DB Adult: Explore Scotland!

DB Outreach Adults: Explore Scotland!
October 10-17, 2026 

Registration for this trip has filled.

If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please complete the DBO Adults: Explore Scotland Waitlist Form.

*One Wait List form per person in your intended party must be submitted*

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Let all that now unites us, / More sweet and lasting prove, / A closer bond of union, / In a blest land of love. 

(CS Hymnal, No. 196)

Cead mile failte! (‘A hundred thousand welcomes!’) 

Prepare for an adventure to remember with DiscoveryBound to Scotland! Experience the rich history, distinctive culture, and stunning landscape of this rugged and noble country with other Christian Scientists and their friends of all faiths. We’ll begin in the capital city, Edinburgh, to get to know each other, lay the inspirational foundation for the trip, and begin immersing ourselves in Scotland’s long and fascinating history. Through organized and self-guided tours of Old Town and New Town, we’ll learn on our feet as we weave our way through the city’s most iconic spots and lesser-known ‘wynds’ and ‘closes’. 

                                                               

Then, we’ll venture out on a four-day, private small-coach tour of the Scottish Highlands. We’ll explore some of the Highlands’ most iconic landscapes before arriving at our destination on the Isle of Skye, the captivating crown jewel of Scotland. Along the way, our dedicated driver-guide will provide historic, ecological, and cultural commentary while we soak in the stunning beauty unfolding out the windows (often with a twinkle of Gaelic humor sprinkled in!) We’ve planned this trip to be a good balance for a variety of interests and activity levels so that everyone feels they’ve had the trip of a lifetime. We hope you’ll join us! Tìoraidh an-dràsta! (‘Goodbye for now!’) 

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Who: Christian Scientists ages 18+ and their friends/family who are eager to explore Scotland, dive into inspiring Christian Science discussions, support one another, and contribute to fostering an inclusive group dynamic with patience, flexibility, and awareness. Group travel may take a bit more time than solo trips, but it’s all part of the adventure—and with a fun, easy-going group, it’s bound to be an unforgettable experience!

Activity Level – Moderate: This trip will consist of two parts: an urban exploration of Edinburgh from Saturday evening to Tuesday morning, followed by a private small-coach tour through the Scottish Highlands up to the stunning Isle of Skye. When considering whether to join this adventure, please be aware that, to enjoy the planned activities for Edinburgh, participants must be able to comfortably stand and walk for a sustained period of 30+ minutes without stopping – up to 3-4 miles a day – over varying elevations (stairs, hills) and terrain (pavement, cobblestone, dirt/gravel paths). 

While the motorcoach tour of the Highlands and the Isle of Skye will involve fewer periods of sustained walking and standing, we will still be making stops to walk/hike short distances to points of interest along our route. At some of these locations, we will be free to individually choose how far we’d like to walk/hike, with the option to remain near/in the bus. Additionally, due to the historic nature of the inns and hotels in the Highlands, elevators and porterage will not always be available at our accommodations. Please be prepared to possibly walk up steps and to carry/transport your own luggage.  

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Registration: Space is limited to 14 participants, and spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Registration will open on Thursday, November 13th, at 10:00 am MST.
• To register, please fill out the Google form linked at the top of this page. Once you have completed it, DB Staff will be in touch with you to complete the full registration form and make the $748 deposit.
• Your spot will not be confirmed until DiscoveryBound has been in touch with you and you have paid the deposit. 

Cost: Registration is $2,992 USD with a $748 non-refundable deposit paid with a debit/credit card to secure your spot. Your spot will not be confirmed until DiscoveryBound has been in touch with you. Full payment is due August 1, 2026. 

Cost Includes: 

• The following meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 3 dinners 
• Double-occupancy accommodations in Edinburgh, Oban, and Portree 
• All activities and admissions per itinerary (see tentative itinerary below)
• Private small-coach tour with dedicated, local driver-guide
• Ferry passage to the Isle of Skye
• Private taxi fares as noted in the itinerary
• Gratuities for guides and drivers
• Inspirational Talk

Cost Excludes: 

• Airfare to/from Edinburgh, Scotland
• Other activities you participate in outside of those noted on the itinerary
• Personal expenses (laundry, travel insurance, snacks, keepsakes, etc.)
• ETA/Visa, if applicable (see below)

We recommend that you purchase personal travel insurance for this trip. If you have special dietary requirements beyond vegetarian, please note that while we have done our best to choose restaurants that cater to a variety of dietary preferences, we cannot guarantee suitable options at every location. Please bring or plan to buy additional food items as needed.  

Payment, Cancellation, and FA Policy

Financial Aid Information:

Financial aid requests must be submitted by January 15, 2026

Financial aid is available on a need-based basis, offering up to $350 toward registration and up to $200 toward travel expenses.

