Iona Pilgrimage

Isle of Iona, Scotland • June 12–21, 2026

Iona Pilgrimage

Dates: June 12–21, 2026
Sponsored by: Washington National Cathedral
Led by: Dr. Terri Lynn Simpson

Pilgrimage is at the heart of the Celtic tradition and there is perhaps no more famous pilgrim than St. Columba, who left the green hills of Ireland for a rugged island off the Scottish coast. In the centuries since he established his monastic community on Iona, the island has been a pilgrimage destination for countless seekers who travel to this thin place in the landscape where heaven and earth seem to meet.

Join us on a pilgrimage to Iona as we listen to the silence of the land, the wisdom of saints, and the stories of our fellow pilgrims. Our pilgrimage guide, Dr. Terri Lynn Simpson, is a poet, retreat leader, and the program manager of the Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage at Washington National Cathedral. In addition to having a graduate degree in theology and a doctorate in Spirituality and Story, Terri is a long-time student of Celtic spirituality. Grounded in the three-fold practices of prayer, pilgrimage, and poetry, she weaves strands of these Celtic influences into the retreats, pilgrimages, and workshops she leads.

Itinerary, Cost, and Registration

June 12: arrival in Glasgow

After arriving in Glasgow by plane, train, or automobile, check in to our Glasgow hotel and gather for a welcome dinner and blessing to begin our time together.

June 13: travel to iona

After an early breakfast at the hotel, board a motorcoach to the coastal town of Oban. From Oban, travel to the Isle of Iona by coach and ferry to and then walk to the St. Columba Hotel where you will have time to check in and explore the island before dinner. The evening concludes with worship at Iona Abbey.

June 14-19: iona

Breakfast and dinner at St. Columba Hotel included each day.

  • 8am: Breakfast
  • Morning: Worship service at the Abbey followed by program session
  • Noon: Lunch on your own and early afternoon free time
  • 4:30pm: Afternoon program session
  • 6:30pm: Evening meal
  • 9pm: Evening worship service at the Abbey
June 20: travel from iona to glasgow

Travel by private coach and ferry from Iona to Mull and back to Oban where we board our motorcoach to Glasgow. After arrival and check in at our hotel, the evening is yours to enjoy.

June 21: departures

Depart from Glasgow to home or other destinations.

Pilgrimage cost: $3900/double occupancy

  • Cost includes travel from Glasgow Airport to Iona on the day of arrival, double occupancy hotel accommodations in Glasgow and at the St. Columba Hotel for 9 nights, breakfast and dinner (not including beverages) the first day in Glasgow and while on Iona, and pilgrimage resources and leadership.
  • Single rooms are available at additional cost, depending on room type. The number of single rooms is limited.
  • Cost does NOT include flight arrangements to and from Glasgow Airport, travel insurance, gratuities, some meals, and personal expenses.

Payment Schedule 

  • Deposit of $1000 due upon registration (includes non-refundable $500 deposit). Once deposit is received, pilgrims must complete the travel-medical form which will be sent to you separately to confirm your registration.
  • Additional payment of $1000 due in March 2026.
  • Full payment due May 15, 2026 (including single supplement, if applicable).

Cancelation Policy

  •  All notice of cancelation must be received in writing by Washington National Cathedral. Cancelations may be emailed to [email protected]
  • Reservations cancelled by February 28, 2026 will be charged the $500 non-refundable fee. Cancelations between March 1–March 30 will be charged a $1000 fee. Cancelations between April 1–April 30 will be charged a $2000 fee. Cancelations as of May 1 will not be refunded. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Once deposit is received, pilgrims must complete the travel-medical form which will be sent to you separately to confirm your registration.

register now