Unleashing the Power of Praxis for Teaching and Learning

The concept of “praxis” offers a life-changing framework for understanding the teaching and learning process. This presentation will define praxis and shared Christian praxis. It will then give an example of teaching using a shared Christian praxis approach.

Praxis defined
In educational literature, Praxis is the interaction between reflection and action, thinking and doing. It is an ongoing process of having thoughts and activities informing one another toward synthesis. (See the writings of Paulo Freire.)

Shared Christian praxis
Shared Christian Praxis is a praxis-based approach for encouraging learners to reflect on their personal experiences (stories), the biblical Story, and how the Story relates to and may be lived out in their own stories or lives. (See the writings of Thomas Groome.)

Shared Christian praxis described and Illustrated
The Shared Christian Praxis approach is described in Christian Religious Education (San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1980) by Thomas H. Groome. This summary is an abbreviation of Groom's rather comprehensive philosophy of education. The description that follows may be viewed as an introduction to the Shared Christian Praxis approach for those who wish to study and apply it further.

Five components
Five components of Groome’s approach are given with examples of how these could be used in teaching a group of fourth graders about prayer. The examples are taken from pages 207 - 223. They are: present action, critical reflection, Story and its Vision, dialectic (or thoughtful interaction) between Story and stories, and dialectic between Vision and visions.

Present action
Component: The participants are invited to name their own activity concerning the topic to be taught.

Example: The teacher asks, “What prayers do you say? How do you say them? What do you say when you talk to God? Tell me about a time when you prayed.”

Critical reflection
Component: Learners are asked to think and talk about why they do what they do, and the likely or intended consequences of their actions.

Example: The teacher says, “Imagine that I (the teacher) was a small person from outer space... and, I saw a child kneeling beside their bed and asked, 'What is he or she doing?' You (the students) answered 'praying.' How would you answer the alien’s questions about: 'What is prayer?' 'Why do you pray?' 'What kinds of things do you pray for or about?'”

Story and its Vision
Component: The educator makes present to the group the Christian community Story (biblical content) concerning the topic at hand and the faith response it invites.

Example: At this point, the teacher uses a narrative format to explain how Jesus prayed and how he told us to pray. The group prays the Lord's Prayer together. Worksheets, readings, media, and other activities could also be used.

Dialectic between Story and stories
Component: The participants are invited to appropriate the Story to their lives in a dialectic with their own stories.

Example: Here the teacher asks, “What do you now think about prayer and how Jesus prayed?”

Dialectic between Vision and visions
Component: There is an opportunity for learners to choose a personal faith response for the future.

Example: The teacher questions by saying, “How will you pray? What will you say? When will you pray? “

Summary and Conclusion
The Shared praxis approach views learning as not just acquiring knowledge, but also as developing the ability to think critically and to act on what we learn. Shared Christian praxis has the potential for being an incredible tool for helping students to grow, not only in their knowledge of biblical facts but in the application of these to their faith and life. You are invited to unleash the power of praxis in your teaching by adapting aspects of shared Christian praxis to your teaching.

Resources
• Freire, Paulo. Pedagogy of the Oppressed. https://amzn.to/3BDT6ss
• Groome, Thomas. Christian Religions Education, https://amzn.to/3ZGxO8r
• A chapter of the above book: https://asmre.org/913/03/TGroome-SharedChristianPraxis-1980.html

Supplementary online resources that may have been consulted include ChatGPT, Google Search, Google Bard, Bing, and Wikipedia

YouTube version of this blog: https://youtu.be/F1T2UvuyFJ8

Church and School Education (CASE) Resources is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, affiliate advertising designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com

How We Got Our Sunday Schools

Sunday School has been an essential aspect of Christian education for centuries, and its impact through teaching the Bible and spreading the Gospel has been felt all over the world.

The First Sunday Schools
The first Sunday School began in 1780 and was led by Robert Raikes (1725-1811) and Mrs. Meredith (first name and dates unknown) of Gloucester, England. Raikes was the publisher of The Gloucester Journal. Mrs. Meredith was paid by Raikes to organize the first classes. Of course, instruction on Sunday was not new to the church, but the approach taken by these two leaders was revolutionary and became global in its impact.

