2027 British Church History Discovery Tour

12 Days 11 Nights

This immersive journey will take you through centuries of rich history, exploring the landmarks, cathedrals and chapels, and significant sites that have shaped the religious landscape of Britain. Throughout the tour, you will have the opportunity to delve into the fascinating stories of saints, scholars, and spiritual leaders who have left an indelible mark on Britain. From the ancient ruins of monasteries to the magnificent cathedrals that stand as testaments to faith and architecture, each destination offers a unique glimpse into the religious heritage of the country. Peter, our knowledgeable guide, will lead you through these sacred spaces, offering insights into the historical context, architectural marvels, and spiritual significance of each site. We look forward to sharing this enriching experience with you!

Walk in the Footsteps of the Early British Saints!

Craig Ostler

We are thrilled to invite you to join our British Church History Tour hosted by favorite tour director Craig Ostler! This immersive journey will take you through centuries of rich history, exploring the landmarks, cathedrals and chapels, and significant sites that have shaped the religious landscape of Britain.

Throughout the tour, you will have the opportunity to delve into the fascinating stories of saints, scholars, and spiritual leaders who have left an indelible mark on Britain. From the ancient ruins of monasteries to the magnificent cathedrals that stand as testaments to faith and architecture, each destination offers a unique glimpse into the religious heritage of the country. Peter, our knowledgeable guide, will lead you through these sacred spaces, offering insights into the historical context, architectural marvels, and spiritual significance of each site. We look forward to sharing this enriching experience with you!

Please see our cancellation policy:

If a participant needs to cancel their reservation, written notice must be provided. Cancellations within seven calendar days of booking (if not past the final payment date) will receive a full refund, excluding airfares, which follow the airline’s policy. Cancellations after the seven-day grace period incur a 50% penalty on the deposit until the final payment date, and cancellations after the final payment date are non-refundable, including for unused portions of the tour.

*Please note that while the physical activity on this tour (walking distances) is not significant, the days are full of touring from breakfast to dinner time with "down-time" only in the evening.

Tour ID #9227F27

To book this tour contact your favorite Morris Columbus Travel Advisor or the Group Tour Manager listed below:

Sarah Wangsgard, Tour Manager
Tel: (801) 483-6473

Highlights

  • Hosted by Craig Ostler & local guides
  • 1 tour-bus experience for the whole tour!
  • Licensed, insured, and bonded travel agency with 65 years of experience!! It matters who you travel with!
  • Meals as outlined in the itinerary

Itinerary

  • Day
    1

    Wednesday, June 16, 2027 – Depart US to Edinburgh

    Today you’ll depart the USA to Edinburgh. Travel safe!

    Meals : In-flight

  • Day
    2

    Thursday, June 17, 2027 – Edinburgh, Scotland

    Welcome to Scotland! Known as the “Athens of the North,” Edinburgh is one of Britain’s most celebrated cities. Upon arrival, we are met at the airport and transferred into the city for our first introduction to Scotland’s historic capital.

    Our exploration begins in Edinburgh’s Old Town, where we stroll along the famous Royal Mile and discover Scotland’s rich literary heritage at the Writers’ Museum, featuring Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. We also learn about the origins of Harry Potter and visit the site of the beloved Greyfriars Bobby.

    We continue to Calton Hill, home to some of Edinburgh’s most iconic monuments and spectacular views. Here we learn about the city’s fascinating history while enjoying panoramic vistas over Edinburgh, Leith, and the Firth of Forth.

  • Day
    3

    Friday, June 18, 2027 - Edinburgh, Scotland

    After breakfast, we explore Edinburgh Castle, home to the Crown Jewels, Stone of Scone, State Apartments, and centuries of Scottish history. We then stroll down the Royal Mile past St. Giles' Cathedral, learning about John Knox, the Covenanters, and the Scottish Reformation.

    This afternoon, we visit Holyrood Palace, the official royal residence in Scotland, before descending beneath the city streets with a costumed guide to discover Edinburgh’s fascinating underground closes and hidden history. 

  • Day
    4

    Saturday, June 19, 2027 - Edinburgh – Stirling, Scotland

    This morning we travel to Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most important historic fortresses, where we learn about William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, and the battles that shaped the nation.

