sovereign guest reception desk. We will then enjoy a welcome dinner and lecture together. HOTEL: 5-Star Accommodations (Optional) All attendees will receive free tuition for Ligonier’s 2023 Regional Conference in London on the theme of “Pilgrims and Exiles.” This conference will take place on September 8-9, immediately preceding the study tour. Attendance is optional, but we hope you’ll extend your time with us. There will also be an optional London excursion for guests to explore more of London the morning and afternoon of September 10th. Details and pricing for the optional excursion in London will be forthcoming. |
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Day 2, September 11 - London
After breakfast and lecture, enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour of Westminster Abbey, the site where the Westminster Confession of Faith was written. It is also the location of many of the graves of many of the world's most famous people including many of the early Kings and Queens of England. After lunch on own, we will visit Smithfield where clergyman and bible translator, John Rogers, became the first martyr under Queen Mary the 1st. We will then head to Bunhill Fields Cemetery, known as the “cemetery of Puritan England.” Walking through the cemetery, you will see the graves of John Bunyan—Pilgrim’s Progress, Isaac Watts--noted hymn writer, Daniel Defoe—Robinson Crusoe, Susannah Wesley—mother of John and Charles as well as members of the Cromwell family. HOTEL: 5-Star Accommodations |
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Day 3, September 12 - London
After a quick breakfast this morning, we will head to the city where the Gospel of the Reformation was first preached: Cam- bridge. Entering the university city of Cambridge, we'll tour King's College Chapel, one of England's architectural gems. The Chapel houses Rubens's The Adoration of the Magi. We will tour the city's historic areas and visit the site of the White Horse Inn. We will return to our hotel for dinner and lecture. HOTEL: 5-Star Accommodations |
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Day 4, September 13 - London
After a buffet breakfast and lecture, we will travel to historic Hampton Court, residence of King Henry VIII and where the decision to begin translational work on what would eventually become the King James Version of the Bible. We will enjoy a tour of the estates and lunch before heading back to London. HOTEL: 5-Star Accommodations |
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Day 5, September 14 - London to Edinburgh
Leaving London following breakfast and lecture, we will ride via 1st class high-speed rail north through the countryside. We’ll cross the England/Scotland “border” and enter the beautiful hilly fields and steams of Scotland. This afternoon we will arrive in the historic city of Edinburgh where we will check into our hotel and enjoy free time on your own this evening. |
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Day 6, September 15 - Edinburgh
After a quick breakfast this morning, we will explore the historic Edinburgh Castle on a private tour. Areas of this ancient castle date back to the 11th century. Within the castle grounds is the Stone of Scone, the famous stone recently returned to Scotland, and the Scottish Crown Jewels. We will then head to St. Giles Cathedral where the Reformer, John Knox, preached powerful sermons. After lunch on your own, we will tour the areas where the great Scottish Covenanters were held, persecuted, and executed, and where the Greyfriars Monument currently stands. We will return to our hotel for dinner and lecture. HOTEL: 5-Star Accommodations |
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Day 7, September 16 - Edinburgh to St. Andrews
After a traditional Scottish breakfast and lecture, we will journey to Stirling Castle, one of the most important castles in Scotland's history. Home of the Stuart Kings and Mary Queen of Scots, this grand castle is closely associated with William Wallace (Braveheart), Robert the Bruce and Bonnie Prince Charlie. It also looks out across where the battle of Stirling Bridge took place and where William Wallace famously defeated a much larger English Army in 1297. We will check into our hotel in St. Andrews and you will enjoy free time on your own for dinner. HOTEL: 5-Star Accommodations |
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Day 8, September 17 - St. Andrews
We will begin the day with breakfast and morning Worship Service. We will then visit the ruins of the cathedral destroyed during the Reformation, view the Martyrs Monument, and stop by San Salvator’s Chapel where Patrick Hamilton was burned at the stake for promoting the truths revealed in the German Reformation. We will end this spectacular day back at our St. Andrews hotel with a farewell dinner and lecture. HOTEL: 5-Star Accommodations |
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Day 9, September 18 - St. Andrews
After a good night’s rest, we will assist our guests with their transfers to their flights out of Edinburgh. MEALS: B |
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Please Note: Itinerary and speakers are subject to modification without notice. To fully participate in this tour, you must be able to walk long distances, have good balance capabilities and be able to walk on uneven terrain. There will also be some climbing involved as well as long periods of standing. Due to the historical nature of some of our destinations, not all facilities will be ADA compliant. |