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Retreat to Iona 2026 – 6 days

Journey with us to Iona, a tiny island off the west coast of Scotland with a spiritual legacy that stretches across the centuries. Known as the cradle of Scottish Christianity, Iona has drawn pilgrims from near and far for over 1,400 years. Though its fortunes have ebbed and flowed - from its golden age as a beacon of learning in medieval Europe to quieter centuries of ruin - its spiritual light has never gone out. The story of Iona begins in 563AD, when St. Columba and twelve companions set sail from Ireland and landed at what is now known as St Columba’s Bay. There, they established a monastic community that would become one of the most influential in early Christian Britain. Today, Iona remains a place of deep peace, natural beauty, and spiritual renewal. We will have time to explore the island at our own pace - visiting Iona Abbey, the resting place of kings and saints, walking pilgrimage paths or sitting in stillness with the rhythm of the sea. There is also the opportunity to join the Iona Community for their daily services in the Abbey. Throughout our journey, we will be accompanied by a McCabe retreat leader, who will offer gentle guidance,
times of worship and space for reflection, helping us make the most of this sacred experience. Whether this is your first pilgrimage or a return to a familiar holy place, we invite you to pause, pray and be renewed on this unforgettable journey to one of Christianity’s most cherished islands.

Itinerary

  1. Independent travel to Glasgow

    Make your own way to Glasgow with check-in from 3pm onwards at our Glasgow hotel. On arrival you’ll be met by a McCabe representative who will be with you throughout your retreat until you return to Glasgow. If arriving earlier, luggage storage will be available until your room is ready.
    This evening meet your fellow pilgrims and retreat leader for an included pre-dinner drink followed by dinner

    Image: Credit: Visit Scotland/Stuart Brunton

  2. Scenic drive and ferry to Iona

    An early start this morning with a beautiful drive through spectacular scenery through the Trossachs National Park along the shores of
    Loch Lomond to Oban, gateway to the Isles where we will cross as foot passengers on the ferry to Craignure on Mull. From here we’ll drive
    to Fionnphort and get our first glimpse of Iona! After another foot passenger ferry crossing we arrive on Iona. A short walk takes us to the St. Columba Hotel for a four night stay. After dinner this evening there is a service at Iona Abbey at 9pm if you wish to attend

  3. The Sacred Isle of Iona (B, D)

    After breakfast you can choose to join the morning service at Iona Abbey which is at 9am. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the
    island at your leisure, spending time in quiet contemplation. Dinner at the hotel is included and there is a service at the Abbey at 9pm for those who wish.

    Image: Credit: Visit Scotland/Kenny Lam

  4. The Sacred Isle of Iona

    Another day on the beautiful island. You may choose to attend the morning service at the Abbey at 9am, with the rest of the day being free for reflection and exploration. This evening catch up with your fellow pilgrims for dinner at the hotel and attend the evening service at the Abbey if you choose to.

    Image: Credit: Visit Scotland/Kenny Lam

  5. A final day on Iona

    One more day to enjoy on Iona. Again you may choose to attend the morning and/or evening services at the Abbey or just spend time at your leisure quietly contemplating this spiritual place. Join your fellow pilgrims this evening for a farewell drink and dinner at the hotel

    Image: Credit: VisitScotland/Paul Tomkins

  6. Homeward bound, via Glasgow

    After an early breakfast we leave Iona for Mull. On arrival on Fionnphort, we board our coach and drive to Craignure from where we’ll sail back
    to Oban as foot passengers. Our next coach takes us back to Glasgow where you will make your onward journey independently. You may choose to overnight in Glasgow.

    Image: Credit: Amy Boucher Pye

Essential Information

The cost for this 6 day tour is £2,150 per person. The cost is based on sharing a double or twin-bedded room (inland view of Iona) not including your travel to and from Glasgow.

Glasgow is the ideal starting point and we will have a pre-dinner drink and dinner together at a hotel in Glasgow, within walking distance of Glasgow
Central Station.

