A Pilgrimage From Edinburgh to Iona
September 29-October 8, 2024
" I don't have words to describe how extraordinary this trip was, a wonderland for the imagination that nourished my soul in so many profound ways. I was left drunk on the beauty I discovered and so grateful for the masterful way Kayleen and Stephen brought together so many magical experiences of art, music, nature and history. It was truly unforgettable"
-2022 Pilgrim
Join Kayleen Asbo (of Mythica) and Stephen Carpenter (of Carpenter Holidays) for a ten day journey in Scotland as we weave together a Celtic tapestry of stunning nature, fascinating history, and culture.
We will begin our journey in Edinburgh (one of the most charming capitals of Europe) and continue to the mystical island of Iona, We will be following in the footsteps of Celtic saints, Druid hermits, Romantic poets and the composer Felix Mendelssohn, whose own journey inspired two of his greatest masterworks: the "Scottish Symphony in A Minor and the "Hebrides" Overture. Our own journey will also weave together the influence of Celtic myth, history and symbol in contemporary art, from the sculptures of Andy Goldsworthy to the masterworks of Phoebe Anna Traquair, John Duncan and Charles Rennie MacIntosh. Drawing on their work as a source of inspiration, we will have periods of our own creative practice: sketching, singing, creating earth art and writing.
We will begin our journey in Edinburgh (one of the most charming capitals of Europe) and continue to the mystical island of Iona, We will be following in the footsteps of Celtic saints, Druid hermits, Romantic poets and the composer Felix Mendelssohn, whose own journey inspired two of his greatest masterworks: the "Scottish Symphony in A Minor and the "Hebrides" Overture. Our own journey will also weave together the influence of Celtic myth, history and symbol in contemporary art, from the sculptures of Andy Goldsworthy to the masterworks of Phoebe Anna Traquair, John Duncan and Charles Rennie MacIntosh. Drawing on their work as a source of inspiration, we will have periods of our own creative practice: sketching, singing, creating earth art and writing.
29 September 2023: Welcome Circle and Opening Dinner
We open our pilgrimage at our hotel, the MacDonald Holyrood, conveniently located away just a 5 minute walk from some of Edinburgh's most important cultural monuments: Holyrood Castle (where Mary, Queen of Scots lived) and and close to Holyrood Park, the majestic mountain that is the legendary site of Camelot and King Arthur's Round Table. We will take the short walk from our hotel to the iconic Scottish Parliament Building, a modern masterpiece that evokes arhcteypal symbols of the Ancient Celtic past before continuing on to HolyRood Park. Here, we will have an opening ritual of intentions and dedication at Saint Margaret's Loch and (for those sure of foot) climb to the evocative ruins of the 12th century Benedictine Chapel of Saint Anthony before returning to our hotel for a festive opening three course dinner together.
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September 30:
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October 1:
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October 3 : The Heart of Scotland
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October 4:
Waterfalls, Forest Walks and Poetry Paths
We take a gentle stroll through Birnam Woods (made famous in Shakespeare's Macbeth) and visit the Hermitage an ode to poetic legends of Celtic bards set amidst some of the most stunning scenery you are likely to ever
encounter. For those seeking more exercise and inspiration, we will follow the 1.5 hour trail across the "Rumbling Bridge" (which Mendelssohn himself sketched) and explore the Corbennic Poetry Path, with 33 installations of art reflecting poems about nature. For those who would prefer to be pampered, you can enjoy the spa facilities or high tea at the hotel.
Waterfalls, Forest Walks and Poetry Paths
We take a gentle stroll through Birnam Woods (made famous in Shakespeare's Macbeth) and visit the Hermitage an ode to poetic legends of Celtic bards set amidst some of the most stunning scenery you are likely to ever
encounter. For those seeking more exercise and inspiration, we will follow the 1.5 hour trail across the "Rumbling Bridge" (which Mendelssohn himself sketched) and explore the Corbennic Poetry Path, with 33 installations of art reflecting poems about nature. For those who would prefer to be pampered, you can enjoy the spa facilities or high tea at the hotel.
October 5: Through the Highlands to the Islands
We head westwards through the unforgettable Highland mountains. to the sea. After lunch at a delicious waterfront restaurant on the bay of Oban with breathtaking views, we will take the afternoon ferry across to the Island of Mull and, from there, to the Island of Iona where we check in to the St Columba Hotel for a three-night stay. An evening Vespers service in the 12th century Chapel of St Oran will be a contemplative prelude to our three course dinner at the hotel.
