Classics school trips to Sicily
£815 to £1115
A typical school trip to Sicily cost is £815 to £1115 per person, depending on time of travel, transport, accommodation and inclusions.
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.
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
Day
1
- Depart the UK and travel to Sicily
- Evening meal at accommodation
Day
2
- Full day visit to Palermo & Monreale
- Evening meal at accommodation
Day
3
- Full day visit to Segesta & Selinunte
- Evening meal at accommodation
Day
4
- Guided tour of the Valley of the Temples
- Guided tour of the Roman Villa in Piazza Armerina
- Evening meal at accommodation
Day
5
- Guided tour of Siracusa
- Evening meal at accommodation
Day
6
- Taormina
- Depart Sicily
- Arrive in the UK
A Classics school trip to Sicily offers students the chance to explore one of the most important centres of the ancient Greek and Roman world. Home to some of Europe's best-preserved temples, theatres and archaeological sites, Sicily provides an extraordinary outdoor classroom where students can deepen their understanding of Classical Civilisation, Ancient History, Greek culture and the Roman Empire. From the magnificent Valley of the Temples in Agrigento to the Greek Theatre of Syracuse, students can experience the ancient world first-hand and bring classroom learning vividly to life.
Classical Civilisation
Sicily is one of the most significant destinations for students studying Classical Civilisation, offering direct access to some of the finest surviving monuments of the ancient Mediterranean.
Students can:
- Explore some of the best-preserved Greek temples outside mainland Greece.
- Investigate the influence of Greek colonisation across the Mediterranean.
- Examine the relationship between Greek and Roman civilisations.
- Understand the role of religion in ancient societies.
- Experience the architecture, art and daily life of the ancient world.
- Develop a deeper appreciation of classical culture through site-based learning.
Ancient History
Sicily's strategic location made it a focal point of conflict, trade and cultural exchange throughout antiquity.
Students can:
- Examine the rise and development of Greek city-states in Sicily.
- Investigate conflicts between Greeks, Carthaginians and Romans.
- Explore the importance of Syracuse in the ancient world.
- Study the expansion of Roman influence across the Mediterranean.
- Understand the political and military significance of Sicily.
- Evaluate archaeological evidence to support historical enquiry.
Classics & Archaeology
Sicily provides exceptional opportunities for students to engage with archaeological evidence in its original setting.
Students can:
- Visit world-renowned archaeological parks and museums.
- Investigate how archaeologists interpret ancient societies.
- Analyse artefacts, ruins and inscriptions.
- Explore methods used to preserve ancient sites.
- Understand the importance of archaeological evidence in reconstructing history.
- Develop critical thinking and interpretation skills.
Latin
For Latin students, Sicily offers a unique opportunity to connect language studies with the physical remains of the Roman world.
Students can:
- Explore sites associated with Roman governance and society.
- Gain contextual understanding of Latin literature and sources.
- Develop a stronger appreciation of Roman culture and daily life.
- Examine Roman architecture and engineering achievements.
- Understand how the Roman Empire shaped Sicily's development.
- Strengthen links between language learning and historical understanding.
Art & Architecture
The island showcases some of the most impressive examples of ancient architecture in Europe.
Students can:
- Study the design and construction of Greek temples.
- Compare Greek and Roman architectural styles.
- Explore the artistic achievements of ancient civilisations.
- Investigate the use of sculpture and decoration in religious buildings.
- Understand how architecture reflects political and cultural values.
- Examine the influence of classical design on later European architecture.
Citizenship & Cultural Heritage
A visit to Sicily encourages students to reflect on the enduring legacy of classical civilisation in the modern world.
Students can:
- Explore the importance of protecting cultural heritage.
- Understand the global influence of Greek and Roman ideas.
- Examine how ancient societies continue to shape modern culture.
- Develop respect for historical sites and artefacts.
- Gain experience of international travel and cultural exchange.
- Build confidence and independence through educational travel.
Features
ACCOMMODATION
An excellent base for exploring Giardini Naxos and its surrounding area, Hotel Baia Degli Dei offers school groups all the usual home comforts, including a full kitchenette for your group’s convenience. A budget-friendly property, with internet access included.