The next four nights will be at the St. Columba hotel which is reserved for McCabe for the duration of the stay. All rooms are en-suite and each room
comes with tea and coffee making facilities, a hairdryer and toiletries. Meals are served in the dining room, with beautiful views over the Sound of Iona.

Single occupancy room supplements
Seaview single occupancy rooms are available for a supplement from £350 per person.

Inland view single occupancy room supplements
Inland view single occupancy rooms are available for a supplement from £250 per person

The tour includes five breakfasts and five dinners. A packed lunch is also provided on the last day departing Iona, plus coach transportation and driver, ferry crossings and hotel and restaurant staff gratuities. We travel from Glasgow to Oban and travel as foot passengers by ferry from Oban to Craignure on Mull. On arrival we board our next coach and travel to Fionnphort and catch the ferry as foot passengers to Iona. From here we walk to the hotel (our luggage will be transported by car).

Payments
A £500 per person non-refundable deposit is payable on confirmation. After which, an instalment payment amounting to 50% of the total cost of your trip is due 26 weeks prior to departure with the final balance due twelve weeks prior to departure.

Late bookings
Please note that for bookings made within 12 weeks of departure, the price may increase due to the fluctuating cost of flights. If this arises, we will always discuss this with you before processing your booking.

Final travel documents
These will be emailed to you two weeks before departure.

Travel insurance
Travel insurance is essential. We require all travellers to have adequate cancellation and medical coverage for their journey. We are partnered with Holiday Extras who offer a comprehensive policy as well as yearly policies that also cover short UK overnight stays.

Practical information

St. Columba Hotel
A warm Hebridean welcome awaits you at the St. Columba Hotel on the beautiful isle of Iona. The perfect base for you to explore the islands sacred history and find your own sense of peace and tranquility. With just 27 rooms, the St. Columba is owned by a group of locals, former islanders, and individuals with a close connection to Iona, so you can be assured of the warmest welcome! They want you to experience the Iona they know and love, so whether you want to spot wildlife, find an amazing walking route or simply find the best place to watch the waves crash - you only have to ask. Meals are served in the dining room, with stunning views over the Sound of Iona. The Larder is situated directly across from the hotel. Inside you will find an array of carefully sourced artisan products from around Scotland, as well as takeaway refreshments. Your hotel room will have either a sea or inland
view and comes with free Wi-Fi. All rooms have a bath or shower.

Our team on Iona
The McCabe retreat leader is there solely for our guests. They will escort walks, lead retreat sessions and be available for any queries. Together with the hotel team they will offer local advice, hints and tips for you to get the most out of your stay. They are passionate about Iona and look forward to sharing this amazing experience with you.

About McCabe Pilgrimages
McCabe has been arranging journeys of faith, culture and spirituality for over 40 years with an unwavering focus on attention to detail and service. With a deep understanding of the unique needs and aspirations of Christian travellers, McCabe strive to make every trip a memorable and meaningful experience.

McCabe Travel Ltd. trades as McCabe Pilgrimages. McCabe Travel Ltd. is registered in England and Wales. Registered No. 2125334. VAT No: 318527355. Registered office address: McCabe Travel, The Square, Basing View, Basingstoke, RG21 4EB.

The McCabe Educational Trust
The McCabe Educational Trust is an independent registered charity which was set up in 1991 to support Christian communities. To date the Trust
has distributed more than £4 million in grants. The Trust raises money by inviting all our travellers to make an optional £20 donation at the time
of booking. All money given in this way is given in full to the projects the Trust supports. This scheme is voluntary and confidential with nobody put under any pressure to participate.

Financial security
All monies paid are fully protected through McCabe’s membership of the ABTOT bonding scheme. In addition, McCabe are also members of the Association of Independent Tour Operators and abide by the Associations code of conduct.

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We have no tours scheduled to this destination at present.

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