The early Sunday Schools were developed in response to the needs of uneducated, urban, lower-class children working in factories for long hours, six days a week during the Industrial Revolution. Their behavior on Sundays was described by Raikes as “… the street is filled with multitudes of those wretches who come on release of the day of employment, spend their time in noise and riot… cursing and swearing in a manner so horrid as to convey to any serious-minded, an idea of hell rather than any other place.”

In response to the needs of these children, the first Sunday School classes taught reading, writing, basic Bible content, moral values, and discipline. By the mid-1800s, as the Movement had grown into the millions and the curriculum was expanded. It typically included the following:
• Bible: Bible stories and basic Christian concepts were the primary emphases.
• Reading: Children would learn to read using the Bible as the main textbook along with simple books and stories.
• Catechism: Questions and answers about basic Christian teachings were memorized.
• Music: Children’s songs were taught about God, Jesus, heaven, and the Christian faith and life.
• Prayer: Children learned to pray.
• Moral instruction: Christian values such as honesty, obedience, and respect for authority were taught.

A Brief History
This brief history of the development of the Sunday School includes the following selected dates:

1780: Robert Raikes starts the first Sunday School in Gloucester, England.

• 1803: The Sunday School Union formed in London to coordinate the work of Sunday Schools in England and beyond.
• 1824: The American Sunday School Union was one of the first publishers of curriculum materials.
• 1831: The National Sunday School Union was formed in New York City to promote Sunday schools in the United States.
• 1875: The World Sunday School Association was founded to bring together Sunday School associations from around the world (approximate attendance: England - 6 million, United States – 1 million).
• 1886: The Sunday School Companion was published by the Methodist Church. This was the first denominationally developed lesson manual. It was followed by other denominations producing their own materials.
• 1889: The International Sunday School Lessons series was developed to provide a standardized curriculum for Sunday schools worldwide.
• The lessons were designed to cover the entire Bible over a six-year cycle.
• Each year was divided into quarters with quarters focusing on different themes or topics such as the life of Christ, Old Testament prophets, and the early church. A quarter consisted of 13 weekly lessons.
• The lessons were written in a narrative format, with each lesson covering a specific Bible story or passage.
• The lessons included a set of questions that teachers could use to guide discussion and help students understand the meaning and relevance of the Bible passage.
• The curriculum was intended for use by Sunday schools of all denominations and was intended to promote a common understanding and interpretation of the Bible.
• 1866-1938: Private non-denominational publishers also began publishing materials. These include Standard (1866), David C. Cook (1875), Gospel Light (1933), and Scripture Press (1938).
  
  
• 1960- Present: A period of decline. Sunday School attendance declined from approximately 60 million to 10 million. The decline in Sunday School attendance seems consistent with the decline in church participation. Despite the decline, Sunday School continues to have a powerful influence on individuals, churches, and society.

Sunday School remains a dynamic means for people of all ages to increase their knowledge of the Bible, strengthen their faith, connect with God and others, and engage in service and outreach activities.

Sunday School classes can create communities characterized by Bible study, prayer, and fellowship. By attending Sunday School, participants are able to gain biblical literacy, come to faith in Christ, engage in spiritually meaningful conversations, develop healthy relationships, and receive support and encouragement.

Because Sunday Schools have served such a variety of purposes over the years, it is important for local church leaders to define and implement the intentions and strategies of their specific Sunday Schools. The following resources may be considered for additional support.

Resources
Faith Alive Christian Resources https://www.faithaliveresources.org/TabCenter/30/Children-And-Youth.aspx
Keffer. All-in-One Sunday School https://amzn.to/3KUXxn2
Towns. A History of Religious Educators https://amzn.to/3H8dCEK
Uniform Series, International Sunday School Lessons https://www.standardlesson.com/issl-uniform-series/
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/YCg1RCW_NXA

Supplementary online resources often include ChatGPT, Google Search, Google Bard, and Wikipedia

As an Amazon affiliate, I may receive compensation for purchases from their site.