    We continue to Rosslyn Chapel, famed for its intricate stone carvings, rich history, and connections to The Da Vinci Code.

    This evening, enjoy the Spirit of Scotland dinner show featuring traditional music, dancing, bagpipes, and Scottish cuisine in a historic setting.

  • Day
    5

    Sunday, June 20, 2027 - Lake District, England

    Today we journey south into England's beautiful Lake District. We visit Dove Cottage, home of poet William Wordsworth, and Hill Top Farm, the beloved home of Beatrix Potter.

    This afternoon, enjoy a cruise on Lake Windermere and a scenic steam train ride before continuing through sites associated with John Taylor and early Church history. Dinner is served at a charming country pub before our overnight stay in Preston.

  • Day
    6

    Monday, June 21, 2027 - Preston, England

    Today we follow in the footsteps of the first LDS missionaries to Britain. We visit the River Ribble, site of the first British baptisms, the Vauxhall Chapel site where the missionaries first preached, and the location of the first British Conference held in 1837. Along the way, we discover inspiring stories of faith, missionary service, and the growth of the Church in Britain.

  • Day
    7

    Tuesday, June 22, 2027 - Liverpool, England

    This morning we travel to Liverpool, an important gateway for missionaries and emigrants gathering to Zion. We tour the historic Albert Dock area and learn about Liverpool’s rich maritime and LDS heritage.

    Later, we visit the picturesque villages of Ribchester, Chatburn, and Downham, where we relive the missionary labors of Heber C. Kimball and other early Church leaders. This evening, enjoy a traditional English dinner followed by a memorable Ghost Walk in historic Whalley.

  • Day
    8

    Wednesday, June 23, 2027 - The Cotswalds, England

    Today we visit the Gladstone Pottery Museum to experience England’s pottery heritage and learn about connections to early Church history. We continue to Stratford-upon-Avon to visit Shakespeare’s birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage.

    This afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive through the beautiful Cotswold’s, famous for its rolling countryside and charming stone villages. Dinner is served at the historic Lygon Arms, one of England’s most celebrated inns.

  • Day
    9

    Thursday, June 24, 2027 - Northampton, England

    Today we explore sites associated with Wilford Woodruff and the United Brethren, whose conversions played a significant role in the growth of the restored gospel in Britain. We visit Benbow’s Farm, Castle Frome, Ledbury, and the restored Gadfield Elm Chapel, the first LDS-owned meetinghouse in Britain.

    Later, we cross into Wales through the scenic Wye Valley, learning about the history and faith of these early converts whose sacrifices helped strengthen the Church in Nauvoo and beyond.

  • Day
    10

    Friday, June 25, 2027 - Wales, England

    Today we experience the beauty and history of South Wales while learning about the remarkable missionary efforts of Dan Jones. We visit Big Pit National Coal Museum, where we descend into a real coal mine and gain insight into the lives of Welsh miners.

    Later, we explore St Fagans National Museum of History, one of Europe’s finest open-air museums, featuring reconstructed buildings that tell the story of Welsh life through the centuries.

  • Day
    11

    Saturday, June 26, 2027 - Oxford, England

    This morning we visit magnificent Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and one of England’s grandest stately homes.

    This afternoon, we explore the historic city of Oxford, home to world-famous colleges, libraries, and centuries of scholarship. Along the way, we discover the stories of notable figures including C.S. Lewis, Lewis Carroll, John Wycliffe, and many others who helped shape British history and culture.

    This evening, we are enjoying a farewell dinner in London before our final overnight stay.

  • Day
    12

    Sunday, June 27, 2027 - London - Flights Home

    Today we bid farewell to the United Kingdom, taking home memories that will last a lifetime. For those wishing to extend their adventure, join us on our optional two-night London post-tour extension.

