Geography School Trip To Sicily
With its Aeolian islands, live volcanoes, deep gorges, rich soil and exotic flora and fauna, Sicily is a fascinating destination for any geography school trip.
Highlights
Study active volcanoes in a dramatic landscapes
Visit the most active volcanoes in the world at Mount Etna
See the effects of Mount Etna at the Alcantara Gorges
Vulcano island with its active volcano
St Ivo SchoolThe trip was incredibly well planned, and easy to lead. The staff are really helpful and kind and are quick to act on any queries or problems that arise.
Suggested itinerary
What's included
*Please note, entrance fees where applicable are not included in typical price – contact us for more details
Recommended excursions
The quiet fishing port has become a popular tourist seaside resort. The beautiful hillside town of Taormina is situated above Giardini Naxos and attracts visitors due to its Greek Theatre and proximity to Etna. Giardini Naxos provides the ideal area to carry out a case study exploring the impact of tourism on a community.
When Mount Etna erupted thousands of years ago, the river Alcantra was blocked by a lava flow. As the lava cooled it became crystallised by the water and over the next millennia the river eroded it, resulting in impressive gorges and ravines. Today, the stunning basalt formations set in luscious woodlands are fine examples of Etna’s geological influence.
One of the most active volcanoes in the world, Etna is known as a stratovolcano due to its conical shape made of layers of hardened lava and ash. The fertile soil supports agriculture with vineyards and orchards spread across the lower slopes. There is an option to take the cable car and jeeps to approach the crater with a mountain guide.
Lying as part of a volcanic archipelago between Vesuvius on the mainland and Mount Etna, students will learn about the hydroactivity and pumice found throughout Lipari island. The island of Vulcano is made from four overlapping volcanic centres including one of the only four active non-submarine volcanoes in Italy. (Available mid-March to mid-October)
Typical accommodation
Learning outcomes
Subject focus
Students can:
- Study volcanic hazards, including ash flow, lava flow and gaseous emissions
- Study plate tectonics, geology and continental drift
- Study geothermal activity and tourism
- Study Mediterranean agricultural methods and lifestyle
- Learn about archaeology, excavations and the remains of ancient civilisations
- Study local tourism and sustainability issues
Student Outcomes
Students will have had an opportunity to:
- Experience a still active volcano by walking up it
- Understand local communities and the reasons they choose to live in a hazardous landscape
- Evaluate the effects of tourism on the local community and landscape
- Carry out field research in a spectacular setting