End Notes
I am indebted to the Sunday School movement for my own spiritual growth and calling. The first Sunday School class that I taught was for third graders in an urban evangelistic setting when I was fifteen years old. For more than sixty years, I have been attending or teaching Sunday School classes and providing teacher training as a church staff member or college professor. During the 1990s, it was my privilege to be the Executive Director of the Midwest Sunday School Association.

While Robert Raikes is most commonly credited with the birth of the Sunday School movement, other early expressions of Sunday School-like ministry include classes by John Wesley (Savannah, Georgia, 1737), Joseph Bellamy (Bethlehem, Connecticut, 1740), Hannah Bell (Wycombe, England, 1769), and others.

From the outset, the purposes, content, and organizational structures of Sunday Schools have been fluid. Robert Raikes is said to have developed the first Sunday Schools in consultation with the Anglican pastors in his parish. In other situations, Sunday Schools began independently of organized churches. Early Sunday Schools were vehicles for planting churches in rural as well as urban areas. At times, Sunday Schools in organized churches were differentiated from catechetical instruction, with Sunday School being for Bible teaching and evangelism, while catechism was for doctrinal instruction.

British Isles Cruise

 Travel Planning for Family British Isles Cruise

Regal Princess, June 24 – July 7, 2023
Planning Teams: Red - Stephen, Lisa, James; White - Burt, Marlene; Blue - Danny, Petra

Overview

Time	Day	Date	Activities	Country/City Location	Transit/Lodging/ Teams	Notes
9:25 PM	Fri	6/23	Depart	Detroit	Delta DL18 WHITE	Confirmation #F6ZYTA
10:00 AM	Sat	6/24	Arrive	Heathrow
11:00 AM	Sat	6/24	Transit	London	Underground Train (Tube) RED	Transfer to Victoria Station, On site train purchase
2:00PM	Sat	6/24	Check-in	London	Comfort Inn Victoria WHITE	Earlier check-in may be possible, walk around London
7:30 AM	Sun	6/25	Transfer	London	Coach  BLUE	Windsor Castle, Southampton transfer, hotel pickup
3:00 PM	Sun	6/25	Boarding	Southampton	Regal Princess	Underway at 5:00 PM
7:00 AM	Mon	6/26	In port	Guernsey	BLUE	Walk around on our own
9:00 AM	Tue	6/27	In port	Cork	WHITE	Blarney Castle & Kinsale (Private excursion)
7:00 AM	Wed	6/28	At anchor	Dublin	BLUE	Self-tour with Day Pass options (Private excursion)
8:00 AM	Thu	6/29	In port	Liverpool	RED	Hop on bus or self-tour (Private excursion)
8:00nAM	Fri	6/30	In port	Belfast	WHITE	Giants Causeway Day Tour (Private excursion)
7:00 AM	Sat	7/1	In port	Glasgow	BLUE	Cathedral / Highlights (Ship excursion)
	Sun	7/2	Onboard	At sea	WHITE	Sabatini’s restaurant reservation for 5:30 PM
7:00 AM	Mon	7/3	In port	Invergordon	RED	Easy Loch Ness Scenic Cruise (Ship excursion)
7:00 AM	Tue	7/4	At anchor	Edinburgh	BLUE	Easy Edinburgh & National Museum (Ship excursion)
	Wed	7/5	Onboard	At sea		------
7:00 AM	Thu	7/6	In port	Paris/Normandy	RED	Normandy Beaches (Ship Exc.)
6:00 AM	Fri	7/7	Arrive	Southampton	Coach, WHITE	Transfer to Heathrow airport
2:40 PM	Fri	7/7	Depart	Heathrow	(Delta) VS5993	Heathrow to JFK (layover) to Detroit
9:53 PM	Fri	7/7	Arrive	Detroit	(Delta) 9E 5314

 

Details

Saturday, June 24

Heathrow Airport to Victoria Station
London Underground: You can take the Piccadilly Line of the London Underground from Heathrow Airport directly to Victoria Station, with a journey time of approximately 40-50 minutes. The cost of a one-way ticket on the London Underground starts from £6 per person ($8.28).

