Geography study trips to Sicily

Curriculum Themes

Coastal systems and landscapes

Geographical skills

Natural hazards

Plate Tectonics

Population

River systems and landscapes

Rocks and soil

Tourism

Urban environments

Weather and climate

Why Sicily?

The stunning island of Sicily never fails to impress travellers with its amazing diversity of landscapes and culture. With one of the world’s most active Volcanos, Sicily is a great destination for a geography study trip. What a better way of learning volcanology, tectonic plates and natural hazards than trekking on Mount Etna or taking the ferry to Vulcano Island with knowledgeable and enthusiastic experts.

A study trip to Sicily will bring geography to life and inspire your students. It’s a perfect place to learn and understand how local people are managing natural hazards.

The mixture of human and physical geography, incredible scenery and Italian charm make this the perfect trip for any budding Geographer.

What to do on a geography study trip to Sicily

There are so many activities for students to explore in Sicily. Here we have just a few excursions we can include in a bespoke itinerary.

Alcantara Gorge (River studies, erosion processes)

The Alcantara Gorge is a perfect starting point for your physical geography studies. Made of black lava walls, up to 50 meters high, it’s a great example of lava cooling processes. Located about 20 km from Taormina, the combination of crystal-clear waters and rare flora and fauna make it a must-see on a geography tour.

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🌋 Thousands and thousands of years ago, a river of Etnean lava oozed its way to eastern Sicily. It met the Alcantara River, whose cool water forced the flow to solidify into these cubic/prism forms. Over the years, the river has carved out a new route through the rock, creating the Alcantara gorge you can see today. #alcantara #alcantaragorge #goledellalcantara #golealcantara #etna #etnavolcano #sicily #sicilia #sicilytravel #exploresicily #sicilia_pics #🌋

A post shared by Nora Wallaya (@nora.wallaya) on May 29, 2019 at 1:32am PDT

Visit to Giardini Naxos town (Coastal studies)

Giardini Naxos is a picturesque seaside resort located below the famous mountainside town of Taormina which makes it a great place for coastal studies. The resort offers superb views of Taormina and the Sicilian hills.

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🌋 nature…❤️ #nature #naturephotography #nature_perfection #giardininaxosbeach #giardininaxos❤️ #giardininaxos⚓️ #vulcano #vulcanoetna #suamaestà #taorminasicily #sicily #sea #seaside #sealovers #etna #etnavolcano #mountetna #beautiful #beautifulplaces #sicilia #siciliabedda #sicily🇮🇹 #sicilypictures #sicilia_super_pics #sicily_mood #italy #italia #italy🇮🇹 #italie #italian_city A post shared by Giardini Naxos (@giardini_naxos_) on Nov 3, 2019 at 4:39am PST

Vulcano Island guided trek (Volcanic activities and devastation caused by eruptions)

Vulcano Island can feel like an assault on the senses. Its sulphurous fumes immediately let you know that this is an active site. Trek up to impressive Gran Cratere where knowledgeable local guides bring the geography to life. After enjoying the views, race down the slope through this volcanic ash. Vulcano Island is also famous for its therapeutic mud baths and hot springs which you can paddle in at the end of the trek.

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#etnaversanteovest #etnalive #mountain #mountetna #etna_bestphoto #etna #etnavolcano #mondo #vulcano #vulcanobuono #vulcanoisland #sunkissed #discoverearth #sicily🇮🇹 #sicilia_bestphoto #italia_inunoscatto #nature #discoveringsicily #escursionismo #king_sicilia #energy #volgosicily #volgoitalia #catania #sunrise_sunset_photogroup #nofilters #naturephotography #sicilia_pics #adventures

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Visit to the island of Ortygia

Stunning UNESCO Heritage site connected to the mainland by three bridges. It is considered the historical centre of Syracuse, where you can immerse yourself in history, walking through its narrow streets in this picturesque quarter.

Mount Etna Trek (Nord)

With its impressive presence dominating the landscape of Eastern Sicily, Mount Etna is Europe’s largest active volcano. It is in an almost constant state of activity which makes it a perfect place to study volcanology and management of natural hazards. Views from the top are truly breath-taking.

