Sandy beaches surround the isle.

Self-Guided Exploration of Iona Abbey

Enjoy a leisurely walk to Iona Abbey.

Included in your cruise
  • Enjoy a leisurely walk to the Abbey.
  • Gift shop and Craft shop in the village
  • Various local shops for refreshments

  • Difficulty level

    Level 2: Easy

  • Duration

    2h

  • Max. passengers

    50

  • Booking Code

    INCL-ION1

  • Notices

    Appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.

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. 

Practical information:

  • Language: English.

  • Remarks/requirements: Appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.

  • Walking information: Gentle uphill walk to the Abbey, approximately 0.25 miles

  • Wheelchair accessible: No.