Comfort Inn Victoria: 18-24 Belgrave Road, Westminster Borough, London, Phone: +44 20 7233 6636, Booking Confirmation #2524.141.363 Pin Code 0080

Walking Tour of London (ChatGPT)
Here is a 3-hour self-guided walking tour of London that you can start at 1:00 PM, beginning and ending at Comfort Inn Victoria on Belgrave Road in Westminster Borough.

1:00 PM - Start at Comfort Inn Victoria
1:15 PM - Buckingham Palace Start by heading southeast on Belgrave Road towards Buckingham Palace. This is the official residence of the Queen of England and has been since 1837. Watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony that usually happens at 11:00 AM, but if you missed it, you can still see the palace from outside and take photos of the palace gates.
1:45 PM - St. James's Park After visiting Buckingham Palace, head to St. James's Park, one of the most beautiful parks in London. The park is home to many different types of wildlife, including pelicans, and has stunning views of the surrounding area.
2:15 PM - Houses of Parliament From St. James's Park, head north to Houses of Parliament. Here you can see the iconic Big Ben and take a walk along the River Thames.
2:45 PM - Westminster Abbey After exploring the Houses of Parliament, walk a short distance to Westminster Abbey. This is where many of England's monarchs have been crowned and buried, including Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots.
3:15 PM - Trafalgar Square From Westminster Abbey, head to Trafalgar Square, a popular public square in the heart of London. Here you can see the famous Nelson's Column, the National Gallery, and the Fourth Plinth art installation.
3:45 PM - Covent Garden From Trafalgar Square, walk east to Covent Garden. This is a great place to grab a bite to eat or do some shopping in the many shops and markets.
4:15 PM - End of Tour After exploring Covent Garden, head back to Comfort Inn Victoria to end your tour.

Sunday, June 25

Transfer from Comfort Inn to Southampton Cruise Terminal and Regal Princess

London & Heathrow to Southampton via Windsor Castle, Booking #150532, 7:30 AM.

You will be driven in an air-conditioned touring coach from London to Southampton Cruise Terminals, via the world-famous Windsor Castle.

After pick up from your London or Heathrow address, we will make our way to Windsor Castle, where over 900 years of royal history await you. Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest continuously occupied castle in the world and official home of our present King, Charles III. Here, you will have a chance to visit the lavish state apartments, the Grand Reception Room and the Royal Chapel of St George, which serves as the resting place of many of our Kings and Queens, and also provided the setting for the 2018 royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

After our visit to Windsor Castle, we begin the journey to Southampton, a journey of approximately 90 - 120 minutes. When we arrive in Southampton, you will walk straight to the check-in desk. Porters will take care of your luggage, ensuring it is delivered to your cabin. Please make sure you use the luggage label in your cruise pack to facilitate this. We plan to drop you at your cruise terminal between 1:30pm – 2:00pm.

Monday, June 26

Guernsey, St. Peter Port, 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Water Shuttle
Self-guided walking tour around the area of St Peter Port.

Start your tour at the Guernsey Information Centre in the heart of St. Peter Port, usually no more than a few hundred meters away from the tender pier. Here you can pick up a map and get information on the area's attractions and events.

From there, head towards the harbor and take a stroll along the waterfront, admiring the beautiful boats and yachts moored in the harbor. Take a look at the old sea wall and the bustling markets selling fresh produce, flowers, and handmade crafts.

Next, make your way to Castle Cornet, a magnificent fortification built on a rocky outcrop overlooking the harbor. This impressive fortress dates back to the 13th century and has served as a defensive stronghold, a prison, and a royal residence over the centuries. Take a guided tour of the castle to learn more about its fascinating history and take in the stunning views from its ramparts.

After visiting the castle, walk up the hill to the charming old town, filled with cobbled streets and narrow alleys lined with quaint shops and cafes. Make sure to visit the stunning St. Peter Port Church, a beautiful Gothic church that dates back to the 14th century. The church features striking stained glass windows and a peaceful interior.