If the awarded amount does not fully meet your financial needs for this event and you decide to cancel your registration, please notify us at dbinfo@discoverybound.blackbaudwp.com within 48 hours of receiving your financial aid notification. If you cancel, your deposit will be refunded, minus a $25 cancellation fee.

Please register for the trip first before completing the Financial Aid Form.

Financial Aid Form

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Accommodation:

Please be aware of the following regarding accommodation: 

• Registration fees are based on double-occupancy. 
• Solo participants requesting shared accommodations will be paired with another participant of the same gender, when possible. Alternatively, you may pay an additional $1,150 for a single room.
• If a suitable roommate match is not available, you will have the option to either:
  • Cancel your registration within 48 hours and receive a refund (less a $25 processing fee), OR 
  • Pay the $1,150 single-occupancy fee.
• Please note: We’ll be staying in several hotels and inns throughout the trip. Full details, including hotel names and locations, will be provided to registered participants closer to the event. 

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Travel:

• Arrival (Saturday, October 10, 2026): Fly into Edinburgh International Airport (EDI) and arrange your own transfer into the hotel. Check-in begins at 4:00, but you may store your bags in the hotel lobby if you arrive early. We will meet as a group in the hotel lobby at 5:15 PM. 
• Departure (Saturday, October 17, 2026): Check out from the hotel by 12:00 PM, and make your own arrangements for transfer to the airport or to continue on your own adventure!

Optional: DB has reserved two rooms at our reduced group rate for those interested in arriving early on Friday, October 9th, 2026 and/or departing late on Sunday, October 18th, 2026. These rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis and must be reserved at your own expense via the hotel concierge. When booking, please mention you are staying with DiscoveryBound and indicate which night(s) you would like to stay. These rooms will only be available at the reduced rate until December 31, 2025. Please contact DiscoveryBound for further details.

Travel Documents: 

• Passport – A passport is required for all travelers, which we recommend be valid for at least six months past the dates of the trip. 
• VISA – Effective January 8, 2025, all U.S. citizens transiting through or traveling to the United Kingdom for tourism, family visits, business meetings, conferences, or short-term study for 6 months or less will require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to travel (approx. $20). Information on the new requirements, cost, and how to apply can be found on the UK Government website. 

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Weather: 

October weather in Edinburgh is typically cool and wet, with decreasing temperatures and shorter daylight hours throughout the month. The city is well-known for experiencing a variety of weather conditions in a single day, so it’s best to be prepared. It is beautiful in every mood! 

In October, the Isle of Skye experiences cool, wet, and often unpredictable weather as it transitions into winter. Visitors can expect dramatic skies but also potentially crisp, clear days with beautiful autumn light and vibrant foliage. Expect temperatures in both locations to range from the mid-40s to mid-50s Fahrenheit. Travelers should pack layered, quick-dry clothing, boots, and waterproof layers. A detailed packing list will be provided to registered participants. 

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Tentative Itinerary: Please note the days where meals are included and not included, by this coding: 

• B – Breakfast included
• L – Lunch included
• D – Dinner included

Saturday, October 10 (D): Arrival Day! Our trip officially begins by meeting in the hotel lobby at 5:15 pm. If you arrive early, you are welcome to explore the area! We recommend checking out the Scottish History Wing of the National Museum of Scotland, very near our hotel, and free! Other nearby points of interest include strolling The Meadows – a beautiful public park, taking a photo with the statue of Greyfriar’s Bobby – Edinburgh’s most famous pup, strolling through Greyfriar’s Kirkyard (try and spot names used in the Harry Potter books!), or exploring Victoria Street – full of shops and cafes. Or, taking a nap after your long flight! We’ll see you at 5:15 PM in the lobby, where we’ll meet before heading out to our opening dinner to start our week together! Our day ends with an ice cream social before heading back to the hotel for bed. 

Sunday, October 11 (B, L, D): Sunday begins with breakfast in the hotel, followed by a walk together to attend the Sunday service at the First Church of Christ, Scientist, Edinburgh. After the service, we’ll enjoy fellowship with the local Christian Science community. Afterward, we’ll head to a collective of Scottish artisans to peruse locally-made crafts, foods, art, jewelry, and more. Then, we’ll make our way to the historic and beautiful Princes Street Gardens, where we will wind our way past various historic monuments and stunning views. We’ll stop at the Sir Walter Scott Monument, with the opportunity to purchase a ticket and climb the 287 steps to the top – the view is worth it! After a stop at the local Christian Science Reading Room, we have the opportunity to climb Calton Hill together, where a spectacular 360-degree view of the city and surrounding areas awaits us. We’ll have dinner together at a nearby restaurant’s private dining room, where we’ll participate in an inspirational talk on the trip’s metaphysical theme. After dinner, a cab ride or a 20-minute walk back to the hotel closes out the day. 

