The Holy Islands of Northern Britain
August 26 - September 23, 2025 | Maximum Group Size: 20 Participants | Availability: Open
The Holy Island of Lindisfarne
Few visitors travel to Northern Britain without leaving at least a part of their heart behind in the Scottish Highlands. The breathtaking landscapes, the romance of the tales and legends, and the drama of noble and fiercely independent inhabitants all combine to leave a lasting impression. The Highlands are calling!
We’ll begin in the capital, Edinburgh, exploring its intriguing Old Town, an area of winding streets steeped in atmosphere and history. The backbone of the Old Town, the Royal Mile, leads from Edinburgh Castle down to the Palace of Holyrood House, and in addition to taking in the well-known sites we’ll also explore off the beaten path locations.
Leaving Edinburgh, our tour focuses on the Christian heritage of the north with visits to the Holy Islands of Lindisfarne and Iona. Both islands are just offshore and were chosen for the protection that their location gave the early monks who settled there – until the coming of the warriors from the sea: the Vikings. By the 9th century AD, both had grown into rich and important monasteries and provided tempting targets for the Viking raiders.
From Iona we head through the Trossachs, along the banks of Loch Lomond, and spend a final night in Stirling, the gateway to the Highlands.
Along the way there will be unexpected stops and detours, and plenty of time for a wee dram in the local pub and to appreciate the best of Scotland’s backroads and scenery. Join us this summer for an unforgettable journey through northern landscapes and history as we experience The Holy Islands of Northern Britain.
*Once you have submitted the above registration form with your digital signature, a Discover Europe staff member will be in contact as soon as possible to process your deposit and welcome you to the tour.
