GENEVA COLLEGE FOUNDATION | PRO CHRISTO ET PATRIA
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Join Calvin and Amy Troup from Geneva College on an unforgettable journey through Scotland, where history and faith intertwine. Expert guides from Reformation Tours who live and minister in Scotland provide a unique opportunity to explore both famous landmarks and hidden gems of profound historical significance. Imagine climbing Skeoch Hill, where thousands of Covenanters once gathered for a three-day communion, or visiting the serene village of Sorn to pay respects at the grave of 16-year-old martyr George Wood. This tour will take you beyond the typical tourist trail, offering deep insights into the trials and triumphs of Christ's Church 350 years ago.
Arrival and Accommodations: Arrive in Glasgow on Friday, Sept. 12. Transportation to the hotel (Holiday Inn Express – a 3-star hotel) will be by shuttle, Uber, or taxi based on arrival.
Sites: St. Andrews, Edinburgh, Highlands, Stirling, Covenanter battle sites, etc.
Price: The cost is £3520.00 per person (approx. $4514.00 USD) plus airfair. Complimentary breakfasts at the hotel and a bag lunch are included.
For questions contact Kim Hill at 724-847-6591 or kim.hill@genevacollegefoundation.org
This is your opportunity to enjoy Scotland and learn about the history of Christ’s Church. Experience the lessons we have learned from this period in Scotland’s glorious history, lessons which we are applying to our lives and the church which we minister in today.
Arrive in Glasgow
Reformation Tour of St. Andrews, the historic Cathedral town of Scotland and home to its oldest university and the birthplace of golf. You will visit the martyr’s monument; see the spot where Patrick Hamilton – the first Scottish martyr of the Reformation – was killed. See where George Wishart, the mentor of John Knox, was executed and where John Knox was first called to the ministry and where he first preached. You will also visit the ruinous Cathedral and visit the grave of Samuel Rutherford the great Covenanter minister and see the castle to hear about the siege and the amazing Reformation history that took place inside the Castle. You can also see the beach where the iconic Chariots of Fire scene was filmed, and spend time wandering through the cobbled streets. We will also visit other locations in the district.
Our policy at Reformation Tours is that the Sabbath is to be a day of worship and rest both for the tour guides and for those on the tour. So we will worship at Airdrie Reformed Presbyterian Church in the morning, where the congregation will be delighted to get to know you. After lunch with some in the church, you could either rest at your accommodation or visit a local country park (weather permitting) for a lovely walk followed by tea with others in the congregation, and then evening worship.
Reformation Tour of Edinburgh, a World Heritage Site. As you walk around the Old Town of this medieval city you will visit St. Giles Cathedral which was John Knox’s Church and location of his grave nearby. Visit the National Museum of Scotland, Greyfriars kirkyard (best known for the loyalty of a dog, but where God’s people also showed their loyalty by signing the National Covenant), and the Grassmarket where over 100 martyrs were put to death. In the afternoon we will visit the impressive Edinburgh Castle after which you will have some time to wander around the Royal Mile.
We will visit different places in rural Lanarkshire & Ayrshire. We will get off the beaten track and travel around various little towns and villages hearing about Scotland's faithful ministers and how ordinary men and women were persecuted for their love of Jesus Christ. We will visit the graves of many who died for their faith and hear their stories. We will also visit locations where the people met, sometimes many thousands strong, for outdoor worship services and at great risk to their lives. We will also stop off at some battlefields.
We will visit Stirling and see the mighty fortress of Stirling castle, once used as a state prison for many martyrs, the musket ball riddled ancient Church of the Holy Rude where Knox preached at the coronation of infant King James VI and some other Reformation sites nearby. We will also visit the Antonine Wall, the Roman Empire’s most northerly frontier and learn more about the coming of Christianity to Scotland. We will also visit other locations around Stirling.
This will be a day of enjoying God's creation and sightseeing in the Scottish Highlands. Visiting historic lochs and villages we will make our way to the stunning scenery of Glencoe stopping of at Viking graves, waterfalls and much more along the way. We will also learn the history of this beautiful part of Scotland and the various clans that lived there.
We will visit the picturesque town of Moffat to hear about it’s connection with the Covenanters. Travel to Dumfries to see martyr graves and explore the unique triangle shaped Caerlaverock Castle, complete with moat. Travel to peaceful Anwoth to learn about Samuel Rutherford, then onto Wigtown to hear about the sad story of the “Two Margarets”.
Travel up to Perth to visit the historic church that was at the centre of the reformation and where John Knox preached. Head onto the beautiful Highland town of Dunkeld to visit the cathedral and learn more about the famous siege and battle fought between the Cameronians and the Jacobites. Visit other locations in the area.
Lord’s Day
Head down to the beautiful Scottish Borders and visit the picturesque ruined Border Abbeys. Head on to the town of Haddington to learn about John Knox’s early life and see where he was born. Tout the historic Tantallon Castle perched on top of the cliffs and which overlooks Bass Rock, an island used as a prison for Covenanters.
Travel to the majestic Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. Learn about the town’s connections with the reformation. Travel onto the House of the Binns for a tour of this historic mansion house and home of the notorious persecutor of the Covenanters, General Tam Dalziel.
Free Day. Pick up and drop off at Scotland’s largest city Glasgow. Enjoy some time shopping in the city centre or enjoy the many free museums, galleries and other visitor attractions
Drop off at airport
Trip/Health insurance is highly recommended but obtaining it would be entirely at your discretion and will be your responsibility to acquire. Here are some suggestions for trip/health insurance:
GeoBlue Travel Insurance www.geobluetravelinsurance.com
Allianz Travel Insurance www.allianztravelinsurance.com
Atlas Travel Insurance www.worldtrips.com/atlas-travel-insurance
Travelers Insurance https://www.travelers.com/travel-insurance
AAA Travel Insurance https://www.acg.aaa.com/travel/travel-insurance.html
Cost of the trip is approximately $4514.00(USD). This includes transportation, lodging, breakfast at the hotel, and a bagged lunch (dinners at your own expense). Airfare is not included and it is your responsibility to schedule and purchase airline tickets. Depending on the currency exchange rate at the time of purchase, costs of the trip may fluctuate.
Dates of the trip are September 12-25, 2025
The minimum number of people needed for this tour to go forward is 20. We would like to know if you are planning to go by January 31. This gives Geneva an indication if we have exceeded that number. The final confirmation is March 1, 2025.
Response requested by January 31, 2025.
Final confirmation of attendance by March 1, 2025
10% is due by March 10, 2025 (Non-Refundable)
Half of the remaining amount is due by May 1, 2025.
Remaining amount is due by July 1, 2025.
Geneva will give a list of names that are signed up for the trip to Reformation Tours after March 1, 2025. Reformation Tours will then invoice those on the list who signed up.
10% of your total cost is the deposit and is non-refundable. If you cancel your spot prior to the trip, you will forfeit the deposit. Depending on when you cancel, we will seek to refund all other monies after any incurred costs have been paid (i.e. hotel bookings or car hire). In the extremely unlikely event of a cancellation by Scottish Reformation Tours, all monies will be completely refunded.
“The highlight of the past year for my wife and me was participating in the Reformation Tour which you organised for us in August. It not only informed our minds but more significantly, it refreshed our heart love for the Lord Jesus and His people. Thank you so much.” -Ben C.
“Thank you so much for your discourses on the Scottish Reformation. The presentations from our guides at Reformation Tours were both inspiring and challenging. If we Christians knew Christ as the Covenanters knew him, then our churches would grow.” -Alice L.