We head westwards through the unforgettable Highland mountains. to the sea. After lunch at a delicious waterfront restaurant on the bay of Oban with breathtaking views, we will take the afternoon ferry across to the Island of Mull and, from there, to the Island of Iona where we check in to the St Columba Hotel for a three-night stay. An evening Vespers service in the 12th century Chapel of St Oran will be a contemplative prelude to our three course dinner at the hotel.
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October 6: Iona Abbey
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October 7: Island of Staffa
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October 8: On the Shores of Loch Lomond
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Our host,and trip director Stephen Carpenter spent his career in orchestra management in Scotland and England. which has given him a fabulous background in logistics. Having just retired as the orchestral manager for Chineke Orchestra a pioneering and award winning youth orchestra in London dedicated to multicultural diversity and social change, he will be able to devote himself more fully to his greatest passion: leading cultural tours in Europe that follow in the footsteps of great composers. Read more at www.carpenterholidays.com,
Mythica was delighted to begin our partnership with Stephen for our first musical journey in the fall of 2019. This will be our third collaboration in Scotland. Mythica students have consistently raved about Stephen's extraordinary hospitality, professionalism and attention to detail as well as the musical expertise and enthusiasm which are such a gift as he share both stories and musicians with us that create an unforgettable experience of cultural depth.. |
Early Bird Discount Pricing:
Deposit: £1,000 due on booking
Early bird discount
From August to December 2023, the price of the holiday will remain at the 2023 rate which is:
Tour price: £3,500 per person based on sharing a double or twin room
Single supplement: £690
Sharing rooms - if you are a single traveller who would be willing to share a twin room with another person, please let us know at the time of booking and we will endeavour to pair you with a roommate. However, we do not guarantee this (particularly for those who book later by which time most "pairings" will have been confirmed), so please be aware of the possibility that you may need to pay the single supplement in the event of no roommate being found.
Payment schedule:
Deposit: £1,000 due on booking
2nd instalment: £1,000 due by 31 December 2023
Final instalment of £1,500 (plus £590 if you are a single traveller) due by 31 May 2024
Prices will increase by £300 as of January 1, 2024.
Tour price includes: Accommodation, breakfast daily, nine dinners, three lunches, musical performances in Edinburgh and Dunkeld; tours of Blair Athol Castle, Mansfield Traquair, the Royal Botanical Gardens, the National Museum of Scotland, Abbotsford, and Iona Abbey, coach transportation throughout, all tips for guides and coach driver, ferry crossings to the Isles of Mull and Iona and boat trip to Staffa and Fingal's Cave, the services of Stephen Carpenter and Kayleen Asbo as tour managers, Celtic music singing circles and guided journaling activities.
Excluded is your travel to and from Scotland, a few lunches, two dinners on your own and any drinks you order with meals.
Deposit: £1,000 due on booking
Early bird discount
From August to December 2023, the price of the holiday will remain at the 2023 rate which is:
Tour price: £3,500 per person based on sharing a double or twin room
Single supplement: £690
Sharing rooms - if you are a single traveller who would be willing to share a twin room with another person, please let us know at the time of booking and we will endeavour to pair you with a roommate. However, we do not guarantee this (particularly for those who book later by which time most "pairings" will have been confirmed), so please be aware of the possibility that you may need to pay the single supplement in the event of no roommate being found.
Payment schedule:
Deposit: £1,000 due on booking
2nd instalment: £1,000 due by 31 December 2023
Final instalment of £1,500 (plus £590 if you are a single traveller) due by 31 May 2024
Prices will increase by £300 as of January 1, 2024.
Tour price includes: Accommodation, breakfast daily, nine dinners, three lunches, musical performances in Edinburgh and Dunkeld; tours of Blair Athol Castle, Mansfield Traquair, the Royal Botanical Gardens, the National Museum of Scotland, Abbotsford, and Iona Abbey, coach transportation throughout, all tips for guides and coach driver, ferry crossings to the Isles of Mull and Iona and boat trip to Staffa and Fingal's Cave, the services of Stephen Carpenter and Kayleen Asbo as tour managers, Celtic music singing circles and guided journaling activities.
Excluded is your travel to and from Scotland, a few lunches, two dinners on your own and any drinks you order with meals.
