An Unforgettable Experience Awaits
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.
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
Recommended excursions
Giardini Naxos Area
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.
Alcantara Gorge
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.
Lipari and Vulcano Islands
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
3-Star Hotel – Sicily
Why groups like it:
- Accommodation in Sicily will be provided in 3-star hotel
- Location will be in the Giardini Naxos area to facilitate the itinerary
Facilities:
- All rooms feature private bathroom facilities
- On-site restaurant
Itinerary suggestion
1 Fly to Catania, Sicily
2 Coach transfer to your accommodation
3 Evening meal – Free time
1 Breakfast and packed lunch
2 Travel to Mount Etna
3 Trek to the crater with a mountain guide
4 Evening meal
1 Breakfast and packed lunch
2 Mini-cruise to the Aeolian islands of Lipari and Vulcano
3 Visit one of only four active non-submarine volcanoes, Vulcano
4 Evening meal
1 Breakfast and packed lunch
2 Flight times permitting, visit the gorges and ravines at Alcantara
3 Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK
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
“
The 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.
St Ivo School
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