Classics school trips to Sicily

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, and is an excellent talking point among geography students.

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.

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.

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.

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.