From there, head to Candie Gardens, a beautiful park with a mix of tropical and local plant life. Take a walk around the gardens, admiring the beautiful flowers and foliage, and be sure to visit the Guernsey Museum, located in a historic mansion within the park. The museum showcases the island's rich history, from prehistoric times to the present day.

Finally, end your tour at the Guernsey Aquarium, located near the harbor. This fascinating aquarium features a variety of local marine life, including colorful fish, sharks, and sea turtles. Take a stroll through the exhibits and learn about the island's diverse marine ecosystem.

The length of this self-guided walking tour around the area of St Peter Port will depend on your pace and the amount of time you spend at each attraction. However, it's estimated that the tour will take approximately 3-4 hours to complete, including time for breaks and exploring each attraction.

The distances between the attractions on this tour are relatively short, with the majority of the sites located within a 1-2 km radius of each other. Here's a rough estimate of the distances between each attraction:

Guernsey Information Centre to the harbor: approximately 300 meters
Harbor to Castle Cornet: approximately 600 meters
Castle Cornet to St. Peter Port old town: approximately 800 meters
St. Peter Port old town to Candie Gardens: approximately 1.2 km
Candie Gardens to Guernsey Aquarium: approximately 600 meters
Please note that these distances are approximate and may vary depending on your specific route and any detours you may take along the way.

Tuesday, June 27

Cork (Cobh), 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Kinsale & Blarney Castle, Private Shore Tour, Butler Tours Booking #1786-659/1

Start time - 8:00 AM or 30 minutes after disembarkation

Kiss The World Famous Blarney Stone
Explore The Amazing Blarney Castle & Gardens
Shop/Dine At The Iconic Woolen Mills
Driving Tour Through Cork City
See Castles, Forts, Towers, Cathedrals, and Amazing Scenery
Free Time For Lunch & Exploring In The Charming Village Of Kinsale
Visit The Spectacular St. Colemans Cathedral

 

Wednesday, June 28

Dublin (Dun Laoghair), 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Water Shuttle

Self-guided walking tour around the area of Dun Laoghair

Dun Laoghaire is a picturesque coastal town just south of Dublin City! This self-guided walking tour will take you through some of the area's most charming and historic spots.

Start your tour at the Dun Laoghaire Pier, a stunning Victorian structure that extends over 1 km into the Irish Sea. Take a stroll along the pier, enjoying the fresh sea air and views of Dublin Bay. On a clear day, you can see the mountains of Wicklow in the distance.

From the pier, head towards the historic Dun Laoghaire town centre, a charming area filled with quaint shops, cafes, and pubs. Take a walk down Marine Road and admire the historic architecture, including the beautiful Georgian-style buildings that line the street.

Next, make your way to the People's Park, a beautiful public park that dates back to the 19th century. The park features a large green space, a Victorian bandstand, and a duck pond. Be sure to check out the Sunday Farmers' Market, which takes place in the park each week and features fresh produce, artisanal foods, and handmade crafts.

After visiting the park, head to the James Joyce Tower and Museum, located in the nearby town of Sandycove. This historic tower was once a defensive fortification, but is now best known as the setting for the opening scene of James Joyce's masterpiece, Ulysses. Explore the museum to learn more about Joyce's life and work, and climb to the top of the tower for stunning views of the coastline.

Finally, end your tour at the National Maritime Museum of Ireland, located near the harbour. This fascinating museum tells the story of Ireland's seafaring heritage, from the Vikings to the present day. Take a stroll through the exhibits and learn about the country's rich maritime history.

The length of this self-guided walking tour around Dun Laoghaire will depend on your pace and the amount of time you spend at each attraction. However, it's estimated that the tour will take approximately 3-4 hours to complete, including time for breaks and exploring each attraction.

Dun Laoghaire Pier to Dun Laoghaire town centre: approximately 1.5 km, 20-25 minutes walking time
Dun Laoghaire town centre to People's Park: approximately 1 km, 15-20 minutes walking time
People's Park to James Joyce Tower and Museum: approximately 3 km (via coastal path), 45-60 minutes walking time
James Joyce Tower and Museum to National Maritime Museum of Ireland: approximately 1.5 km, 20-25 minutes walking time

Thursday, June 29

Liverpool, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Self-Guided Tour or Hop On, Hop Off Bus

Self-guided walking tour around the area of Liverpool near the cruise ship port.