- 24-hour reception
- Terrace
- Lounge
- Safety deposit box
With its combination of value, comfort and convenience – plus close proximity to Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples – Hotel Tre Torri is an ideal choice for student groups on a trip to Sicily. Each room features air conditioning, providing a welcome break from the Italian heat.
- Free Wi-Fi
- 24-hour reception
- Swimming pool
- Meeting rooms
Your ‘home away from home’ in Palermo’s central Montegrappa district, Hotel Albergo Athenaeum offers school groups a relaxing stay with each room including a fridge, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Perfectly located for sightseeing in Sicily’s capital, the Albergo is within walking distance from the Norman Palace, Palatine Chapel and Cathedral di Palermo.
- Free Wi-Fi
- Room service
- Free parking
- Air-conditioned rooms
An excellent base for exploring Giardini Naxos and its surrounding area, Hotel Baia Degli Dei offers school groups all the usual home comforts, including a full kitchenette for your group’s convenience. A budget-friendly property, with internet access included.
- 24-hour reception
- Terrace
- Lounge
- Safety deposit box
With its combination of value, comfort and convenience – plus close proximity to Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples – Hotel Tre Torri is an ideal choice for student groups on a trip to Sicily. Each room features air conditioning, providing a welcome break from the Italian heat.
- Free Wi-Fi
- 24-hour reception
- Swimming pool
- Meeting rooms
Your ‘home away from home’ in Palermo’s central Montegrappa district, Hotel Albergo Athenaeum offers school groups a relaxing stay with each room including a fridge, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Perfectly located for sightseeing in Sicily’s capital, the Albergo is within walking distance from the Norman Palace, Palatine Chapel and Cathedral di Palermo.
- Free Wi-Fi
- Room service
- Free parking
- Air-conditioned rooms
Excursions
Day trip to Palermo & Monreale
A flamboyant city boasting some of the most spectacular and authentically Italian architecture on the island, Sicily’s capital of Palermo makes for an enriching day trip for your students. Here, they can test their language skills at the local street food markets, stroll around the Old Town and marvel at the grandeur of the Palatine Chapel.
Day trip to Segesta & Selinunte en Route to Agrigento Area
Learn about Ancient Greece and Roman mythology on this excursion to the former Roman cities of Segesta and Selinunte. Here, students will have the opportunity to explore the well-kept archaeological ruins of the Segesta Temple and the Greek Theatre of Segesta, while they take in the spectacular views of the dramatic landscape and Sicilian coastline.
Valley of Temples
On this guided tour, students will explore the excellent UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Valley of the Temples. One of Sicily’s must-see sights, the ‘Valle dei Templi’ is an outstanding example of Ancient Greek art and architecture, and the perfect site for your school group to learn about Greek settlement in Sicily from 735BC.
Giardini Naxos via Piazza Armerina
A seaside visitor-friendly resort which neighbours Taormina, Giardini Naxos is known best as the home of the first Greek colony in Sicily, exemplified at the town’s archaeological park. At Piazza Armerina, students can stand in awe as they take in 40 floors of stunning mosaics in the town’s Roman Villa, which dates back to the early 4th century. A great excursion for learning about Ancient Greek and Roman history alike.
Day trip to Siracusa
Rich in ancient history, culture and architecture, Siracusa is an essential stop on your trip to Sicily, as the capital of the province Syracuse. The birthplace of the preeminent mathematician and engineer Archimedes, the town was founded in 733 BC by Corinthian settlers, becoming one of the first Greek colonies on the island. During your trip, we recommend visiting the Greek theatre, amphitheatre and Archimedes Tomb.
Taormina
With its fantastic position overlooking the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna serving as its backdrop, Taormina is the perfect place to discover the postcard-perfect beauty of Sicily. Nearby, groups can visit the Alcantara Gorge – a natural monument of basalt rock which was created by the eruption of the volcano – or the Greek theatre, an ancient structure built in the 3rd century B.C.
Lipari & Vulcano
Take a boat tour to the Aeolian Islands of Lipari and Vulcano and experience the dramatic volcanic landscapes of these breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage sites. While you’re here, we encourage students to study the islands’ unusual rock formations, as well as exploring the quaint harbour towns and lively street markets.
