Ancient civilisations uncovered: 4 school trips for curious classics groups
As tour operators, we know how transformative experiential learning can be for students; there’s nothing quite like immersing them in the places where history, mythology, and ancient culture come alive. Our classics tours provide students with a deep understanding of the fundamental elements of classical civilisations, and their lasting impact on the modern world.
Whether it's a trip to Rome, Sorrento, Greece, or Sicily, experiencing ancient empires and archaeological sites first-hand transforms textbook lessons into vivid realities, sparking your students' curiosity and engagement.
In this blog, we’ll explore the school trips available to classical civilisation (or, simply, classics) school groups across the UK, helping you decide which are most beneficial to your group’s learning objectives. Read on to discover which of these destinations should be at the top of your list for your next school trip.
Classics school trips to Rome
The heart of the ancient Roman Empire, Rome is in essence an open-air museum itself, brimming with historical treasures and excursions. Our school trips to Rome allow students to walk in the footsteps of emperors, gladiators, and saints, as they explore the architectural marvels scattered across the city. At the iconic Colosseum – a symbol of Rome’s imperial grandeur – school groups can visualise the spectacles that captivated ancient Romans, from gladiatorial contests to public executions. As they stand in the arena, the brutality of ancient entertainment becomes tangible, deepening their understanding of Roman culture and society.
Another highlight on these trips is the Roman Forum, once the centre of public life in ancient Rome. Walking through the ruins today, students can gain insights into the daily workings of Roman politics, religion, and commerce. The remnants of temples, basilicas, and public spaces provide a vivid backdrop for discussions on the structure of Roman society and governance. Meanwhile, a visit to the Pantheon offers students the unique opportunity to explore the extravagance of ancient Rome in one of the best-preserved buildings from the era; built almost 2,000 years ago, this former Roman temple offers a lasting testimony to the skill and creativity of Roman classical architecture, and is a must-see for students to fully comprehend the culture of this ancient civilisation.
Classics school trips to Sorrento
Home to the compelling ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, Sorrento serves as an ideal base for boosting students’ understanding of ancient civilisation and the day-to-day lives of people who lived during this era. Though these cities were buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, they have been preserved in remarkable detail. On an excursion from Sorrento, students can walk the streets of Pompeii, exploring ancient homes, shops, and public baths that provide an unparalleled snapshot of daily life in a Roman town, its tragic history and sudden destruction offering poignant lessons in both human resilience and the power of nature.
The Naples Archaeological Museum further enriches this experience with its extensive collection of artefacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum. Here, groups can view intricate mosaics, sculptures, and everyday items that bring the ancient world to life, enhancing their understanding of Roman art and culture, bridging the gap between textbook descriptions and real-world history.
Can't choose between Rome and Sorrento? We also offer dual-centre school trips to both cities – enquire with our friendly team to find out more.
Classics school trips to Sicily
Courtesy of its strategic location in the heart of the Mediterranean, Sicily’s rich heritage combines Greek and Roman history, making it a unique and well-rounded destination for classical studies. In Agrigento, students can explore the Valley of the Temples – a remarkable location where they can wander some of the best-preserved Greek temples outside of Greece. The grandeur of these structures offers a glimpse into the religious and civic life of ancient Greek settlers, deepening students’ appreciation of ancient Greek architecture and engineering.
Sicily also boasts the ancient cities of Taormina and Syracuse, the latter of which being the birthplace of mathematician and engineer Archimedes. It’s here that student groups can visit his eponymous tomb, before uncovering the history of the Greek theatre and the Ear of Dionysius cave, highlighting the island’s Hellenic heritage. This blend of natural beauty and historical significance makes Sicily a rich educational resource, offering insights into the cultural exchanges that shaped the ancient Mediterranean world.
Classics school trips to Greece
The birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and the Olympic Games, Greece offers an immersive journey into the foundations of Western civilisation. Athens, with its iconic Acropolis and Parthenon, provides students with a first-hand look at classical architecture and the birthplace of democracy, as they reflect on the principles of governance and civic duty that originated in Ancient Greece and continue to influence modern societies.
Outside the capital, the ancient city of Delphi – once considered the centre of the world – offers another layer of educational enrichment. Visiting the Temple of Apollo and the Delphi theatre, students can further their understanding of the mythology and rituals associated with the city through the ruins’ exploration of Greek religion and its impact on daily life.
Additionally, the Peloponnese region, with its ancient sites like Mycenae and Epidaurus, showcases the diversity of Greek history and culture. The Mycenaean civilisation, with its legendary figures and epic tales, comes to life through the ruins of palaces and tombs in the region. The theatre of Epidaurus meanwhile, renowned for its acoustics, highlights the importance of drama and performance in ancient Greek society.
Ready to book your next classics school trip?
These school trips are more than just travel experiences; they are immersive journeys into the heart of ancient civilisations, providing students with unparalleled opportunities to connect with history, culture, and art in ways that textbooks alone cannot achieve.
By exploring these iconic sites, students gain a deeper appreciation for the foundations of Western civilisation, and the legacy of the ancient world. For teachers and school group leaders, these trips offer a powerful tool to inspire and educate, turning history lessons into unforgettable adventures.
To find out more about our classics school trips, please call us on 01273 648248. You can also fill out our webform, and our school trip experts will get back to you as soon as we can.