Start your tour at the Liverpool Cruise Terminal, located on the city's waterfront. From there, head towards the Royal Albert Dock, a historic area that is now home to shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Take a stroll along the dock and admire the beautiful architecture, including the iconic red-brick buildings and cast-iron pillars.

Next, visit the Beatles Statue, a tribute to Liverpool's most famous musical exports. Located near the dock, the statue features larger-than-life-sized bronze figures of the Fab Four, and is a popular spot for photos.

After visiting the Beatles Statue, head to the Museum of Liverpool, a fascinating institution that tells the story of the city's rich history and culture. Explore the exhibits to learn about Liverpool's maritime heritage, its role in the Industrial Revolution, and its cultural contributions, including the Beatles and other famous musicians.

From the museum, head to St. George's Hall, an impressive Neoclassical building that serves as a venue for concerts and other cultural events. Take a stroll through the beautiful interior, which features marble columns, ornate plasterwork, and a stunning concert hall.

Finally, end your tour at Liverpool ONE, a large shopping and leisure complex located in the heart of the city. Browse the shops, grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants, or catch a movie at the cinema.

The length of this self-guided walking tour around Liverpool's cruise ship port area will depend on your pace and the amount of time you spend at each attraction. However, it's estimated that the tour will take approximately 2-3 hours to complete, including time for breaks and exploring each attraction.

Liverpool Cruise Terminal to Royal Albert Dock: approximately 400 metres, 5-10 minutes walking time
Royal Albert Dock to Beatles Statue: approximately 250 metres, 3-5 minutes walking time
Beatles Statue to Museum of Liverpool: approximately 600 metres, 10-15 minutes walking time
Museum of Liverpool to St. George's Hall: approximately 800 metres, 10-15 minutes walking time
St. George's Hall to Liverpool ONE: approximately 700 metres, 10-15 minutes walking time

Friday, June 30

Belfast, 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Shore Excursion Giants Causeway (Small Group),
Odyssey Coach Tours, Group #s 073-230228-12, 073-230227-3
Start time - 8:00 AM or immediately after disembarkation

We will depart from Belfast port and travel inland straight to the Giants Causeway where you will spend 1 hour 30 mins at the stones/visitor centre.

We will then make a photo stop at Dunluce castle before making the short journey to Portaneevy with its stunning views of Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge and Rathlin Island.
After leaving Portaneevy we will visit the picturesque seaside town of Ballycastle for a 1 hour lunch stop.We will then travel along the Coast road, one of the most scenic drives in the world. Along the way we will stop in the small fishing village of Carnlough for a short comfort break.
After leaving Carnlough we will make our way back to Belfast along the Coastal route for your extended City Tour before returning to Belfast port in plenty of time for your ship’s departure.
Lunch stop in the quaint little seaside town of Ballycastle (1 hour)

Saturday, July 1

Glasgow (Greenock), 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Glasgow Cathedral & Kelvingrove Gallery, Burt, Danny, James, Petra, Stephen
7 hours, 9:15 AM - 4;15 PM

Visit Glasgow Cathedral - the only Scottish cathedral to survive the Protestant Reformation intact. The cathedral also boasts a stunning collection of Postmodern English stained glass. Continue to Kelvingrove Park where you will disembark and tour the world famous Kelvingrove Art Gallery.

Board your motorcoach and travel along the banks of the Clyde to the heart of Glasgow and its magnificent Gothic cathedral. Begun in the year 1136, the cathedral is the only Scottish cathedral to have survived the Scottish Protestant Reformation intact. The cathedral features arcades, buttresses, tracery windows and three vaulted aisles at the presbytery and choir. The church is reputedly built over the site of St. Mungo's original Christian community; the saint's tomb is located in the cathedral's crypt. Glasgow cathedral also boasts a stunning collection of Postmodern English stained glass.