Monday, October 12 (B): Yesterday, we explored New Town, and today, we explore Old Town! We begin with an optional Bible Lesson Study before breakfast at the hotel. Then, we walk together as a group to the gates of Edinburgh Castle – the stronghold of the city – where we embark on a self-guided tour of all the Castle has to offer. The Honours of Scotland, the Great Hall, the Royal Palace, St. Margaret’s Chapel – and much more! – await you. Plan ahead to visit the spots you most want to see within the castle walls. We’ll provide you with an audio guide! Once you’ve seen what you’d like of the Castle, you are free to explore the various attractions along the 1.1-mile-long Royal Mile. We are happy to help make suggestions, and we recommend booking certain activities in advance. As you explore, keep an eye on the time! We’ll regroup in the afternoon at the terminus of the Royal Mile for a tour of historic and stunning Holyrood Palace – the official residence of the British Monarch in Scotland. An interactive video/audio tour is provided, so you’re able to go at your own pace. When the Palace closes, we’ll take a series of black cabs back to the hotel, where we’ll set down our bags and meet back up for dinner nearby. 

Tuesday, October 13 (B): Today, we begin our tour through the Highlands and up to the Isle of Skye! Following an optional Bible Lesson Study and breakfast, we leave Edinburgh in a private, comfortable coach and travel north to the iconic Kelpies, the impressive 30-meter-high horse-head sculptures that celebrate Scotland’s industrial heritage. We continue through the charming town of Callander, often described as the “Gateway to the Highlands,” before heading into the awe-inspiring landscapes of Glencoe. Here, we’ll visit the award-winning Glencoe Visitor Centre to learn about the area’s volcanic history and the tragic massacre of 1692. We’ll participate in a guided tour of a traditional “Turf & Creel” house. Our day concludes in the picturesque harbour town of Oban, known as the “Seafood Capital of Scotland.” You’ll find a cozy spot for dinner and spend the night at our hotel.

Wednesday, October 14 (B, D): In the morning, we’ll depart Oban afteran optional Bible Study and breakfast and begin day two with a scenic stop at Castle Stalker, a striking medieval fortress on a tidal islet that you may recognize from a famous movie or two. We journey on to the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films, and admire sweeping views over Loch Shiel. We may catch a view of the Jacobite Steam Train, depending on timing! We continue to the port town of Mallaig for a coastal experience before taking a ferry to the magical Isle of Skye. To start our exploration of the island, we’ll walk among the crystal-clear Fairy Pools, a series of waterfalls and pools at the foot of the Cuillin mountains, before arriving in Portree, Skye’s colourful harbour town, for night one of our two-night stay. 

Thursday, October 15 (B): After optional Bible Study and breakfast, we’ll spend the whole day exploring Skye’s most famous landmarks, beginning with the Old Man of Storr, a striking rock pinnacle offering panoramic views. Continue to Kilt Rock, where sheer cliffs resemble pleats of a kilt and a waterfall plunges dramatically into the sea – and learn about the presence of dinosaurs on the Isle of Skye! Next, we traverse the otherworldly landscapes of the Quiraing, shaped by ancient landslides, before visiting the enchanting Fairy Glen near Uig with its miniature conical hills and mystical atmosphere. We hope to come across a shaggy “Highland Coo” or two on this leg of our journey. We return to Portree for another overnight stay.

Friday, October 16 (B, D): On our final day of our excursion to the Highlands, we leave Portree and stop at the historic Sligachan Bridge for one last look at the Cuillin Mountains. We continue to the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most photographed landmarks, set on a small island at the meeting point of three lochs. If time allows, we’ll head inside the castle for a look around. Then, we travel south through the scenic Highlands to the Victorian resort town of Pitlochry, then on to Dunkeld, a charming riverside village with a historic cathedral. Our tour concludes as we return to Edinburgh in the evening, gathering together for a final meal, and sharing highlights and gratitude from throughout the trip.

Saturday, October 17 (B only): Departure Day. After enjoying one final breakfast, guests depart on their next adventure! You are responsible for arranging transportation to Edinburgh International Airport (EDI), Waverley Train Station, or whichever location you are heading to next. Turas math dhuibh! (‘Good journey to you!’)

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Registration opens Thursday, November 13 at 10:00 am MST and is on a first-come, first-served basis. A secured spot is not confirmed until the $748 deposit is paid and you’ve received confirmation from DiscoveryBound. 

If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please complete the DBO Adults: Explore Scotland Waitlist Form.

Questions: Katie Stewart, DB Staff, at kstewart@discoverybound.blackbaudwp.com or 303-376-7572