Mount Etna
Scale the slopes of Sicily’s famously active Mount Etna on this full-day 4x4 minibus tour. A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013, this incredible peak is the perfect place for students to learn about Sicily’s history as well as the volcano’s impact on life on the island today. During your visit, your group will also see the mountain’s smouldering volcanic craters and jaw dropping lava fields.
Alcantara Gorges & Cyclops Riviera
A must-see for geography students, these stunning features on Sicily’s coastline will capture your school group’s imaginations as they learn about the sites, as well as their relevance in the island’s culture, myths and legends. Featured in Homer’s legend of the Odyssey, the Cyclops Riviera features rocky islets and volcanic outcrops, while the Alcantara Gorge has been carved out by water erosion over thousands of years.
Etnaland Park
An island of possibility awaits at Etnaland, which features a huge theme park, waterpark and botanical trail, all set at the foot of Mount Etna. School groups will love the opportunity to relax here, with Etnaland attracting tourists and locals during the summer months with its variety of attractions. The perfect excursion for cooling off in the Italian heat.
Day trip to Palermo & Monreale
A flamboyant city boasting some of the most spectacular and authentically Italian architecture on the island, Sicily’s capital of Palermo makes for an enriching day trip for your students. Here, they can test their language skills at the local street food markets, stroll around the Old Town and marvel at the grandeur of the Palatine Chapel.
Day trip to Segesta & Selinunte en Route to Agrigento Area
Learn about Ancient Greece and Roman mythology on this excursion to the former Roman cities of Segesta and Selinunte. Here, students will have the opportunity to explore the well-kept archaeological ruins of the Segesta Temple and the Greek Theatre of Segesta, while they take in the spectacular views of the dramatic landscape and Sicilian coastline.
Valley of Temples
On this guided tour, students will explore the excellent UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Valley of the Temples. One of Sicily’s must-see sights, the ‘Valle dei Templi’ is an outstanding example of Ancient Greek art and architecture, and the perfect site for your school group to learn about Greek settlement in Sicily from 735BC.
Giardini Naxos via Piazza Armerina
A seaside visitor-friendly resort which neighbours Taormina, Giardini Naxos is known best as the home of the first Greek colony in Sicily, exemplified at the town’s archaeological park. At Piazza Armerina, students can stand in awe as they take in 40 floors of stunning mosaics in the town’s Roman Villa, which dates back to the early 4th century. A great excursion for learning about Ancient Greek and Roman history alike.
Day trip to Siracusa
Rich in ancient history, culture and architecture, Siracusa is an essential stop on your trip to Sicily, as the capital of the province Syracuse. The birthplace of the preeminent mathematician and engineer Archimedes, the town was founded in 733 BC by Corinthian settlers, becoming one of the first Greek colonies on the island. During your trip, we recommend visiting the Greek theatre, amphitheatre and Archimedes Tomb.
Taormina
With its fantastic position overlooking the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna serving as its backdrop, Taormina is the perfect place to discover the postcard-perfect beauty of Sicily. Nearby, groups can visit the Alcantara Gorge – a natural monument of basalt rock which was created by the eruption of the volcano – or the Greek theatre, an ancient structure built in the 3rd century B.C.
Lipari & Vulcano
Take a boat tour to the Aeolian Islands of Lipari and Vulcano and experience the dramatic volcanic landscapes of these breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage sites. While you’re here, we encourage students to study the islands’ unusual rock formations, as well as exploring the quaint harbour towns and lively street markets.
Mount Etna
Scale the slopes of Sicily’s famously active Mount Etna on this full-day 4x4 minibus tour. A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013, this incredible peak is the perfect place for students to learn about Sicily’s history as well as the volcano’s impact on life on the island today. During your visit, your group will also see the mountain’s smouldering volcanic craters and jaw dropping lava fields.
Alcantara Gorges & Cyclops Riviera
A must-see for geography students, these stunning features on Sicily’s coastline will capture your school group’s imaginations as they learn about the sites, as well as their relevance in the island’s culture, myths and legends. Featured in Homer’s legend of the Odyssey, the Cyclops Riviera features rocky islets and volcanic outcrops, while the Alcantara Gorge has been carved out by water erosion over thousands of years.
