In June 1999, 28 members of Second Presbyterian saw many wonderful sights, learned some Presbyterian history, and became good friends in our two weeks together.

On this trip you'll experience the many wonders of this magical land - the large cities and towns and villages alike, all steeped with a rich culture and history; spectacular scenic drives in the highlands; plus some of the fascinating islands to the west and north!

This trip will be led by David & Currie Renwick David is the Senior Pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church in Lexington and a native of Scotland who is looking forward to sharing his homeland with you - its history, scenery, and Christian heritage - and a warm camaraderie & fellowship during your trip. As our travel partner for this tour, we have selected Trafalgar Tours, a leader in European tours for many decades with a solid reputation for excellent value and service. Join David & Currie, and these are some of the highlights you'll experience:

Sunday, June 13 - Depart Lexington early afternoon on a Delta flight to Atlanta where you'll connect to a nonstop British Airways flight to London's Gatwick Airport.

Monday, June 14 - Following an early morning arrival, you'll be transferred to your London hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to rest a bit or explore this exciting city.

Tuesday, June 15 - A warm welcome from your Trafalgar Tour Director who will be with you throughout your trip. Today you'll enjoy a full day's drive through the English countryside and the Northumberland National Park. After crossing the Scottish border, your first stop will be in Jedburgh, famous for its beautiful abbey. Here you'll visit a Scottish tweed & woolen outlet before traveling on to Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, where you will spend the next two nights. Tonight join your Tour Director for a welcome drink.

Wednesday, June 16 - A full Scottish breakfast starts your day as it does throughout your tour of Scotland. Your morning sightseeing tour of Edinburgh includes a visit to the city's world-famous castle which houses the crown jewels and affords spectacular views of the city. You'll travel down Princes Street and the Royal Mile, and pass by Holyrood House, the royal residence of the Queen when in Edinburgh. The afternoon and evening are at your leisure for sightseeing or shopping on your own and perhaps a Scottish cabaret.

Thursday, June 17 - Today you'll journey across the mighty Forth Bridge to St. Andrews' famous golf links. You'll continue on via Dundee and visit Clamis Castle, the 17th century home of the Queen Mother and the legendary setting for Macbeth. Later in the afternoon you'll arrive in Aberdeen, a major business & oil center and prosperous fishing port, for your overnight stay and an included dinner at the hotel.

Friday, June 18 - Today you'll enjoy the spectacular highland scenery enroute to Culloden Moor, the battle site of Bonnie Prince Charlie's defeat. Then travel via Inverness and along the coastline to visit Dunrobin Castle, home to the Dukes of Sutherland. Enjoy a stroll through the formal gardens before continuing on to Thurso where you'll stay the next two nights. Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow travelers at an included dinner this evening.

Saturday, June 19 - Today, subject to weather conditions, is an included excursion to the remote highland Orkney Islands. You'll board a ferry to South Ronaldsay where you'll overlook Scapa Flow and visit the Italian Chapel. Then it's on to Scara Brae to see the remains of a Neolithic village before passing the prehistory ring of Brodgar to Viking Kirkwall. In the late afternoon, you'll reboard the ferry and travel back to the Mainland. Dinner is included.

Sunday, June 20 - In the morning, drive through unspoiled landscapes and along the northern coastline. You'll continue further inland to misty valleys and glens, lochs & rushing waters before your arrival in Ullapool on Loch Broom. Dinner is again included this evening.

Monday, June 21 - This morning's drive is toward Loch Ness. Continue on via Fort William, glimpsing at the imposing peak of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. Then you travel on to notorious Glencoe before your arrival in Oban for the night and an included dinner.

Tuesday, June 22 - Today is an included excursion to Mull and lona. First, a ferry ride across the mouth of Loch Linnhe to Craignure on the Isle of Mull. Then travel to Fionnphort for a sea hop to the island of lona, burial place of Scottish Kings & Queens and one of the birthplaces of Christianity in Scotland. Here you'll visit the restored abbey before returning to Oban and an included dinner again this evening.

Wednesday, June 23 - Today you'll travel through the beautiful scenery of the Trossachs and Loch Lomond. There is time for a photo stop on the bonnie banks before you visit the Aberfoyle Wool Show. Later you'll arrive in Glasgow for a three-night stay.

Thursday, June 24 - You'll enjoy an included excursion to the Isle of Arran. Travel to the Port of Ardossan for the ferry ride to Brodick, the main town on the isle. Here a visit to Brodick Castle is included. Return to Glasgow for the night.

Friday, June 25 - Today you'll journey into "Robbie Burns" country to visit Culzean Castle with its beautiful grounds. Then it's on to Alloway, the birthplace of Robert Burns, where you'll view the Burns monument and cottage. Later, on arrival back in Glasgow, there is time for further exploration or shopping.

Saturday, June 26 - Depart Glasgow this morning traveling south, stopping to visit Gretna Green, renowned for allowing eloping couples to wed against their parents wishes. Then once again back in England, you'll cross the mountains of Cumbria and travel on through the midlands, arriving back in London early evening.

Sunday, June 27 - All good travels must come to an end, but the warm memories and the camaraderie & fellowship with your fellow travelers will last a lifetime. Transfer to Gatwick Airport for your mid-morning British Airways flight back to Atlanta, arriving mid-afternoon. After clearing customs, you'll connect to your Delta flight, arriving back in Lexington in the early evening.

 

This wonderful trip is at the best time of the year to enjoy the magnificent scenery & highlights of this historically rich and fascinating country. Traveling with David & Currie will add a native Scotsman's insight and a warm camaraderie & fellowship, and make this trip unique and even more meaningful & enjoyable. We hope to have the pleasure of your company. Family & friends welcome!

David & Currie Renwick