Iona is steeped in Christian History. It is regarded as the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland, as St. Columba arrived in AD 563 and founded the Abbey. The Abbey and monastic buildings were restored over a century ago, and the Iona Community was founded in 1938 to continue the tradition of worship in the Abbey through daily services and teaching. Iona remains a place of pilgrimage and spirituality to this day.

Enjoy a self-guided visit of the Abbey and see the cloisters, graveyard (burial site of numerous early Scottish, Irish, and French kings), as well as the impressive collection of over 180 medieval carved stones and crosses. Enjoy free time to soak up the Abbey’s atmosphere and explore the lovely shops and cafes in the village. 

Please note that due to the infrastructure of the island, capacity for this excursion is limited and therefore available on a first come, first served basis only.