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Cable cars and 4x4 super jeeps trips to the summit of Mount Etna (South)

If you’re going to visit an iconic volcano, you may as well do it in style. Take the cable car from the base of the small ski station before meeting your 4×4 jeep driver. You’ll feel like you’re on the moon as you weave your way up to the crater. If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s the possibility to continue to the summit with expert guides.

Town of Taormina with visit to the Greek Amphitheatre

Taormina is the perfect human geography study. Still a picturesque Sicilian town, the effects of tourism are slowly changing the commercial landscape here. Pay a visit to the incredible Amphitheatre, still in use to this day and wander around the narrow, winding streets. It was also the host of the 2017, G7 Summit.

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Pizza making classes in Taormina

What a better way to connect with Italian culture than through food? Everyone loves pizza and the workshop is a great way of having fun and learning a new skill that will not fail to impress family and friends back home! The enthusiastic chef will give you an insight to the history of pizza and recipes for a perfect dough. You will finish the class savouring your own creations and of course receiving a certificate.

In addition, you can also fill your days with the following:

- Island hopping including ferry to Lipari Island and Stromboli Island The most populated and largest of the Aeolian Islands, Although not active today its volcanic origins are manifested via its thermal springs and fumaroles.
- Guided trek to the summit on Stromboli Island Out of all Aeolian Islands Stromboli is the one with the most dramatic landscape. It is a great day trip from Italy’s mainland. An ancient and active volcano with incredible views from the top of the summit, the unique atmosphere of this island attracts not only tourists but also filmmakers!
- A visit to Catania Old Town Catania is the second-largest city in Sicily. The city was destroyed on multiple occasions by volcanic eruptions and by the earthquake. Interesting fact; the material used to rebuild the city was lava, making it a truly unique place to visit.
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A post shared by Inside Sicily (@insidesicily) on Sep 15, 2018 at 10:40am PDT

Example Itineraries

Our educational travel experts have spent considerable time crafting a selection of ready-made itineraries for your Geography Study trip to Sicily, which you will find below. However, we can also create a tailored itinerary to meet the educational needs of your group.

The Beautiful Sicily
DAY 1
Arrival to Sicily. On your way from the airport you will stop at the picturesque resort Giardini Naxos for a lunch break and an opportunity to learn about coastal systems. Later this afternoon you will visit famous Alcantara Gorge to learn about the river systems and processes leading to creation of these stunning gorge formations. At the end of day settle down into your lovely 4* hotel located on the coast in Mascali area.

DAY 2
Today you will get yourself out to the Volcano Island by hydrofoil. Your English-speaking guide will take you on a trek to Gran Cratere summit where you can enjoy your packed lunch and breath-taking views. After the trek you can relax in the local mud puddles. Evening at leisure to enjoy hotel’s surroundings, relax by the pool or take a walk and taste local ice creams.

DAY 3
Today you will embark on an exciting trek to Mount Etna Nord. Your English-speaking guide will take you on a journey through lava fields up to the summit explaining the volcanic activities and their consequences. Your afternoon will be spent in gorgeous and vibrant town of Taormina. You might want to visit a Greek Theatre while you are there! At the end of the day you’ll learn how to make an authentic Italian pizza by attending a pizza making class and yes you will eat your own creations!

DAY 4
Your morning will start with a visit to a beautiful Island of Ortygia. The whole city with its many historical landmarks has become an UNESCO world heritage site in 2005. You might want to have a quick lunch break in Catania Old Town before your late afternoon flight to London Gatwick Airport. Upon arrival board the coach and transfer back to the school.

Getting there

Direct flights from various airports in the UK to Catania Airport in Sicily take approximately 3 hours.

Where to Stay

Hotel Solemar is located in Sant’Alessio Siculo, directly on the sea and a few steps from the enchanting castle of Capo Sant’Alessio.

Atlantis Palace Hotel is located on the seafront of Fondachello di Mascali (Sant’Anna), on the east coast of Sicily, from where you can enjoy a spectacular view of Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe.

When to Visit Sicily?

The best time to visit Sicily is from May to June or September to October. These late spring and early fall months offer pleasant temperatures which are ideal for sightseeing, climbing and trekking the craters.