Join Christos on a Pilgrimage to Iona, Scotland
June 24 -July 4, 2024
Join us for this rich encounter with God, God’s creation and God’s people.
The Christos Pilgrimage Team is pleased to present an opportunity to experience a pilgrimage to the holy isle of Iona, off the west coast of Scotland. Pilgrimage is an important spiritual practice, and Iona lends itself beautifully to this important contemplative practice.
This memorable trip includes seven* days and nights on the holy Isle of Iona, the “Cradle of Christianity” in the United Kingdom. Pilgrims will engage in daily worship, solitude, and exploration of the dynamic faith of the Christian Celts.
Iona, located off the west coast of Scotland, is also a place of spectacular natural beauty. Pilgrims will enjoy many hours of leisurely wandering and exploring its pristine beaches and lush green paths.
Our group will stay at the historic Argyll Hotel, (https://argyllhoteliona.co.uk/) an inn characterized by its beach front property where tea and scones are readily enjoyed next to the lapping of the waves. Each day begins with breakfast at the Argyll and closes with a gourmet dinner followed by evening worship at Iona Abbey.
*Trip includes accommodation for two nights in Glasgow before our stay on Iona, and one night in Glasgow after.
Itinerary and Cost
Monday, June 24, 2024: Arrive in Glasgow and check into city hotel; free day of exploring, dinner on your own.
June 25: Hotel breakfast, afternoon in Glasgow together, dinner together.
June 26: Morning train from Glasgow to Oban; ferry to Isle of Mull; coach to Fionnphort; ferry to Iona. Group will stay 7 nights at the Argyll Hotel on Iona https://argyllhoteliona.co.uk/. There will be guidance for each day, including times together and plenty of time on your own for personal reflection/exploration.
July 3: Depart Iona for Glasgow; hotel overnight
Thursday, July 4: Depart Glasgow International Airport for home, or further adventures on your own
Cost: $3,000 per person, includes all accommodation in Glasgow and Iona; breakfast/dinner on Iona; two dinners in Glasgow; all train, ferry, bus fares.
Space is limited to 20 people on this trip.
Each participant is responsible for round trip flights from the US to Glasgow, and bus/taxi transport from airport to Glasgow hotel.
DOWNLOAD .PDF OF ITINERARY
Your Pilgrimage Team
Tracy Balzer, Pilgrimage Leader and Guide: Tracy is author of Thin Places: An Evangelical Journey Into Celtic Christianity, and A Journey of Sea and Stone: How Holy Places Guide and Renew Us. She is an experienced Iona traveler, leader of spiritual retreats, graduate of the Christos Tending the Holy Spiritual Direction program, and a spiritual director. Tracy is the leader of Sea & Stone Journeys. www.tracybalzer.com
Heidi Lender, Christos Host: Heidi is Executive Director of Christos, Spiritual Director, Counselor, Asst. Professor, and graduate of the Christos Tending the Holy Program. She has extensive experience as an educator and spiritual retreat leader.
Brian Norsman, Travel Advisor and Coach: Brian is an ordained pastor, spiritual director, Christos board member, graduate of the Christos Tending the Holy Spiritual Direction program and experienced pilgrimage traveler. He has extensive travel experience as former owner of a Scandinavian tour business and currently operates Wild Goose Adventures. wildgoosetraveladventures@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions
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Our physical activity is moderate, and we will be making many transfers on our travel days (train to ferry to bus, for example) that may require brisk walking. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage throughout the trip, including on public transport and in hotels. Other activities listed on the itinerary require more walking, some of it on uneven ground, sometimes uphill. Our pilgrimage leaders are available to talk with you if you have questions/concerns about mobility issues or physical readiness.
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A passport valid for at least six months after your return from the pilgrimage is required for all U.S. citizens. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please contact your embassy or consulate to ensure that you obtain the proper documentation.
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Christos does not require, but strongly encourages pilgrims to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. We will also be following UK requirements related to travel and advise participants of any noteworthy precautions or actions that need to be taken.
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The nearest major airport is Glasgow International Airport (GLA). It is also possible to fly to Edinburgh (EDI), but you will need to make your way to Glasgow via train to meet the group.
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We strongly recommend Comprehensive Travel Protection Insurance. Please consult your travel agent, or visit one of the various websites such as www.travelguard.com. Pilgrimage Co-Leader Brian Norsman (wildgoosetraveladventures@gmail.com) can also advise you about travel insurance.
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You may want to consult a travel agent, or use online services such as Expedia or Travelocity, among others. Travel Advisor Brian Norsman (wildgoosetraveladventures@gmail.com) can also advise you on this.
To reserve your space:
Notify Brian Norsman at Wild Goose Adventures, wildgoosetraveladventures@gmail.com or 651.276.1992. Space is limited to 20 people. A $600 non-refundable deposit will hold your space. Schedule for additional non-refundable payments in early 2024 will be announced. Travel insurance should be considered; however, take care to read the fine print! Only very particular circumstances are covered.
More questions? Join us at an upcoming online Information Session: