Pilgrims depart from the USA to Edinburgh Airport (EDI.) Each traveler will be responsible for making and paying for his or her own flight arrangements. Most of the flights to Edinburgh arrive in the morning. Meals and drinks will be served aloft.

Pilgrim Tip: It’s helpful to get some sleep on the flight so as to hit the ground running upon arrival.

Our pilgrimage begins in earnest today as we arrive at Edinburgh Airport. After exiting the secure area, follow the signs to the airport tram stop. You will need to purchase your ticket before boarding the tram. Take the tram to Haymarket Station (approximately 25 minutes). From there it is a 4-minute walk to the Eliza House hotel. Although the official check in time is 3:00pm, you may drop your luggage off for storage ahead of time. This afternoon, Father Tom will lead a walk through Princes St. Gardens to the Scottish National Galleries to view the sacred art housed there. Once check-in at the hotel opens, you will have time to freshen up before gathering as a group for our welcome Pizza and a Pint at Malone’s Irish Pub. (D) Overnight Eliza House, Edinburgh

Pilgrim Tip: There is also a bus that departs from the Edinburgh Airport you could take. You’d look for the Lothian Bus and take it to Haymarket Station. From there it is a 3-minute walk to the hotel.

The day will begin with a short walk to a hosted breakfast on the way to a guided tour of St. Giles Cathedral on the Royal Mile. After a hosted lunch we will tour the Edinburgh Castle, including St. Margaret’s chapel. Then you will be free to explore the Royal Mile, Holy rood Abbey, and more, before enjoying dinner on your own. This evening we will gather together (specific time and place to be announced) to attend the Edinburgh Royal Military Tattoo on the Esplanade of the Castle. (B, L) Overnight Eliza House, Edinburgh

After checking out of the hotel and a quick “on the go” breakfast we will take the tram to St. Mary of the Assumption for Mass. After Mass we will have a hosted lunch and then board the train to Inverness. During this approximately 3.5-hour journey, we will have time to rest and enjoy the scenery out the windows. Upon arrival in Inverness there will be a half mile walk to the hotel to check in before dinner on your own. You will be able to check out some restaurants on the way to the hotel. (B, L) Overnight Glen Mhor Hotel, Inverness

After breakfast at the hotel, today is free for personal exploration around Inverness. Options include walking through the town, visiting the Victorian Market, viewing the Inverness Castle, and tasting some Scotch Whiskey. Alternatively, you could spend the day resting and doing laundry. Lunch will be on our own, but this evening we will enjoy a hosted dinner on the banks of the Inverness River. (B, D) Overnight Glen Mhor Hotel, Inverness

After breakfast we embark on a full-day guided tour of the landmarks around Inverness, including Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, and Culloden Battlefield. We will also learn about and enjoy one of the most famous spirits of Scotland on a Scotch whiskey distillery tour. This evening, we will enjoy conversation and camaraderie during our hosted dinner at a local tavern. (B) Overnight Glen Mhor Hotel, Inverness

This morning, we will attend Sunday Mass at St Mary’s on the River Ness. After Mass we will have Sunday Brunch together with the balance of the day free for personal activities and sightseeing, including dinner on your own. (B, D) Overnight Glen Mhor Hotel, Inverness

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and journey together to the train station in Inverness. From here, we take a 3-hour train ride to Stirling. Upon arrival will enjoy a hosted lunch and the Stirling Sightseer Bus. You can get off at any point and back on at your leisure. Points of interest include Stirling Castle, the William Wallace Monument, Statue of Robert the Bruce, and the Bannockburn Battlefield (made famous by the movie Braveheart). Dinner this evening will be on our own. (B, L) Overnight Lost Guest House, Stirling

After breakfast we will attend Mass together in Stirling. We will then journey to St. Margaret’s Shrine at Dunfermline Abbey, the final resting place of King David I – locally known as “The Saint” – his mother, St. Margaret of Scotland, and Robert the Bruce, Kind of Scotland. We return to Stirling in time for our final hosted dinner. (B, D) Overnight Lost Guest House, Stirling

Pilgrim Tip: Try to get a good night’s sleep to be ready to travel to your final destination, whether it’s on the Megabus back to Edinburgh or elsewhere.

After checking out of the hotel this morning we are on our own to return home or travel onwards – taking with us all the blessings and graces of our Spirits of Scotland pilgrimage.