Etnaland Park
An island of possibility awaits at Etnaland, which features a huge theme park, waterpark and botanical trail, all set at the foot of Mount Etna. School groups will love the opportunity to relax here, with Etnaland attracting tourists and locals during the summer months with its variety of attractions. The perfect excursion for cooling off in the Italian heat.
Trip details
All Equity packages are tailor-made to suit the needs of our groups. Here are our standard package inclusions:
- Return travel by air or coach (air packages include overseas airport transfer. Coach to UK airport from school is available as an optional extra)
- All security charges, airport and local taxes
- 1 free staff place for every 10 full paying passengers by air OR 1 free staff place for every 8 full paying passengers by coach
- Half-board accommodation
- Excursions
- Full use of your coach in resort (this applies to coach groups only and is subject to EU drivers hours regulations)
- 24-hour emergency service support
- All travel documentation, luggage labels and resort information
- Lunches
- Meals en-route. While travelling to and from your destination you need to consider meals. These are not included in the package prices
- Air passenger duty. Any paying passengers over the age of 16 at time of travel will be charged a small tax fee
- Tourist tax
- Damage deposit
Prices are subject to change based on intended dates of travel and final numbers, the Equity team are here to offer you advice and guidance from start to finish, ensuring your school trip runs smoothly and is a great success!
Travel by: Air
Nearest airport: Palermo Falcone Borsellino (PMO) / Catania–Fontanarossa (Vincenzo Bellini) (CTA)
Transfer time from airport: 1hr 30mins
Best times to travel: April, May, October
Suggested tour length: 6 days, 5 nights
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FAQs for Classics School Trips to Sicily
Why choose Sicily for a Classics school trip?
Sicily is home to some of the most important Greek and Roman archaeological sites in Europe. Students can explore ancient temples, theatres, villas and museums while gaining first-hand insight into the civilisations they study in the classroom.
How does Sicily support the Classics curriculum?
Sicily provides direct access to archaeological sites that support topics within Classical Civilisation, Ancient History and Latin. Students can engage with evidence from the ancient world and deepen their understanding of key historical events, people and cultures.
What are the most important classical sites in Sicily?
Highlights often include the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, the Greek Theatre of Syracuse, Neapolis Archaeological Park, Villa Romana del Casale and a range of archaeological museums showcasing ancient artefacts and mosaics.
Why was Sicily important in the ancient world?
Located at the heart of the Mediterranean, Sicily was a major centre of Greek colonisation and later became a crucial province of the Roman Empire. Its strategic position made it a hub for trade, culture and military activity.
How does a trip to Sicily benefit Classical Civilisation students?
Students can experience ancient sites first-hand, helping them visualise key concepts studied in lessons. Seeing temples, theatres and archaeological remains in their original context often enhances engagement and understanding.
Can a Sicily trip support Ancient History studies?
Yes. Sicily's rich history reflects interactions between Greek, Carthaginian and Roman civilisations, providing valuable case studies for students exploring warfare, politics, empire and cultural exchange.
What can students learn from visiting the Valley of the Temples?
The Valley of the Temples contains some of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world. Students can study religious practices, temple architecture and the significance of Greek colonisation in Sicily.
How does Sicily support Latin students?
Visiting Roman sites helps students contextualise their language studies by providing insight into Roman society, culture, government and everyday life. It also strengthens links between literary sources and archaeological evidence.
What makes Sicily different from other Classics trip destinations?
While Greece and Rome are often associated with classical studies, Sicily uniquely combines both Greek and Roman heritage in one destination. Students can explore exceptional archaeological sites while gaining a broader understanding of the ancient Mediterranean world.
How does a Classics trip to Sicily inspire students?
Standing within ancient theatres, walking among Greek temples and exploring archaeological remains allows students to connect emotionally with the ancient world. These experiences often deepen enthusiasm for Classics and encourage further academic study.
What are the long-term benefits of a Classics school trip to Sicily?
Students return with a stronger understanding of classical societies, enhanced analytical skills and greater cultural awareness. These experiences can support exam success, university applications and a lifelong interest in history and archaeology.
