One of our most popular times for a school trip, the Easter holidays offer several benefits to school groups across the UK. Mild weather and bright mornings join the promise of smaller crowds when you travel in the early shoulder season, and with the bulk of the year’s learning objectives already covered, it’s also one of the least disruptive times to your students’ education.
If you’re reading this in the autumn term, you may already be thinking that it’s too late to book a school trip for this exceptional time of year. However, we’re pleased to tell you that booking a trip now for next spring is still a viable option – especially when you book through Equity. Our travel team are experts in Easter travel planning for schools and can support you every step of the way, from promoting your school trip and booking relevant excursions, all the way up to your departure.
In this blog, we’ll share what we consider to be some of the best destinations for school trips in the spring, and the multitude of learning opportunities they can offer. Read on to be inspired by our selection, and find out just what you can expect when you visit these wonderful school trip locations during the Easter holidays.
Experience German culture on a school trip to the Rhineland
Our German language school trips to the enchanting region of Rhineland-Palatinate weave learning objectives with a diverse exploration of German life, guided by excursions that span the picturesque Rhineland-Palatinate countryside and vibrant cities like Koblenz and Cologne.
In the former, modern foreign language (MFL) groups are immersed in opportunities to enrich their German vocabulary. Whether it’s cruising down the Rhine River, exploring historic castles, or riding the thrills of Phantasialand, each moment adds a new opportunity to improve your students’ language proficiency. Meanwhile, the region’s urban areas offer far more opportunities for your students to practise their speaking skills, as they explore sites such as the magnificent Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit a local chocolate museum.
During the Easter holidays, the Rhineland unveils an extra layer of magic. As spring blooms, the region comes alive with festive celebrations, offering a unique opportunity to witness German traditions in full swing. From colourful flower festivals to handmade Easter displays, a joyous atmosphere permeates each part of this region, making this a truly unforgettable trip.
Rhineland-Palatinate weather in April
Average highs: 15°C
Average lows: 5°C
Rainfall: 55mm<
Hours of sunshine: 13hrs 45mins
Delve into the Renaissance with a cross-curricular school trip to Florence
For art enthusiasts, our art & design school trips to Florence guarantee an unparalleled journey into the heart of the Renaissance period. As the birthplace of this influential art movement, the city unfolds as a living canvas, showcasing some of the world's most extraordinary examples of Renaissance art and architecture. The city's streets, where the echoes of the Renaissance linger, and the renowned Uffizi Gallery both offer a veritable treasure trove of masterpieces by luminaries such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli.
Our cross-curricular or enrichment trip to Florence, on the other hand, combine teachings of the Renaissance and its influence on global modern society with broader excursions, which unveil the city's historical and cultural significance. Textiles, design, and fashion students will rejoice at the sartorial creations of the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum, food technology students will revel in the city’s Tuscan flavours, while STEM students can explore the remarkable genius of Leonardo da Vinci at the museum that shares his name; in Florence, almost anything is possible.
A devoutly Catholic city, Florence also benefits from festivals and celebrations for your students to enjoy during the Easter period. The Scoppio del Carro (‘Explosion of the Cart’) tradition dates back over 350 years, and sees an elaborately decorated (two to three stories high) wagon pulled through the streets of Florence. Easter eggs are also highly popular, and your students can find these at almost any artisanal pasticceria in the city.
Florence weather in April
Average highs: 18°C
Average lows: 8°C
Rainfall: 90mm
Hours of sunshine: 13hrs 23mins
Combine Spanish language and food on our school trips to Valencia
With its vibrant culture and intimate atmosphere, Valencia offers a unique opportunity for Spanish language immersion for your students. From a walking tour of the city, to visits to places like local markets and the Oceanographic & Science Museum, groups will have ample opportunities for building their Spanish vocabulary, elevating their language learning to a whole new level.
But Valencia isn't just for language students; it's also a haven for food technology groups. On our food technology school trips to Valencia, you’ll be treated to excursions that reveal the recipe of traditional paella, and explore the secrets behind Valencian horchata (a regional drink made from tiger nuts). A culinary journey that blends education with gastronomic delight, it’s an experience not to miss, providing your students with a true taste of the region.
At Easter, the city comes alive with festivities for Semana Santa (‘Holy Week’), with an abundance of colour, exquisite food and fireworks filling the city throughout this period. At the seafront, don’t be surprised if you stumble across a mass service or a procession, so be prepared to explain costumes and traditions to your group as they enjoy a unique insight into the culture of the city.
Valencia weather in April
Average highs: 21°C
Average lows: 12°C
Rainfall: 45mm
Hours of sunshine: 13hrs 10mins
Ready to book your Easter 2024 school trip?
Rhineland, Florence, and Valencia each present themselves as dynamic destinations for educational excursions during the Easter holidays. And these destinations don't just cater to specific subjects, they promise a holistic experience that goes beyond classroom learning.
Now is the time to turn a vision of your next school trip into reality. As an added incentive, Equity is delighted to offer an early bird discount for these trips, where your group can benefit from £50 off per paying passenger for all educational tours booked by the 31st October 2023.
To find out more about travelling during the Easter holidays, or enquire about booking one of the trips above, 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 possible.