After your visit reboard your motorcoach and travel towards George Square. Disembark your coach in the city center and allow your guide to orient you to all that can be seen as you enjoy a short stroll around George Square. You will then have approximately 90 minutes to explore the city on your own. Be sure to take time to enjoy a delicious traditional lunch at one of the city's many delightful restaurants and pubs. Fish 'n' Chips, anyone?

After your free time, reboard your motorcoach and travel to Kelvingrove Park.

In Kelvingrove Park, you will disembark and tour the world-famous Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. This imposing red sandstone Victorian structure is one of Glasgow's landmark buildings and the most visited museum in the United Kingdom outside of London. It features ever-changing contemporary exhibits as well as artwork, suits of armor, weaponry and treasures from around the world. Following your visit, board your motorcoach for the return drive to the ship.

Highlights Of Glasgow & Kelvingrove Gallery, Lisa, Marlene
4.5 hours, 8:30AM - 1:00PM
Begin your leisurely, half-day exploration of Glasgow at your pier where you will join a knowledgeable guide and board your motorcoach. Then, follow the River Clyde for your 45-minute drive from Greenock to Scotland's largest city.

Your narrated panoramic tour surveys Glasgow's highlights such as Tolbooth Tower built in 1627 to house the city's council chamber and administrative headquarters. Also view Glasgow Green (the oldest of the city's parks gifted by Bishop Turnbull in 1450) and Kelvingrove Park, created in 1852 by noted English gardener Sir Joseph Paxton.

In Kelvingrove Park, you will disembark and tour the world-famous Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. This imposing red sandstone Victorian structure is one of Glasgow's landmark buildings and the most visited museum in the United Kingdom outside of London. It features ever-changing contemporary exhibits as well as dinosaurs, suits of armor, weaponry and treasures from around the world.

Visit Cathedral Square for a view of the majestic Glasgow Cathedral, the only cathedral in Scotland to have survived the Reformation intact. This stunning 12th-century medieval church houses one of the finest post-war collections of stained glass windows in Britain.

Have your cameras at the ready as your tour guide accompanies you on a stroll past Provand's Lordship, the only house to survive from the medieval city. Dating from 1471, the city's oldest house features a pitched roof, crow-stepped gables and armorial panels.

Nearby stands an imposing stone building that houses the St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art, the only public museum dedicated to examining all the world's major religious faiths.

Following your exploration of Glasgow's highlights, board your motorcoach and contemplate your fascinating and educational adventure during the ride back to your Princess ship at Greenock.

Sunday, July 2

At Sea
Sabatini's Specialty Dinning Reservation for 5:30 PM

Monday, July 3

Invergordon, 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Easy Loch Ness Scenic Cruise (Ship Excursion)
7:00 AM - 12:15 PM

Loch Ness
The mysterious loch is 22 miles long, one mile wide and 740 feet deep. Its waters are stained dark brown from peat. Surrounded by picturesque scenery, the main draw is the possibility of catching a rare glimpse of Nessie, the legendary creature said to live in the Loch.

What you will see along the way:
A city driving tour of Inverness is an opportunity to gaze upon the city's celebrated historic sites. As your motorcoach wends its way through the streets, look for such notable structures as the impressive gothic-style Town House; the Georgian tollbooth steeple; Abertarff House, the oldest surviving house in Inverness, with crow-stepped gables; and Falcon Square, anchored by a statue of a unicorn with falcons flying. The sculptor was created by the world-famous sculptor Gerald Laing who lived in a castle which he renovated on the Black Isle. The Laura Ashley building was an old Victorian station building which was demolished. The bricks were then cleaned and the building rebuilt at a different angle.

Photo Opportunity:
Inverness Castle
On a cliff overlooking the River Ness, Inverness Castle is made of red sandstone, which makes it look pink under the sun. Built in 1836, the edifice occupies a site rich with history, where defensive structures have stood since 1057. The castle houses the Sherrif Court and is not open to the public. However the grounds and the castle north tower are. A circular path meanders along the river and offers one of the most beautiful riverside settings in Britain.

