Pilgrimage to a Thin Place
Where Heaven and Earth Lean Close
Iona, Scotland • September 25–30, 2027
Off the western coast of Scotland lies a small island that has drawn pilgrims for over fourteen centuries.
On these ancient windswept shores, Saint Columba and his companions established a monastic community in the year 563. Since that time, pilgrims from around the world have journeyed to Iona seeking prayer, clarity, and renewal.
Many speak of Iona as a thin place, where the veil between heaven and earth feels almost transparent and the presence of God becomes easier to notice.
This pilgrimage invites you into the ancient rhythm of sacred travel.
Together we will step away from the noise of ordinary life and enter a slower pace shaped by prayer, silence, beauty, and community.
Pilgrimage to a Thin Place
Iona, Scotland • September 25–30, 2027
Hineni: A Gathering Ministry is delighted to announce an upcoming pilgrimage retreat to the Isle of Iona, hosted at the historic St. Columba Hotel.
For more than fourteen centuries pilgrims have traveled to this small island off the west coast of Scotland seeking prayer, renewal, and spiritual clarity. Together we will enter the rhythm of the island through contemplative practices, pilgrimage walks, shared meals, and worship in the ancient Iona Abbey.
Participation is limited to 35 pilgrims, allowing for a spacious and intimate pilgrimage community.
Retreat Cost
Double Occupancy
Two twin beds, or you may request that the beds be arranged as a king.
Total Cost: $2,900 per person
• $500 nonrefundable deposit at registration
• $1,200 due September 1, 2026
• $1,200 due March 1, 2027
Single Occupancy
Twin or double bed.
Total Cost: $3,400 per person
• $500 nonrefundable deposit at registration
• $1,450 due September 1, 2026
• $1,450 due March 1, 2027
All balances must be paid in full by March 1, 2027.
These payment dates allow us to meet our contractual payment deadlines with the St. Columba Hotel on Iona.
Cancellation Policy
Because lodging on Iona is limited and financial commitments must be made well in advance, the following cancellation policy applies.
• The $500 deposit is nonrefundable
• If you cancel on or before September 25, 2026, you will receive a refund of all additional payments made, minus the $500 nonrefundable deposit.
• If you cancel between September 26, 2026 and May 1, 2027, you will receive 50% of payments made, minus the $500 nonrefundable deposit.
• No refunds can be issued after May 1, 2027.
If Hineni: A Gathering Ministry must cancel the pilgrimage for any reason, all payments received will be refunded in full.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your trip in case of unexpected circumstances.
Includes:
• Five nights lodging at St. Columba Hotel
• British breakfast daily
• Four-course dinner each evening
• All retreat teachings and contemplative practices
Not included:
• Airfare
• Transportation to Iona
• Lunches
• Travel insurance
• Tips, Taxes and Gratuity
Registration Opening Soon
Registration opens March 25, 2026.
Bookings will go live on our website on that date.
We are expecting demand to be extremely high, so if you are keen to come then please make your reservation as soon as possible after bookings go live to avoid disappointment.
There are only 13 single occupancy rooms and 22 double occupancy rooms available.
The Rhythm of the Pilgrimage
Our days on Iona follow a contemplative rhythm shaped by prayer, teaching, silence, and the beauty of the island.
Each morning begins with gentle contemplative movement and silent prayer as the day awakens over the sea. After gathering for a traditional British breakfast at the St. Columba Hotel, we walk together to Iona Abbey for morning worship at 9:00 AM, joining the wider island community in prayer.
Following Abbey worship, we gather for teaching and guided contemplative practices.
Afternoons provide space for rest, reflection, and exploration of the island. Explore quaint local places for lunch and shopping at artisan galleries. Pilgrims may walk along the shore, hike the 3 mile isle, play golf, visit the Abbey or simply listen to the wind and sea.
Later in the afternoon we gather again for a second session of reflection, contemplative practice and witnessing deepening the themes of the day.
Each evening we share a farm-to-table four-course dinner together at the hotel before returning to Iona Abbey for evening prayer at 9:00 PM, closing the day in the ancient rhythm of worship that has shaped this island for centuries.
During the week we will also share several special experiences together:
• A contemplative tour of Iona Abbey
• A pilgrimage walk to Columba Bay
• Session on Celtic Spirituality and the history of St. Columba & the Abbey
• A free day for rest and exploration
This rhythm allows space for both community and solitude.
TESTIMONIALS
Voices of Pilgrims
“Iona felt like stepping into prayer itself. Every part of the island seemed to invite the soul to slow down and listen.”
“The rhythm of the Abbey and the contemplative practices created space for God to meet me in ways I had never experienced.”
“This pilgrimage was quietly transformative. I left renewed in faith and calling.”
We look forward to welcoming you to the sacred island of Iona and walking this pilgrimage together.
Hineni: A Gathering Ministry
LEARN MORE
Before registering, you may find these helpful:
What is Pilgrimage
[Link to Blog]
Frequently Asked Questions
[Link to FAQ]
Why Iona?
[Link to blog]
How to Travel to Iona
[Link to travel guide]