Spotlight on Sicily: Cultural and culinary wonders in the heart of the Mediterranean
The largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily is a treasure trove of educational opportunities that are bound to leave a lasting impression on your students. Known for its rich culture and heritage, Sicily offers an unparalleled learning experience that spans food technology, geography, and classics, making it one of our favourite school trip destinations.
From the ancient ruins of Agrigento's Valley of the Temples to the bustling markets of Palermo, Sicily provides a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Here, students can explore the towering Mount Etna, Europe’s highest and most active volcano, to understand the island's geological significance, or delve into the rich culinary traditions that have been shaped by centuries of diverse influences.
With Sicily's main attractions scattered across the island, planning a trip there can be daunting – but it doesn’t have to be. In this blog, we’ll help you plan your itinerary and expenses with precision, exploring the various learning objectives that a trip to Sicily can fulfil, suggest free activities to enrich your itinerary, and outline the everyday costs you’re likely to encounter. Get ready to uncover the educational wonders of this magnificent island with our comprehensive guide.
Learning objectives covered by a Sicily school trip
Classics
Laying at the intersection of several classical civilisations, Sicily is an excellent option for a Classics school trip, with its historic rule under Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek, and Roman ethnic groups still felt throughout the island today. Phoenician, Greek, and Roman artefacts can be found at Palermo’s Archaeological Museum, while the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento are a sight to behold, and an exquisite example of the Ancient Greek influence on the island.
Geography
Home to Europe’s most active volcano, Mount Etna, the Italian island of Sicily offers a fantastic scope of curriculum themes, from volcanic landforms and processes, to coastal landscapes and wetland ecosystems. In Sicily, students can gain the unforgettable experience of ascending Etna by cable car to peer at the volcano, before examining igneous rock up close in the Alcantara Gorge. Don’t forget to pay a visit to Tindari and discover the legend of the lagoon, explore environmental themes and collect data at the Vendicari wetland, or spend time in the capital city of Palermo to investigate infrastructure and inequality.
Food technology
The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily’s rich cultural heritage make it an exceptional destination for a food technology school trip, offering students an abundance of exciting learning opportunities in nutrition and cooking. This school trip has been carefully curated to provide a broad educational experience for your group, covering food and nutrition in both local (pizza making; granita tasting) and industrial (cannolo laboratory; orange plantation) contexts. Students can also shop for local handicrafts in Giardini Naxos, visit the ancient town of Taormina, and explore the island's diverse natural landscapes, such as Mount Etna.
Free things to do in Sicily for schools
Sicily offers a range of free activities that are both educational and enjoyable for school groups. Here are some suggestions:
Scala dei Turchi (Realmonte)
Visit this unique white limestone cliff – the "Stair of the Turks" – on Sicily's southern coast. It's a great spot for learning about geology and coastal processes.
Museo Archeologico Regionale Paolo Orsi (Syracuse)
Free for all under-18s with prior arrangement. Spanning from the Palaeolithic period to the Christian era, this museum houses one of the most extensive archaeological collections in Europe.
Festa di Sant'Agata (Catania)
Observe this vibrant festival held in early February, celebrating the city of Catania's patron saint with processions, music, and fireworks.
Mercato di Ballarò (Palermo)
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of this historic market, perfect for exploring the island's culinary fare.
Taormina
While the town's ancient theatre has an entrance fee, wandering through the picturesque town itself, with its beautiful views and historic buildings, is free of charge.
These activities offer rich educational experiences without incurring costs, making them ideal for school trips and group visits. Always check ahead for any changes in admission policies or availability, and consider contacting sites directly to arrange educational visits.
How much do every day items cost in Sicily (2024)?
- Single bus ticket: €1-2
- Coffee: €1.70
- Burger and fries in a fast food restaurant: €9
- Pizza: €8-12
- Gelato: €1.50-2.50
Ready to book your school trip to Sicily?
Sicily offers an abundance of educational opportunities in food technology, geography, and classics that will leave a lasting impact on your students. The best part? Sicily caters to all budgets, with numerous free attractions allowing your group to delve deeper into the island's rich culinary traditions, stunning landscapes, and ancient history.
To find out more about our school trips to Sicily, or enquire about booking a school trip, 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.