Tuesday, July 4

Edinburgh, 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Water Shuttle
Easy Edinburgh & National Museum (Ship Excursion)
9:00 AM - 1:30 PM

Board your motorcoach and begin a scenic drive to the city center of enchanting Edinburgh. Alive with culture and history, the capital of Scotland is a thriving city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you drive through the charming streets, marvel at the juxtaposition of medieval architecture with modern buildings and delight in the lively culture and classic beauty that is on display around every corner.

On arrival in Edinburgh, visit the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street. Entering via the Grand Gallery, allow your tour guide to orient you to all that can be seen within the museum. Feel free to explore the rooms independently or remain with your tour guide who will lead you to 2-3 of the most popular exhibits.

The true heart of the city is medieval Old Town and your tour crosses the Royal Mile, one of the oldest streets in Edinburgh. The Royal Mile connects Edinburgh Castle with the Palace of Holyrood, the official residence of the Queen when in Scotland. This one-mile stretch takes you past a plethora of monuments, landmarks and statues with legendary distinction, such as Canongate, Lawnmarket, the statues of King Charles II and Sir Walter Scott and the stately Parliament Building.

Dominating the top of the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle has loomed from its rocky perch for over a millennium. Your tour takes you passed this royal landmark where the Crown Jewels of Scotland are housed.

Catch a glimpse of the splendid St. Giles Cathedral with its magnificent stained glass windows designed in both contemporary and traditional styles. Built during the Gothic-period, the cathedral's most striking design feature is its crowning spires.

Drive around Holyrood Park (subject to road closures), a green oasis of lakes and ponds, and then continue to Arthur's Seat for vistas of the city and the Firth of Forth. This photographic vantage point offers superb views of the city and Edinburgh castle.

New Town, home to elegant Georgian buildings and Princes Street, is Edinburgh's main shopping district.

At the conclusion of your tour, the motorcoach returns to the ship. If time permits and you would like to remain in Edinburgh for independent sightseeing and shopping, you are then responsible for your own transportation to the ship.

 
Wednesday, July 5

At Sea

Thursday, July 6

Paris/Normandy, 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Normandy Landing Beaches
7:45 AM - 6:15 PM

Your tour begins as you board your motorcoach for a scenic, 2 ½-hour drive to Courseulles sur Mer along the coast, passing the Juno and Gold landing sites along the way.

You'll arrive at Arromanches Beach, where you'll see remnants of the Mulberry, the artificial harbor where thousands of troops came ashore. Built on the site of the harbor is the Museum of the Landing Day. The museum commemorates the D-Day landings, with models, dioramas and a short film depicting the monumental exploits and heroic sacrifices of Allied forces in Operation Overlord. Before departing for lunch, you'll have free time to browse for souvenirs at the gift shop.

A lunch is served at a local restaurant, with pave d'Isigny salad, chicken supreme a la normande, kir aperitif and wine, on the menu. After a sumptuous meal, you'll continue to Colleville-Sur-Mer, home to the World War II Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial.

Just above Omaha Beach, a place where the American military suffered staggering casualties on D-Day, the American Cemetery is the final resting place of nearly 10,000 servicemen who died during the Normandy campaign. You'll walk between the rows of marble crosses and Stars of David stretching as far as the eye can see, and witness a memorial and chapel that flank the sea of graves. You'll also visit the new Visitors Centre that presents exhibitions on Operation Overlord and focuses on three major themes: the Competence, the Courage and the Sacrifice.

Next, you'll make a photo stop at Omaha Beach. Notoriously, the American troops who landed at Omaha Beach suffered the worst on D-Day. The bombardments before the Landings proved ineffective in wiping out the many German positions in the area. The infantry coming ashore were decimated by German fire across the long beaches. Despite heavy losses, small groups of Americans made it up the slopes and took German positions from behind, so victory was gained, if at heavy human cost.

Your tour concludes with a relaxing drive back to the pier.

Friday, July 7

Southampton, 6:00 AM
Transfer to Heathrow Airport, Pre-purchased from Princess