  • Optional

    Post-Tour: Sunday, June 27 to Tuesday, June 29, 2027 - London

    Day 1: Sunday, June 27th, 2027 – London

    Half-day tour of Windsor Castle. Remaining of the day is free. Perhaps catch a show on London's West End Theater District. MEALS: Breakfast

    Day 2: Monday, June 28th, 2027 – London

    Half-day tour of Windsor Castle. Remaining of the day is free. Perhaps catch a show on London's West End Theater District. Full day of sightseeing which includes viewing Big Ben, House of Parliament, Westminster Abby and Buckingham Palace. Next you will go inside St. Paul's Cathedral and The Tower of London. MEALS: Breakfast

    Day 3: Tuesday, June 29th, 2027 – London to US

    Transfer to the airport for your flight back home.

Pricing Information

Pricing Options:

  • Double Occupancy - $4999 per person
  • Single Occupancy - $6499 For private room

Optional pricing: 2-night London Post tour

  • Double Occupancy - $899 per person
  • Single Occupancy - $ 1099.00 for private room
  • A minimum of 15 passengers is required. If fewer than 15 travelers enroll, a surcharge may apply.

Payment Terms:

  • Deposit of $500 per person due at time booking
  • Final payment due March 19th, 2027
  • CASH DISCOUNT OF $125 PER PERSON offered! Please inquire for more details!

Please see our cancellation policy:

If a participant needs to cancel their reservation, written notice must be provided. Cancellations within seven calendar days of booking (if not past the final payment date) will receive a full refund, excluding airfares, which follow the airline’s policy. Cancellations after the seven-day grace period incur a 50% penalty on the deposit until the final payment date, and cancellations after the final payment date are non-refundable, including for unused portions of the tour.

Cost Includes

  • Deluxe Motor Coach Transportation
  • Group transfers
  • Morris Murdock Escort Craig Ostler
  • Hotel accommodations in moderate 4-star hotels
  • Sightseeing tours as outlined on the itinerary
  • Entrance fees to sites
  • Gratuities for any included Meals
  • All breakfasts and dinners for main tour
  • Whisper sets throughout the tour
  • Porterage and city taxes

Cost Excludes

  • International Airfare to Edinburgh and home from London Heathrow - Group Air TBA out of Salt Lake City
  • Additional transfers when not arriving or departing with group
  • Sightseeing not included on the itinerary
  • Items of a personal nature (i.e., phone calls, room service, internet, etc.)
  • Travel insurance (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
  • Gratuities to Tour Manager, local guides and driver
  • Meals not covered on program

About Craig Ostler

Craig Ostler

Dr. Craig James Ostler and his wife, Sandy, have a special love for sharing sacred and meaningful sites with fellow travelers. They help others to feel the power of being on site as they read, study, and ponder the scriptures on their tours. Participants return home with increased appreciation and understanding of the lives of the Savior, prophets, apostles, and every-day people, ancient and modern. Dr. Ostler has been a religious educator for more than 40 years, teaching with the Seminaries and Institutes for 15 years and as a Professor at Brigham Young University for 28 years. He has authored over 30 books and articles, produced more than 50 videos, as well as taught Adult Religion classes and at BYU Education Week. He was co-director of the BYU Church History Travel Study program before retiring from BYU in 2020. He has served on a General Church Writing Committee, as a Bishop, and on three High Councils.

Sandy received a degree in Early Childhood Education from BYU and, while her children were young, taught preschool in her home for several years. She loves gardening, knows nearly every flower and decorative plant on sight, and shares that love with others. She belongs to a private national group known as Growing Kindness that personally delivers happiness to others by sharing flowers, especially, varieties of dahlias. Her warm and uplifting welcome each morning will make your tour experiences begin with sunshine in your soul!

Dr. Ostler, Sandy, and family lived in Jerusalem in 1998 and again in 2008, where he led field trips and taught classes while on university assignment at the BYU Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies. The family made many friends and due to Sandy’s cheerful and welcoming nature. Dr. Ostler was affectionately known to the Jewish and Palestinian communities as Sandy’s husband. As soon as COVID restrictions lifted, Elder and Sister Ostler served in the McAllen, Texas Mission (assigned to Laredo, Texas) 2021-2022. Dr. Ostler’s earlier service as a young man in the Bogotá, Colombia Mission, and undergraduate degree in Spanish Teaching were put to good use in sharing their love for the people of Laredo. The Ostlers have 7 children, 23 grandchildren, and countless deeply loved friends.